TRAVEL TIPS & FAQs:

Requirements
All visitors to Tanzania (except citizens of the Commonwealth and other specified countries) require a valid passport and visa. Visas can be obtained from any Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or consulate or from main Tanzania entry points. Applicants can also write to the Principal Immigration Officer, P. O Box 512, Dar es Salaam and request the required documents. Visitors entering Tanzania through a point where no immigration officer is on duty must report to the nearest immigration office within 24 hours of entry.

Customs
Personal effects including: binoculars, cameras, and film may be imported temporarily free of duty. A customs bond may be demanded from visitors bringing in video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit. Liquor (1 pint) tobacco (200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams) are tax free for individuals of 16 years and older. Visitors buying valuable gems, skin articles, makonde carvings and other local handcrafts must keep cash sales receipts for presentation to customs officials on departure.

Travel  fees
An airport tax in convertible foreign currency is levied on all visitors departing the country. Baggage is weighed at check-in counters and is subject to inspection by customs officials.

Heath
Visitors originating from countries with possible exposure to cholera and yellow fever should travel with valid vaccination certificates. Mosquito control efforts and the high altitude of Northern Tanzania greatly reduce the risks of contracting Malaria. It is recommended visitors consult with their medical professional before traveling. A preventative treatment plan may be necessary before, during and after the trip.

Clothing:
Informal attire is appropriate on safari and on the coast. Clothing should be light-weight and light in color on safari. Warm clothing is recommended in the evenings and particularly in higher altitudes. Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro areas, Usambara and the Southern Highlands are areas where warmer clothing may be needed. Low-heeled walking shoes are recommended. Other accessories like a hat, sunglasses, swimsuits, flashlight, and insect repellent will be useful.

When should I book my trip?
Because our trips book up months in advance, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. We will of course make every effort to accommodate last minute bookings.

Can we use our own itinerary?
Absolutely, we specialize in tailor-made itineraries. We thrive on custom designing interesting itineraries!

Do we need a tourist visa to enter Tanzania?
A valid visa is required for travel to Tanzania. A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months prior to expiry is required. A single-entry visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Visas-on-arrival are available at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)for US$50. (For U.S. Citizens, the cost is US$100 for a multiple entry visa.) However, it is advised that visitors travelling from a country where visa services are available should obtain a visa prior to arrival in order to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Do I need travel insurance?
Cancellation, interruption and emergency medical travel insurance is essential to protect your investment. Travel insurance should be purchased when you confirm your safari with a deposit.

How much spending money should I bring?
This will depend on the destination and your spending habits. However our trip notes / dossiers will give you an idea of how to budget for additional meals, optional excursions, and extra expenses you might incur on any specific trip.

What about malaria?
The chances of getting Malaria in Tanzania or Zanzibar are low but you should consult with your local health department and consult with your doctor before coming to Tanzania.

What immunizations do I need before going on Safari?
Vaccinations that need to be considered are Hepatitis A & B and Typhoid, we suggest you contact a travelers clinic for specific recommendations for the country you are traveling to. A Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are traveling to Zanzibar. We can provide contact numbers for a travel medicine clinic in your city.

What to Bring on Safari?
It really depends on what type of safari you have chosen. In any case, the following is recommended: Flashlight; Sunscreen, Lip salve; Sunglasses, Sun hat; Insect repellent; Binoculars; Camera with zoom lenses; Spare film and batteries; Towel, Toiletries; Long sleeved shirt; Long trousers; Warm sweater; Sleeping bag; Small daypack.

What types of hotels do you use?
A variety of local style accommodations are used including hotels, guesthouses, pensions, hostels, home-stays and of course camping. Most hotels are tourist class, offering clean secure accommodation but with few amenities.

What is the climate like in Tanzania?

Summer: September to February. Temperature: 20°C to 30°C.
Winter: June to August. Temperature: 19°C to 25°C.
Rainfall: March-May (long rains) and November to mid-December (short rains).

What do you mean by game drives?
The opportunity to explore the thriving wildlife of Tanzania in a safari vehicle by going deep into the secluded zones for an up close and personal experience of Tanzania’s biggest and meanest

How safe is the safari?
Whilst there is an inherent risk whilst travelling on safari and in Africa, it is no more dangerous than travelling anywhere else in the world. You will be in wildlife rich areas most of the time you are on safari and will come into relatively close contact with wild animals. The camps are, however, safe and the guides that will be accompanying you are well trained. Very good medical air rescue services are available and the camps and lodges are in good radio contact with them at all times.

Payment

How do I proceed with the reservation and payment?
Once you have agreed on a specific program and price we will send you the confirmation, client info form, practical information about Tanzania and the invoice. A deposit of 30% of the costs is required for confirmation and reservations through bank transfer. The balance will be paid two months(60 days)  before departure  date.

Foreign currency  exchange in Tanzania?
One can exchange Euro’s , Pounds or any main forex at the Bureau de Change for Tanzanian Shillings or US Dollars which are the most common currencies to pay for services in Tanzania.