FAQ
Practical questions
Visas, vaccinations, money, tipping and when to book.
Everything people ask before booking
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most nationalities do. A single-entry tourist visa can be obtained online before travel or on arrival at Kilimanjaro and Julius Nyerere airports. Apply online if you can — the queue on arrival can be long.
Do I need vaccinations?
Yellow fever proof is required if you arrive from a country where it is endemic. Antimalarials are strongly recommended for safari and the coast. Speak to a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you fly.
What is the best time to visit?
June to October is dry and reliable. January to March is quieter, hot, and the calving season in the Serengeti. April and May are the long rains.
How far in advance should I book?
Six to nine months for travel in July and August or over Christmas. Three to four months is usually comfortable at other times.
Is Tanzania safe?
Yes, for ordinary travel. The parks and the trekking routes are well run and the usual sense about valuables in towns applies. Your guide is with you throughout.
What currency should I bring?
US dollars are widely accepted for park fees and tips — bring notes issued after 2009 or they may be refused. Tanzanian shillings are better for small purchases. Cards work in larger hotels but not much else.
How much should I tip?
On safari, roughly US$20–25 per day for your guide, from the group. On the mountain, tipping is pooled for the whole crew and typically works out at 10–15% of the climb cost. We give you a written guide before you start.
Can you arrange flights and insurance?
We do not sell either, but we will tell you exactly what cover you need — trekking to 6,000 m is excluded by most standard policies and has to be added.