Travel Information
Electricity, Phone and Internet
Tanzania uses 220V and if you are bringing 110V appliances you will need an adapter as well as the proper plug configuration. Most Tanzanian outlets accommodate three prong UK style plugs. Most calls in Tanzania are made using mobile phones. Calls outside Tanzania cost around USD 0.50 per minute. There is limited cell phone coverage in the national parks. In case you need the local Tanzania SIM card you can buy, is acceptable.
The Internet can be accessed from any city in Tanzania. The connections are relatively fast and cheap ($1.00 per hour), and there are many internet cafes. You will not have access to internet while on Mt. Kilimanjaro although you can get cell phone reception in some areas. WIFI is available at some safari lodges.
Luggage and Clothing
We recommend bringing soft-bags to Tanzania. Domestic flights departing from the national parks allow only 15kg of baggage per person and the bag must be soft and relatively compact. Roller duffel are okay. For Kilimanjaro, please bring a large backpack or duffel (no wheels) in which to pack your gear for the porter to carry. We put all bags inside larger rainproof bags so it is not necessary to buy a large backpack the duffel is perfectly fine.
We recommend bringing clothing that is easy to hand wash and air dry. Most camps and lodges in Tanzania hand-wash and then line-dry clothing. Although the sun is hot, and even heavy items dry quickly, it is important to pack clothes that can withstand sometimes rough hand washing. We recommend washing clothes when you have at least two consecutive nights in one location.
ATM and Credit Card Services
You can withdraw Tanzanian shillings using Visa /Master Card in various parts of the country since ATM machines of different banks are widely spread country wide. Upscale hotels and safari lodges generally accept credit cards but charge a commission to do so. Please call your credit card company before you travel to Tanzania to notify them of your travel plans. Some companies will put a block on your card if you try to use it in Tanzania ATM. Please note that you usually need to have a four digit PIN to use your ATM/credit card.
Paying in Local or Foreign Currency
We recommend changing some money into Tanzanian shillings for small purchases during your trip. Local stores and restaurants charge in Tanzanian shillings, and if you pay in dollars you might pay a higher rate. At souvenir stores around Arusha city, we recommend paying in shillings as the price is usually lower. Be sure to carry small notes in whatever currency you choose to use as sometimes it is difficult to get change on safari.
Traveler’s Checks
We do not recommend bringing travelers checks to Tanzania as few banks accept them and the rate is lower than the rate for cash. We recommend bringing some USD cash and using an ATM/credit card to withdraw shillings. ATMs are available in all major Tanzanian cities.
Old USD notes
Your USD notes will need to be year 2002 or newer for mainland Tanzania and we recommend year 2006 or newer for Zanzibar.
Purchasing Visa
Most nationalities can purchase a tourist visa at the port of entry. If you plan to purchase Tanzanian visas at the airport or border, for the amount of $50 USD per person and $100 USD per person for USA, Canada and Irish citizens. A short arrival form is completed when entering the country, but no passport photos or documentation other than your passport and Yellow Fever card are necessary to purchase a visa.
Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Also, you will need at least one blank page in your passport (the back page does not count). Please check with your local Tanzanian embassy to make sure you can obtain a visa on arrival.
Health Insurance and Immunizations
We provide Flying Doctors (AMREF) emergency evacuation insurance for our clients. You will be evacuated from Tanzania to Nairobi in case of emergency. You will need a separate insurance policy to cover medical costs once in Nairobi. Modern medical services are available in big cities and towns. However visitors are advised to bring their own medicines with them.
Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce international vaccination certificates. Anti-malaria medication is strongly recommended when traveling to East Africa. Anti-malaria tablets are recommended to be taken a few days prior to your arrival, during your stay and for a short period after returning home.
International Insurance
We require that all clients arrange personal travel insurance to cover their medical, property, and other personal risks for the duration of their safaris.
Miscellaneous
Other information’s we can provide during your pre departure in our office Arusha Tanzania.
