Rest assured we are here to answer your questions and help you prepare so that you can fully enjoy your trip as soon as the plane lands. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions. You’ll get the answers – and much more – when you book your painting holiday!

What exactly is an Art Safari?
Like a traditional safari in Africa, you will travel to areas where you can see wildlife living naturally in beautiful landscapes. The difference is, you can expect to be sketching and painting what you see, sharing your experience with others, with guidance and advice from a professional artist. Most people use dry mediums (pencils, pens, pastels) and water based paints (watercolours / acrylics) on paper (sketchbooks and pads). Your art holiday has been carefully planned by an artist to maximize your opportunities to see, record and photograph wildlife in wonderful locations. Your luxury accommodation has also been thoughtfully chosen to help you relax, enjoy gorgeous food and a good night’s sleep, ready for the following day’s adventures!

What wildlife are we likely to see?
Artists on Safari will try to make sure that you have every opportunity to see as many of the main species as possible. We aim to see elephants, giraffe, antelope, zebras, lions, hyena, wildebeest and many types of wonderful birdlife.…the experience is absolutely amazing!

How many other people will be in the group?
The size of the group is kept small, with 10 people as a maximum group size. This allows for lots of one to one tuition and plenty of interaction with the other artists in your group.

Will I share accommodation?
The prices are based on two people sharing. Being with like minded individuals, most people feel comfortable with this. However a single supplement is available on request.

Can my partner come even though they are not interested in art? If yes, can other things be arranged for them?
Yes of course! Non-painting partners are welcome and there are plenty of activities for your non-painting partners. Exploring the flora and fauna, taking photographs, canoe and walking safaris led by experienced guides, visiting local villages and towns to just taking it easy back at the Lodge.
They are also welcome to join the art safari where they can appreciate the environment – great for nature lovers, photographers, writers and readers!
We can discuss interests further, feel free to email us.

What is the minimum age for people on an art safari?
The minimum age is 16 at the time of travel. There is no upper age limit, but you should discuss any concerns via email/telephone etc, or when we contact you after you submit a booking form.

What do we need to bring?
A full list of art materials will be sent to you upon booking. We will have a certain amount of stock items just in case, but in our experience, people like to bring the materials they have tried and tested. If you are a beginner, then Gregory can give you advice and help you to prepare for your forthcoming art safari in Africa.
You will need to bring appropriate clothing, cameras, binoculars (useful but not essential), chargers, batteries, film/memory cards etc. Again, we can provide a comprehensive list to help. Take sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm and insect repellent, and of course any personal medication required for the duration of the visit.

Can I charge my camera/video batteries?
For most of your art safari, this will be possible. But due to individual power supplies, this cannot be guaranteed everywhere, so travel with fully charged and relatively new batteries. Bring your chargers!

What clothing should I pack for the safari?
Generally we advise light layers of muted coloured clothing, easily obtainable from outdoor clothing shops. And good quality footwear such as lightweight walking shoes/ boots. We can provide you more advice on booking.

Do the places we will visit take credit cards?
Credit cards are not so widely used in the areas we visit, so while you should carry them, cash is best. Tanzanian Shillings and US Dollars are the common currencies, its good to have plenty.

Will my mobile phone work on safari?
Most people bring one, and are surprised by the good coverage in the areas we visit. However, reception is not guaranteed, and in some places is totally absent. This of course, can be wonderful!

Is the water safe to drink?
Drink only bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice cubes.

Do we need to have any vaccinations before entering the country and if so what do we need?
Yes. Requirements of the Tanzanian Government, and every country’s medical advice is subject to change. The Government of Tanzania currently requires that all visitors from, or passing through countries that have Yellow Fever have a vaccination certificate. Recommended vaccinations are Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Influenza A (H1N1), & Typhoid.
It is the responsibility of travellers to check these requirements on the United Republic of Tanzania’s official site, http://www.tanzania.go.tz and to discuss with their GP,family doctor or physician.

You may be asked for your vaccination record at arrival so please make sure you bring it with you. There are many specialist travel clinics that can provide information, as well as advice from your doctor.

