Before You Go
Arrival & Accommodation
- You will be collected from the airport by a Remarkable Tears Safari Representative and
taken to your accommodation in Arusha. - We are happy to book accommodation for after your safari, if needed
On Arrival
Flying into Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airports is quite straight forward – English is widely spoken and
used for signs / directions. - Arusha airport is a 30minute drive from Arusha
- Kilimanjaro Airport is roughly a one hour drive from Arusha. If you are arriving into
Kilimanjaro on an international flight, clearing immigration can be a lengthy process.
Money.
The local currency is Tanzanian Shillings. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted. Most
places will not accept older US dollar bills (anything printed before 2006).
Credit and Debit Cards
If you intend to use your credit or debit card to withdraw funds, we suggest taking more than
one card with you as you may find that your card is not accepted in the first ATM you try. Visa
and Maestro cards are best.
We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it
being blocked.
ATMs
These are available in Arusha (and at Kilimanjaro Airport) and allow you to withdraw local
currency.
Flight Information
We would advise that you arrive in Arusha at least 1 day before your trip begins.
Return flights can be booked for the late afternoon / evening of the final day of your Safari.
However, please check your plans with your safari. We want to make sure you can be at the
airport in plenty of time for your flight departure.
Visa & Passports
Please check with the relevant Embassy in your country for up-to-date visa and passport
information. Make sure your passport is not going to expire within six months of your trip (i.e.
if your trip is in September make sure your passport is valid until at least March of the
following year) and that it has at least 3 clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your own country’s government
travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the
country.
information. Make sure your passport is not going to expire within six months of your trip (i.e.
if your trip is in September make sure your passport is valid until at least March of the
following year) and that it has at least 3 clear pages.
You will probably need a visa to enter Tanzania. Check with your own country’s government
travel website to find out how to get your visa. Most visas can be bought on arrival into the
country.
Vaccinations & Health
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to
give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are
normally recommended for Tanzania:
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Yellow Fever*
• Malaria **
* Yellow Fever is compulsory when you are entering Tanzania from a country that has
Yellow Fever. Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering
Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed. Please
visit the World Health Organisation website for an up to date list.
http://www.who.int/ith/ITH_Annex_I.pdf
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to
give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. However, the following vaccinations are
normally recommended for Tanzania:
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Rabies
• Yellow Fever*
• Malaria **
* Yellow Fever is compulsory when you are entering Tanzania from a country that has
Yellow Fever. Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering
Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed. Please
visit the World Health Organisation website for an up to date list.
http://www.who.int/ith/ITH_Annex_I.pdf
** Malaria. In some of the areas we visit there is a risk of contracting Malaria. You must be
aware that whatever malaria tablets you are taking, they only offer partial protection. They
must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten – which is the best
prevention. Malaria carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should
wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent
containing ‘Deed’ applied to them.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for the
duration of your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or
relative for safe keeping. Your policy should include adequate Medical Emergency and
Repatriation cover.
Tipping
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 10-15 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 $10 per day (for a
group of 2).
Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is U$D 10-15 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).
Climate
In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the ‘short’ rains(November) and the ‘long’ rains
(March to May).The ‘rains’ usually last for one or two hours each day followed by hot sunny
weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitude e.g. Ngorongoro Crater
In Tanzania, the year is loosely divided into the ‘short’ rains(November) and the ‘long’ rains
(March to May).The ‘rains’ usually last for one or two hours each day followed by hot sunny
weather. Nights can be surprisingly cold at higher altitude e.g. Ngorongoro Crater
What to Take
The less you take the less you have to pack. You can always pick up extras along the way.
Most people make the mistake of bringing too much. You will be travelling in the heat and
mornings / evenings can be cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best.
The less you take the less you have to pack. You can always pick up extras along the way.
Most people make the mistake of bringing too much. You will be travelling in the heat and
mornings / evenings can be cold, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best.
Luggage
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.
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.
Clothes
Pack for hot days and cool nights. Tanzania can be hot and dusty by day, but it is often cool and
crisp by night. Layers are ideal for safari days. Pack clothing that is able to keep you cool but
protect you from the sun and biting insects. Choose mid-tone colours and avoid white or
bright colours that may distract the animals and dark colours like black and blue as these can
attract tsetse flies. The best colours are the safari classics: olive, green and khaki. For evenings
at lodges you can stay in your casual gear as even the luxury lodges do not expect smart wear
out in the bush. Check the temperature before you travel to make sure you have clothed that
is warm enough for the season. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever
the season.
Pack for hot days and cool nights. Tanzania can be hot and dusty by day, but it is often cool and
crisp by night. Layers are ideal for safari days. Pack clothing that is able to keep you cool but
protect you from the sun and biting insects. Choose mid-tone colours and avoid white or
bright colours that may distract the animals and dark colours like black and blue as these can
attract tsetse flies. The best colours are the safari classics: olive, green and khaki. For evenings
at lodges you can stay in your casual gear as even the luxury lodges do not expect smart wear
out in the bush. Check the temperature before you travel to make sure you have clothed that
is warm enough for the season. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever
the season.
