October 18th – 28th, 2023
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!
You will need a passport to travel to Tanzania. Your passport should be valid until at least May 2024 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.
Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania, however, US citizens may easily obtain an “e-visa”. With the e-visa, you can simply take care of the procedures online.
Overall, the process is very easy, takes about 15 minutes and costs $100 USD. We recommend applying for your e-visa 1 month prior to the tour. We will send out the detailed instructions to obtain the visa through the official government website once the dates get closer.
Please note that, for this tour, you may fly to/from either the Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or the Arusha Airport (ARK) as they are both conveniently located near Arusha.
Currently, Tanzania requires 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. Apart from this, there are no additional specific immunization requirements for Tanzania. 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.
Buckle up for an epic 11-day journey across Tanzania, where awe-inspiring natural beauty meets rich local culture. We won’t only spot wild elephants in the Tarangire National Park and marvel at the ancient Kondoa rock paintings, but also interact with artisans in the Mto wa Mbu village and explore the bustling streets of Moshi and Arusha. In this vibrant, diverse region, every day will bring new adventure.
From the thrilling game drives in the wildlife-packed parks of Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the vast Serengeti plains to the tranquil flow of the Materuni Waterfall, each moment will leave you in awe.
So, get ready for a journey that combines the breathtaking wonders of nature with the vibrant traditions and warm hospitality of the Tanzanian people. It’s an adventure that will ignite your senses, challenge your perspectives, and create memories to last a lifetime. Tanzania is calling, and it’s time to answer the call of adventure!
From safari eco-lodges to traditional Tanzanian inns and great 3* and 4* hotels, you can always expect clean and comfortable accommodations. All rooms have a private bathroom. Amenities may vary by location.
We’ll use a private Toyota Coaster bus to travel between destinations, as well as 4×4 jeeps for our safari game drives.
On this tour, air conditioning will be available only in our hotels in Arusha and Moshi. Air conditioners are not a common feature in safari properties, as they try to be eco-friendly and save electricity. However, there’s no reason to worry — the savannah tends to cool down in the evening, so your room or tent will stay comfortable.
➜ 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.
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.
We will always have bottle water available in the vehicle.
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 tour leader or local guide recommend.
The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). The current exchange rate is $1 USD = 2,405 TZS.
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 – 2,500 – 5,000 TZS if someone helps you with luggage or anything else
➜ Our drivers – At the end of the trip, we recommend that everyone gives a $110 USD tip for our drivers. We will collect this on the last day and give it to our drivers before we say goodbye
➜ Tour leader – If you wish to tip your tour leader, they will always be greatly appreciative
*Tips for local guides and waitstaff at included meals are already included.
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. Once in Tanzania, your tour leader will discuss safety suggestions as well.
➜ 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. Additionally, be mindful of overcharging by some taxi drivers and never use unlicensed taxis. By staying alert, negotiating taxi fares in advance and keeping a close eye on your belongings, you can protect yourself from any potential scams. 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 tour leader for approximate prices and take some time before making any purchase.
➜ Safaris – While safaris in Tanzania are exceptionally safe, it’s always wise to follow a few general guidelines to ensure a secure experience. Our local guides will ensure your safety throughout the journey and it’s essential to listen to their instructions and adhere to their expert advice. Remember to stay inside the safari vehicle at all times and avoid any sudden movements that may startle the wildlife. Respecting their natural habitat is key, so keep a safe distance and never attempt to touch or feed the animals. Additionally, packing essentials like sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent will ensure you’re protected from the elements. With these precautions in mind, you can relax and fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters that Tanzania has to offer.
During this trip, we can expect relatively consistent weather. October is an ideal time to visit Tanzania, with very little rain and pleasant temperatures. Here are the average temperatures of each destination we will visit:
➜ Arusha: 81F/27C high – 61F/16C low
➜ Tarangire National Park: 91F/33C high – 63F/17C low
➜ Lake Manyara National Park: 86F/30C high – 59F/15C low
➜ Ngorongoro Crater: 81F/27C high – 55F/13C low
➜ Serengeti National Park: 86F/30C high – 61F/16C low
➜ Moshi: 90F/32C high – 64F/18C low
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. Locals, especially women, usually avoid wearing shorts or tank tops and tend to dress quite modestly. On safaris, while shorts can be worn, we recommend long pants for protection against flies and mosquitoes. Moreover, once the sun goes down, long pants and long-sleeved shirts become essential for mosquito bite prevention. Lastly, consider neutral or khaki clothing rather than dark blue or black to avoid attracting tsetse flies.
We recommend packing the following items:
The most important thing is that you don’t overpack as moving around country with your luggage can be tiresome and the less stuff you have, the more thankful you’ll be once the tour begins.
If you have any questions about other items you were thinking about bringing or not bringing, just send us an email and we’ll be happy to let you know if such an item is necessary for this trip.
Your dedicated tour leader, Scott, will be there to support you every step of the way. With his extensive expertise as a small group tour leader, you are in incredibly capable hands. From answering your questions to offering assistance whenever needed, Scott is committed to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable adventure for everyone. He will personally introduce himself and share important details with you through our group WhatsApp chat, which will be created approximately 2 weeks before the tour.
**Our tour leader will be there to ensure the trip runs smoothly and our local guides are there to share the wonders of their country!
You may bring your camera bodies and lenses into Tanzania as a tourist. Drones weighing 7 kilograms (15.5 pounds) or less may be flown in Tanzania, but you must first obtain permission from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, as well as the Ministry of Defense and National Service. You also need to hold a certificate authenticating your ability to fly a drone issued by your country of origin.
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.
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.
We can also set up local SIM cards upon arrival for those who wish. Just make sure you have a GSM-enabled unlocked phone in order to use a foreign SIM card.
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.
Yes! Some days, particularly in the cities, will include time together as well as free time for you to enjoy a destination at your own pace. With that said, your tour leader will always be available to offer personal recommendations and suggestions as to things you might want to do or see, places to eat and other interesting activities that you might want to check out when there is free time.
We will set up a WhatsApp chat 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour that will include all of the participants as well as your tour leader. This will allow everyone to get to know each other in advance, ask questions and communicate with your tour leader both before and during the tour. It will be very useful for you to have WhatsApp available to you during the tour as this will be the main method of communication.
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
