Important information
Which Airport should I fly to? • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest International Airport to Arusha • Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of Arusha but only operates domestic flights e.g. 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 then fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Nairobi Airport to Arusha (approximately 7 hours). You can also book a private transfer from Nairobi to Arusha with us. Please inquire price from your Kilimanjaro Adventure Safari Club contact. Arrival & Accommodation • You will be collected from the airport by a Kilimanjaro Adventure Safari Club representative and driven to your accommodation in Arusha On Arrival • Your first night’s accommodation is normally on a Bed & Breakfast basis, as flight arrival times vary greatly • If you would like to book your accommodation in Arusha or Moshi on your own, that’s fine. We will drive you straight to your hotel with a private transfer. Flying into Kilimanjaro (JRO) & Arusha (ARK) Airports is quite straightforward. English is widely spoken and used for signs/directions • Journey time from Arusha Airport to the center of town is approximately 30 minutes • Journey time from Kilimanjaro Airport to the center of town is 60-90 minutes • If you are arriving in Kilimanjaro on an international flight, clearing immigration can be a lengthy process (60-90 minutes if the flights are busy) Flight Information • We advise that you arrive in Arusha at least 1 day before your safari begins • Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon/evening of the final day of your Safari. However, please check your plans with your safari consultant. We want to make sure you can be at the airport in plenty of time for your flight. Passports • Please check with the relevant Embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. • Make sure your passport is not going to expire within six months of your trip (i.e. if your trip is in September make sure your passport is valid until at least March of the following year) and that it has at least 3 clear pages. Visas Most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. The majority of visitors can apply for an Ordinary Tourist Visa (U$D 50). Visitors from the United States need to apply for a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (U$D 100). We do not know why! Visas can be obtained in advance online (recommended), or upon arrival. If you apply on arrival, you have to complete a simple form and there may be additional queuing time. You pay the fee in cash (US dollars). Please note that Tanzania only accepts dollar bills printed in 2013 or after. Online visas: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ • There are several online organizations that will apply for your visa on your behalf. They charge an additional fee to do this. We recommend that you use the official website, listed above. • We recommend you allow at least 15 days for the visa to be processed. If you do not receive the visa before you travel you will have to apply on arrival and pay the fee again. Mandatory Travel Insurance - now required for All Tourists visiting Zanzibar (this will incur an additional cost to your trip, so please read carefully) Starting from October 1st, 2024, Zanzibar will require all foreign travelers to purchase mandatory travel insurance exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). The cost is U$D 44 per visitor and is valid for 90 days. Infants aged 0-2 years are free of charge whilst children aged 3-17 years receive a 50% discount on the standard price. The mandatory coverage extends to health services, lost baggage, accidents, emergency evacuation, passport and document loss, and repatriation. Please visit Zanzibar’s official website for further information Secure Your Zanzibar Adventure with Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance Vaccinations & Health You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. We recommend that you consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 3 months before you travel. The following vaccinations are normally recommended for Tanzania: Covid (2 doses), Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever*, Malaria ** * Yellow Fever is compulsory when you are entering Tanzania from a country that has Yellow Fever. Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list. WHO Yellow Fever Information If you are transiting through a country that has Yellow Fever e.g. Ethiopia & Kenya, vaccination is not needed, as long as your transit is LESS THAN 12 HRS ** Malaria. In some of the areas we visit, there is a small risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria tablets you are taking (if any), they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention. Malaria carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing Deet or Picaridin applied to them. COVID-19 Entry Requirements • All travelers are advised to be fully vaccinated against COVID (this is not compulsory, and you will not be asked to show proof of vaccination) You may have your temperature checked upon arrival Water: Do not drink or brush your teeth with tap water. Bottled mineral water is available at hotels and lodges. Drink plenty of water when staying outside in the sun, during the day. 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 friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include: • Full medical coverage • Emergency medical air evacuation • Repatriation cover Money The local currency is the Tanzanian Shillings Available notes are 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 and coins are 50, 100, 200 & 500. US Dollars are widely accepted. Tanzania only accepts US dollar bills printed from 2013 onwards. Credit and Debit Cards Visa cards are the most widely accepted. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. Changing Money The best way to obtain local currency is with a cash machine / ATM. It is possible to change money in the banks, but this often takes a long time. There are a few Bureau de Changes in Arusha. We advise that you bring any U$ dollars with you. ATMs These are available in Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport, and other big towns. They allow you to withdraw local currency and some ATMs in Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport allow you to withdraw US Dollars. In Zanzibar, you will find a few ATMs in Stone Town. There is one ATM in each of the following towns: Nungwi, Paje and Dunga (if possible, do not rely on these as they often run out of money quickly). Tipping There is a well-established culture of tipping in Tanzania. Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 15-20 per adult, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated. If you wish to tip your guide, we recommend that you do this at the end of your safari. It is preferable to tip in US dollars. However, it is possible to tip in Tanzanian Shillings, Euros, or British Pounds (GBP). Accommodation: Tipping in the accommodations is also discretionary. Most accommodations will have a tip box in Reception. We recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, $10 per day (for a group of 2) is normal. Language In Tanzania, Kiswahili is the official language but English is widely spoken. Swahili, the national language, is a composite of several Bantu dialects and Arabic that originated along the East African coast and on the island of Zanzibar. Swahili is the lingua franca of the country, and virtually all Tanzanians speak it. Some of the common phrases or words in Swahili are; Welcome – Karibu Hello (General greeting) – Habari or Jambo How are you? Jambo Reply to 'How are you?' Nzuri What's your name? Unaitwa nani? Good morning – Habari ya Asubuhi Good afternoon – Habari ya mchana Good evening – Habari ya jioni Good night – usiku mwema Goodbye – Kwaheri Cheers! Good Health! – Maisha marefu Slowly – pole pole Sorry – pole Please – samahani Thank you – Asante Help! – msaada Congratulations! – Hongera Local Transportation Dala-Dalas Dala-dalas are the small mini buses that operate in and between towns as well as rural areas. Prices are fixed from 400 TZS to 1000 TZS for town rides. Dala-dalas make a lot of stops and are never full, there is always some space to squeeze in. The route is painted on the front and back of the dala-dala and also shouted by the conductor. Boda Bodas Boda bodas are motorcycle taxis and the most common transportation for locals besides the dala-dalas. Taxis What to Bring Taxis are a very convenient way for town rides starting from 4000 TZS (2 USD). Please negotiate the price before as taxis in Tanzania have no meters. You can also request a ride using the Bolt App or Indrive App. These are more reliable and the price is also fixed according to the destination. 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 hardy 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 real sentimental or monetary value should ideally be left at home. Internal scheduled and charter aircraft flights have a baggage limit of 15kgs per person - including hand luggage. These regulations are rigorously enforced so please limit your luggage to the appropriate weight. Please also take your luggage in soft-sided bags without wheels or rigid handles - ie kit bags or similar rather than rigid suitcases. Please note that international airlines do lose or mislay hold luggage depressingly frequently, and we strongly suggest that you take any essential items (such as a change of clothes/malaria tablets/medicines / etc) with you in hand luggage. Shoes As you want to 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 (sandals are also great for walking around the camp at night). You may also like to take flip-flops for the showers. Sun Protection The African sun can be brutal so be sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses so you can protect your eyes. You’ll also need a hat that shades your face and covers your ears and neck so you have maximum sun protection. Of course, take plenty of high-protection sun cream and lip salve. First aid. This is a suggested list of first aid supplies: • Antiseptic ointment • Antihistamine cream & tablets • Nurofen or equivalent painkiller • Eye-drops • Anti-diarrhoea treatment • A couple of bandages • Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc • Insect repellent containing Deet or Picaridin • Rehydration sachets/vitamin tablets • Assorted plasters Photography & Electrical Equipment We recommend you bring: • Spare/extra batteries • Strong bag/carry case to protect the camera - zip lock/plastic bags are useful for dusty conditions • Memory/Storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted) • Binoculars. These will be essential when you are out spotting wildlife Photography etiquette It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film/camera confiscated. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people - it is always better to ask first before you snap away! Weather and Clothing Tanzania enjoys pleasant year round climate. Dress should be comfortable, casual clothing that is easy to care for and earth colours are most practical. The climate is mainly characterised by warm days, but early mornings and evenings can be cool (especially if doing game drives in open vehicles and the Ngorongoro Crater can get quite cold in the mornings and evenings), so dress in layers. You may want to carry a sweater for the cooler nights. If you plan to do a walking safari, make sure you have comfortable closed walking shoes. Dining is usually smart casual. Allow for more conservative dress when walking in towns. In Zanzibar, when in public places (except in hotel and resort premises) please ensure you wear clothes that cover from the shoulder to knee. The sun is strong so sun block is recommended. A hat and sunglasses would also be a good idea. Also, with the changing climate, you may even encounter some rain, so do carry something for this. Most hotels have a laundry service; however, please check to ensure that it can be delivered before your check out time. Tanzania is too close to the Equator to experience a summer and winter as most people are used to in Europe and Northern America. Instead the seasons split into a dry and rainy season. The rainy season is divided into the short rains from November to December and the long rains from March to May. December to February are the warmest months of the year, while March to early May often see rains. June to August are usually the coldest months but most days have a clear sky and in September to October the days are usually warm, with short scattered rains usually falling around November. The coastal areas tend to be hotter and more humid than inland areas. Please visit the following websites for more detailed information: Arusha Tarangire Serengeti Ngorongoro Manyara Electrical charging & power supply All our safari vehicles have power/charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances/devices. Most accommodation uses the plug sockets as shown below (Type G). 