FAQ
What documents do I need to travel to Tanzania?
You will need a passport valid for at least six months after your date of entry. Citizens of most countries need a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Application details and forms can be found on the Tanzanian Embassy website. Visas can also be acquired on arrival. If you are arriving from a country in which Yellow Fever is endemic (such as Kenya), you will require an immunization certificate or health card. Remember to always check the latest COVID travel information. More health information is also available on the embassy website.
Is it safe to visit Tanzania?
Yes, Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people and are eager to help and assist visitors. We recommend a bit of common-sense caution in big cities such as Dar es Salaam.
Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend you book your trip 3-6 months in advance especially if you are traveling during the high season from June to the end of October. December to February can also be busy.
How much does a safari cost?
Safaris (and mountain climbing) can be expensive. Prices depend on the number of people on the trip, how many days of safari, and the level of comfort. Park entry fees make up a big part of the total cost. These fees pay for the important nature conservation work the TANAPA and other organizations do.
How safe is the water and food in Tanzania?
It is best to drink bottled water when traveling through Tanzania. Steer clear of ice, raw vegetables, and salads when eating at street restaurants. On the coast, seafood and fish are usually fresh, but make sure everything is well-cooked. To be sure, we recommend a nonactive cholera vaccine such as “Dukoral”.
What's the time in Tanzania?
GMT +3. Tanzania is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and doesn’t operate daylight saving, so there’s no time difference between summer and winter.
How do you call Tanzania?
The International Dialing Code for Tanzania is +255, followed by the applicable area codes (e.g. 22 for Dar es Salaam, or 27 for Arusha). Calling out from Tanzania, you dial 00 plus the relevant country code (44 for the UK, 1 for the USA).
What is the Tanzanian currency?
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. 2500 TZS gets you 1 US dollar, but rates may vary. The USD is the preferred unit of currency for all tourist operations. Major currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. Foreign exchange bureaus in the main towns usually offer a better rate on traveler’s cheques than do the banks. ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels, and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these can incur up to a 10% surcharge.
How much spending should I take on my Safari?
You should bring little spending money on most safaris as most things are included in your adventure price. Most people carry between $50 and $100 per person per day for all expenses. Credit cards may be used in large towns at restaurants and shops with MasterCard and Visa being most accepted. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and non-existent in small retail shops. We recommend bringing US dollars in cash. Change USD$ at the airport or bank on your arrival in Tanzania. USD$ cash is acceptable in most tourist areas and can be used for tips.
What do you mean by "Game Drives"?
The most common way to see the wildlife of the National Parks and Conservation areas is by car. This usually means big 4×4 safari cars with open rooftops and big windows. The Savanna is huge so prepare for a long drive. Remember to listen to your guides and driver (they know a lot) and don’t step out of the car unless given the go-ahead by your guide. Big game is quite dangerous.
Will there be wildlife roaming at the camps and lodges?
Yes. Wildcamps and some lodges are placed in the habitat of some dangerous animals. Remember it’s their territory and you are the intruder. Follow instructions from guides and rangers at all times and you will be safe.
What about snakes and insects?
They are pretty common but on safaris in a vehicle, they are not an issue. While on a walking safari, wear boots when venturing into bushes or woodlands. Use full trousers and long sleeve shirts to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other fly bites. Use insect repellent to keep them at bay. At high altitudes mosquitos are rare.
What happens if I get sick or injured on safari?
Any health or medical emergency will be attended to. If your condition requires hospitalization, you will be taken to the nearest hospital immediately. Make sure you have travel and health insurance cover. It’s absolutely necessary. Please ask us if you need advice on insurance.
How strong is the Sun in East Africa?
Tanzania and Kenya are very near the equator. So, the sun is at its strongest for most of the day. It can be fierce and cause sunburns and sunstroke. Wear a hat, and shades, and use a high SPF sunblock.
Can I take a walk in the National Parks?
No. Not really. Stay in the vehicle unless you have clearance from the guide to walk or stretch your legs. If you like hiking, there are walking safaris, often in Game Preserves and adjacent areas.
When is the best time to travel to Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is amazing all year round, but there are some differences. July-September it is dry and not super hot which most people prefer. March to May is the big rainy season which doesn’t necessarily mean it rains all the time, but it’s definitely wetter. October-November is the small rainy season, less wet than the big one. December-February is warm but very popular, especially around Christmas and New Year.
What time of year should I plan my trip to Tanzania?
March – April is the rainy season in Eastern Africa, which means a low season but also a lot of rain. In Zanzibar, this is not necessarily a problem as temperatures become a little lower, around 30 degrees Celsius. When it comes to Safaris, it takes a little more planning as roads can become muddy. The great migration usually ends just before April but can still be amazing in early April. We would recommend focusing on the higher altitudes, such as the Ngorongoro crater. On the plus side, rates are lower during the rainy season, and nature really shines in the wet season.
I have weak knees, is there a lot of walking during the Safaris?
Unless you have specifically chosen to do a walking safari, the other safari travel plans are driving safaris, which means very little to no hiking.
Is there any eco-offset for my trip, are the safaris to Tanzania environmentally positive?
We are currently in the process of being certified as a partner with Travelife, the leading organization for sustainable travel and tourism, and are working to have a positive environmental impact on our destinations, especially considering the delicate environments that we visit. When it comes to the ecological impact of our safaris, we can say with confidence that significant strides have been made.
The Wildcamps and hotels we use are making the transition to solar power and away from non-recyclable materials. Most of the foods are produced locally, and the park fees contribute directly to the important conservation work of TANAPA, the Tanzanian national parks organization. The most significant part of the carbon imprint of a safari is, of course, the air travel involved, and most major airlines offer some form of carbon offset option. By the time of your Safari, so will we. In the meantime, we contribute to clean-up projects on mount Kilimanjaro twice a year and an Ocean clean-up project as well. We are committed to promoting sustainable tourism in any way we can.
What route should I pick on Mount Kilimanjaro?
The level of difficulty depends a lot on how long you take and which route you choose. The Marangu route is considered the easier route, and it has cabins as accommodation on the way up. This is a good choice if you want to be sure of success. The plan is 8 days, but the climb itself is 6 days, which gives good opportunities for acclimatization. The Lemosho route is longer, which means more time to get your body used to the altitude, but it goes through the jungle and requires you to be accompanied by armed park rangers and has no cabins. The Machame route is steeper and faster and is recommended for people with experience. No matter which route you choose, you will have to fight your way up the last bit, but it’s worth it!
How fit do I need to be to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru?
Anyone can climb Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is easy. We have senior citizens who climb successfully and young sporty types who fail. It’s hard to say why. How altitude affects people is very individual and difficult to predict, it has little to do with fitness, and being reasonably fit is usually the best.
What do I do if I encounter problems during my climb on Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru?
If you encounter problems, you can either return to a previous camp or wait a day and rest and acclimatize. If you need to cancel completely, that’s also fine. The guides will only lead you down to the start of the route and make sure you get transport back to the hotel.
IUCN Guidelines on purchasing souvenirs
Download our guidelines on what souvenirs to purchase when you are on your trip here.
