IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry to Tanzania if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country.

Malaria

The risk of contracting Malaria is prevalent throughout Tanzania and the most important preventive strategy is to avoid getting bitten.

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. Because mosquitoes like hot, damp conditions, coastal areas are usually at higher risk, as are low areas of rainforest and jungle. Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum is endemic throughout Tanzania and we recommend anyone travelling with us to seek medical advice before travelling. The rainy season increases your risk of infection as this is when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

Whether or not you opt to take anti-malarial medication, we recommend the following (particularly at dawn and dusk when significant risk exists):

  • Use insect repellant - DEET (Insect repellents that contain DEET offer the best protection against mosquito bites.)

  • wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing, mosquitoes easily get attracted to dark colours. For extra protective measures, cover yourself up in full sleeves shirts, t-shirts & trousers as mosquitoes find it hard to bite through fabric.

  • wear shoes and socks as some mosquitoes tend to focus on the ankles and feet rather than other exposed areas of the body

  • sleep with a mosquito net

  • Mosquitoes easily get attracted to the smell of sweat so be sure to shower regularly

  • Mosquitoes are also attracted to certain fragrances in perfumes, colognes, lotions, soaps, and shampoos so avoid scented soaps, shampoos, deodorants, perfumes or after-shaves

Travel Insurance

It is compulsory that you purchase travel insurance.

We recommend making sure your policy 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 here is some useful information.

Be sure to consider:

  • Activation and eligibility: Cover is activated in different ways. Some require a minimum spend on the card, some need a return ticket. Some activate automatically while others need an online request. The PDS will tell you how to make sure you're covered.

  • Length of travel: Check how long the standard cover goes for. It could be 2 weeks, 30 days or 6 months. Some need a specific request for longer cover.

  • Excess: Whether excess is payable depends on the card and the cover policy. Think about how much you are willing to pay in excess, and whether the policy still offers value if you have to make a claim.

  • Terms and conditions: It's tedious, but important that you read the terms and conditions in full. Do this before you rely on the cover – not after you want to make a claim.

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.

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.

Arusha Medivac

You may want to consider taking out additional emergency evacuation insurance with Arusha Medivac for a small fee. While your insurance policy may include medical evacuation cover, emergencies can arise out of hours and delays seeking authority from international medical insurers can be fatal.

Arusha Medivac Air Ambulance Service operates out of Arusha Airport, servicing all of Tanzania, with rapid response to the Northern National Parks and easy access to tertiary medical facilities in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, Kenya. Coverage is underwritten on the premise that clients have health insurance in place whilst they are in Tanzania. Insurance does not cover medical expenses incurred at hospitals or physical doctor consultations.

See Terms & Conditions for foreigners. Memberships are $20 per person for up to 4 weeks.

Zanzibar - Mandatory additional Travel Insurance

Effective October 1, 2024, all foreign non-residents traveling to Zanzibar will be required to purchase mandatory inbound travel insurance (of up to 92 days stay in the islands) directly from the national insurer, Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, prior to arrival. The full travel advisory from the Government of Zanzibar is available here. Non-resident citizens traveling to Zanzibar can pre-pay for the travel insurance here.

International 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 money exchange, ATM’s, post office, souvenir shops, jewellery shops, a coffee shop, bistro, book shop and a bar.

Some international flights will transit through Dar es Salaam International Airport. The flight from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro direct is approx 1.5 hours.

Arusha Domestic Airport is located on the outskirts of Arusha town, an approximately 1 hr 45 min drive from Kilimanjaro airport, depending on traffic.
Arusha Airport services internal flights to other destinations within Tanzania.

  • 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 stay.

Internal Flights

We use a variety of airlines for domestic flights within Tanzania, depending upon the route and budget. Please note that flight times may be subject to last-minute changes by the airlines, so it’s important to stay flexible and prepared.

The most common aircraft for domestic flights in Tanzania are typically small, single-engine or twin-engine planes designed for short-haul routes. These planes are well-suited for the country's many remote airstrips.

Airstrips in the national parks and other remote areas are usually unpaved and the pilots are experienced flying in these conditions. Flights may include a couple of stops at other air strips and sometimes this will not be known in advance.