Malaria precautions are essential when travelling close to rivers, or in crowded areas, and at certain parts of the year. Your doctor will give you the options available.

Do we have to get a visa before we leave and how do we get it?
Always check on the Government of Tanzania website first, http://www.tanzania.go.tz/visaf.html
It is often advised to obtain your visa from your country’s Tanzania Embassy / High commission, or at the port of entry. Gregory travelled to Tanzania from the UK three times in 2011 and each time purchased his visa at Kilimanjaro airport as part of the entry process, for US$50.  Citizens from USA and some other countries will have to pay more (depending on reciprocal agreements). Currently US citizens pay US$100.

What will the weather conditions be like?
Generally the weather in Northern Tanzania is warm. October is at the end of the dry season, before the short rains in November. It is generally warm but not uncomfortably hot. Of course, weather is increasingly unpredictable and temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it’s usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – you can visit Tanzania for game viewing all year round!

Is it safe to sketch wildlife? Will we always stay in our vehicles?
Sketching and painting whilst in a vehicle is perfectly safe, even in open vehicles, as the animals seem to see you as ‘part of the vehicle’ .We use expert driver guides who know areas where it is safe to leave the vehicle and set up an easel, (or sit on a stool with your art materials on your lap). If necessary an armed game scout will accompany us and remain vigilant. You will not be put at risk. Safety is of course, paramount and we take this into consideration at all times.

Is Tanzania safe to travel in?
Tanzania is considered to be generally safe, however, extra care is taken in Stone Town and Zanzibar in general, as well as some parts of Dar Es Salaam. In the past there have been reports of muggings in game reserves. But you can rest assured this country is still one of the safest places to tour. We have had no problems so far, but the usual precautions such as keeping valuables close or hidden are advisable especially in towns.
Driving at night in Tanzania is not recommended. In particular if you hire transport.

I am concerned about insects and snakes, what do I need to know?
Bring good quality insect repellant. Whether it contains Deet or not is down to personal preference. In the evenings its good to cover up with long trousers and a sweater. You may bring mosquito nets but these are often provided if there is an increase in mosquitoes in an area. Snakes are rarely seen, and it is their nature to head way from human disturbance. We are not creeping through the bush! In my experience insects are not a problem, and I have yet to see a snake.

Who will look after my personal items when we are travelling on safari?
It is advisable to take all your valuables with you (money/passports/travel documents etc). When practical, luggage can remain at our various lodges and camps when on day trips for instance.

Will we need to bring money for other things whilst we are on our art safari in Africa?
Yes. You will need money for drinks (other than bottled water), tips (we can provide a little guidance but is generally at your own discretion), any extra meals, food and refreshments at airports, phone calls/faxes, and other minor expenses. You may also wish to purchase local goods, Maasai handicraft or souvenirs.

What if we would like to add other events like climbing Kilimanjaro, or visiting Zanzibar before or after our Art Safari?
We can offer you advice and provide you with costs for other trips in Africa. Please let us know and we will be happy to discuss options, prices and suitable arrangements.

What is not included in the price?
Flights, Airport Taxes, Travel Insurance, personal art materials(We will have some basic, stock items just in case) Insurance to cover for cancellation and curtailment, medical, baggage, money, and emergency evacuation; beverages; personal laundry at camps; gratuities to guides, and to camp staff; any excursion not related to the booked safari; meals in towns where free time is built in. Telephone calls/Fax/Skype. Items of a personal nature.

Do people speak English there?
English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili are always appreciated, such as Jambo (hello).

A note about currency
The unit of currency is the Tanzania shilling, which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors can take in any amount of foreign currency. No currency declaration is required, but import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal. The currency to bring is US Dollars in a mixture of large and small denominations. You may bring some Traveller’s Cheques as an emergency stand-by and your visa card(s) for withdrawing from ATMs if needed. Traveller’s  Cheques and most major currencies are accepted and convertible only at main towns and tourist areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted and have poor exchange rates. Do not change money in the street, however favorable the rate appears.

Insurance
Your own personal travel insurance cover is a compulsory part of joining one of our groups and should be put in place at the time of booking.