Important information
Prior to Dispatch Information
Airport
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 60km (60- 90 mins) from Arusha town center. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest International Airport to Arusha.
• Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of Arusha it only operates domestic flights
for instance; Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti.
• Other options include flying to Dar es Salaam and then catching a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro
or Arusha. You can also fly to Nairobi (Kenya). International flights to this destination are often cheaper. You can fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Jomo Kenyatta International The airport (Kenya) to Arusha is approximately 7 hours.
Arrival & Accommodation
• Our representative will pick you up from the airport either Kilimanjaro International Airport
(JRO) or Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) to our offices or to your accommodation.
• We recommend hotels in Arusha during arrival as follows
1. Jevas Hotel (Budget Hotel)
2. Banana Farm eco Hostel (Budget Hotel)
3. Mrimba Palm (Budget Hotel)
4. Summit Lodge (Mid-range hotel
5. Tulia and boutique (Mid-range Accommodation)
6. Greenside/Green Mountain (Midrange Accommodation)
7. Moivaro Lodge (Midrange Accommodation)
8. Arusha Serena Hotel (Luxury Accommodation)
9. Mount Meru Hotel (Luxury Accommodation)
10. River Trees Country Inn(Luxury Accommodation)
On Arrival
Both airports; Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) are straight
forward and English is spoken and used for signs/directions.
• From Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) to the center of town is approximately 30 minutes.
• From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to the center of town is approximately 60-90 Minutes.
Flight Information
We advise that you arrive in Arusha at least a day before your safari. Your return flights can be booked
in the late afternoon or evening of the final day of your safari. However, we advise that you check your plans with your safari consultant just to be sure.
We always recommend you sleep in Arusha before and after your safari because we like to start our
safaris early in the morning and, on the last day, we prefer to avoid having to worry about reaching the airport on time.
Health and Vaccination
Any foreigner who visits Tanzania requires a vaccine that will provide immunity against disease, we are not medically trained and can’t provide detailed information or advice on vaccination requirements. The following vaccinations are normally recommended in Tanzania; Malaria, Tetanus, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Polio, and Hepatitis A. With Yellow Fever it is compulsory for you to have a vaccination certificate, immigration will be at the airport to check, but if you are from a country that does not have a Yellow Fever then vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list.
If you are transiting through a country that has Yellow Fever e.g. Ethiopia, vaccination is not needed, as long as your transit is LESS THAN 12 HRS. Malaria In some of the areas that you will visit, there is a small risk of contracting Malaria, hence you must be aware that whatever malaria tablets you are taking, they only offer partial protection. The medicines must be coupled with your own efforts to prevent being bitten, which we believe is the best prevention.
All the places that you will stay hotels, lodges, tented camps, or camping use mosquito repellent to prevent mosquito bites.
In the mornings and in the evenings during the sun mosquitoes carrying Malaria are more active, we advise you to wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing ‘Deet‘ applied on them.
We advise all our travelers including you to visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic three months before departure and ask your medical doctor about vaccinations and malari prophylaxis.
Travel Insurance
It is essential that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a relative or a friend for safety purposes. Your policy should include:
• Full medical coverage
• Emergency medical air evacuation
• Repatriation cover
Money
The local currency of Tanzania is in Tanzanian shillings (Tsh), our country accepts US dollars but does not accept older US dollar bills (anything printed before 2006).
Credit and Debit Cards
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw, we suggest taking more than one card with you because you may find that your card is not accepted in some ATMs, with an extra card will save you. Visa and Maestro cards are best.
We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid any inconveniences.
Changing Money
All Bureau de Changes are currently closed, the only place you can change money is in the banks and it often takes a long time. It is much quicker to withdraw local currency at a cash machine ATM.
ATMs
Are available in many places in Tanzania for instance; at Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar and many other places. You can withdraw local currency through the ATMs.
Tipping
There is a well-established culture of tipping in Tanzania for our guides/drivers where if you feel you have received good service you will tip him or her USD 10-15 per person per day. Guides work extremely hard (JOIN GROUP TOUR)
USD 25-30 per person per day (PRIVATE TOUR) long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything that you can afford is highly appreciated.
Climate
The weather varies greatly from one place to the other. Typically, the long rains are in March, April, and May. The short rains are in November / early December. Like many places in the world, Tanzania is experiencing changes in weather patterns and it is becoming less predictable. In 2019, the long rains arrived late, but still finished in May. The short rains started early (end of October) and continued into
February 2020.
Whatever time of year we advise you to bring some warm clothes, it gets really cold in some places because of the high altitude, especially in June, July and August. It can also get very hot. We advise dressing in layers.
Know what to bring before you start your safari.
Luggage
If possible, you should bring a duffel bag or soft-sided bag. These are easier to carry and pack inside the safari vehicle. Ideally, the fabric should be hard and waterproof and the bag should be lockable. Put anything that is of any value in a separate day pack such as a backpack. Anything of monetary value should ideally be left at home, but if necessary you can carry it with you.
Clothes
Pack for hot days and cool nights. Tanzania can be hot and dusty by day but it is often cool and crisp in the night. Layers are ideal for safari days. Pack clothing that will keep you cool but protect you from the sun and biting insects. Choose mid-tone colors and avoid white or bright colors that may distract the animals and dark colors like black and blue as these attract tsetse flies. The best colors are the safari classics: olive, green and khaki.
For evenings at lodges you can stay in your casual wear even the luxury lodges do not expect smart wear out in the bush. Some of the lodges/hotels have pools so it’s always a good idea to carry a swimsuit.
Check the temperature before you travel to make sure you have clothes that are warm enough for the season. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever the season. Do not forget your handkerchief or bandana particularly for dusty regions, and your personal toiletries.
Shoes
Be careful not to over-pack, you need to think carefully about what shoes to take. As long as you are not going on a safari that requires a lot of walking, you will be fine with trainers and some sports sandals are great for walking around the camp at night and flip-flops.
Sun Protection
African sun can be brutal so be sure to bring a pair of sun goggles so you can protect your eyes, if you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the sun. You’ll also need a sun hat/bush hat that shades your face and covers your ears. Don’t forget sun cream and wet towels.Camera & Electrical Equipment
We recommend you bring:
• Carry a camera and a waterproof/dustproof bag/cover for your camera.
• Spare/extra batteries
• Binoculars; 8×40/8×42 is the recommended general-purpose binocular specification for both birding and mammal viewing generally wildlife. Night vision binoculars are not essential but highly recommended if your safari includes night activities.
• Memory/storage media; Camera equipment and plenty of film/ memory cards in case one gets corrupted.
Photography etiquette
It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of the military so please be careful when taking photos. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people – it is always better to ask first before you snap.
Electrical charging & power supply
All our safari vehicles have power /charging points, so you can bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your devices.
Phones / Wi-Fi
• Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi
• Some camp-sites have Wi-Fi, but this should not be relied upon
• The signal strength is variable at all locations and is often weak, especially in Serengeti. You may be able to check WhatsApp and Social Media, but you will not be able to stream Netflix movies.
• It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used during your safari. You will need to purchase this in Arusha and it will need to be registered, using your passport. If you want to use it in your phone, you will need to make sure the phone is unlocked. Your safari consultant will be able to advise you further on this process.
Security
All towns and cities have their share of petty crime and sensible precautions need to be taken. At night in towns it’s best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets. Single women in particular need to be careful and we suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
Thank you and we hope you will have a wonderful experience with us in Tanzania!
KARIBU SANA TANZANIA!
