All travellers are advised to be fully vaccinated against COVID (this is not compulsory, and you will not be asked to show proof of vaccination). You may have your temperature checked upon arrival
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 60km (60 min) from Arusha city centre. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest International Airport to Arusha.
Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of Arusha but only operates domestic flights (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti).
Other options include flying to Dar es Salaam and then catching a domestic flight to Kilmanjaro or Arusha. You can also fly to Nairobi (Kenya). International flights to this destination are often cheaper. You can then fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Nairobi Airport to Arusha (approximately 7 hours).
All our safari vehicles have power / charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances / devices. The vehicles and most accommodation in Tanzania uses UK sockets.
Our Safari vehicles are Toyota Landcruiser 4x4s (with pop-up roofs). The vehicles are serviced and maintained to a very high standard before, during and after every safari. The age of the vehicles in our fleet varies but most were built between 2008 and 2013.
If your vehicle does break down and it cannot be fixed on the road, we will request a rescue jeep which will come for you so that you can continue your safari with minimum impact. Whilst every effort is made to prevent this from happening, the driving is rough and the vehicles do take quite a pounding!
Yes, your payment is secure. We use our bank’s online payment portal (CRDB). This uses the latest payment security standards including encryption of your data. They also use a security standard called SSL.
At the camps and tented lodges, chefs prepare fresh soups, breads, entrees and desserts daily, in most lodges, meals are served buffet-style. The food is often prepared with Western palates in mind (some local dishes are included). On a camping safari, you will have your own private Chef who will prepare all your meals. Your Chef will be able to cater for different tastes e.g. Western, Local, or a mixture.
Yes, in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Please ask your Safari Consultant for more information. If you book a Lion King Safari, this is the only place you will be able to do a walking safari. Specialist Tour Operators offer walking safaris in other National Parks e.g. The Serengeti.
We would recommend bringing U$D (United States Dollars) with you and withdrawing Tanzanian Shillings once you arrive. There are many ATMs in Arusha. Most places that you will visit accept U$D but it is always a good idea to have some local currency. Please note: Tanzania does not accept U$D printed before 2006 (this information is printed on the front of the note).
Accommodation inside NCA is limited and is significantly more expensive than staying outside. Many of the hotels and lodges are on the Crater rim and have spectacular views. Please note that you will be also able to experience this view from one of the view-points, so you will not miss out on this if you stay outside.
It is possible to do a night game drives in Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks. Please ask your Safari Consultant for more information.
The weather varies greatly, depending on where you are. Whatever time of year you come, please bring some warm clothes! It gets really cold in some places because of the high altitude, especially in June, July and August. It can also get very hot. We advise dressing in layers. Typically, the long rains are March, April and May. The short rains are in November / early December.
Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi. Most public camp-sites do not have Wi-Fi. In all places, the signal strength is variable and is often weak. It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used (in Arusha). If you want to use it in your phone, you will need to make sure it is unlocked. There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help / advise with this.
It is possible to visit one of several Maasai villages during your safari. However, these villages are close to the main roads and whilst you will meet many Maasai, have a tour around their village and have an opportunity to learn about their culture, some clients have fed back that the experience felt a little uncomfortable. It costs $50 per vehicle and during the visit, you will be encouraged to buy some of their jewellery / craft (this is by no means compulsory). It is inevitable that over time, the experience has become less authentic and we are in the process of sourcing alternative options for our clients. You are very welcome to visit, but we wanted to be open and transparent about the kind of experience you can currently expect.
Choose a duffel bag or soft-sided bag. Ideally, the fabric should be hardy and waterproof and the bag should be lockable. Put anything that is of any value in a separate day pack such as a backpack. Anything of real sentimental or monetary value should ideally be left at home.
Yes. We recommend bringing a basic First Aid Kit. This is a suggested list of supplies: Sun Screen, Antihistamine cream & tablets, Nurofen or equivalent painkiller, Eye-drops, Anti-diarrhoea treatment, A couple of bandages, Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc., Insect repellent containing Deet, Rehydration sachets / vitamin tablets, Assorted plasters
As you want to be careful not to over pack, you need to think carefully about what shoes to take. As long as you are not going on a safari that requires a lot of walking, you will be fine with some light hiking boots and some sports sandals (sandals are also great for walking around the camp at night). You may also like to take flip flops for the showers.
There is a well- established culture of tipping in Tanzania,
Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 15-20 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in Reception. We would recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).
There is a well- established culture of tipping in Tanzania,
Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 15-20 per person, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
Tipping in accommodation is also discretionary. Most accommodation will have a tip box in Reception. We would recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money. Depending on the level of service, we recommend $10 per day (for a group of 2).
are full service facilities with private rooms or cottages with private bathroom and have restaurants and lounges. Some have swimming pools. Many lodges are architecturally stunning made with local materials and inspired by local designs and the environment. Some lodges can accommodate up to 200 guests.
We ask for a 15% (non-refundable) deposit in order to secure the booking. The final balance is due 6 weeks before departure. Payment can be made in a variety of ways:
are permanent or semi-permanent camps sited in areas of excellent game viewing. These provide many of the comforts of a lodge within private spacious canvas tents on a solid permanent base with beds and private baths, and high-quality meals. Tented camps are more intimate than lodges as they generally accommodate 12 to 20 guests.
On a basic camping safari guests sleep in private tents in designated campsites in or near national parks. Our safari crew sets up the camp and prepares all the meals. Washroom facilities are basic and are shared with other guests.