Travel Guidance

Charter Airline Luggage Limitations
Please note that the luggage restriction on the scheduled charter flights in South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe is 20kgs (44lbs) per person which needs to be packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.

In Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia the luggage limit is 15Kgs (33lbs) per person packed in soft-sided duffel bags. This weight limitation includes your hand luggage.

Note that seat rate charter flights operate a shuttle service and guests may be collected at other camps before proceeding to your destination.

 

Visas
Certain countries in Africa require you to obtain travel authorisation ahead of your arrival in those countries. For some travellers, the online application portals can be challenging to use, causing frustration and anxiety. If you do not want to navigate the online process yourself, feel free to contact a specialist visa agency such as Visa HQ to assist you.    

 

Yellow Fever
Please note that you need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travel to Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya. You must travel with the original certificate as you may be asked for proof thereof.  

 

Malaria Medication
We recommend that you take malaria prophylactics as you will be travelling to a malaria risk area. You will need to liaise with your primary care physician or travel clinic regarding the medication most suited to your needs. We're not able to recommend which one to take as it depends on other medication you're currently taking / any medical conditions etc.

 

Flights via the United Kingdom
From 8 January 2025, all USA passport holders will require a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if travelling through, or even transiting, the UK. For other nationalities, click here to see when you can apply for an ETA: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

The cost is currently £10 per person. Everyone needs an ETA, including infants and children. NOTE that you need to complete the ETA application prior to your arrival in the UK. It usually takes 3 working days for your ETA to be approved.  

The most convenient way to apply is on the app: download the UK ETA app from the App Store or Google Play. If you are unable to access the app, you can apply online by clicking here: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply

      

Visa Note for South Africa
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to South Africa. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 30 days after your date of departure from South Africa.    

 

Visa Note for Botswana  
American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Botswana. However, you are required to have at least two consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Botswana.

Please be aware - all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Botswana, clearly showing the details of both parents. Both parents need to be travelling with the child. If this is not the case, additional documentation may be required. Please contact us for further info.

   

Visa Note for Zambia
Zambia has waived all visa fees (including day trip visas), for nationals from Australia, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

All other nationalities are required to pay for their Zambian visas. The entry fee is currently US$50 per person (subject to change). You can purchase your visa at Livingstone / Lusaka Airports on arrival. If you plan to visit both sides of the Falls you can purchase a Kaza Visa for US$50 per person which allows you access to both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).

   

Visa Note for Zimbabwe
Most passport holders can purchase their visa for Zimbabwe on arrival at a cost of US$30 (subject to change). NOTE the following exceptions: visas for Canadian nationals are US$75  per person and for British / Irish passport holders, it's US$55 per person.

Please note that you will need to have cash available to purchase your visa as they do not accept credit cards. (Most African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).

 

Visa Note for Mozambique
The E-Visa site and implementation of the registration process has NOT been successful, and Mozambique is now rolling out a Visa exemption implementation.

This means the temporary suspension of the pre-registration process for visitors from visa-exempt countries.

Clients can now enter Mozambique without any form of pre-registration (a temporary measure to provide flexibility and convenience for visitors).

Upon entry into Mozambique clients from visa-exempt countries now only require the following:

*Pay MZN 650.00 (at the current rate of exchange this is USD10.00 or R180.00).

There are credit card facilities available but cash is preferred. No change is available, so please ensure you have the correct amount in cash handy. USD and South African Rand are both accepted.

*Provide a valid passport with 6 months validity AFTER the last day of your stay in Mozambique, plus 3 blank pages.

*Provide confirmation of your round-trip flight details (return tickets)

*Proof of accommodation in the form of a letter from your accommodation provider

   

Visa Note for Namibia 
Currently American, Canadian and EU passport holders do not require a visa for entry to Namibia. However, you are required to have at least three consecutive blank visa pages in your passport, per country visited, to be allowed entry. Please ensure that your passports are valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry.

NOTE that as of 1 April 2025, Namibia’s new visa regulations come into effect. This means that 31 countries who did not previously require visas will now require them. The affected countries include the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, France, Germany, amongst others. The visa fee will be N$1,600 per person (around USD90). You may obtain your visas at the airport on arrival.

Please be aware - all children under the age of 18 years must travel with an unabridged birth certificate for entry into Namibia, clearly showing the details of both parents. Both parents need to be travelling with the child. If this is not the case, additional documentation may be required. Please contact us for further info.

   

Visa Note for Seychelles
A visa is not required for stays up to 30 days.

On arrival, travelers need to provide proof of onward or return transportation, a confirmed accommodation booking and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. They will then be issued a Visitor's Permit which is valid for a stay of up to 30 days.