Shoes
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.
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.
Sun Protection:
The African sun can be brutal so be sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses
so you can protect your eyes. You’ll also need a hat that shades your face and covers your ears
and neck so you have maximum sun protection. Of course, take plenty of high-protection sun
cream and lip salve.
First aid. This is a suggested list of first aid supplies:
• Antiseptic ointment
• 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
so you can protect your eyes. You’ll also need a hat that shades your face and covers your ears
and neck so you have maximum sun protection. Of course, take plenty of high-protection sun
cream and lip salve.
First aid. This is a suggested list of first aid supplies:
• Antiseptic ointment
• 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
Photography & Electrical Equipment
We recommend you bring:
• Strong bag/carry case to protect the camera – zip lock/plastic bags are useful for
dusty/sandy conditions
• Spare/extra batteries
• Memory/Storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted)
• Binoculars. These will be essential when you are out spotting wildlife
We recommend you bring:
• Strong bag/carry case to protect the camera – zip lock/plastic bags are useful for
dusty/sandy conditions
• Spare/extra batteries
• Memory/Storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted)
• Binoculars. These will be essential when you are out spotting wildlife
Photography etiquette
It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts and
airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film/camera confiscated.
Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people – it is always better to ask
first before you snap away!
Electrical charging & power supply
All our safari vehicles have power / charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure
they are suitable for your appliances / devices.
It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts and
airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film/camera confiscated.
Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people – it is always better to ask
first before you snap away!
Electrical charging & power supply
All our safari vehicles have power / charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure
they are suitable for your appliances / devices.
Phones / WI–FI
• Most lodges and tented camps have WI-FI
• Some camp-sites have Wi-Fi, but this should not be relied upon
• The signal strength is variable
• It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used. If you want to use it in your
phone, you will need to make sure it is unlocked. You can also buy a fairly cheap phone
in Tanzania for this purpose
• There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help / advise with
this
• Some camp-sites have Wi-Fi, but this should not be relied upon
• The signal strength is variable
• It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used. If you want to use it in your
phone, you will need to make sure it is unlocked. You can also buy a fairly cheap phone
in Tanzania for this purpose
• There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help / advise with
this
Security
All towns and cities have their share of petty crime and sensible precautions need to be taken.
Wearing expensive looking jewelry/watches and carrying cameras, will draw unnecessary
attention. You may find a simple money belt is more discrete than a bag. Always be aware of
your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common
sense. At night in towns it’s best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets. Single
women in particular need to be careful & we suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
All towns and cities have their share of petty crime and sensible precautions need to be taken.
Wearing expensive looking jewelry/watches and carrying cameras, will draw unnecessary
attention. You may find a simple money belt is more discrete than a bag. Always be aware of
your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common
sense. At night in towns it’s best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets. Single
women in particular need to be careful & we suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
Responsible Travel
Before you go
• Remove unnecessary packaging before you go
• To avoid unnecessary pollution of local water supplies, take environmentally friendly
toiletries with you
• Why not invest in a wind-up or solar-powered torch or media player before you travel?
• Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history/culture before you go
• Why not pack some pens/pencils exercise books in your rucksack and they can be
donated to a local school or project while you’re away. These items can also be
purchased locally and will help local businesses
• Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your
trip
While you’re travelling
• Please don’t waste water. It is a valuable and often scarce resource in many of the
areas we visit
• Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact
that it’s illegal, it also encourages the trade to continue
• Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy
• To avoid unnecessary pollution of local water supplies, take environmentally friendly
toiletries with you
• Why not invest in a wind-up or solar-powered torch or media player before you travel?
• Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history/culture before you go
• Why not pack some pens/pencils exercise books in your rucksack and they can be
donated to a local school or project while you’re away. These items can also be
purchased locally and will help local businesses
• Take a sturdy water bottle with you from home that you can re-use throughout your
trip
While you’re travelling
• Please don’t waste water. It is a valuable and often scarce resource in many of the
areas we visit
• Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact
that it’s illegal, it also encourages the trade to continue
• Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy
• Don’t feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the
sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you and don’t worry about what someone else
has paid
• Try the local food and drinks – this will help to support local farmers and food sellers
• Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does
litter look unsightly it can be lethal to wildlife
• When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so
that their natural behaviour is impeded
• Respect local customs, traditions and beliefs of the people in the different regions that
you travel through
• Do not take photos of people, ritual events or special places unless you have asked first
• Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious
festivals
Thank you for taking the time to read this information and we hope you
have a fabulous trip to Tanzania!
have a fabulous trip to Tanzania!