FAQ

All You Need To Know

For more information Email us on info@tanzafricaadventures.com Whatsapp on +255 785 069 944

Why would I choose Tanzania over other safari options?

Tanzania is the most diverse safari destination in Africa, blessed with a stunning physical landscape that gives some of the greatest wildlife experiences on the continent. It is probably most famed for its Northern Parks like Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and Lake Manyara. Many of these areas are also tribal lands and so you have the added cultural experience to go with the wilderness and wildlife. It is the perfect place to head to if you want to have good mix of game viewing, cultural interaction and scenic diversity.

How do you get there?

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO):

This airport is located in Northern Tanzania. Airlines flying to this airport include: KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Kenya Airways, Fastjet, Precision Air, Air Uganda, Air France, Delta Airlines and Scandinavian Airlines.

Transfer time:

Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha town: An approximate 1 hour drive.

 

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) – Nairobi:

This airport is in Kenya but it is just a few hours’ drive to Tanzania. Flights operating are British Airways, Sabena, KLM Royal Dutch Airline, Ethiopian Airline, Emirates Airline, Gulf Air, Swiss Air, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Regional Air and South African Airways.

Transfer time:

    • Airport to Nairobi City – Approximate 20minutes.
    • Airport to Arusha town – By road: Approximate 4 and a half hours drive with 30 minutes clearance at the Namanga Border (Kenya / Tanzania Border)

 

Dar-es-Salaam International Airport (DAR):

This airport is in Southern Tanzania. Flights operating are British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airline, Ethiopian Airline, Emirates Airline, Gulf Air, Swiss Air, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania and South African Airways.

Transfer time:

    • Airport to Dar es Salaam City – An approximate 30 minutes’ drive.
    • Airport to Harbour (Sea port for Hydrofoil Boats to Zanzibar) – approximate 30 minutes’ drive.
    • Dar es Salaam to Arusha by road takes 8 to 9 hours with the Luxury Express TCoach/Bus.
    • Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar with a Hydrofoil Boat takes approximately 90 minutes.

 

Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ):

Flights that operate, are Ethiopian Airline, Gulf Air, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Zan Air, Precision Air, Eagle Air and Coastal Air.

Transfer time:

    • Airport to Zanzibar Stone town or Harbour (Sea port for Pemba or Dar es Salaam Hydrofoils) – approximate 20 minutes drive.
    • Airport to Beach Resort – Approximate 1 hour.
    • Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam by Sea – Hydrofoil Boats: 90 minutes.
What are Tanzania’s visa requirements

For most travellers it is possible to obtain a visa upon arrival but nevertheless, it is every visitor’s obligation to check the latest visa regulations with their respective embassies.

Every traveller is responsible to be in the possession of the required travel documents.

How do we travel around the country?

Travel around Tanzania is mainly done in four-wheel-drive safari vehicles. You will also most likely fly between some locations on small aircraft as this is easy and maximizes your time game-viewing.

If there was one thing I shouldn’t miss, what would you recommend?

We would say the Serengeti National Park every time! The Serengeti will always have a surprise in store for you, be it when you are out in the bush experiencing the wonder of the great wildebeest and zebra migration, or when searching for the big cats. There is always so much action here. Together with Serengeti, Ngorongoro is also a highlight of Northern Circuit, without forget Zanzibar Island

Is Tanzania safe?

Like anywhere it is advisable to keep your valuables with you and not on show. Of course, there are many wild animals and you must always listen to the advice of your guides. On most of our trips you will be looked after by our representatives and will be met and transferred to all locations, so you are well looked after.

Can I drink tap water?

You should not drink the tap water, but instead drink bottled water. It is always best to check the bottle is sealed when you receive it.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes the majority of people who you will meet will speak English. Although over 100 different languages are spoken across Tanzania, the official languages are Kiswahili (it is definitely worth learning the basics before you go) and English.

Should I expect very basic facilities in all Tanzania hotels and lodges?

This really does depend on where you are staying, but accommodation ranges across the country from basic lodges to the ultimate in luxury hotels.

What is the local food like?

Most of the time you will be eating in your lodge or camp, which will be of a good standard. It’s always better to advise us prior to travel if you have any specific requests, as lodges do need to bring in food especially. Some places are a long way from towns so are unable to get supplies in at short notice.

When you are staying in bigger towns there are normally many eating-out options. Indian restaurants are plentiful, due to the high resident Indian population, and also pizzerias and continental restaurants are numerous. On the coast seafood is normally superb – my favourite and something we always recommend.

Local cuisine tends to be made up a stew, which includes one of the following – rice, chapati, ugali (a kind of maize porridge) or matoke (cooked banana). The most common stews are beef, chicken, goat and beans. Fish is also used in towns near the coasts and lakes. Swahili cuisine tends to be a bit spicier than other Tanzanian food.

If you do eat local food it is best to ask the advice of your guide, but it can be a great experience and one you shouldn’t miss!

How can I contribute to the local economy and conservation programmes?

Buying local foods and products is a good direct way to contribute to the local economy. Also buying presents for people back home adds to local income.

Tanz-Africa Adventures Company is committed to helping make the world a better place by preserving the environment. The company helps the families with low standards of living.
We believe in giving back to the communities that share their homeland with us.
When you travel with  Tanz-Africa Adventures Company not only you are choosing an Eco-friendly holiday, but you are also making a contribution to the sustainable development of the country you visit.