Tanzanian eVisa

We recommend you apply for an online Visa to visit the United Republic of Tanzania via Tanzania’s Electronic Visa Application System. Be cautious of using third party visa service providers as some of our clients have been scammed.

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

The official Tanzania Electronic Visa Application requires;

  • completing the online form & carefully noting the User ID number of your application - you will need this for tracking the progress of the application

  • applicants visiting for holiday or Tourism are advised to apply for an Ordinary Visa. However, holders of American passports who come for holiday or tourism will have to apply for Multiple Entry Visa.

  • upload a copy of a valid passport (biographic data page) and return flight ticket;

  • make payment (Currently $50USD)

  • Submit your application online.

Your form will be reviewed and your visa will be granted electronically and issued via email with a download link. Visa applications are usually processed within 14 days.

Please Note for clients travelling to Kenya and Tanzania:

Your Kenyan eTA (electronic travel authority) remains valid for more than one entry if:

  • You visit one of the following EAC Partner States: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda, AND;

  • You don't visit any other country, AND;

  • Your eTA has not expired (90 days from issuance)

All effort is made to keep this information current however we always recommend referring to the official government websites for verification.

Luggage Allowance

Regardless of your international luggage allowance, limitations are strictly adhered to on all flights within Tanzania, and Regional flights to other East African countries. Aircrafts are small in size and therefore have regulations regarding baggage limitations with much smaller luggage holds than most typical airlines. This limitation includes hand baggage and is usually 20kg or 15 kg for bush flights.

Please carefully check the luggage allowance and restrictions for any internal flights with the airline. If excess luggage is allowed you will need to pre-book it to guarantee it can be carried. Not doing so you risk that any excess baggage will not be boarded on your flight and will be left at the airstrip. In this event, all costs in relation to onward transport of excess luggage will be at your expense.

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.

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

Be sure to notify your bank before you leave with your travel dates to East Africa or they may block your card. Also ensure any US Dollars (USD) you bring are from the year 2002 or later, most businesses will not accept notes earlier than 2002, and if by chance they do they will give a much lower exchange rate.

  • The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency of Tanzania, its international currency code is TZS. Tanzania's tourist economy however operates primarily using the US Dollar, with most hotels and safari operators requiring payment in USD.

  • Tanzanian banknotes are issued in 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 Shillings.

  • Coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Shilling.

  • ATM's dispense TZS and the withdrawal limit is normally 400,000 TSH per day, lower in rural areas. 

  • You can use your Visa/Mastercard/Eftpos and four digit PIN to withdraw TSH.

  • You cannot withdraw USD from ATM's.

  • You can use the Tanzanian Shillings for smaller expenses like shopping at local markets, restaurants, and supermarkets.

  • 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.

  • See HERE for current Exchange Rates

  • At airports or in big cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi there are plenty of ATMs, but in smaller villages ATM’s are rare.

  • If you visit the northern part of Tanzania, you can also find ATM’s at the towns Karatu and Mto wa Mbu, enroute to the national parks.

  • In Zanzibar the ATMs are only at the airport and in Stone Town with Barclay’s usually being the most reliable. There are no ATMs at the beaches or the islands Pemba and Mafia so make sure you have enough USD for your whole trip before leaving Stone Town.

  • 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.

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

Electricity

Depending on where you are traveling from, you might need to bring a travel power plug adapter or, for some devices, a voltage converter.

  • If your appliance is compatible with a Type G plug, many lodges in Tanzania have these outlets. Type G features special slots for three flat pins and has been the modern British standard since 1947.

  • Tanzania is moving towards universal outlets, compatible with any type of plug, a basic dual universal outlet will accommodate any plug, negating the need for travel adapters.

  • It's unlikely you will come across a type D socket any more as they are mostly found in old buildings and are generally considered a rarity.

  • 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.

  • Many camps and lodges do not have 24 hour electricity so we recommend charging your devices soon after arriving at your lodge or in your vehicle while on safari.

  • Your safari vehicle will offer power/charging ports.

  • There are no charging facilities on Mt Kilimanjaro.

Communication

Most Lodges will have some Wifi available in communal areas and occasionally in rooms. If you want to stay connected we recommend you bring your phone, ipad, tablet or laptop and prepare for staying connected via Wifi.

