Page 57 - Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari
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Pickpockets
Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to
keep one hand on your money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and
complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes
target travelers.
Be careful when taking photos from the vehicle in towns or city centers. It is not unheard
of for thieves to reach inside the open window while you are distracted and grab cameras or
purses. If you’re taking photos out of an open window in a crowded area, have someone else in
the group watch over your valuables.
Language Barrier
You can have some great “conversations” with local people who do not speak English, even if
you don’t speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be
a highly rewarding part of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a
few postcards of your hometown. If you want to meet kids, bring a puppet or other interactive
toy. Your Trip Leader can help get the ball rolling.
Your attire is a key part of your non-verbal presentation. Your clothing should show a respect
for local tradition. In small towns or near villages, you should dress in a relatively modest
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will see people in cities and large towns dressed in a modern style. And, of course, many
foreign tourists are not sensitive to this at all. But you should dress modestly if you want to
earn the respect of the local people.
Taking Photographs
The etiquette of photographing most people in the countries on your itinerary is about the
same as it would be on in your hometown. Some tribal members have particular concerns
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their images, and they will often ask for money in exchange for you taking their picture. Try to
set a clear understanding when photographing tribal people, even from a distance.
In general, you need permission to take a close-up, as you would at home, but not for a crowd
scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph an older person. If you want to shoot a
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sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Your Trip Leader can help.
Responsible Safari Travel
We do our best to have a minimum negative impact on local cultures and the natural
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