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TIPS FROM TANZANIA

When I returned from a seven-day buffalo safari in Tanzania last September, friends who were planning their own safari asked what I'd learned on the trip. Here are a few of the tips I shared with them.

1) Tsetse flies are tough to deter, but Avon Skin-So-Soft works pretty well. I found some at my local REI store. The flies seem to be particularly annoying when you're riding in a vehicle, and they are especially attracted to dark-colored clothing.

2) There's not much you can do about the misery of a sixteen-hour flight (especially if you're flying in coach) except sleep. Bring a sleep mask, earplugs, and your favorite over-the-counter or prescription sleep med. Drink lots of water--more than you want. That will keep you hydrated and also force you to get up occasionally.

3) Consider arriving in the country a couple of days before your safari begins. This allows you to sightsee and recover from jet lag, and builds in a safety valve of time if any of your flights are delayed or you miss a connection. You can take day trips to Ngorongoro Crater from Arusha, for example. Your travel agent, booking agent, or outfitter will help you set something up.

4) Practice, practice, practice with your safari rifle, especially if it's a heavier caliber than you are used to shooting. My practice regimen consisted of shooting twelve to fifteen shots at a session from sitting and kneeling positions and from shooting sticks. I did this once a week for three months, and the practice paid off handsomely when I was able to place good shots on two nice buffalo. --Diana Rupp