VISA INFORMATION
Tanzania Safari information: Currently, visas are available for most nationalities at Border posts and Tanzania Airports, if you aim purchasing a VISA on arrival. Kindly check with the Tanzania Diplomatic representative abroad or check with us previously, to make sure this option is obtainable.
The cost of a tourist visa is US$50 per person and $100 per person for American citizens, to be paid in cash on arrivals. It is not necessary to bring any pictures to get your visa, but please be aware that your passport should have at least 2 blank pages and should be valid for at least 6months from the date you arrive.
Currently it’s possible to obtain VISA online, please visit the following link for more information https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/en/services/visa-information
GETTING HERE SAFARI INFORMATION
Tanzania has three main International Airports through which the country can be accessed, Julius Nyerere International Airport-Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport, 45minuts drive from Arusha Region, Kisauni Airport-Zanzibar. Kindly book your flight through these Airports whenever planning your vacation to Tanzania or Zanzibar. Several International Airlines in the world manage scheduled flights to Tanzania including KLM Royal Dutch, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, Egypt Air, Swiss Air, British Airways BA, Lufthansa Air, South Africa Airways -Fly SAA, Air France.
You may also use Jomo Kenyatta International Airport-Nairobi Kenya. Then from here, you can catch connection regional flight then connect flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport. OR You can take a transfer by road from Kenyatta Airport through the Namanga border. There is scheduled shuttle buses departing in the morning and afternoon daily to and from Arusha and Namanga.
LANGUAGE
Tanzania National language is Kiswahili-Swahili language. English is widely spoken in major towns as well as some of the villages. You may find it usefull to buy it on arrival swahili-english phrase book.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Taking photos of government buildings is prohibited as well as taking photos of locals without their permission. Take as many photos as possible sensibly.
HEALTH, INSUARANCE AND SECURITY
Yellow vaccination is a necessity in a while, and you can obtain the vaccination from home at least 10 days before arrival in Tanzania. The requirement is not all that strict any longer but it saves time to get the vaccination prior to traveling to Tanzania. Ant Malaria drugs need to be taken before traveling. Make sure you sleep under a mosquito net. A sunscreen is fine to pack as well as sunglasses.
DRINKING WATER
Always drink bottled or Boiled water and try to avoid ice cubes and salads-un cooked veggies.
INSURANCE
Please take your travel insurance before traveling. We offer only Air rescue ambulance cover.
SECURITY:
Tanzania is a safe place for travelers but it is important to be cautious. Avoid walking at night in the streets unaccompanied and do not expose so many jewelers. If you must take your valuables please deposit them at the lodge or hotel.
SHOPPING AND CURRENCY
The national currency is the Tanzania Shilling. The most usually accepted currency is the US Dollars. The USD and other major European currencies, changed at the bank and Forex bureaus de changes in tourists areas and major towns of Tanzania. It is recommended that you change money in Forex bureaus/banks and refrain as much as possible from changing money in the streets. Present an increased access to ATM Machines available in all major towns.
If bringing cash dollars, kindly make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no damage or cuts. Old series and torn notes not accepted, kindly bring newer series above year 2008. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US$ 50-100 bills. Bring larger domination bills, easy accepted, Small bills not easily attainable and has low rate.
CREDIT CARDS, PERSONAL & TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE NOT WIDELY ACCEPTED IN TANZANIA. Where accepted they give poor exchange rate and high service fee.
BANKING
Banks are open from 08:00AM to 3:00pm
From Monday to Friday. Many banks outfitted with 24 hour ATM Machines.
CLIMATE
In general, the climate is hot and dry.
Long rains expected mainly in March to May with cold mornings and nights from June to October. Short rains are from November to mid-December. Even though the season can vary from year to year. In Mt. Kilimanjaro and Meru in Tanzania, the temperature can drop to below freezing point. The coastal area is typically hot and moist humid approximately year-round.
CLOTHERS
Dress is mainly informal, should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm must be brought along for early morning and evenings.
While on safari please pack light clothes cotton preferably. A fleece jacket is good to pack for cool mornings and evenings sometimes at some high-altitude places. In Zanzibar Island or in the Coastal area, revealing clothing, especially in Stone town is discouraged. Please see our packing list for Safari and Mount Kilimanjaro. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.
