Travel preparation Tanzania

Travel preparation Tanzania

Travel documents

Tourist visa

In order to travel in Tanzania, a tourist visa is required. Apply for this at the consulate or online via their site. We suggest you do this well before your departure date. It will take about 4 working days to process and is valid for three months. Other document requirements when you apply for a visa are: a copy of your flight itinerary or e-ticket. So, reserve your flights before applying for a visa.

Valid Passport

The consulate requires that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Tanzania.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Tanzania is of a reasonable standard, but facilities can vary in different regions. However, if you need specific medication, be very sure you carry sufficient supplies and a medical passport with you. Chemists and medical supplies are few and far between in some areas.

Further requirements and advice:

  • Obligatory: vaccination against Yellow fever [unless one is over 65 years of age or have a specific medical condition. In both cases, one needs a letter from your GP stating that vaccination is not required due to age or medical contra-indication.
  • Obligatory: a stamp in your vaccination book or a letter stating that one comes from a cholera-free area/country.
  • Strongly advised: Hepatitis A and DTP (Diptherea, Tetanus and Polio)
  • Strongly advised: anti-malaria medication (tablets)
  • Strongly advised: Preventative measures against malaria. Use Deet 50% or higher (lotion or spray), wear long-sleeved shirts/blouses, long trousers and tuck trouser-legs into your socks.

For up-to-date medical advice, we refer you to your GP, local GGD or travel clinic. Inform yourself 4-6 weeks before departure.

Luggage

For your safari, we advise that you travel with a soft case/bag or backpack with a maximum weight of 20kg. This is due to limited space in the safari vehicle. The luggage which you will not need during your safari [i.e. only for your on-going destination], can be left in Arusha and collected after the safari. Speak to your guide to arrange this.

What to pack

  • Lightweight cotton clothing in ‘earth’ colours i.e., no bright or dark colours
  • T-shirts or polo shirts and shorts
  • Shirts with long sleeves and long trousers (lightweigt)
  • Fleece or jersey pullover, as the temperature drops significantly after sunset
  • Sturdy walking shoes and a pair of sandals
  • Cap or hat against the sun
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun protection lotion with high UV factor
  • Headlamp and/or torch
  • Power adapter to fit UK style electrical socket
  • (Solar) power bank and extra batteries for e.g. cameras
  • Anti-insect (malaria) lotion/spray like Deet 50% or higher
  • Personal medication, anti-malaria tablets and ORS powders and medication against diarrhoea
  • Binoculars
  • Copy of passport, visa, flight documents and Insurance details/card
  • Credit card
  • Sufficient cash (USD issued 2004 or later) and Tanzanian Shilling, withdrawing money is not always possible

Tips and fees

While tipping is discretionary, it is common practice to give your guide and/or cook something extra for his services, advice and expertise. An amount of $ 8,00 – $10,00 per day per guest for the guide and cook each, is reasonable.

Electricity and voltage

In Tanzania the grid power / AC power in hotels and other accommodation is 220-240 volt. The adaptors, plugs and electrical sockets are ALL of the British type [3 prong plugs]. The electricity supply can vary greatly so take this into consideration when using electrical equipment like laptops – they can be damaged due to this.

General

A safari to a country like Tanzania is an adventure: the roads are mostly sandy and bumpy, and maintenance is minimal. The driving times for the routes we mention on our website are just an indication. Due to (weather) conditions, the real travel time can be much longer.

Please have a look at our example safaris