Your journey to Tanzania starts here.

Which International Airport Should I Fly To?

Tanzania main international gateway for Wildlife Safaris is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) , approximately 60 km (60–90 minutes) from Arusha town centre. Arusha Airport is located on the outskirts of Arusha and operates domestic flights only, for example from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and the Serengeti. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) is the main airport in the Zanzibar Archipelago located on Unguja Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. This is ideal if you want to focus on a beach stay on the coast. Kisumu Airport (KIS) serves the Lake Victoria region. Kenya Airways offers direct flights to Kenya from over 30 to 45 countries worldwide.

You may also fly into Dar es Salaam and then take a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha. Another option is flying to Nairobi, Kenya, if you want to combine a Kenya-Tanzania safari. International flights to Nairobi are often cheaper. From Nairobi, you can fly to Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.

Local Safari Flight Information

• Weight Limit: Your local flight has a 20kg weight limit Checked Baggage Allowance, with excess baggage fee of $5 per kg. Carry-on Baggage Allowance 1 carry-on item (max 5kg). Trolley bags are not permitted in the cabin due to limited overhead storage space so we advice a small backpack or duffle bag to be the best carryon.
• Check-in closes 40 minutes before domestic flights. Boarding gates close 20 minutes before departure; late passengers may be denied boarding without a refund. Please check your plans with your safari consultant in Zanzibar to ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time for your departure.
• If you are overweight from your previous trips in Zanzibar or other parts of Zanzibar please weigh before heading to the airport and transport or dispose of the items prior as we are not responsible for any liability in loss of property from overweight items left in your previous destination.

On Arrival

All airports are generally straightforward. English is widely spoken and used on signs and directions. You will be collected by a safari representative holding a sign at arrivals and transferred to your accommodation.  If departing or arriving on an international flight, please note that clearing immigration can be a lengthy process.

Your Vehicle

A private 4×4 safari vehicle will be assigned for your group that will be taking you for all the tours as a group. Please stick to the strict timings for the tours and activities to make sure that the rest of the group isn’t delayed and to maximise your travel time.

Meals & Drinks

Meals are provided as indicated in the itinerary. Soft drinks and bottled water are your own expense, except water in the safari vehicle. We advise guests not to drink tap water. Please inform us in advance of any food sensitivities, dietary needs, or allergies.

Visa & Passports

Please check with the relevant embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport requirements. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date and has at least three blank pages. Most travellers will require a visa to enter Tanzania. Please check your government’s official travel website for guidance. Most visas can be purchased on arrival. Many visitors can also apply for a visa in advance through the Tanzania e-visa website https://visa.immigration.go.tz/start 

Vaccinations & Health

You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we cannot provide detailed medical advice. However, the following vaccinations are commonly recommended for Tanzania: Covid-19 (2 doses), Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, and Malaria prophylaxis.

Yellow Fever vaccination is compulsory when entering Tanzania from a country where Yellow Fever is present. Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering from a country without Yellow Fever, vaccination is not required, however, return back to other countries or travel to other destinations might require the vaccination. If transiting through a Yellow Fever country (for example Ethiopia) for less than 12 hours, vaccination is not required. For more yellow fever information, visit https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/yellow-fever.

In some areas visited there is a small risk of malaria. Prophylaxis tablets offer only partial protection and must be combined with physical precautions. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active from sunset. Wear long sleeves and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, especially to exposed skin such as ankles.

All travellers should visit a doctor or travel clinic approximately three months before departure, and no later than two weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential and must cover full medical expenses, emergency medical air evacuation, and repatriation. We advice guests to make sure they take travel insurance from their home countries and leaving a copy of your policy with a friend or relative, and share a copy with us for our records. We however include during your safari an AMREF flying doctors coverage in case of any air emergency evacuation needed. Please note this isn’t a medical insurance but only covers medical emergency evacuations during the safari.

AMREF Benefits include:

• Access to their 24-Hour Medical Helpline for professional medical consultation.
• Evacuation flights or ambulance per subscription period.

Climate

Weather patterns are becoming less predictable but currently in Arusha and it’s environs, it is is 23°C (73°F) in January. The forecast predicts daily high temperatures ranging from approximately 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F) and nightly lows between 14°C and 16°C (57°F and 61°F). However early mornings and evenings can feel cold, especially on game drives, even in warm months. So carry a light cover just in case you need extra warmth for the mornings.

Money

The local currency is Tanzanian Shillings. US Dollars are widely accepted, however bills printed in 2006 or earlier are not accepted.

