Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are immunised. We recommend consulting your GP or a travel clinic now so you can make an informed decision about your health and travel vaccination requirements.

As of May 2023 - Tourists entering or transiting mainland Tanzania or Zanzibar are not required to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or test certificate unless required by their airline, transit destination, or final destination.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry to Tanzania if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country. Australia is not considered a yellow fever risk country.

Malaria

Malaria transmission is limited by temperature, humidity and altitude and can vary significantly from region to region, you will not be at risk of Malaria above 1800m. The risk of contracting Malaria however is prevalent throughout Tanzania and the most important preventive strategy is to avoid getting bitten. Whether or not you have opted to take anti-malarial medication, we recommend the following particularly at dawn and dusk when significant risk exists :

Use insect repellant, wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing, avoid scented soaps, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes or after-shaves, wear shoes and socks, and sleep with a mosquito net.

Travel Insurance

It is compulsory that you purchase travel insurance. We recommend making sure that it covers you for accidents, sickness, emergency medical, international medical evacuation, baggage loss and trip cancellation. If you are considering using complimentary Credit Card travel insurance click here for some useful information. You are required to provide us a with a copy of your travel insurance policy before departing Australia. It is your responsibility to understand the costs and procedures your policy requires in an emergency.

You can take out additional emergency evacuation insurance with Arusha Medivac. Memberships are $20 per person for up to 4 weeks. Arusha Medivac will provide rapid response emergency medical air ambulance flight to your preferred destination within Tanzania or to Nairobi, Kenya - which has the best medical facilities in East Africa. They are the only service provider in Tanzania with their own aircraft and professional medical team.

If you are climbing Mt Kilimanjaro it is important that you ensure that you are covered for a high altitude climb as some policies do not cover this without an additional premium. Mt Kilimanjaro is 5895m above sea level.

Flights

You need to arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to begin your safari. The Airport is located 40kms from Arusha, or approximately 1 hour by car. Facilities include souvenir shops, jewellery shops, a coffee shop, bistro, book shop and a bar.

We recommend allowing at least 1 rest day between arrival at JRO and the start of your safari or climb to allow for any flight delays and to recover from your international flight

Sometimes luggage is delayed during air transit. It is recommended to take a change of clothing and any essential medication in your hand luggage. At the very least a pair of clean underwear, toothbrush and walking shoes.

Please ensure all your bags have baggage tags with your name and contact telephone number. It is also a very good idea to put a label with your name, address and telephone number, as well as a copy of your hotel details inside each piece of luggage. Locks are advisable inflight and in room during your accomodation stay.

Tanzanian eVisa

You can apply for an Online Visa to visit the United Republic of Tanzania (both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar) via Tanzania’s Electronic Visa Application System. You are required to fill in the online form, make payment, and submit your application online. Your form will be internally reviewed and processed and your visa will be granted electronically.

It is your responsibility to have a valid passport, with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank facing pages. You must get your Tanzanian Visa before leaving your destination country.

Be careful of third party companies offering visas some clients have been scammed using other service providers.

Please Note:

A single-entry eVisa for Kenya allows you to enter, exit and re-enter the country after visiting either Tanzania or Uganda, without having to purchase a multiple-entry visa. 

Luggage Allowance

International airlines may impose fees or require you to remove articles if weight or size limits are exceeded. We advise you to contact your airline or travel agent for specific information prior to departure, as size and weight limitations may vary.

Airport transfers and safari vehicles have been costed assuming one bag per person. In addition to your main piece of luggage, you may also bring a small bag in the safari vehicle to sit at your feet. If you have extra luggage extra vehicles may be required. Please notify us in advance.

Regardless of what international air baggage allowances are, you are restricted to 15 or 20 kg of luggage for your internal flights. Please make sure you check the luggage allowance and restrictions for your internal flight airline.

Regional Air aircrafts are small in size and therefore have regulations regarding baggage limitations with much smaller luggage holds than most typical airlines. Please read their luggage conditions carefully.

Flightlink luggage allowance includes 1 x 20 kg SOFT luggage and 1 small soft bag carry on bag with maximum dimensions: (55 cm × 35 cm × 20 cm).

Plastic Bag Ban

As of June 2019, Tanzania prohibits the use, manufacture or importation of thin polyethylene bags, with many countries across the globe are following suit.

“Plastic carrier items known as ‘Ziplock bags’ that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed in the country.”

Health

BEFORE DEPARTURE: Prepare a list of your medications, including the name, dosage, prescribing doctor and their phone number. A copy of your prescriptions is vital in case of any health problems. If you have health problems, ask your doctor to prepare your medical history for a foreign doctor. It should include your name, address, emergency contact, blood type, medical history, current medications and dosages, drug allergies, reasons for prior hospitalisations and list of immunisations and dates. Pack sufficient medication for the duration of your tour. Your medication should be kept close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag. Due to strict drug laws, medication will need to be in an original container that shows the prescription label. It is your responsibility to be informed of what medication is/isn’t permitted and to carry a Dr’s Certificate for any prescription essentials.

As a precaution, all water should be regarded as potentially contaminated. We recommend using bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and washing fruit. Avoid ice. Water purification tablets are something to consider if you want to be extra cautious.

Use Alcohol-based hand sanitiser or antibacterial hand wipes.

Prepare a travel health kit with self-medicating items for common travel-related illnesses.

Money + Currency

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH), however Tanzania's tourist economy operates primarily using the US Dollar. The best currency to bring is US Dollars with most hotels and safari operators requiring payment in USD.

They are accepted virtually everywhere and save having unwanted local currency at the end of the trip. Some local restaurants and supermarkets charge in TSH, so you will need some local currency if you want to purchase small items locally.

ATM's dispense TSH, you cannot withdraw USD from ATM's. There is a daily limit usually between 150,000 - 300,000 TSH, depending upon the bank. You can use your Visa/Mastercard/Eftpos and four digit PIN to withdraw TSH.

Ensure the USD's you bring are from the year 2002 or later, most businesses will not accept notes earlier than 2002 or, they give a much lower exchange rate. You should bring small bills and they need to be in good condition and as new as possible. Locals and stores will not take torn or notes in poor condition. You can exchange AUD for USD in Arusha at banks, but will usually get a better rate in Australia.

Paying for drinks or any extras that you might purchase in lodges by card will attract a 5% surcharge so consider carrying USD or TSH to make these payments.

Be aware that some smaller vendors who accept USD with only dispense change in TSH i.e. bars and supermarkets etc

WARNING: Be sure to notify your bank before you leave with your travel dates to East Africa or they will most likely block your card.

Electricity

Electricity in Tanzania is between 220­ - 240 Volts. This is the case in most of Europe, Australia, the United Kingdom and most countries in Africa and Asia. The standard frequency in Tanzania is 50Hz. If this voltage or frequency differs from the frequency used in your home country, please use caution when plugging in your devices.

Most modern digital appliances are built to be compatible with all worldwide voltages, from 100 volts to 240, but you should always check. If your appliance is already compatible, one or more of the following travel plug adapters (depending on which type of outlet is installed in any given specific building) will allow you to plug in.

• Adapter for "Type G" British BS­1363

• Adapter for "Type D" Indian BS­546 5 amp

Many camps and lodges do not have 24 hour electricity. Charge your appliances soon after arriving at your overnight destination or in your vehicle while on safari.
There are no charging facilities on Mt Kilimanjaro or Mt Meru.