Do I need to get any vaccinations ahead of travel and/or malaria tablets?

Please note the following applies for passengers traveling to Tanzania:

As Tanzania is a country at risk of being infected by yellow fever Health officials have instructed that from 14th January 2008 all HEALTH SURVEILLANCE DESKS in Tanzania have been reinstalled in all borders, ports and international airports. From Monday 21st January 2008 all passengers travelling To Tanzania will be required to produce a valid yellow fever certificate upon arrival in any entry point in Tanzania.

The vaccination needs to be administered at least 10 days before travel to Tanzania. This will not be applicable for travelers coming directly from Europe to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Dar Es Salaam International Airport (now known as Julius Nyerere International Airport) on direct flights, such that they did not cross / transit through an endemic country they will not need Yellow Fever Vaccination. (It is recommended that yellow fever vaccination should be administered for self-protection against the risk of exposure to the disease, although it is not mandatory – suggested by WHO).

For all travelers coming from Europe via or transiting through an endemic country, e.g. via Nairobi or Addis Ababa, they will need a Yellow Fever Vaccination card. This also applies to passengers in transit in airports where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission, e.g. clients arriving on an international flight in Nairobi or Addis Ababa and connecting a regional flight within the airport to Kilimanjaro or Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar.

Yellow Fever Endemic Zone in Africa includes Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote D’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Chad, Central African Republic, Togo, Benin, Sao Tome, and Principe, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, United Republic of Tanzania, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Somali, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.

Yellow Fever Endemic Zone in America includes Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Bolivia.

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION ON ARRIVAL AT Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) & DAR ES SALAAM International Airport
Yellow fever vaccination is provided at Kilimanjaro and Dar Es Salaam airports at a cost of U.S.$ 50.00 per Passenger. This is for passengers who are required to hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate but have none on arrival in Tanzania.

ENTRY PROCEDURE
On arrival, international & regional passengers must first go to the health desk then to the Immigration desk; no passport will be accepted at immigration desk without a stamp from Health Desk.

I am pregnant, can I travel to Tanzania?

Again it is always best to consult your doctor on whether and if you should travel.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING IN TANZANIA

How big can I expect the group to be and where are the other climbers from?

Groups can be anywhere between 2 and 10 and climbers come from far and wide.

Is there an age limitation for this climb?

According to the national park authorities, children under the age of 10 years are only allowed to hike until Shira Camp 2 (3900 m). There are no official restrictions for children above the age of 10 years but because the chances of children succumbing to mountain sickness are a lot higher than they are with adults, we recommend a minimum age of 14-16 years. Please note that children of all ages have to be accompanied by one of their parents at all times. Although there is no maximum age restriction, a medical check-up is advisable for climbers above the age of 60.

Where Do I Sleep?

You will overnight in two-man mountain tents equipped with sleeping mats. Single travelers often share a tent with another group member of the same gender, but single tents can be requested at extra cost.

What about ablution facilities?

Apart from very basic long drops (simple latrines), there are no further ablution facilities. Climbers are however provided with a bowl of warm water for their daily wash.

What meals will be provided and what type of food can I expect?

Meals are included as mentioned in the itinerary.
For breakfast there will be a choice of fruit, scrambled eggs, porridge, toast, jam, hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Lunch will be provided in form of a lunch box containing sandwiches, boiled eggs, chicken etc.
For dinner you will enjoy soup and bread followed by meat or poultry along with starch (i.e. chips, mashed potatoes, pasta or rice) as well as vegetables.
While breakfast and dinner are served in a mess tent equipped with a table and chairs, lunch is enjoyed en-route.
Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or food allergies and we will do our outmost to cater for them (only possible with advanced notification).

How do I cope with the altitude?

Almost everybody climbing Kilimanjaro will be affected by the altitude in some or other way. Top athletes are just as much at risk of suffering from it as are people who are out of shape. Headaches, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea are all signs of possible mountain sickness. Symptoms are mostly mild, enabling you to continue your hike and only in very few instances are symptoms more acute, making an immediate descent unavoidable. Severe altitude sickness is a serious matter and you should bear in mind that it can be life threatening and at worst lead to death. It is also important to replace lost body fluids due to physical activity by drinking enough water. We suggest two to four litres per day along with magnesium to prevent muscle cramps.

What happens in the event of an emergency?

Mountain rescue services in Tanzania can in no sense be compared to the ones found in the European Alps for example. If you find yourself unable to walk, you will either be carried or transported on a wheeled stretcher. As this is by all means a very unpleasant experience, it is important that you only push yourself as far as your body allows. Helicopters are hardly ever deployed as they can only land at a lower altitude.

Please also make sure your health insurance covers you while travelling. If you are not adequately covered, we urge you to take out suitable travel insurance assuring all your medical expenses including rescue and repatriation costs are covered

Should I bring some extra money?

Yes you should bring some extra money for tips, souvenirs and other personal expenses.

If you are bringing USD, please make sure the bills have been be printed after 2004 as any earlier printed ones will not be accepted.

What kind of clothes and gear do you recommend?

There are a few things you should pack for a Kilimanjaro climb and as the list is quite extensive, you will receive a detailed packing list from us once you have confirmed the booking.

For your convenience, we also rent out all essential clothing items and other gear.

We will appreciate getting your inquiry into one of our activities above.

If interested you can go to our booking page by clicking the button below.