Whatsapp is generally good for making phone calls via Wifi. If you are bringing a phone from Australia it needs to be unlocked to work in Tanzania.

Several cellular phone networks operate in Tanzania, there is excellent signal in the Arusha city area and good signal around Tanzania. Sim cards and phone credit are easily available with data packages with 3G and 4G. A passport is required for sim card registration and you should allow time outside the safari tour to organise your SIM card.

You may also want to consider an eSIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM. You need an eSIM-enabled smartphone and your cell phone must be compatible with the eSIM that you want to buy, not all eSIMs are compatible with all smartphones with eSIM technology. Remember that your phone must be carrier-unlocked to use the eSIM.

More mobile operators are opening up eSIM to prepaid customers. While we make no recommendations below is a list of some of the operators offering this service;

Tipping

Similar to the US, those working in the service industry in Tanzania (including drivers, guides, porters and waiters), tips form a significant part of their income.

Tipping in Tanzania should always depend on the quality of service received, and it is your choice whether or not to tip.

We are often asked what to tip, we believe that it is a very personal choice and depends on your service experience, as well as your financial circumstances. US $25 - 35 per car/per day for a safari guide is fair if you have had a good experience

At lodges there is usually a tip box, many people work behind the scenes to provide the service you experience, and by putting your tip in the box, you can make sure everyone benefits from it. You may also choose to tip people directly if they have helped to make your trip more special.

It is often more convenient for clients to tip just once, usually at the end of their stay at each lodge, or drivers/guides at the end of the safari/climb or tour.

Tip in cash, ideally US dollars or Tanzanian shillings. Tipping by card isn’t an option for most guides and safari drivers.

Drones

Operating a drone in Tanzania requires special permits, a process that is complicated and costly. However, it is the only legal way to fly a drone in the country. Without the necessary permits, customs officials may confiscate your drone during baggage inspection, and park rangers have the authority to seize it within protected wildlife areas.

The TCAA also lists additional special considerations for foreigners including:

  • You must first obtain permission from the TCAA. The form to apply can be found HERE.

  • Only drones weighing 7 kilograms (15.5 pounds) or less may be flown in Tanzania.

  • As a foreigner you must also obtain permission from the Ministry of Defence and National Service.

You should contact the TCAA directly before you travel with any questions
tcaa@tcaa.go.tz / +255 22 211 5079

Photography

To capture stunning close-up shots of wildlife, it's recommended to use a camera with a telephoto lens, ideally between 300mm and 500mm for the best results.

If you can’t afford these lenses you may also like to consider taking an extender to adapt your telephoto lenses, generally available in 1.4 and 2x magnification. Be sure to pack plenty of charged batteries and extra memory cards.

You are not allowed to film government buildings, military personnel, police, or large gatherings of people.

As a sign of respect, always ask permission before photographing local people, as Tanzanians, like many cultures, generally prefer not to be photographed without consent. Some may also kindly request a small donation in exchange for their cooperation. Please approach photography with sensitivity to local customs and traditions.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are generally available at most camps and lodges throughout Tanzania. Many camps run off solar power and clothes will be dried in the sun. To avoid disappointment please check with the camp on arrival regarding laundry and prepare to allow 24hrs for the return of laundry, weather dependent.
We recommend taking a small bottle of travel detergent for underwear, it often comes in handy.

Safety

Tanzania is generally a safe, hassle-free country and Tanzanian people are very welcoming and happy.
Your safety and well-being is paramount to our team and the lodges you stay at.

That said, you do need to take the usual precautions and use common sense.

  • Keep valuables out of sight, particularly when walking in towns and cities, pickpockets are common throughout the country and loiter in busy areas such as markets and transport terminals.

  • Use the safes provided in your room; don't leave valuables lying around.

  • Keep the side windows up in vehicles when stopped in traffic in cities and towns (particularly Dar Es Salaam & Nairobi) and keep your bags out of sight (e.g. on the floor behind your legs).

  • Don't hang your phone/camera out the window of a vehicle in populated areas.

  • When shopping in local markets and stalls have a wallet with small amounts of local currency, avoid opening a wallet stuffed with USD and cards.

  • Don't get out of your vehicle in game parks unless your guide advises that it is safe to do so.