have a question?
Purposeful Nomad knows from experience how important it is to feel informed and prepared for travel abroad. We always want to make sure we’ve answered your every question and provided you with all of the details you need. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you've got a question that isn't answered here.
ENTRY & VISA INFORMATION
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and that you have at least one blank page in your passport (the back page does not count). You will need to purchase a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Fee is subject to change but they are $50 USD at the moment.
You may purchase the visa beforehand at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/guidelines Please do not use any other websites but the one listed here.
MONEY & TIPPING:
The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. Credit cards are not widely accepted so please don’t rely on this as your main form of payment. Reliable ATM’s in banks are available in cities. You may also bring cash to exchange at banks and exchange offices.
TIPPING: There will some situations where you may feel the need to tip but as always it is up to your discretion. Typically it is customary to tip our local guides $5-$10 per day per guide and our driver $3-5 per day.
WHY IS THE HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE SO EXPENSIVE?
This is an exclusive excursion over the Serengeti Plains, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the wonderful landscape. Because this operates from within the park there are high governmental fees. Only two balloons fly each day, each with a capacity of just 12 people. The experience starts with a pre-dawn pick up from your lodge and a drive to the launch site.
You enter your hot-air balloon at dawn for a breathtaking one hour flight. As you float over the plains in the increasing light, the pilot will take you up to at least 300m altitude for a breathtaking panoramic view of the plains. Much of the remainder of the flight will be at tree-top or even grass-top level for close up views of the flora and fauna below.
Upon landing, you are met by the ground support team with a bottle of champagne. Then it’s off to the breakfast table which is set up under an umbrella tree close to the landing spot. You are served a fully cooked English breakfast with tropical additions – a fine spread served on china with silver cutlery and crystal glasses.
The balloon safari finishes around 9.00am when you are returned to the lodge to be met by your driver guide. As this is an early morning excursion, you can add this to your itinerary even if not all members of your group are participating.
WHO IS OUR IDEAL TRAVELER?
We like to say: It’s not about age but all about attitude! Our ideal client is open to trying new things, getting their hands dirty, looking to engage with local communities and most importantly they have an open-minded, curious attitude. All types of ages, sizes and women come on our trips.
IS PURPOSEFUL NOMAD INSURED?
Yes. Purposeful Nomad is a fully insured through American International Group, Inc. Here at Purposeful Nomad we do our best to ensure that every program is a success. However, in the event of something unexpected we want you to be fully protected. We REQUIRE that you purchase international medical insurance. This is different from your health insurance. International medical emergency travel insurance is short-term protection for any medical costs incurred outside your home country. It’s incredibly easy and usually below $100 depending on the coverage you want.
Purposeful Nomad is an affiliate partner with World Nomads. You can review and purchase travel insurance HERE.
WHAT IF I GET INJURED ON A PURPOSEFUL NOMAD TRIP?
Your safety is paramount and will be taken very seriously. In case of an emergency our drivers will be at hand to take anyone to the clinic or hospital. Because we will be in rural areas and partaking in adventurous activities having your own travel insurance in addition to our company insurance will protect you from any unwanted costs in the end.
WHAT IF I DON’T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE?
No worries at all!! Included in all our trips are local, bi-lingual guides. Wherever needed there is a translator.
DOES PURPOSEFUL NOMAD ACCOMMODATE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
There is a spot in the application to note all allergies and food restrictions. Purposeful Nomad will work with you personally to make sure this is something that we can accommodate.
CAN I ENJOY SOME ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON THE TRIP?
You may. Alcohol is not included in the price of the trip and where available you may choose to purchase that on your own. There are certain settings during some trips where alcohol should not be consumed for cultural reasons, but our guides will give you a heads up when we encounter those moments.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
There is detailed packing list associated with every trip. You can find the link under “Additional Resources".
ARE THERE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS TO TRAVEL WITH PURPOSEFUL NOMAD?
Each trip has varying levels of activity so it depends on the itinerary. Overall, everyone must be healthy and physically able to move about without complication. You are responsible for taking all necessary health precautions before and during your trip. It is the client's responsibility to ensure they seek professional medical advice before traveling and to take all necessary health precautions and preventative measures. Having said that, every activity is optional and should you choose not to participate in everything that is completely fine. We encourage everyone to take it at their own pace. Every hike will have different levels of length and difficulty, as well as different activities to choose from.
WILL THE GROUP BE TOGETHER THE WHOLE TIME?
Yes. Groups travel together at all times in a private van with driver and guide. There are specific days where you are welcome to choose your own adventure or wander out on your own if desired. A few meals are not included and they are noted on each itinerary.
HOW DOES PURPOSEFUL NOMAD VET AND SELECT IT’S PARTNERS?
The Purposeful Nomad team personally meets with the communities and/or non-profits which we partner with during the trip creation process. We ask the hard questions, for example: where do you get your funding? And, who benefits from the work being done? We also ask about the needs and strengths of each community and if we could provide a service, activity or new skill for one of our upcoming trips. Most importantly we listen to their answers. If we don’t like what we hear or it doesn’t align with our values then we simply move on. Meet some of our amazing partners!
Did we miss something? Feel free to contact us here and we’ll get right back to you.