All visitors must apply for entry through the Health Travel Authorisation platform prior to their arrival in the Seychelles. Please visit https://seychelles.govtas.com/ This health authorisation is essential for travel and will be required when you check in for your flight. Visitors will not be permitted to board their flight without the authorisation being in place.

   

Visa Note for Kenya
Kenya has implemented an eTA (electronic travel authorisation) system. This is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to Kenya. The possession of an eTA is not the final authority to enter the Republic of Kenya. Admissibility will be determined at the point of entry.

All visitors are required to apply for an eTA prior to arrival in Kenya by clicking here - https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en

The cost is currently US$32.50 per traveller, plus bank and processing fees.

For most travelers, a single entry eTA will be sufficient. If you are visiting neighbouring countries such as Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda and then returning to Kenya afterwards, you will be able to use the same eTA for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits.

NOTE that the eTA is only valid for 90 days from the date of issue, so please don’t apply too early. If the eTA expires prior to your arrival in Kenya, you will need to start a new application. The eTA is only required for entry into Kenya - there is no need to re-apply for an eTA if it expires whilst you are in Kenya.

Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Kenya, and you require at least two blank visa pages in your passport.

 

IMPORTANT: Single use plastic bags are banned in Kenya. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bringing single use plastic bags into the country. Being in possession of a single use plastic bag is an offence and offenders could be penalised.

 

Visa Note for Tanzania
US passport holders can purchase their visa for Tanzania at the port of entry at a cost of US$100 per person. Please have the exact amount in cash available as they do not accept credit cards. (Please note that East African countries only accept USD bills that are in excellent condition and dated 2006 or later).

Note that, should you be arriving in Tanzania from Kenya, via the Isebania border post, you must apply for your Tanzanian visa ahead of your arrival.

Because the arrival visa process can take a long time, we suggest that you apply for your e-visa prior to travel by clicking on this link - https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ Guidelines are available here which provides further information on what you’ll need for the application process: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/guidelines

If you are visiting neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda or Uganda and then returning to Tanzania afterwards, you will be able to use the same visa for re-entry – provided you do not return to your country of residence between visits. Keep in mind that Zanzibar is part of Tanzania.

Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Tanzania. You are also required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.

 

CROSSING THE BORDER FROM THE MASAAI MARA (KENYA) TO THE SERENGETI (TANZANIA) – ISEBANIA BORDER POST

You will fly from your safari lodge to the Migori Airstrip – from here, you will board a shared bus (arranged by the airline) to the immigration check point. After you’ve completed the border formalities, you will continue by bus to the Tarime Airstrip. From here you will fly to your safari lodge in the Serengeti.

Though it is usually possible to get your visa for Tanzania on arrival, for this border crossing you MUST get your Tanzania visa in advance. This is due to the time constraints imposed by the airlines as the flights need to stick to the scheduled times.

Travellers must have the following documents ready when crossing from Kenya to Tanzania:

Passport
Yellow fever certificate
E-visa
Completed entry declaration form

Visa Note for Uganda
Uganda Immigration have implemented the use of electronic visas. All visitors who require an entry visa must apply through the online application system prior to arrival by clicking  here: https://visas.immigration.go.ug.

You are required to upload clear copies of the bio-data page of your passport, your Yellow Fever certificate and a recent passport photo.

On completion of the online application you will receive a barcoded e-mail notification. Print out this e-mail and bring it along with you to Uganda.

Upon arrival you must present the barcoded e-mail to the relevant authorities.

The immigration officer will scan the barcode, take your fingerprints, collect your photo and request the US$50 cash payment for the visa. (Please note: Uganda only accepts USD bills dated 2006 or later, and bills that are in excellent condition). A visa sticker will be printed with your photo and placed in your passport.

Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months after your date of entry into Uganda, and you’re required to have at least two blank visa pages in your passport.

It is possible to get an East Africa Tourist Visa which covers Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya on a single visa. Note that Tanzania is not included and if you have travelled to Tanzania and then return to either Uganda, Rwanda or Kenya, the East Africa visa will no longer be valid. You need to lodge the application with the first country on your itinerary (note that if Kenya is the first country on your itinerary, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not apply and you will need to obtain separate visas for each country).

Visitors to Uganda who will be participating in gorilla trekking activities are required to wear a mask while with the gorillas.

NOTE that e-cigarettes have been BANNED in Uganda.

Uganda is one of the 35 countries globally where e-cigarettes are banned according to World Health Organization (WHO). Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that emit a vaporized solution to inhale. These include e-hookahs, vaporizer cigarettes, vapes, and vape pens.

Please do not carry these items, even if you don't intend on using them.

