Tips for Tanzania Safari Travelers in the Global Financial Crisis?

The global economic crisis has adversely impacted the travel and tourism industry as travelers have cut down on their budgets, postponed or cancelled their holiday plans. International airlines, hotels, restaurants, tour operators and travel agencies have all felt the economic decline across all borders and African is not the exception. In fact, many African safari destinations have been negatively affected with shrinking visitor arrivals and increasing tourist cancellations. Tanzania, although a relatively new destination on the global tourism scene, is also feeling the economic strain. Tourism stakeholders such as tour operators and travel agencies are cutting back on staff and overhead, some are also closing their doors all together. Hotels, camps and resorts are also commanding mandatory leave on workers, reducing work hours or imposing laying-off because of their tighter operating budgets. Despite these setbacks, a price conscious African safari traveler can take advantage of this opportune time to visit Tanzania.

Firstly, many Tanzania lodging and accommodation providers are offering discounted rates for families and couples to offset the economic downturn’s impact. Some are even giving free nights to guests on prolonged stays. Upgrades, complimentary meals and gifts are also a regular occurrence at hotels and resorts. Tour operators and travel agencies are also responding with reduced prices for safari packages, cultural tours, Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions and ecological excursions accordingly. Combined with other travel service providers drastically reducing the rates on their offerings, the time could not be better for the discerned traveler to take full advantage of a golden chance to substantially reduce their travel costs in Tanzania.

Secondly, with proper planning and a decent strategy, a prudent vacationer to Africa should openly ask and seek discounts and special offers. Some tourist may realize that this is perhaps the best time to experience an African safari at reasonable prices maybe even as high as 20 per cent off what they would have paid in an ordinary year. For instance, the average 10-day standard lodging safari in Tanzania with visits to the Northern Safari Circuit (Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater) and eventually the ‘Spice Islands’ of Zanzibar will cost about $ 4,500 per person that equals about $900 in savings. Sounds pretty close to an air ticket price doesn’t it. Yes indeed and those international carriers are also offering cut-rate prices. All you really have to do is ask and you shall receive. It is certainly a bargain, so do not let the so called global financial crisis deter you from going on your African safari in Tanzania.

Lastly, your hard earned money will take you further while on a safari in Tanzania than in years past. Costs of meals at restaurants and hotels have been reduced as demand has shriveled over these past several months. Moreover, souvenirs - carvings, crafts, jewelry and paintings can be bought at reasonable prices for the same reason. There are great deals to be had. All you need to do is believe that they are out there and then find them. Don’t get it all wrong in some obscure place where a so-called financial crisis is unfolding. Just imagine sipping on a sun-downer at a rustic colonial safari lodge on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with few other souls between you and the teeming wildlife in the rolling landscape beyond.

Remember that a safari in Tanzania is memorable for the abundance of wildlife, the kindness and friendliness of the people, and the magic and mystery of the landscape. Make the decision to visit a land as ancient as the African savannah stretching across the Serengeti plain and as modern as any other country on earth. Unlock the beauty and the majesty of Tanzania by planning your trip with all the exclusivity and flexibility that you desire in these extraordinary times. There could not be a better time to go a ‘trip of a lifetime’ in real Africa. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by.