Kilwa is a unique and little-known Tanzanian treasure on the country’s southernmost shoreline. Today, the town and its surroundings resemble a subdued fishing town. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that this was in fact an area of great historical significance. A boat trips to Kilwa Kisiwani Island reveals the remnants of great palaces and mosques that were central to Arab trade from the 6th century onwards. Little imagination is required to envision the former grandeur and opulence of this now quiet town. Beyond the history, the vistas from Kilwa are stunning and unique. White sand beaches fringe the lone lodge, providing countless perfect spots for relaxation. The ever-gentle Kilwa Bay is wonderful for those who wish to explore the ocean – be it on a cruise to a sandbank, a sail through the mangroves or some exhilarating spear fishing. This four-day tour is perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path and experience Tanzania, without masses of tourists.

Given the short duration of this tour, it is especially well-suited to individuals or groups that are already in Tanzania. If however you are interested in this package and you are not residing in Tanzania, it is also possible to add this trip to Kilwa onto the end of one of our other packages, creating a bespoke tour that perfectly suits your needs and desires.

What to Expect

An escape to Tanzania’s India Ocean provides ample opportunity for rest and relaxation. However, there are also a number of wonderful sights and activities guests can look forward to. For this particular package, that may include:

• Historical tour of Swahili trading town
• Tropical beaches and the Indian Ocean
• Snorkelling with tropical fish
• Mangrove boat trips

Tour Program

Day 1: Meet in Dar es Salaam and Drive to Kilwa

Early this morning, we will leave Dar es Salaam by road, traveling south along the coast towards Kilwa. This 5-hour drive will take us parallel to the Selous Game Reserve – the largest protected reserve on the continent – before we eventually drive towards the coast. Arriving in the afternoon at the Kimbilio Lodge, you will spend the remainder of the day exploring your delightful stretch of white sand beaches – accessible directly from your private bungalow.

Day 2: Beach and Historical Tour

Today, you will set sail in the morning to explore the historic island of Kilwa Kisiwani, two kilometers (10 minutes) off shore from Kimbilio Lodge. While this island is currently home to only a small fishing village, it was formerly a hugely important destination on the Swahili Coast. For centuries, this town was a meeting point for Arab traders. Remnants of its great importance are still visible today through a visit to the remnants of the Great Mosque and the Sultan’s Palace. It takes only a little imagination to envision the opulence of this bygone era.

Returning to the mainland in the afternoon will leave you with plenty of time to relax on the pristine shoreline that surrounds your lodge. Find a place under a palm tree where you can establish yourself with a favourite book – and break only to indulge in the fantastic Italian-Tanzanian cuisine prepared fresh by the lodge.

Day 3: Beach and Snorkelling or Diving

Having explored the mainland yesterday, today will be devoted entirely to exploring Kilwa Bay. Guests will have a variety of activities to choose between. Some may opt for a 40-minute boat trip to the Sandbank, which emerges out of the ocean as a perfect picnic spot at low tide. The surrounding waters are among the most perfect destinations for swimming and snorkelling, making this a full day event. Others might prefer to venture into the mangroves on a leisurely boat cruise that offers plenty of chances to observe local birdlife, hippos and crocodiles. For those guests who crave some adventure, sport or spear fishing may be the perfect end to this trip. Otherwise, head out with a snorkel and fins to explore the underwater landscape just off shore!

Day 4: Return to Dar es Salaam

This morning, following a final breakfast beachside at the lodge, we will begin to make our way back to the capital. For those residing in Tanzania, you will return home that afternoon or evening. If however you have onward travel plans, we will gladly organize additional accommodation if required.

Kwaheri na Safari Njema!

Kindly consult our team if you’d like to incorporate this Safari with any other of our packages.

