Tanzania Travel Advice

Passports and Visas                                                                                                                                                                                                  All visitors arriving in East Africa must posses a valid passport. Citizens of some countries require visas. One should check with their nearest embassy, high commission of East African Countries, i.e. Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. For most travellers visas may be purchased on arrival at the cost of $ 50 in Tanzania and Kenya.  Visas may also be purchased in advance which will save time on arrival.  Travellers visiting Tanzania and Kenya (and other African countries) will need to purchase a visa for each country.  Travellers staying less than 2 days in a country may qualify for a transit visa.  Generally, travellers arriving in one country, proceeding to another country and returning to the first country may re-enter on the original multiple entry visa unless they have returned to their home country. 

Immigration: Travellers arriving from overseas must comply with immigration formalities on arrival.  Travellers going between African countries (such as Kenya and Tanzania) need to complete immigration formalities.  Landing cards are generally provided by the airline in advance and must be completed for each traveller. 

Customs:  On arrival, travellers must also pass through customs.  Tourists generally are not questioned; however, customs officials have the right to inspect all luggages.  Patience and courtesy are important. Personal effects including cameras and film may be imported temporarily without a permit. A customs bond may be demanded from visitors bringing in filming equipments, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure that the goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit.

Back Up Copies: Safari participants should make copies of their passports, visas (if purchased in advance), itineraries, emergency contact numbers names of prescription medication and other important information and carry the back up copies in a separate place or have a travelling companion carry them. 

Arrival Delays: Should events such as missed or delayed flights mean that a safari participant will arrive late, the traveller or agent should contact local tour operator as soon as possible so arrangements can be made to join other safari member with their trip.  Any additional costs must, however, be borne by the safari participant or airline.

Lost Luggage: Should a safari participant arrive without their luggage, a report must be filed with the airline before leaving the airport.  If the bag has been locked, it is important that keys and combinations be left with the airline so they can open and clear it with customs.  Once luggage has been located, we will work with the airline to help the bag catch up with the safari participant.  Should there be any costs for forwarding luggage, the safari member must meet those costs and recover them from their insurance or airline.

Game Viewing: The best times for game viewing are normally in the early morning and late  afternoon, as animals tend to hide up during the heat of mid-day but it is also worthy to spend full day out with picnic lunches as you might see great things as well.

Laundry: There are laundry facilities at practically all hotels; lodges and safari camps and laundry will often be returned on the same day weather permitting.

Insurance: We require that all clients arrange personal travel insurance to cover their medical, property, and other personal risks for the duration of their safaris.

Language: The official languages of Tanzania are Kiswahili and English, and in Kenya and Uganda is English. Kiswahili is spoken and understood by the great majority of East African. There is a wide usage of and understanding of English language, particularly, in the town centers.

Shopping: You will find woodcarvings, leather goods, batik, souvenirs, jewelry and precious stones in shops inside most hotels and lodges throughout the countries but the prices in the shops in hotel and lodges are fixed. Bargaining is possible along the souvenir shops. Anything you purchase, remember to keep a receipt with you for presentation at customs.

Food: You should feel confident in eating the meals at the restaurants and hotels that are included in your travel package.  Your guide or local representative can give you advice if you are dining on your own.  We can assist with special dietary requests given advance notice.

Clothing: It never get really cold in Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda, so lightweight clothing is the normal. However in particular Arusha and Nairobi, they experience colder weather in months of June and July. On safari, short sleeve shirts/blouses, and shorts are ideal. A light jacket/sweater may be needed in the evening at higher altitudes. Sensible walking shoes, a hat to keep off the sun, and sunglasses are essential too. but pack a sweater, it can be cold in the evening/morning. If climbing, needless to say, warm clothing is essential.

Electric Current: Africa uses 240 volt electric current.  Plugs may vary from the UK standard square pin to European standard round pin.  Some lodges generate their own electricity and may not generate 24 hours per day.  The electric current is subject to voltage fluctuation and power cuts are possible, even in larger cities. 

Litter: We request that litter is never thrown from vehicles.  This includes bits of food such as banana peels.  Also, at picnic sites, all litter should be collected and placed in bins provided.  If there is no bin, the litter should be carried to the next lodge where your guide will dispose of it.

Smoking: Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle.  Smokers will have opportunities for breaks during their trip, but it is imperative that no lit matches or cigarettes be left behind.  An accidental brush fire in the bush could cause severe damage to the environment and wildlife.

Children: Many visitors like to bring gifts for the local children.  It is more than likely that children will be encountered during the trip and that they will look to visitors to share gifts with them.  Confectionery is not a good idea.  Gifts such as school supplies or clothes are much better options. We also suggest that gifts and donations be made through local schools and orphanages.  This gives our clients a chance to help the local community without reinforcing the culture of begging. 

Street Beggars: We do not recommend that our clients give anything to street beggars and street children encountered in the towns and cities as this will encourage them to berg forever even for those who have an ability to work. 

Dress Codes: Our holidays are generally relaxed experiences with casual dress codes.  There are a few places where cultural considerations might dictate conservative dress.  This is especially true in Zanzibar and Mombasa.  Here, shorts and swimming attire should not be worn outside of the grounds of the hotel or resort.  Some lodges and luxury camps request that guests wear “smart casual” attire at evening meals. 

People Photography: On your safari you will be meeting a lot of local people along the way, most of them feel offended if their photographs are taken without their consent, so ask your guide will advice you on local people photography.

Although every effort is made to adhere to schedules, it should be noted that occasionally routes, lodges and camps may be changed while on safari as dictated by changing conditions. Such conditions may be brought about by seasonal rainfall on bush tracks, airfields and in game areas, by game migrations from one region to another, or airline or other booking problems, etc. Ecological Wilderness Adventures shall not be held responsible for such itinerary changes as discussed above.