Tanzania Safaris: Q&A with the Experts
Jackson who works as a
Tanzania specialist safari guide in African Scenic Safari has shared with us his decades of safari
experiences. We discussed many interesting things about Safaris In
Tanzania and he also gave
some valuable advice for every traveler to Tanzania.
Q.1. Which Tanzania safari animal captivates you the most and why?
Ans: Well, animal, I would say the Leopard. I am a
little bit crazy about leopards. These are solitary animals and spend most of
their time alone. They have their own territories. So, it’s amazing to spot
them while game-viewing safari especially in the Serengeti
National Park.
Q. 2. How do you stay safe on a safari?
Ans: As a safari guide with many years of experience, I
become friends with wild animals. It’s like they know me very well and they
welcome me every day in their own habitat.
But
the simple way to stay safe, I would like to say is to be aware while game
viewing. Don't be impatient, live in the moment, and don’t get much excited.
Mistakes happen when you are in hurry and your mind is elsewhere.
Q.3. What is the
weirdest moment you've ever experienced on safari?
Once
while on a game drive, we saw an impala leap through the passenger window of
our safari vehicle with people inside. The impala was trying to outrun a
cheetah, so naturally, it sought shelter in the quickest and easiest place
possible. When I suddenly opened the door of the vehicle, the impala jumped out
and trotted away. But the cheetah was so impressed that he gave up the chase.
Q.4. Has it been challenging while on Safari and how do you manage that?
Ans: Yes, definitely! Being a safari guide, it’s a
full-day job. Wake up with the animals and birds in the early morning to be out
there during the sunny light and then you are out again in the late afternoon.
But in between I happily guide my guests and making
them explore the best of Tanzania is extremely time-consuming. So, yes, It’s
challenging but I love it too because my efforts can make my guests happy.
Q.5. How do you
manage to drive fast or slow at the time of the game drive or it’s just up to luck
and timing?
Ans: This is a good question because these are two
completely different techniques of game driving and I think they both work.
Sometimes I dive slowly especially when I see something more camouflaged like a
leopard or wild cat in a specific area. Because they keep themselves disguised
then driving slowly really works well to spot them clearly.
But
sometimes, you have to just cover the ground. I very often use that trick as
well and trying cover as much ground as quickly as possible without breaking
the speed limit at the park. And it means that if for some reason you start in
an area that’s really quiet you move out of that area. Eventually hope that you
might see something next by your side.
Q.6. Is it
beneficial to plan a safari with an expert? If yes, then why?
Ans:
Safari
is a quite complicated thing because different areas offer different
experiences at different times of the year. So, if you have a knowledgeable
guide you can learn and experience more.
Tanzania is a place
where one should safari with a proper plan because of the constantly changing
patterns of wildlife and the movement of migration. So, your expert can help
you by planning your trip to maximize your experience according to where the
wildlife is going to be.
Q.7. How Can You
Make A Living Out Of Wildlife?
Ans:
Living out of wildlife is actually my passion. It’s not that easy because the
wildlife industry is quite an underpaid industry. If you think about the
earnings of the guides and other people who work in this industry, work
incredibly long hours for very little money. So, unfortunately, it’s a passion-driven
industry with relatively low pay. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t make
living, you might not become extremely wealthy but you can live happily.
Q.8. Do you have
any advice on how travelers can avoid any unethical things in parks and
accommodations?
Ans:
This is a tricky one because you may not know the place or the people and you
will never know what exactly happens there. So, the best way to avoid any
unethical behavior is to visit a reputable safari operator. Because your travel
expert really should know what happens on the ground.
Another thing you can
do is book your stay at any national park in Tanzania. Because places like
Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park and many others, are typically
protected areas and they are extremely strict on how those animals are looked
after and managed.
Q.9. Which tips do
you want to give to first-time safari goers?
Ans: Animals are the main attractions of any safari.
So, witnessing them in abundance can make your trip truly memorable. But
remember that nature is unpredictable and it causes you may not see your
favorite animal at some point. So, it’s advisable to stay positive and have
some patience. Because you never know what will come across your path.
Don’t
think that you will see everything with a game drive. Come out of the vehicle
and wander on the Tanzanian plain with your foot. It will make you experience
some smaller but important things that you miss on a 4WD vehicle.
Q.10. Any tips for
seasoned travelers?
Ans: So, for seasoned travelers, I must advise getting
involved in community tours. The local people are very friendly and
welcoming. By traveling to them you can
do some charity work for their living and development. You can visit some near
Maasai villages while on your safari to Ngorongoro or Serengeti.
Another
thing I want to say is that you should also take a nature walk instead of a
game drive. The reason is the same as what I said for first-time travelers.
Are you ready now
to Visit Tanzania with the expert?
We
hope you have got many ideas from the above safari Q&A sessions. We are
thankful to Jackson for his valuable advice.
So,
are you ready to start your own safari adventure with an experienced safari
guide at Tanzania Specialist? Stay in touch with our safari experts and they
will design your dream Safari In
Tanzania.
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