   

Visa Note Rwanda
Visas may be obtained on arrival at Kigali International Airport. The cost is currently US$50 per person and must be paid in cash.

You can also apply for a Rwanda e-visa online, please follow this link - https://irembo.gov.rw/home/citizen/all_services   

When the site loads – go to Immigration and Emigration to complete the visa application.

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after the date of arrival in Rwanda. You also require at least two blank visa pages in your passport.

It is possible to get an East African Tourist Visa that covers entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. These need to be purchased from the first country of entry. Please note that this visa does not cover entry into Tanzania and if you enter Tanzania from one of these other countries having travelled on the EA Visa, the East African Tourist Visa will no longer be valid. You need to lodge the application with the first country on your itinerary (note that if Kenya is the first country on your itinerary, the East Africa Tourist Visa does not apply and you will need to obtain separate visas for each country).

Travellers over the age of 5 years who are scheduled to visit the primates at the Volcanoes, Nyungwe and / or Gishwati-Mukura National Parks are required to wear a mask during their visit.

 

Tanzania

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well-known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!


Entry Requirements

ENTERING TANZANIA

You DO require a visa to enter Tanzania if you are a citizen of -

· USA

· Canada

· Australia

· United Kingdom

· any of the EU countries

If you are a citizen of another country, please consult THIS LIST

(http://immigration.go.tz/module1.php?id=24), to determine if you need a visa before you enter.

Foreign nationals requiring a visa are divided into two categories, those who are required to obtain special clearance before travelling, and those who may purchase their visa upon arrival. The vast majority of travelers fall into the latter category.

In all cases, ALL visitors are required to have a passport which is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Tanzania.

In all instances, ALL visitors must ensure there are TWO successive blank pages in their passport per country to be visited.

Visitors traveling through South Africa, to and from Tanzania, should be advised that the passports of ALL travellers to South Africa must contain at least TWO blank consecutive (unstamped) visa pages each time entry to South Africa is requested; these pages are IN ADDITION to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport.

Depending on which visa category you fall into, Tanzanian visas may be obtained in advance, as well as at -

Dar es Salaam International Airport

Zanzibar International Airport

Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), or

Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya boarder point); respectively.

Visas obtained in advance may be applied for manually at relevant Tanzanian Diplomatic or Consulate Missions. Visitors are urged to do so to avoid any possible inconvenience at point of entry in Tanzania.

For visitors purchasing a visa on arrival, travellers should -

· have the exact US$ to hand

· note that if purchasing visas on arrival in Tanzania (airports and road border posts), you will be required to use US$ bills issued LATER than the year 2006.

Older notes are not accepted and may result in travel delays or entry refusal.


Banking and Currency

CURRENCY - CREDIT CARDS in TANZANIA

The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), which is made up of 100 Senti (Cents).

Credit Cards

As in most African countries, Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted throughout Tanzania.

American Express and Diners Club are frequently NOT accepted at all.

Be sure to ask your bank about a Visa or MasterCard with no foreign transaction fees!

Debit cards are not acknowledged.

TIPPING

Although not compulsory, if you are happy with the level of service provided, it is customary to tip guides, drivers, and support staff, and it is appropriate to do so in US$ or Tanzanian Shillings (TZS).

General Guidelines for Tipping

· Ranger/ Guide - $20 per couple per day

· Tracker - $15 per couple per day

· Butler - $15 per couple per day

· Camp Staff - $15 per couple per day

· Transfer Drivers - $5 per transfer

· Porters - $1 per bag

· Restaurants - 10% of the bill

Whilst it is not encouraged to carry enormous quantities of cash, visitors should be aware that facilities for exchanging or drawing any type of currencies are restricted to the bigger towns and the cities.

NOTE: US dollars dated 2006 or earlier are NOT accepted in East Africa.


Travel, Transport and Getting Around

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Tanzania, Precision Air 
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Zanzibar International Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 


Health and Medical Information

VACCINATIONS & GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION for TANZANIA

Malaria:

Since malaria is endemic in many areas of East Africa, including Tanzania, it is strongly recommended you obtain anti-malaria medication before entering the country.

To obtain a prescription for anti-malaria medication, visitors should consult their own medical doctor or health authority prior to departure.

Currently, the most commonly prescribed anti-malarial tablet is Malarone. Your primary-care physician will be able to offer the best advice.

Vaccinations:

If you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever, upon your arrival the government of Tanzania requires proof of a yellow fever inoculation.

USA, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and the EU, do NOT fall into this category, BUT, if you have travelled or transited through countries where yellow fever is apparent, even if just in transit via Nairobi, you will be required to provide a Yellow Fever certificate.

Endemic countries include Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.

A full list of yellow fever risk countries may be viewed HERE.