• Credit & Debit Cards: Please do not rely on credit cards, as many places we visit on this tour will not have the facilities to deal with them. If using cards to withdraw cash, bring more than one card as not all ATMs accept all cards. Visa cards are generally the most reliable. Inform your bank before travelling to avoid your card being blocked. 
• Changing Money & ATMs: The easiest way to obtain local currency is via ATMs, which are widely available in Arusha and at Kilimanjaro Airport. On Zanzibar, ATMs are mainly found in Stone Town. Money can be exchanged at banks, but this process can be slow. There are also Bureau de Change offices in Arusha.
• Tipping: Tipping is customary but discretionary. For guides, USD 15–20 per person per day is typical for good service. Guides work long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Most accommodation has a communal tip box. We recommend contributing at the end of your stay rather than tipping individuals. For two people, approximately USD 10 per day is suggested, depending on service.

Electrical Charging & Power Supply

Safari vehicles are equipped with charging points. Most accommodation uses UK-style Type G plug sockets. Please bring appropriate travel adaptors.In Tanzania, the standard electricity voltage is 230 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz. Most modern devices (phones, cameras, laptops) support 100–240V and will work with just a plug adaptor. Always check your charger to be sure.

Phones & Wi-Fi

Most lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, but connectivity can be weak, especially in the Serengeti. Streaming services are generally not possible.

Local SIM cards with data can be purchased in Arusha or in your previous destination in Zanzibar and must be registered using your passport. Phones must be unlocked.

Security

Exercise sensible precautions, especially in towns and cities. Avoid wearing valuable jewellery and be aware of your surroundings. Use taxis at night rather than walking. Single travellers, especially women, should take extra care and travel in groups where possible.

Photography restrictions apply to military installations, bridges, airports, and border posts.

Wildlife & Safari Etiquette

• Please do not feed animals under any circumstances
• Keep voices low during game drives
• Sudden movements can disturb wildlife
• Remain in the car at all times during the safari and follow the strict instructions of your guide at all times.
• Children should remain under supervision at all times

What to pack

• Documents & Essentials: Carry both digital and printed copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, flight tickets, and vaccination certificates.
• Luggage: Soft-sided or duffel bags are recommended as they are easier to pack in safari vehicles. Bags should be sturdy, waterproof, and lockable. Keep valuables in a separate day pack and avoid bringing items of high sentimental or monetary value. A portable weighing scale is very helpful to help ensure you meet the weight limits for airlines.
• Clothing: Pack for hot days and cool nights. Layering is ideal. Choose mid-tone colours such as olive, green, and khaki. Avoid white, bright colours, black, and dark blue. Evenings at lodges are casual. Bring a waterproof jacket regardless of season. Tanzania is a conservative country. Please avoid short shorts and low-cut tops.
• Shoes: Trainers and sports sandals are sufficient for most safaris. Flip flops are useful for showers and around camp.
• Sun Protection: Bring sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and lip balm.
• Dust Protection: Safari environments can be very dusty, especially in the dry season. A light scarf or buff is useful to cover your mouth and nose during game drives. Zip-lock or reusable waterproof pouches help protect electronics and documents from dust and moisture.
• Personal Items: environmentally friendly toiletries, a reusable water bottle, and avoid plastic bags, which have been restricted since June 2019.
• First Aid (Suggested): Antiseptic ointment, antihistamine cream and tablets, painkillers, eye drops, anti-diarrhoea medication, bandages, plasters, personal medications, insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, and rehydration sachets.
• Photography & Electrical Equipment: Bring a protective camera bag, power bank, spare batteries, at least two memory cards, a Type G adapter, a torch/flashlight, and binoculars.
• Health & Wellbeing: Your anti-malaria pills or other medications. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a spare pair and extra supplies. Motion sickness tablets can also be helpful for long drives on uneven roads. Please also inform your guide of any medical conditions. This information will be received professionally and kept confidential.

Responsible Travel

• Always ask permission before photographing people. 
• Use environmentally friendly toiletries, learn basic local language and cultural norms, bring a reusable water bottle, and avoid plastic bags, which have been restricted since June 2019.
• Conserve water, do not buy endangered wildlife products, support local businesses, dispose of litter responsibly, respect wildlife and local customs, ask permission before photographing people or sacred places, and dress appropriately, especially around religious festivals.
• We advise against giving money or items directly to children and recommend coordinating donations through guides or lodges.

Thank you for taking the time to read this information. We wish you a wonderful and memorable trip to Tanzania.