Includes

• All accommodation, on a full board basis
• Airport welcome
• All domestic transfers (air and road)
• Some activities, as indicated in your tour package
• Soft drinks, house wine, local spirits, local beers, tea and coffee
• Laundry, communication and internet access are included at some destinations, as noted in your tour package

Excludes

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Premium brand wine, beer and spirits
• Additional activities
• Gratuities
• Costs associated with obtaining visas or passports
• Airport departure taxes and excess baggage charges

CONTENTS

1. Tours with Aventura
2. Visiting Tanzania
3. Travel Logistics
4. Price, Payment and Cash
5. Communication
6. Health and Safety

TOUR WITH AVENTURA

• How far in advance should I book my tour?

Aventura will work to accommodate you whenever you make your booking with us. Provided there is space at our partnering lodges, we can work on very short notice. However, ideally our guests will book roughly 6 months – 1 year in advance of their vacation.

• Do you allow children on Aventura tours?

Definitely! Many of our partnering lodges have accommodation and child friendly options that we will gladly connect you with – just let us know you want to bring children ahead of time. Some of our partnering lodges do have policies that prohibit children on particular activities/locations so we will be sure to work around that.

• Who guides the tours?

Aventura will fully organize your entire tour with various local lodges, and your guides will be provided from these particular lodges. If your tour is to various national parks and lodges, your guide and vehicles will change from location to location, and Aventura will ensure that these transitions are flawless. We have worked thoroughly with each of our partners to ensure every guide and driver is of top quality and able to reflect the values of Aventura.

• Do you provide references from people who have been on tours with you?

Absolutely! You can see some guest testimonials on our website and we are building a profile on Your African Safari, a website devoted to independently reviewing operators across Africa. If you would like to speak directly with past guests, we will also happily make that connection for you.

• Is there electricity? Will I be able to recharge cameras/phones?

Yes, there is electricity though it may not be available 24 hours a day. Many of our partnering lodges run off solar energy or generators, which means they have to conserve usage during certain hours of the day. You will however always have at least a few hours a day where you are able to re-charge camera and cell phone batteries.

• Are there opportunities to meet with local people?

Definitely! Most of our tour packages incorporate at least one visit to a local village, where you can meet with and learn about various Tanzanian tribes and individuals. If you are very interested in a cultural tour of Tanzania, are also able to build you a customized tour that exposes you to the various facets of the population. Check out our Bespoke options for more information!

• Is there laundry?

The majority – though not all – of our partnering lodges do offer a laundry service. The availability and cost differs between locations, and we will provide specifics about access in your particular tour package.

VISITING TANXANIA

• What visa do I need for Tanzania?

The visa required for entry into Tanzania depends on what country you are traveling from. Since immigration policies change frequently, we recommend that you contact the Tanzanian embassy in your home country at least 2 months prior to departure to confirm the most recent requirements.

• When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Hikers climb Kilimanjaro year round, but many prefer to climb it during the driest and warmest months (January – February, July – September). These months do however mean that there are high crowds – if you prefer a quieter hike, June, October and December have moderate temperatures and moderate precipitation. March – May and November are among the coolest and wettest months in the country and consequently the quietest on the mountain.

• How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is the highest ‘walkable’ mountain, meaning that no technical hiking experience is required. In spite of its incredible height, guides recommend only a basic level of fitness and strong motivation. Many say the greatest challenge of the hike is adjusting to the altitude. Depending on your fitness level, we offer four possible trails that vary in difficulty for you to choose between.

• When is the best time to view wildlife in Tanzania?

The dry season in Tanzania (June – October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, since animals concentrate around limited waterholes and there is less vegetation obstructing views. Birding however is better during the northern winter (November – March) when rainfall is high and over 160 species of birds migrate south.

• When is the best time to view the wildebeest migration?

The wildebeest migration follows annual rain patterns that push wildlife to search for greener pastures. This means that specific predictions about when and where the migration will be are difficult. However, in a typical year, guests have the best chance of viewing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti in June and July. If you are interested in seeing the wildebeest calving, the best time to visit is late January – February.

• When is the best time to visit the islands?

The archipelago is popular year round, with August – October being among the most popular months. There are long rains between March and May that may make the coast somewhat less idyllic.

