It’s time to get excited!

Your fascinating trip to Tanzania is on the horizon and what a memorable trip it shall be. Please read the following document carefully as it contains important information to help you prepare for the adventure ahead. If you have any questions at all, simply let us know!

Entry Requirements

Passport Information

You will need a passport to travel to Tanzania. Your passport should be valid until at least February 2025 and it should have 2 full empty pages.

If you don’t have empty pages, please contact us and we will send you instructions for getting a new passport in time for the tour.

Visa Information

US citizens require a visa to enter Tanzania. However, US citizens may obtain an “e-visa” for a cost of $100 USD. This allows you to obtain the visa in advance and simply bring it with you.

With the e-visa, we will take care of the process for you.

As the trip gets closer, we will ask for a few details, as well as one passport photo (headshot) from each of you. Once we process your e-Visas, we will send you the document that you’ll need to print and bring with you when flying to Tanzania.

Immunizations

Currently, Tanzania DOES NOT require any specific immunizations to enter the country, with the exception of a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate only from guests that arrive from countries with a high risk of yellow fever transmission. This rule also applies to travelers who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in any of these countries. However, it is always worthwhile to consult with a healthcare professional about other optional vaccinations that might be beneficial for you during the tour. These may include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Cholera, Yellow Fever, Malaria and Meningitis.

Country Information

What Should You Expect?

Prepare for a memorable 50th anniversary journey across Tanzania, where the beauty of nature and the richness of local culture blend harmoniously. From the tranquil coffee plantations of Arusha to the welcoming streets of Moshi, each day unfolds a new story filled with discovery. Your time here will include engaging visits to Arusha’s markets, meaningful interactions with artisans in the Mto wa Mbu village, and serene explorations of the country’s wildlife-rich landscapes.

As your travels take you from Arusha’s surroundings to the expansive Serengeti plains and the historic Olduvai Gorge, each experience is thoughtfully arranged to immerse you in the marvels of Tanzania. Your excursions in the Serengeti and the descent into the Ngorongoro Crater will offer serene wildlife viewing opportunities. Meanwhile, your time near Lake Manyara will provide you with a tranquil break, featuring activities from your luxury manor, such as engaging with the team that maintains the coffee plantation, participating in a cooking class, or simply enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool.

So, get ready to embark on this luxurious journey to celebrate the breathtaking beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes and the rich tapestry of its culture. This trip promises a serene exploration of nature and a genuine introduction to the local culture and hospitality. Tanzania extends its welcome, inviting you to embrace the tranquility and beauty of this remarkable anniversary celebration.

Accommodation

Your accommodations throughout this journey include 5-star hotels, luxury safari lodges and a highly rated 4* hotel in Moshi. Each accommodation has been chosen for its exceptional quality, stunning settings and commitment to top-notch comfort and service.

Please note: Due to environmental regulations, air conditioning is not a feature at safari properties. However, the evening temperatures in these regions are generally cool, ensuring the temperature in the rooms remains very comfortable.

Transportation

For this tour, you’ll be traveling in a private Toyota Alphard during your time in Arusha and Moshi, providing a comfortable journey within these cities. On your safari game drives, you’ll enjoy a private 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser, equipped with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing, along with comfortable seating, a fridge, and power sockets for added convenience. Additionally, you’ll have a quick flight from Arusha to the Serengeti and from Lake Manyara to Moshi.

Food and Water

Tap water in Tanzania is not ideal for drinking and you should always drink bottled water. It’s also best to use bottled water to brush your teeth.

All of the food provided during the tour will be completely safe to consume. Fruits and vegetables are always washed in filtered water, so the chances of getting a stomach bug are very slim. While the allure of Tanzanian street food and local restaurants can be tempting, we recommend that you only eat from places your local guide recommends.

Money

The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). The current exchange rate is $1 USD = 2,545 TZS.

