Expedition Tanzania.
In the heart of East Africa is the home of the Hadza people. It is a land that defies the imagination, where wilderness camps lie days from the nearest unpaved road, towering volcanic mountains rise above the plains, and Africa’s biggest and deadliest wildlife roam.
You're invited.
Dear fellow explorer,
I'm excited you're here. Mighty Tanzania now lies before you, with promises of great adventure and mystery, and its uncharted rivers, sprawling plains, wind swept mountains and hidden bush trails known only to the Hadza people who have inhabited this place for thousands of years, waiting for you. It will be out here, in this wild and distant land, that your story unfolds.
This is your opportunity to join our collective of explorers, scientists, military operators, conservationists, thinkers and leaders on a very special African journey of a lifetime. Just a few will go, and if you choose to come with us, you will return a deeply changed person. I eagerly await your news.
Our very best,
DJ Watson, for Offmap
Critical Information Requirements (CIR):
Expedition Dates: 17th-20th October 2024
Host City: Arusha, Tanzania
Aerodrome: JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
Headquarters: Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
Weather: Dry, hot and breezy days and mild nights
Duration: 4 Days (arrival day, 3 in the field)
Timeline.
Thursday, Oct 17th
Latest fly-in date. You must arrive at JRO Kilimanjaro airport (or be in the Arusha area) no later than 1400 hrs.
Friday, October 18th
Your bags and items have been securely stored, and last phone calls made. Expedition begins, time top-secret.
Sunday, October 20th
Expedition arrives back at HQ lodge, sometime in the afternoon. Rest, followed by an evening celebration dinner.
Monday, October 21st
Your schedule is clear to depart at any time. Offmap transports you to JRO or Arusha area.
Frequently Asked Questions.
- Dr. David Livingstone, Africa Explorer
“The silence of an African jungle on a dark night needs to be experienced to be realised; it is most impressive, especially when one is absolutely alone and isolated from one's fellow creatures, as I was then.”
- Lt. Col. John Henry Patterson, The Man-Eaters of Tsavo, 1907.
What's included?
Everything is included except your international airfare to/from JRO airport in Tanzania, individual comprehensive medical and travel insurance, and visa fees if required (these can be arranged upon request). You may also need to purchase a few select items of clothing or equipment if you don’t already own them, as part of the mandatory expedition equipment list (download it here).
How much is entry / how does enrollment work?
You can participate as an individual or as part of a group of up to 20 people. Expeditions are capped at small numbers for an optimal experience and personalized attention. If you have a larger team or specific requirements, please reach out to us to discuss options.
Upon enrolling for the expedition, your confirmation email will include a private payment link for you to submit your entry fee. We offer flexible payment options in various currencies. The cost is USD 15,000.
Can I fly in earlier than Thursday, October 17th?
Absolutely. Consider your travel to attend Offmap the way you would any other expedition, race, or physically demanding event, which means taking into account rest and time zone adjustment, flight delays, and other circumstances. That said, everyone's needs and schedules are different. While we don't necessarily recommend it, there's been people who have successfully completed a hard expedition arriving the day before departure.
How will accommodation be arranged?
As part of your entry, you have two nights twin-share accommodation at Offmap's expedition HQ lodge, which is a luxury safari hotel with fine amenities: one night on October 17th, and other on October 20th. We'll match you up with one other expedition member of the same gender. We do this because these will be the people you'll come to rely upon out there.
Can I book extra nights at the HQ lodge?
Yes, and we can arrange this for you at our group rate, just let us know your requirements. Please don't book however without informing us first in case of any changes to the venue, as we're still finalizing rooms with the lodge.
Can I bring my husband / wife / lover / tribe members / pet turtle?
Yes, but please let us know ASAP if you intend to share a separate room with them, so we can allocate rooms effectively. You'll need to cover their costs for accommodation (we're glad to assist with the booking). For safety reasons, they won't be able to come with us, but there's lots to do around the lodge.
What insurance do I need?
You will need to take out personal travel and rescue insurance for what's often referred to as "high risk" activities, such as adventure sports. Please ensure your policy covers helicopter and medical rescue and repatriation costs. If you’re looking for a plan, Global Rescue, World Nomads, and Divers Alert Network are providers (they have no affiliation with Offmap). The Tanzania expedition will stay below 3000 meters of altitude, however please read your policy wording carefully to ensure you're adequately covered. You may also wish to ensure your personal belongings are covered for damage and losses. We'll ask you for a copy of your insurance certificate before we depart.
What is the Cancellations Policy?
Although we do not provide refunds due to the heavy upfront investment in logistics required, we want the best possible experience for you. If unforeseen circumstances arise that prevent you from joining the expedition, please contact us directly. We will make every effort to transfer you to another one of your choice at no extra cost.
What vaccinations do I need? What about Yellow Fever?
Please refer to the travel health advisories issued by your home country and/or doctor to determine whether you may need certain vaccinations or other health measures. Also ensure supplies of any personal medications and prescriptions are up to date. You are ultimately responsible for your health. Note that most travel advisories state that Malaria risk is high in Tanzania throughout the year at altitudes under 1800 meters, so you will likely need to take preventative measures - talk to your doctor.
Regarding yellow fever, many countries are guided by the WHO's list of yellow fever endemic countries to determine whether you will need a yellow fever certificate. Currently, we observe that Tanzania is not deemed a yellow fever risk by countries such as the United Kingdom, USA and Australia, but circumstances can change. Please carefully check your travel itinerary into Tanzania if you're traveling from via a yellow fever endemic country (check the separate rules regarding transit-only travel) and carefully read the latest health entry requirements of your next destination after Tanzania, to be sure.
Am I ready for this? Do you ever reject any applicants?
We have turned away a few people before who we felt were not mentally and physically ready - this is no tour or hike. Since you're reading this password-protected page, you're considered ready for an Offmap expedition. You may feel nervous, that's to be expected. We'll push you a long way to discover new things, but support you on your journey, as will the entire special group you'll be part of. Our mission is bringing together an incredible Offmap family of unique and varied people like you, and we'd be honored to take you on an adventure to "navigate within".
What happens next?
Once you have registered and transferred your expedition fee, we'll send you your Offmap expedition kit in the mail. This will contain a number of items specifically curated for your expedition in Tanzania. We'll also be in touch with key information regarding visas and travel requirements, a medical questionnaire and health advice, critical operations updates, suggested training, equipment advice, weather info and more.
Further questions? We're here to help you get to Tanzania, contact us.
Expedition Headquarters
Our Offmap adventure begins the day before the expedition. Accommodations, meticulously chosen across the globe, are unique outposts with an incredible setting, service and history. In Tanzania, we'll be stationed at the majestic old-world Escarpment Lodge, perched on the edge of the Rift Valley, with sweeping views over Lake Manyara, Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is where we'll start and finish our adventures in the field.
Our attitude toward hotels is opposite to how we like things out in the wild, and is probably best summed up by the following words describing British explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger: "He was the sort of man who will happily walk barefoot for months across a waterless desert, subsisting on a handful of dates and occasional sip of camel’s piss, but who, back in civilization, cannot endure the most trivial discomfort. He becomes frantic even if his egg isn’t boiled right.”
