FAQs

Who will meet me upon my arrival in Tanzania and what if I arrive at night?

One of our drivers will meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport with a sign bearing your or your group’s name regardless of the time of day or any potential flight delays.

What is the passport validity requirements for Tanzania?
To enter Tanzania, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least one blank page.

Should I apply for a visa ahead of time?
U.S. Citizens can acquire entry visas at international airports in Tanzania as well as other border crossings. However, it will save you time upon arrival in Tanzania if you apply for a visa online beforehand. This can be done through the Tanzania immigration website. The visa costs $100 for US citizens.

Should I acquire Travel Insurance?
Yes, we recommend going through Travel Guard or a similar company.

What can I take pictures of and what kind of camera should I bring?
The animals are always super cool about you taking their picture, but when it comes to humans, please ask before you snap. If they don’t speak English, ask your guide to translate your request.

You will be close enough to some animals to use your phone’s camera, but we recommend a point and shoot camera with a good zoom for some of those more elusive animals

What can I expect from the food in Tanzania? Will I find familiar dishes on the menus?
All tourist hotels and restaurants tend to adapt their menus to suit “western tastes”, while also including some local dishes. You should have no problems when it comes to food so long as you make your dietary preferences (vegetarian, allergic, etc.) clear when booking.

Drones can only be used with permits, which must be obtained in advance. What vaccinations or prophylaxis do I need?
We recommend you check the CDC website to confirm any required vaccinations and to read through the recommendations. Please check with your doctor to make any medical decisions.

Is the water safe in Tanzania?
While the tap water is safe for locals to drink, we recommend you always drink bottled or purified water and use that bottled or purified water for brushing your teeth. We will provide plenty of safe drinking water for you to drink throughout your safari.

Do I need a converter for my electronics?
Tanzania mostly utilizes type D plugs, which have three round pins in a triangular pattern, so we recommend a converter to charge laptops, cameras, phones, etc. Keep in mind the electricity voltage in Tanzania is 220 volts, while most US appliances are 110 volts. Plan to leave blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons at home as the electricity in Tanzania could fry them. Some hotels and lodges will provide a blow dryer for your convenience. There will be power available in the safari car to charge your phone or camera on the move.

Will I have phone service or access to Wi-Fi?
Check with your mobile carrier on international plans and if your phone will work in Tanzania. If your phone is unlocked, it is possible to get a sim card for your stay, but we recommend taking some time to unplug. All hotels and lodges have Wi-Fi, however, you should get used to the idea that the speed may be slower than what you are used to.

How much money should I bring?
Most of your expenses will already be covered, including your accommodation, transport and some meals. However, there are a few things you’ll need cash for like souvenirs, tips and extra activities. It’s best to come prepared with a mix of credit or debit cards and cash.
Make sure any US Dollars you bring are dated after 2013 and that there are no tears or writing on the bills. Larger denominations are better for a better exchange rate.

You can also withdraw money around the country using your Visa or Mastercard from ATMs, while some lodges and higher-end shops will accept credit cards. Please note there will likely be extra fees for using your card internationally. Be sure to notify your bank or credit card companies about your travel.

How much should I plan to tip?
You should plan to tip your safari guide, at a minimum, the industry standard, which is $15 -$ 25 per day, per traveler and your mountain guide is $25 -35 per day, per trip.
Hotels and lodges will have tip boxes that will be split amongst the entire staff. There is no standard or requirement here, but it is always nice to show your appreciation as everyone will be extremely friendly and helpful. When eating out or drinking, tips are not required but you could tip up to 10% of your bill if you wish.

Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
In short, Tanzania is safe for tourists. The tourism industry is a large contributor to the economy, therefore local authorities take matters of security very seriously. Moreover, Tanzania is one of the most politically stable countries in the region and Tanzanians are very friendly in general. Despite this, crime does exist in Tanzania, as it does almost everywhere. That being said, we recommend you exercise common sense by doing the following:

Do not leave your belongings unattended. There are safes available in your hotels for any valuables you don’t wish to carry with you.

It is best to avoid walking around outside after dark. Instead, use taxis organized by your tour operator or hotel reception. While on safari, lodge staff will accompany you around the lodge after dark on the off chance you might run into any creatures