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 the 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 Binoculars We advise that you bring your own binoculars. Kilimanjaro Adventure Safari Club can provide binoculars on request, but the regular exposure to dust means that the condition of the equipment is not as good as when new. Security All towns and cities have their share of petty crime and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive-looking jewelry/watches and carrying cameras, will draw unnecessary attention. You may find a simple money belt is more discrete than a bag. Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense. At night in towns, it's best to use a taxi, rather than walk around the streets. Single women in particular need to be careful & we suggest that it is safer to be in a group. Accommodations: Most places will have a safe inside the room. If they do not, there is normally a safe at Reception. Whilst theft from inside rooms is very rare, we do recommend that you use these to store valuables. Wild Animals at Tented Camps Tented Camps are not fenced. Wild animals can and do wander through the Camps, sometimes stopping to graze for a while. For many of our guests, this is one of the highlights of their safari! The risk of you coming to any harm is minimal, but the following information may help you to feel prepared. • At every Tented Camp there are a number of Guards that patrol the Camp throughout the day and night. You should not move between your tent and communal areas after dark unless you are accompanied by a guard • When you leave your tent, make sure you zip it up fully (cheeky baboons have been known to sneak in and cause havoc!) • Animals that might wander into camp include zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, hyena, and very occasionally, elephant and lion. Local Time Tanzania is three hours (+3) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Food The food served at all of the safari lodges and tented camps in our portfolio is of the highest quality. At certain lodges, gourmet cooks bake fresh breads, and produce soups, salads, and entrées that could easily grace tables at top restaurants around the world. Meals are international in flavor with soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, breads and other starch. We prefer to use camps and lodges that opt for good, wholesome home-style cooking at elegantly set dining tables (sometimes under the stars, sometimes under thatch or canvas) where guests can discuss and debate the day’s events with their guides and fellow guests. Here are the usual food selections in a safari: We offer vegan, vegetarian, regular and gluten-free food as well. For other dietary requirements, simply tell us in advance. We are happy to work out something and happy to keep your tummy happy. • Breakfast or brunch: You can expect anything from omelets to quiches with a variety of salads. Continental breakfast is also typically served with toast, sausage, pastries, charcuterie, cold meat, coffee, and tea. Cereals, fruits, bread, eggs, and cheese are also very common. • Lunch: More often than not, lunches are served picnic style in the middle of your game drive. Sometimes, guides/drivers also take you back to the lodge or camp for a hearty meal before going on an afternoon or sundowner game drive. Food is usually composed of sandwiches and fruits. • Sundowners: On your final game drive of the day, you will be enjoying alcoholic beverages (think wine and beer) with snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and savories as you watch the sunset across the wildlife-ridden fields. This can be arranged at an extra cost • Dinner: Prepared at the lodge or camp, dinner is usually served in three courses: soup, mains, and pudding. Butternut soup, vegetable curry, and fruit pudding is a very common combo, but of course, there will be a variety during your stay ranging from meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted vegetables and sauces. Responsible Travel Before you go • Drinks: For the drinks, it could be anything from water to coffee and tea to wine and beer. Filtered water is typically available but in the event that it’s not, the camp or lodge will either tell you in advance or provide water for you to drink each day. • Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history/culture before you go • Why not pack some pens/pencils, exercise books, and/or sanitary pads in your rucksack, they can be donated to a local school or project while you're away. These items can also be purchased locally and will help local businesses • Plastic Bags: From 1st June 2019, most plastic bags are prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used in Mainland Tanzania. Visitors to Tanzania are advised to avoid bringing plastic bags into Tanzania. This new initiative has been introduced to protect the environment and keep our country clean and beautiful. Please help us to do this! Travelers often use plastic bags to separate/organize certain items in their luggage. You may choose to do this, but be prepared to answer questions if your luggage is searched at Customs. You can explain that these bags are used in your packing and will return to your home country with you when you leave (please make sure they do!). If you meet a Customs Officer who does not accept this explanation, you may be asked to pay a small fine (approximately U$D 15). Remove unnecessary packaging before you leave home While you're traveling • Please don't waste water. It is a valuable and often scarce resource in many of the areas we visit • Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact that it’s illegal, it also encourages the trade to continue • Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy • Don't feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you and don’t worry about what someone else has paid • Try the local food and drinks - this will help to support local farmers and food sellers • Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does litter look unsightly but it can be lethal to wildlife • When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so that their natural behavior is impeded • Respect local customs, traditions, and beliefs of the people in the different regions that you travel through • Do not take photos of people, ritual events, or special places unless you have asked first • Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious festivals All the information contained in these pages is intended for guidance only and is believed to be correct at the time of writing. Thank you for taking the time to read this information and we hope you have a fabulous safari in Tanzania!
