We check and service our 4x4 Land Cruisers before every trip; every vehicle carries a first-aid kit, and our guides are first-aid trained.
Flying into Arusha or Kilimanjaro airports is quite straightforward. English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.
Arusha Airport is a 30-minute drive from Arusha.
Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one-hour drive from Arusha. If you arrive on an international flight, clearing immigration can take some time.
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.
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than one card with you, as your card may not be accepted at the first ATM. Visa and Maestro cards tend to work best.
We recommend informing your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked. ATMs are available in Arusha and allow you to withdraw local currency.
We advise you to arrive in Arusha at least one day before your trip begins. Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon or evening of the final day of your safari, but please ensure your guide is aware of this so you can arrive at the airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport information. Ensure your passport will not expire within six months of your trip and that it has at least three clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check your country's government travel website to find out how to obtain your visa. Most visas can be purchased on arrival.
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 generally recommended for Tanzania: Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, Yellow Fever, and malaria prevention. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory when entering Tanzania from a country with yellow fever.
Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country without yellow fever, vaccination is not needed. Please visit the World Health Organization website for an up-to-date list.
In some areas we visit, there is a risk of contracting malaria. Please note that malaria tablets offer only partial protection and must be combined with physical efforts to avoid bites. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset, so you should wear long sleeves and trousers from that time. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing DEET applied.
We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover 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.
Tanzania has a well-established tipping culture.
Guides: if you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is USD 10-15 per person per day.
In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the 'short' rains in November and the 'long' rains from 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, such as Ngorongoro Crater.
All towns and cities have their share of petty crime, so sensible precautions should be taken. Wearing expensive-looking jewellery or watches and carrying cameras can draw unnecessary attention. You may find a simple money belt more discreet than a bag.
Always be aware of your surroundings, and be very careful when approached by people you do not know. At night in towns, it is best to use a taxi rather than walk around the streets. Single women, in particular, should be careful, and we suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
All activities are included unless indicated as optional.