Tipping

Tipping in Tanzania is not as common as in the West but in some cases it is expected. Here’s a general guideline:

• Restaurants – 5% – 10% if a service charge is not already added to the bill
• Hotel staff – $3 – $4 USD if someone helps you with luggage or anything else
• Your drivers – We recommend that you give a tip of $10 USD per person per day to your local drivers.
• Local guides – We recommend that you give a tip of $20 USD per person per day to your local guides.

Safety

Tanzania is an overall safe destination with friendly people and few real concerns. As with any travel, the general rule is to use the same common sense you would use back home in order to ensure a hassle-free experience.

➜ Watch your stuff – When wandering around crowded areas, it’s always a good idea to keep your wallet and phone in your front pocket or secured in a purse or backpack. The purse, backpack or shoulder bag should be hanging by your front hip, with zippers fastened. Keep in mind that when out and about each day, you may leave valuables in your room as the hotels we use are all very safe.

➜ Scams – Although rare, local scams can sometimes happen. One such scam involves a local approaching you and offering to take your picture with their camera or phone. However, when you go to return the camera, they purposely drop it and demand payment for the damages. It is also possible that local shop owners or market vendors may try to inflate their prices for any goods you want to purchase. It’s best to always shop around, ask your guide for approximate prices and take some time before making any purchase.

Weather

During this trip, you can expect relatively consistent weather. July is an ideal time to visit Tanzania, with very little rain and pleasant temperatures. Here are the average temperatures of each destination you will visit:

• Arusha: 73F/23C high – 59F/15C low
• Serengeti National Park: 82F/28C high – 57F/14C low
• Ngorongoro Crater: 73F/23C high – 52F/11C low
• Lake Manyara National Park: 79F/26C high – 57F/14C low
• Moshi: 79F/26C high – 57F/14C low

Facts About Tanzania

• Population: 63.59 million people
• Religion: The predominant religion is Christianity, being the religion of 63% of the population. Islam, practiced by 34% of Tanzanians, also plays a significant role. Minorities of Atheists and followers of traditional faiths also exist around the country.
• Languages: Tanzania showcases a mix of languages, with Swahili and English serving as the primary official languages. Despite this, the country is home to over 120 ethnic groups, each with its own tongue, illustrating the nation’s vibrant cultural diversity. While Swahili is universally spoken across the country, English is widely used in business circles and among different ethnic communities.
• Politics: Tanzania functions as a unitary presidential democratic republic, where the President acts as both the head of state and head of government. The current president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, became the first female president of Tanzania in 2021, and also served as the first female vice-president in the history of the country from 2015.

Clothing and Packing

For the most part, it’s best to opt for comfortable, light clothing. Dressing conservatively, with pants or long skirts that go below the knees, is generally advisable although shorts are acceptable in some areas and while on safari.

We recommend packing the following items:

Additional Information

Outlet Adapters

Tanzania uses a different plug outlet than you will find in most other parts of the world. You will need Type D and/or Type G plug adapters as these are both used throughout the country. It is highly recommended to purchase these adapters in advance.

As for electricity, check your chargers to see if they say 110 – 230V If they do, you will not have any problems charging your device while on the tour.

Staying Connected

As Tanzania is a developing country, strong internet is not quite widespread. While almost all of the accommodations have Wi-Fi, the connection can be poor at times, so be prepared to be offline more than you’re probably used to back home. In general, the internet access will work and you’ll be able to do whatever you need to do online, but it might take longer than normal with the potentially spotty connection.

The easiest way to stay connected during the tour will be to purchase an E–SIM before the trip, as this will allow you to stay connected from the moment you land at the airport.

Another option is to activate your home network’s ‘international plan’ which will allow you to continue using your phone as you would at home, with access to a data connection, for a fee that usually ranges from $5 – $10 per day.

That’s it for now and we hope you are continuing to get more and more excited about this incredible adventure, just as we are!

If you have any questions about anything, please reach out to team@wanderingearl.com