Hippo Tours & Safaris

Expertise and Specialisation

Hippo Tours is specialized in safaris and tours in Southern Tanzania (Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha, Mikumi and Saadani National Parks, Dar es Salaam and the whole Swahili Coast), as well as the Indian Ocean islands’ of Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba. We can arrange flying safaris or tours by car, in our long-based Land Rovers. We would like our clients to leave the country with the feeling that they have not only seen beautiful palces but also learnt something about its history, culture and people.

Licences and Associations

We are members of ATTA, African Travel and Tourism Association and shortly of TATO (Tanzanian Association of Tour Operators). We have a TALA licence (Tourist Agents Licensing Act) issue by the government every year and a public liability insurance. We are also including in every itinerary an emergency air and road evacuation insurance.

Responsible Travel

We are a Tanzania-based company, with mainly Tanzanian staff. Those of us non-Tanzanians have been in the country for a long time and are very committed to the country and a sustainable development of its tourism industry.

Rufiji River Camp (Selous)

Season: Year round

Rufiji River Camp is located in the Selous Game Reserve on the banks of the Rufiji river, at a point where the ample and tranquil river is animated by many different species of animals. The tented camp, situated in the heart of the reserve, is environmentally friendly and each tent is equipped with private bathroom and a veranda facing the river. There is a constant flow of animals coming down to drink at the river offering a permanent show to visitors of the camp. The water is usually full of hundreds of hippos as well as groups of crocodiles that laze in the sun on the sandbanks in the river.

Fly-in Lodge Safaris

Season: Year round

Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road, although very rewarding, can be tiring. If your time is limited, we suggest you book a fly-in safari that will allow you longer in the parks and on safari.

Drive-in Lodge Safaris

Season: Year round

If you have a little longer and wish to get to know better the country, its people and their way of life, a road safari is what you should choose.

Swahili Coast Safaris

Season: Year round

The Swahili Coast is still very pristine and little developed. This means that the choice of accommodation is often limited, but this is “real Tanzania”!

Bush and Beach

Season: Year round

What a better way to end a safari if not on one of the Indian Ocean islands’ of Tanzania?

Food and Beverages

Usually our safaris are booked on a FB basis, while drinks are extra. Other destinations are usually booked on a BB or HB basis, depending on availability and offer, to give you the chance to also taste what local restaurants have to offer. During car safaris, water and soft drinks, as well as fruit when available, is offered.

Accommodation

The accommodation offered during our tours ranges from luxury tented camps to smaller and more simple guesthouses, depending on availability. Where available, the choice is given.

Transport

Our comfortable four-wheel drive Land-Rovers are specially designed, custom-built and equipped for safari use:

• A spacious seating arrangement allows 6 guests, all with windows’ seats.

• Deep windows give you the widest views and photographic opportunities.

• Three generous viewing hatches in each vehicle, enabling guests to stand and photograph with ease.

• A cool box filled with soft drinks and bottled water.

• A mobile reference library and binoculars.

• A radio is fitted for communication with base camp, and with other vehicles.

• Carpeting, canvas seat covers and dust proofing for comfort.

• A meticulous maintenance program for maximum safety and seatbelts fitted throughout.

Local Guides

Our drivers/guides have been with us for many years and have deep knowledge of the area.

Age Restrictions

Most lodges accept children aged 6 or more, but 10-12 years is recommended as many areas visited are quite wild.

What to Bring

Don't forget your camera, camcorder and binoculars, and take a torch for finding your way around the camp at night. Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods. Take sun-glasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm and some insect repellent.

A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea. Some safaris/air charters limit baggage to a 10-15kg maximum. It is sometimes easier to carry two small bags rather than one large bag, and as most good camps have a laundry service, large amounts of clothing are not necessary.

It never gets really cold in Tanzania, so lightweight clothing is the norm. On safari, avoid brightly coloured clothes, they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and khaki are preferred. Short-sleeve shirts / blouses and shorts are ideal, but pack a sweater as it can be a bit chilly in the early morning and in the evening. Wear a hat to avoid sun-stroke and don't forget a swimsuit. Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages as revealing clothes can cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas. On the beach, and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable, but topless or nude bathing is strictly forbidden.