The yellow fever vaccination is valid for ten years, and must be administered no later than ten days prior to departure.

NOTE: should you fall into the yellow fever risk category, you are required to travel with your Yellow Fever certificate/card.

Water:

All safari camps and lodges supply fresh, clean (bottled or filtered) water for their guests. Do however always check with the camp/lodge staff if it safe to brush your teeth with the tap/faucet water.

Medication(s):

Pack your own basic medications for headaches and hay fever for instance, as well as for any other minor afflictions, and/or travel-related maladies, you think you may experience in the course of your stay.

Visitors are advised to carry sufficient supplies of specialised (prescription) medication they may require for the entire duration of their holiday.


Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), nyamachoma (grilled meat), pilau (spiced rice), and chapati. Traditional dishes like mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and samosas are popular street foods. Don't miss trying the Swahili cuisine with its rich seafood dishes. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tangawizi (ginger soda), Tembo (local beer), and Konyagi (a spirit). 

Tipping: 10-15% 


Climate and Weather

THE WEATHER in TANZANIA

Tanzania is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and a real summer.

Temperatures inland are relatively temperate, and hotter and humid at the coast, on the islands, and in the Selous.

The warmest period is September, October and January, and the coolest is June, July and August.

Tanzania has two rainy seasons; the long rains are from March to May, and the short, or ‘Mango’, rains, come from late October to late December.

Daytime temperatures are generally pleasant and range between 15°C/59°F and 26°C/78°F, but do sometimes rise above 30°C/86°F in the warmer months.

In the higher altitude areas, the temperatures drop substantially, and it can be very cold on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.

Conversely, the coastal area is humid all year round, with higher temperatures and muggy heat.


Clothing and Dress Recommendations

WHAT to PACK for TANZANIA

Whilst muted colours are recommended for a safari holiday, there is no need to purchase serious safari gear for your visit to Tanzania.

It is quite acceptable to wear jeans with a neutral-coloured shirt and a baseball cap, with the emphasis on comfort and ease.

Must Haves:

· A good wide-brimmed sun hat – for the intense African sun

· A bandana - for the dusty, dry regions

· Comfortable sneakers, tennis shoes, or boat shoes - you do not require specialised hiking shoes for bush walks

· Sandals – flip-flops for around the camp

· Golf shirts or T-shirts

· Long-sleeved cotton shirts – to provide protection from sun, as well as from mosquitos in the evenings

· Shorts - note that short skirts are not practical and not recommended

· A sport bra - for bumpy game drives

· A micro-fibre zippered jacket and light rain gear - for rainy summer months

· Swimming costume – whilst at all times respecting modesty of local custom

· Warm fleece, anorak, scarf, gloves and ski cap/beanie - for morning and evening game drives, for the winter months, and for higher altitudes, where it can be cool even in summer.

A Detailed List of the Most Practical Items to Pack:

· Khaki, green, beige, neutral colours

· Shirts with long sleeves

· T-shirts

· Shorts or light skirt (not short)

· Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cool days

· Wind-proof warm jacket

· Light sweater/jumper

· Lightweight water-proof jacket

· Swimwear

· Comfortable walking shoes

· Socks & underwear

· Personal toiletries

· Sun block, after-sun gel, moisturiser, lip salve/balm

· Strong insect repellent

· Hat and sunglasses

· Binoculars and camera equipment (as well as a dustproof bag for cameras and accessories).

LAUNDRY

Laundry can be done at most camps. At many of the camps and lodges, this service is complimentary, but there may be a nominal charge at other establishments.

Owing to and depending on prevailing local traditions in the country, at certain camps, the staff may not or will not wash underwear or intimate apparel.

It is totally acceptable to wear the same outfit more than once while on safari, there is no need to be a fashionista in the bush!


Internet Availability

Internet cafes: Yes 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Yes 
Shopping malls: Yes 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes 


Electricity and Plug Standards

POWER in TANZANIA

Camps and lodges in Tanzania are situated in remote areas and generate their own electricity - either by solar power or by diesel generator.

These power sources in turn charge banks of batteries known as an inverter system, which then provides 220Volt power in each tented room for lighting and ceiling fans.

Hairdryers & Electric Shavers

It is very often not possible to use appliances such as hairdryers or electric shavers in tented rooms at the camps/lodges, as they have low-wattage fuses which will trip the power.

You will however be able to charge your equipment in a designated area in the camp - either in your room, or in a central charging station in the common areas.

Most camps have adapters for your use, but if you would like to purchase one at home prior to departure, the most commonly found plug/socket type in Tanzania is the ‘D’ , and the less commonly used ‘G’ , which utilises the universal plug adapters WA-10 and WA-7 respectively.


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