Your safety on safari: Our 4x4 Land Cruisers are checked and serviced before every trip, every vehicle carries a first aid kit, and our guides are first-aid trained.
Arrival in Tanzania & accommodation
A Serengeti Wildlife Safaris representative will collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation in Arusha for the night. We are happy to book accommodation before and after your safari if needed.
On arrival
Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straightforward. English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.
Arusha Airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha, and Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you arrive in Kilimanjaro on an international flight, clearing immigration can be a lengthy process.
Money
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling. US dollars and euros are widely accepted. Most places will not accept older US dollar bills printed before 2006.
Credit cards
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you, as you may find that your card is not accepted at the first ATM. Visa and Maestro cards are usually best.
We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.
ATMs
These are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.
Flight information
We advise you to arrive in Arusha at least one day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon/evening of the final day of your safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so that you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Visa & 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 and that it has at least 3 clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your country's government travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the country.
Vaccinations & health
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we cannot give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are normally recommended for Tanzania:
Tetanus
Polio
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Rabies
Yellow fever
Malaria
Yellow fever is compulsory when you enter 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.
Malaria: In some areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria tablets you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your physical efforts against being bitten - 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 applied to them.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for 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 adequate medical emergency and repatriation coverage.
Tipping
There is a well-established tipping culture in Tanzania. Guides: if you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is USD 10-15 per person per day. The guides work extremely long hours, and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation 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, we recommend $10 per day for a group of 2.
Climate
In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains (November) and the 'long' rains (March to May). The 'rains' usually last for one or two hours each day and are followed by hot, sunny weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitudes, for example, Ngorongoro Crater.
