FAQ
Getting to Tanzania
Tanzania is accessible through two international airports; Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) in Kilimanjaro.
KIA airport is the best airport to use if you are starting your itinerary with a safari in the Northern Tanzania circuit.
Several international flights land at Kilimanjaro Airport, such as Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Rwandair, Kenya Airways and KLM.
Arusha is the main town where all the Northern safaris depart from. It is about 1hr drive from KIA airport and 5hrs drive from Nairobi or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport if you are connecting from a safari in Kenya.
JNIA airport is the preferred option if you are starting your itinerary with a visit to the east coast of Tanzania or the islands and/or the southern highlands.
As we have an in-house ticketing agency, our experts can book your tickets based on your itinerary. Should you wish to book the international flights directly, we can advise you the best options based on your itinerary.
Visa Requirements to Enter Tanzania
While most nationalities can get visas on arrival, there are some nationalities that require one to get a referral visa before arrival into the country. Referral Visas are easier organised by a Tanzanian tour operator and we will be delighted to organise the same for you.
For more information, you can consult one of our experts and he/she will guide you accordingly.
For more info on immigration, kindly visit www.immigration.gov.tz
Clothing
Though Tanzania is a cosmopolitan country, religion and culture are highly regarded. We advise you to dress modestly at all times. Extra precaution should be taken when visiting highly religious places such as Zanzibar and/or visiting Tanzania during the month of Ramadhan.
Comfortable clothing is always good to bring along with you. Hats / Baseball Caps, Sunglasses, Trainers, Swimwear, Shorts, T-shirts, Fleece or Warm Jacket are some of the items that we recommend you to bring along. Please note that dark colours are NOT advised whilst on safaris as they attract tsetse flies – best to wear light earthy colours such as beige.
Insurance
Whilst all our clients are automatically enrolled onto the AMREF Emergency Medical Evacuation Cover, customers are required to provide for themselves all necessary insurances against personal injury, loss, damage, theft, cancellation, delay etc.
Health
Medication:
Medication is essential to have as Tanzania is a tropical country. The risk of catching an illness increases if you will be visiting several areas with different weather patterns. A physician experienced in travel medicine should be consulted prior to Tanzania to advise on all health issues including the need for preventative medication and vaccinations. Further health information can be sought on www.who.org or www.cdc.org.
Malaria:
There is a high risk of Malaria in Tanzania. On your travels, you will most probably be visiting areas of Tanzania where Malaria is common. Please remember that the best precaution against malaria is the preventative kind:
● Avoid being bitten by using insect repellents liberally.
● Wear protective clothing in the evening such as long-sleeved shirts and trousers
● If a mosquito net is provided, please use it at night to prevent insect bites
Water:
It is very important to keep hydrated especially during the warmer months. At least 2 to 3 litres of drinking water (not including tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages) is recommended per day to prevent dehydration.
Please note that we highly recommend drinking bottled water only. You shall have unlimited bottled water during your game drives with us. Avoid drinking tap water.
Medical Conditions and Dietary Restrictions:
Please notify us, prior to your arrival, of any medical conditions including any allergies. Also advise us of any dietary restrictions e.g gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian etc that you may have with regards to meals preparations.
Vaccination:
Yellow fever certificates are required, and guests are asked to present this upon entering the country.
Money & Payments
Payment Methods:
The best way to make payment for your trip is through Telegraphic Transfer directly to our Tanzanian bank account.
Other payment options are available, which can be discussed with our experts once you have confirmed your trip.
Card Payment Options:
Most of the outlets in Tanzania accept card payments, however at a surcharge of up to 5% on the total amount charged on the card. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Tanzania. American Express might have a higher surcharge or would not be accepted at some outlets.
Currency Guide:
The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling, however for tipping and other purchased whilst on your trip, United States Dollars are widely accepted. Consult one of our experts for the prevailing exchange rate
Kindly note that USD banknotes printed prior to 2009 will not be accepted n Tanzania.
Tipping:
Below is what we recommend in terms of tipping the people that you come across while on your trip.
Porters / Waiters at Lodges or Hotels – $5.00 to $10.00 per person at each accommodation
Safari Driver Guide – $15.00 to $20.00 per person per day
For Mountain Climbing, it is compulsory to tip Guides, Porters and Cooks. The average tip is between $250.00 and $300.00 per hiker depending on the number of days or how many hikers are in the group and route chosen.
Terms, Conditions and Cancellation Policy
In order to confirm your trip, a 50% down payment is necessary and the balance is required to be settled 30 days before arrival.
In case you wish to cancel your trip after you have confirmed and paid, below is our cancellation policy
From the time of confirmation to 60 Days – 75% shall be refunded
59 Days to 30 Days – 50% shall be refunded
29 Days to 0 Days – 100% Cancellation Charge shall apply
Luggage Allowance
While all international flights allow either 2pcs or between 30kgs or 40kgs per person, Internal flights within Tanzania to the parks or Zanzibar Airport allows between 15kgs and 23kgs.
Extra kilos are allowed at an extra cost. Our experts shall guide you on the same.
We understand that you are travelling from far and wide to Tanzania and so the best way to pack your luggage are in suitcases. However, we recommend that you bring in light duffle bags which are light to carry and also easy to fit them in the safari vehicles. Duffle bags are also a requirement in internal light aircraft.
Electricity Voltage & Plugs, Sim Card & WIFI / Internet Services
The output voltage in Tanzania is 220-240v and the plugs are the 3 Pin Square Sockets.
Local Sim Cards are available for tourists. However, with the recent changes in the law, anyone who wants a sim card will need to be present at the time of purchasing the sim card and show a valid ID such as a passport.
WiFi is available in most hotels and lodges. Please note that at some properties, WiFI would only be available in the main area and not the rooms.
Suggested Packing List
● Good quality sunglasses – preferably polarised, tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
● Sun hat
● Comfortable walking shoes – bring two pairs in case one gets wet
● Flip flops
● Camera equipment with plenty of memory capacity, batteries and charger
● Waterproof cover for cameras
● Binoculars
● If you wear contact lenses, we recommend bringing glasses in case of irritation from dust
● Moisturising cream, high SPF suntan lotion and after sun lotion
● Tissues/wet wipes
● Insect repellent
● Antihistamine cream to reduce the discomfort and inflammation from any bites
● Small backpack for personal belongings during walks and excursions