Tanzania Safari FAQ's

How do I get into Tanzania?

Arusha City/ Moshi Town is where all our northern Tanzania safaris and mountain climbing starts and ends. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is just 40 km from Arusha, receives all the reputable airlines from Europe, North America and many connections through neighboring International Airports including Nairobi (NBO) and Dar es Salaam (DAR). Also there are domestic Airlines that have scheduled flights between Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar and various National Parks. We will be collecting you from Kilimanjaro International Airport, if you arrive at the (JRO) and transferred to your hotel or Lodge in Arusha. Admittedly, visitors are cautioned that there is an airport tax of US $ 50 levied whenever embanking at any airport of Tanzania for destinations abroad.

How would I obtain Tanzania visas & Passports?

Visas are available at every point to Tanzanian territory but we strongly advise you to obtain a visa abroad at the Tanzanian Embassies and consulates at your country of origin to avoid delays. The current cost of a visa for US and Irish citizens or passport holders is US $ 100 per person; US $ 70 for Canadians and must other nationalities pay US $ 50 person. Also, there is a concessional transit visa rate for tourists simply transiting through Kenya. Visas are valid 90 days from issue date and passports must have six months remaining before expiration.

Is it necessary to have Medical Recommendations before my Tanzania Safari?

Confer with your local Doctor well in advance of departure for advice on what prophylactics you should take for malaria prevention. Ant-malaria tablets full prescribed dosage should be taken at least 6 days before arrival during you stay and 7 days after your departure. We strongly recommend the use insect repellants such as mosquito repellant and fully cover your arms and legs at dusk and dawn. Since malaria risks exists throughout the year in the whole country below 1800 meters above sea level. We recommend vaccination against cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, paratyphoid fever and where possible a booster for Tetanus-diphtheria. You must have yellow-fever vaccination international certificates, issued at least 14 days before departure.

How safe is Tanzania?

The Tanzanian people are very welcoming, happy to have you in their country. But again just like any other place, don’t go out walking alone in Arusha especially during evenings instead arrange a walking tour with our guides or from your hotel. Keep any valuables to a minimum and out of sight when walking in the street. When using your camera wrap the strap around your arm. Also, try not to use a back pack – use a cross body bag as small as you can manage. There are some incidences of snatch and grabs in Arusha, but physical violence is not usual.

What should I include into my Safari Pack?

First all, carefully choose what you are carrying your safari items in, not just for the trip to Africa, but also for yourself and for those who may have to carry it in Tanzania. A canvas, round squashy, lockable and water proof baggage are recommended so as to fit well in safari vehicles. A smaller bag is recommended for your dirty, unwanted clothes which often can be left at the hotel when you go on safari. Also, a day pack is quite useful while hiking or ridding can be readily accessible when you are on safari in the vehicle especially long drives. Remember, safari vehicles and aircraft have minimum limit on the size and weight of luggage carried.

What equipment’s should I carry?

However, if you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Meru, bring a balaclava and gloves for the very cold night conditions, as well as sun-protective items such as barrier cream and dark glasses for the hot lunchtime sun. Comfortable sturdy or walking shoes and canvas hats are recommended. Sleeping bags and towels if you are planning for camping safari must be included. To capture as much as possible unforgettable memories of this amazing safari, you shouldn’t forget a camera, camcorder with a lot of films, tapes and replacement batteries. Binoculars and powerful torch, preferably lightweight are very important. Remember, your sunglasses, sun lotion/cream, lip balm, insects’ repellants, small first-aid kit, your own toiletry requirements and a pair of binoculars.

What type of Clothing is appropriate for safari?

In winter months of June and July, a light sweater or windbreaker is strongly advised. For the warmer remainder of the year, lightweight clothing in environmentally-friendly coloring such as light khaki or green is recommended. We recommend you to bring tropical clothes (cotton slacks, shirts & skirts). Most nights in Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro with altitudes of 1500-2500 meters, warm clothing such as cardigan or pullover are most suitable especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Almost, all safari camps and lodges have same-day laundry so you can travel with on more than three changing of clothes in the bush: one in the laundry, one that you wearing and a spare set in the cupboard. Short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts are the norm and shorts or long trousers are acceptable. But you may want a long sleeved shirt and long trousers at night to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Sandals or tackies by day are also acceptable although once again, boots or shoes with ankle socks are advised at night. Don’t forget a swimming costume and you might want to include a good book for the relaxing hours.

Should I have Travel Insurance?

The company strongly recommends that clients carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependants/travelling companions for the duration of their trip to Africa. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: cancellation or curtailment of the safari, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods. Maasai Wanderlust, including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the client, or client’s dependants or travelling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above mentioned eventualities. The company shall not be liable for illness, injury or death sustained on a program sold by the company which is not due to the gross negligence of the company, its officers, employees, authorized representatives or agents whomever.