5 must-have apps for a Tanzanian Safari
One of my favorite things about going on a safari is being completely disconnected from the modern world. Time freezes when you are parked next to sleeping lions or playful elephants. But there are some apps that actually add instead of distracting from your experience. Here are listed the must-have apps for a Tanzanian safari. Just make sure you switch off your WhatsApp and email!
1. HerdTracker
HerdTracker is a real-time Google map showing the location of the great migration. Guides, camps, and visitors log their sightings and place videos and pictures. Also, you can find a handy heatmap with the projected location of the herd during your travel time. Technically this is more a website than an app. A great way to get in the mood and learn more about the Great Migration. Although in the last two years it is becoming more of a sales platform for safaris – the information on here is still great
2. GuruMaps
Even when you will be travelling with a guide – it is a lot of fun to in the evening sit at dinner and discuss the route you have travelled – how long you were in the car – what your maximum speed was and more of those nerdy details. It is so easy to lose track of time and distances when on safari that it can surprise how many kilometers and hours you actually travelled. You can share the maps via mail, Facebook or Twitter with your fellow safari-goers – or the world of course. In the morning you turn on your GPS track and that is all. If you are a self driver you can make easy bookmarks to keep track of landmarks or sightings. Just make sure you download the map of the general area you will be in before departure when you still have Wifi.
Gurumaps is available on the App Store and on Google Play.
3. Starwalk
No safari is complete without a sunset drink at the campfire. Because of the lack of environmental lights – you will be able to see the night sky like almost no-where else. Starwalk is on a freemium basis – so great if you are home not a nightly stargazer.With Starwalk you can find and put names to the stars, planets & constellations above you.
StarWalk is available on the App Store and on Google Play.
4. Stuarts African Mammals
Of course your guide will help you name and share interesting facts about all the wildlife you will encounter on your safari. But it has happened more often than not that during lunch/dinner talks a wildlife question comes up. In the old days you would have a heavy guidebook with you – and you could look up the answer. Besides the weight of the books – I personally also like the books so much – that I don’t want to drag them on a dirty dusty safari. So luckily now all you have to do is download an app! My favourite is Stuarts African Mammals. Filled with facts and easy to use. This app cost $18 which is not free – but still cheaper than the paper version.
Stuarts African Mammals is available on the App Store and on Google Play.
5. Kindle
You will be having bumpy rides and long days. What better way to relax then watching the sunset or listening to the wildlife around you from your tent while reading one of your favourite books. If you don’t have a kindle device – the app works on your phone or tablet too. You will have practically all books just a finger click away. I personally don’t travel anywhere without my Kindle Oasis. So this is not only one of my favourite apps for a Tanzanian safari, but for travel in general.
Kindle is available on the App Store and on Google Play.
For Self Drivers : Africa Live
Granted this app is mainly used in Krugerpark – because the density of self-drivers there is a lot higher than in the Serengeti. Having said that this is a great way of recording and sharing your sightings. This app is slowly spreading through East Africa and can really be helpful on your safari.
There you have it: the must-have apps for a Tanzanian safari. Not sure what to physicaly bring with you on a safari? Check our our handy tips on what to bring in your daypack.