• Is Zanzibar in the same country as Tanzania?

Yes, they have been part of the same country since 1963, though the region is semi-autonomous.

• What kind of plug is used in Tanzania?

Tanzania uses the same outlets as are found in the United Kingdom – A Type G 3 pronged flat pin plug (see Figure 1). Occasionally Tanzanians also use the Old British plug – A Type D 3 pronged circular pin (see Figure 2). The voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50Hz. We recommend purchasing at least one travel adaptor prior to departing for Tanzania.

TRAVEL LOGISTIC

• Do you handle airline tickets?

Airline tickets are not included in the packages we offer, but we can offer support in booking tickets for our guests. Please let us know if you would like assistance here.

• Do you handle travel insurance?

We do not book insurance for our clients; however, we will help you find a provider that suits your particular needs. We recommend all guests read the following document published by ABTA on selecting an insurance provider, and if you would like additional guidance please reach out to us.

• How do we get around once in Tanzania?

Aventura will organize all local transport associated with your tour, beginning with an airport pickup minute you land on Tanzanian soil. All transport costs are included in your package. Depending on your particular package, transport may involve domestic flights, road transfers and boats. Particular details of your transport will be included in your package details upon booking.

• Is there a suggested packing list?

Of course! Once you have selected a package with us, we will email you a packing list that is tailored perfectly to your particular activities. However, in general we recommend the following items:

• • Long loose light coloured clothing, offering protection from insects and sun
  • A fleece sweater for chilly evenings
  • Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses
  • Bathing suit and sarong
  • Comfortable walking shoes, hiking boots if climbing Kilimanjaro
  • Thermal underwear, if climbing Kilimanjaro

• Are there luggage limits?

International airlines will independently set baggage restrictions and it is important you check with your airline prior to departing. Once in Tanzania, baggage restrictions will depend on your particular tour package. We will include customized baggage restrictions with your customized packing list upon booking your flight.

PRICE, PAYMENT & CASH

• What if I have to cancel my reservation?

Cancellation policies vary depending on the lodges in which you are booked and specifics will be provided upon booking.

• What is included in the tour price?

Your tour price includes the following:

• • Meet and greet service upon arrival
  • Transfers as shown
  • Exclusive use of 4×4 safari vehicles with photo roof during the safari portion
  • Services of English speaking drivers and guides
  • Meals and accommodation as specified (varies between packages)
  • All park fees and government taxes
  • One bottle of water per day on game drives

• What is not included in the tour price?

Your tour price does not include the following items:

• • International flights
  • Airport taxes on any flights not booked through Aventura
  • Passport and visa fees
  • Gratuities
  • Activities not included on the itinerary
  • Personal travel, baggage and medical insurance
  • Laundry (varies between packages, as some lodges build this into their cost)
  • Telephone bills and items of a personal nature
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Personal shopping
  • Select alcoholic beverages
  • Gear (walking stick, flashlight, hat, sunglasses, bed mats etc.)

• Can’t we save money by booking with the lodges directly?

No. The benefit to booking through Aventura is that we are able to use our industry connections to secure discounted rates with various lodges, hotels and transport providers within the country. While you will pay a small service fee to our company, this fee will save you the headache and complications of organizing a trip on your own. This fee also ensure that your entire trip will run smoothly, and that no minute of your vacation is wasted with negotiations, disappointments or frustrations.

• Do you accept credit cards?

Absolutely! We are fully equipped to accept payments online from all major credit cards.

• Do I need to bring cash with me? Which currency should I bring?

Yes, you should bring additional cash for personal purchases. We recommend bringing US Dollars (issued after 2003) and converting them into Tanzanian Shillings upon arrival. It is possible to convert Travellers Cheques in major cities as well, but these are often more hassle than they are worth. You are also able to use local ATMs to make withdrawals off your credit card in our local currency. Be sure you alert your bank if you plan to use your credit card abroad, and that you confirm charges for international transactions and withdrawals.

COMMUNICATION

• What language is spoken in Tanzania?

