Answers to your next Safari in Tanzania
How much does a safari to Tanzania
The cost of a safari package to Tanzania depends on the budget and preference of the client. At Karibu Africa Safaris, our safari tours range from budget, mid-range and luxury safaris. All our safaris can be tailor-made to the needs of the client.
Do I need a Visa to enter Tanzania?
A passport and visa are required when traveling to Tanzania. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six (6) months past your arrival date. Tourist visa to Tanzania can be obtained in two ways:
- Apply through the nearest Tanzania embassy to you
- Apply for a landing visa when you enter Tanzania
- You need is to present your passport, and fill out the landing card and visa application form. The visa fee should be paid in US dollars cash.
Do I need a Yellow fever vaccination?
If you are transiting into Tanzania from a Yellow Fever-Endemic Zone, you will be required to present proof of yellow fever vaccination. If you are flying directly from Amsterdam or other non-yellow fever endemic countries, you will not be required to take this shot.
Aside from Malaria and Yellow Fever, there may be other vaccination and medications to take before your trip to Tanzania. Please seek specific medical consultation before your trip. Please discuss the following vaccination recommendations with your doctor:
- Hepatitis B
- Yellow Fever
- Anti-malaria drugs
- Various antibiotics
- Booster doses for Tetanus-diphtheria and Polio vaccine
- Diarrhea medicine
Please note, all vaccinations and medications are recommended to be taken 3 – 4 weeks before travel.
How can I prevent contracting Malaria in Africa?
Although malaria is prevalent in Africa, the chances of you as a visitor contracting the disease are very small. This is because malaria is rife in highly populated areas and these are generally not on the tourist route. Nonetheless, we recommend preventive measures like taking prophylactics before departing for your safari, covering up in the evening, and using a repellent on areas of the body that cannot be covered.
What currency is best to use while on safari in Tanzania?
Most lodges, camps, and establishments on your safari package will accept payment in US dollars. It is advisable to exchange a small amount into Tanzanian shillings to prevent being charged a higher exchange rate. Credit cards are widely accepted but we recommend you pay in cash. In case of any inquiry while on safari, you can engage your driver-guide. They are highly experienced and knowledgeable to assist you.
Do I need Travel insurance?
Extensive travel insurance that is effective for the entire duration of your trip is strongly advised. This should ensure coverage for any unforeseen circumstances that may occur.
Is it safe to travel with children?
A safari trip to the African wilderness is one of the most rewarding and unforgettable family vacation experiences. The encounters children come across offer many opportunities for knowledge growth. What should be remembered is that safaris are carried out in the wilderness, and some of the lodges and camps are not fenced. The most important thing is for parents to always keep their children in sight and never let them wander alone.
Is there a luggage restriction on charter flights?
Most charter flights within East Africa have a luggage restriction of 15 Kg per person in soft or duffel bags. Excess luggage may be subjected to an extra cost if it can be accommodated.
What medical supplies must I pack for my safari?
First aid medical kits are available in all Karibu Africa Safaris safari vehicles and at lodges and camps to treat minor injuries. However, you can pack your basic medical kit with painkillers, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine, and plasters. If you will carry prescription medicine on your safari, they must be accompanied by a prescription note from your doctor to allow replacement if the need arises.
Would you like to visit Tanzania or extend another safari with a visit? Please see our itineraries or make a direct inquiry so we can tailor your trip to your personal preferences.
What official documents do I need to travel to Tanzania?
You will require a passport valid for at least six months after your date of entry. If you are arriving from a country in which Yellow Fever is endemic (such as Kenya), you will require an immunization certificate or health card.Citizens of the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and most countries in the EU, need a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Application details and forms can be found on Tanzanian Embassy web sites.
As with all visa matters -- contact your local Tanzanian Embassy for the latest information.
How safe is it to travel in Tanzania?
Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people and are eager to help and assist visitors. As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe, do not carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities, do not wear too much jewellery, do not carry large amounts of cash on your person etc.Guides will monitor your safety in cities and in the game areas. From time to time generalized travel statements are issued concerning travel conditions in the area. For current Department of State announcements and Consular information see http://travel.state.gov/.
How safe is the water and food in Tanzania?
It is best to drink bottled water when travelling through Tanzania - numerous brands are widely available and served in all restaurants and lodges. Steer clear of ice, raw vegetables, and salads when eating at street restaurants. High-end lodges and restaurants will clean their produce in antiseptic solution, but to be on the safe side, fruit and vegetables should always be washed and peeled. Try to avoid eating in empty restaurants - the food may have been sitting out for some time - and order your meat well done. On the coast, seafood and fish are usually fresh, but make sure everything is well-cooked.Typical food in Tanzania?
The food served in the safari camps/lodges varies, but is tasty and delicious. Gourmet cooks bake fresh breads, and produce soups, salads, and entrees that could easily grace tables at the top restaurants around the world. Meals are international in flavour with soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, and breads. Your day normally starts with tea and biscuits before your morning activity.Returning to your lodge or camp late morning, brunch is enjoyed - cereals, fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage, and toast. Buffet lunches are typical with a warm dish such as stew served with salads, quiches and cold meats. Dinner consists of an appetizer followed by meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted vegetables and sauces. Dinner is followed by coffee/ tea, cheeses, and stunning desserts.
In Tanzania's towns and villages, the food is usually simpler. Plain grilled meat, nyama choma, is very popular, and often served with sauce, rice, chips, or ugali (cornmeal). Indian cuisine is also wide spread. The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari, Kilimanjaro, mbege (homebrew from the Chagga people) and banana beer; imported beers (e.g. Tusker from Kenya) and wine are also excellent.
Time in Tanzania?
Tanzania is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). Tanzania does not operate daylight saving time, hence there's no time difference between their summer and winter months.Tanzania's International Dialling code?
The International Dialling Code for Tanzania is +255, followed by the applicable area codes (e.g. 22 for Dar es Salaam, or 27 for Arusha). Calling out from Tanzania, you dial 00 plus the relevant country code (44 for the UK, 1 for the USA).What is the Tanzania currency?
The official unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued as TSh10,000; 5000; 1000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins are issued as TSh100; 50; 20; 10, 5 and 1.The tourism industry prices everything in US Dollars and they are the preferred unit of currency. Major currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. Foreign exchange bureaux in the main towns usually offer a better rate on traveller's cheques than do the banks. ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a 10% surcharge.
See www.oando.com for the latest exchange rates.
How much spending money should I take on my Tanzanian Safari?
You will need very little spending money on most safaris as the majority of meals and activities are included in your package cost. Most people carry between $50 and $100 per person per day for all expenses. Bills may be settled by US cash, by travellers check, or by credit card (accepted at most lodges, camps, hotels).Credit cards may be used in large towns at restaurants and shops with MasterCard and Visa being most accepted. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and non-existent in small retail shops. We recommend bringing US dollars cash. Change USD$ at the airport or bank on your arrival into Tanzania. USD$ cash is acceptable in most tourist areas and can be used for tips