Tanzania. Home of elephants, Maasai warriors and rare gems. We recently traveled to this exotic land with the kids. It was beautiful. It was magical. But, there were defiantly a things we thankfully did right - and a few things . . . I wish we would have known. Here are a few top tips for survival in the Bush.
Money - They defiantly take American dollars and some other major currency. Most vendors even prefer it to the shilling. We had a great exchange with a beach vendor trying to get him to take the shillings we had just gotten out of the ATM - he was just sure we had some dollars tucked away somewhere. His look of disdain was priceless when we convinced him we did NOT. Outside of the major cities, they don’t take credit cards and ATMs are few. Ask restaurants if they take credit cards before you are seated. Take cash and stash it safely. It is easy to run out of money. Medicine - Staying in the parks is a great way to get the most of your trip. Glamping is glorious. And you are hours if not a day away from civilization- and any doctors or drug stores. Between the bumpy roads, the unusual food, the dust and for me, the Malaria drugs, tummy aches, the big D, motion sickness and sinus problems happen. We had one day I arose at 4 a.m. with TMI ALERT. It was a travel day. I had to make it through packing, 2 hour Jeep ride to the airport, 3 hour flight on a tiny ( no toilet) plane, an arrival line, and another 2 hour back road ride to the next resort. I thought I was going to die and afraid I would not. There was no Walgreens along the way. Pack your emergency family first aid kit strategically and bring it with you. A simple pink chew pill could make or break your vacation. Equipment - The amazing animal shots are not just for the professionals. Animals and sunsets abound and you will want to see it, capture it and share it. We packed light because of luggage weight limits. We never wished we would have had more clothes (except socks). We did wish we had brought our best camera and an extra set of binoculars. But, in case you ignore this advice and pack that extra pair of pants instead of your big camera, we discovered that with an iPhone, one set of binoculars, a steady hand, and a lot of heated family debate, you can still take some pretty amazing pics.
Guides - Get one and trust him. The guides know where the tourist traps are and and where the animals hang out. They know how to get past the road blocks. They know when you need to roll up your window. If you have an honest respectful conversation about your priorities and family needs, they can almost always “guide” you in the right direction. Besides it is priceless to hear them chatter with the other guides in Swahili then give you the short version in your native tongue.
Wifi - Even if the hotel or camp says it has WiFi, don’t count on it. Just tell your loved ones and work cohorts you are going into the Bush and they will not hear from you for several days. We did bring along a hot spot maker that sometimes worked in the Jeep as we traveled through the towns. It never worked in the camps. Save yourself the frustration of trying to get on the Internet. Just enjoy the Wild Africa and Bush TV, and let work and family learn how much they appreciate you in your absence. Cost - It’s expensive and not luxurious. But think about what it takes to get 20 gallons of warm shower water to the middle of the Savannah. What does it take to get fresh food for the chef’s special to be served in the tent each night. What does it take to educate everyone in the tourist industry so that you can enjoy their country without speaking Swahili. And what should we pay to make tourism profitable enough that the natives see the animals as a gift not a pest. Embrace the conversations it raises with your kids. Why is it expensive? Because it is worth it.
Mainly - enjoy! The people are very interesting and friendly. They love kids and are very accommodating. The food is unique - but not so different that your kids will starve. Unless they only eat pizza or chicken nuggets. Seeing the animals in their natural habitat and the beauty of the landscape will make you want to come home and save our planet. Never have a left a trip feeling closer to the people we met along the way. They are not just guides. They are friends. We should all strive to be so kind to strangers in our own country. The would would be a better place.