English and Swahili are the national languages. All tourism operators, and most Tanzanians, will speak English.

• Is there cell phone reception?

Most of our lodges are located in regions of Tanzania that have reception (though of course, not all of them). Lodge staff will always have a means of communicating with our head office.

• Is there internet available?

Internet is available at some of our partnering lodges, though not many. Details regarding internet accessibility will be included in your particular package details. Should you require constant access, we recommend researching data roaming packages with your local cell phone provider.

• What if there is an emergency at home?

We will provide you with an emergency number that you can pass on to friends and family at home. Should there be an in emergency at home, they can contact the Aventura Head Office and we will connect to you – wherever you are – as quickly as possible. Depending on the nature of the emergency, we will take steps to connect you to friends and family at home.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Is it safe to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania is safe to visit, however there are always risks taken when traveling. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is of paramount importance when designing a tour and we will be sure to have you stay only in reputable locations and provide transport only from trusted sources. We brief every guest on safety policies and procedures, in addition to risk mitigation strategies.

• What vaccinations do I need?

We recommend that all guests visit a local travel clinic prior to departure, where a medical professional can review your medical history and explain the vaccination options. Visitors to Tanzania must be able to show a Yellow Fever vaccination card upon arrival, otherwise you will likely be vaccinated at the airport.

• Is malaria a concern?

Tanzania does have malaria and we strongly recommend guests take appropriate prophylaxis, which can be prescribed by a local travel doctor.

• Where does drinking water come from?

Guests will always have access to ample amounts of treated bottled water.

• Is the food safe to eat?

Yes. We work with lodges that we know intimately, and have reviewed not only for comfort but also for their quality of food. Partnering lodges will serve delicious balanced meals prepared by expert chefs using fresh and safe ingredients.

• I have special dietary needs – will I be accommodated?

Definitely – but please make us aware of any dietary needs as far in advance as possible so that we can work with you and our partnering lodges to develop a tour that accommodates your needs.

Reviews

How to book a safari with us:

You can Email us on: info@aventurasafaris.com, or contact us via phone on: +255 (0)762 493 434 | +44 (0) 800 7561 114 or reach us via our website enquiry form. Giving us as much detail and information as possible about what you are looking for and any extra add-ons you might require.

Let us know the following:

• The month you are interested experiencing the dream come true
• The length of time you will want to enjoy your safari
• Number of people who will share this life experience with you
• Style of lodging you would like to use during your trip – you just mention what and we will arrange it for you
• Extra activities besides wildlife viewing. For example: go up in a balloon, take a walk in the bush, a canoe ride, or night game drives
• Any special requests you have for your wildlife safari

Create you safari plan, then book:

Together we will create your safari as you want it to be. The safari plan will accommodate your interests
and time schedule. We enjoy talking to you about your trip, so please provide us with your phone number.

Once you have agreed to our safari proposal:

By signing our invoice sent to you and accepting the terms and conditions of Aventura Safaris Ltd.

Get your travel dates fixed:

This will give us chance to start checking the availability of the accommodations of your choice. Traveling from/to the Americas and Asia takes about 2 days; from most of Europe, one day.

Confirm your Safari with us:

We will start booking the lodges and camps of choice for your safari. Once we have all the lodges confirmed then you can pay the deposit.

Place a deposit with us:

Once we have confirmed the lodges and activities of your choice, a deposit of 30% is required. The deposit can be made by wire transfer to our bank, by certified check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal. Your other payments will be specified in the safari plan we will send you – generally at 90 and 45 days before the start of your safari.

Once we have a confirmed itinerary for you and us to work from, you should make your international travel reservations. We also strongly recommend that you obtain adequate travel insurance to protect you against any unforeseen problems.

Following the receipt of your deposit, we will send you a package containing: your confirmed itinerary, acknowledgement of your deposit, and information about safaris and how to prepare for your adventure. We will also provide contact telephone numbers for you to leave with family or friends to use should they need to reach you while on safari.