Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 60km (60 min) from Arusha city center. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest International Airport to Arusha. Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is on the outskirts of Arusha but only operates domestic flights (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti). Other options include flying to Dar es Salaam and then catching a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha. You can also fly to Nairobi (Kenya). International flights to this destination are often cheaper. You can then fly from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Nairobi Airport to Arusha (approximately 7 hours).

You will require vaccinations for your trip. All travellers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic about 3 months before departure. Ask your doctor about vaccinations recommended by your government before travelling to Tanzania. Yellow Fever Vaccination is compulsory and to be taken at least 10 days before arriving in Tanzania. Ther other recommended vaccinations are Tetanus, Polio and, Malaria (prophylaxis).

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 can obtain your visa online https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/, or at the point of entry (border/airport). The time taken to clear immigration is roughly the same, regardless of whether you already have your visa. The cost of most tourist visas is U$D 50 per person and U$D 100 for American citizens, to be paid in cash.

A 20% deposit will already be taken to reserve your slot. The remaining balance of 80% can be paid by using one of the below methods: Cash in USD before the tour start. Pay by card before the tour starts with a 6% card processing fee. (Applicable throughout Tanzania) Pay by bank transfer at least 4 weeks in advance. Note 1: If Cash USD currency printed prior to 2006 is not accepted in Tanzania and the balances is be cleared during the briefing session with Manager only. Note 2: If Bank Transfer You will have to do this at least 30 days in advance as International Wire Transfers will take 10-14 working days to reach our account.

We would recommend bringing USD (United States Dollars) with you and withdrawing some Tanzanian Shillings once you arrive. There are many ATMs in Arusha/JRO Airport. Most places that you will visit accept USD but it is always a good idea to have some local currency. Note: Tanzania does not accept USD printed before 2006. The print year information is printed on the front of the note, so please check it before collecting.

Tipping is highly expected in Tanzania. There is a well- established culture of tipping. 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).

The weather varies greatly, depending on where you are. Whatever time of year you come, please bring some warm clothes! It gets really cold in some places because of the high altitude, especially in June, July and August. It can also get very hot during afternoon. We advise dressing in layers. Typically, the long rains are March, April, and May. The short rains are in November / early December.

There is no specific luggage for safari as you will have one vehicle for yourself, still, we suggest you choose a duffel bag or soft-sided bag or small suitcases. Ideally, the fabric should be hardy and waterproof and the bag should be lockable. Hard Suitcases are not recommended. 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. If you are taking a Local Airlines then Passengers are permitted a maximum baggage allowance of 15kgs (33lbs) per person. Soft bags are strongly recommended but don’t need to be a must. This allowance shall include all hand baggage. In case there is more weight then the allowance will be up to 5kgs, but there will be extra charges. This differs from Airlines to Airlines but will more or less be the same.

There are no specific types of clothes for safari. 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 wear 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 clothing that is warm enough. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever date your travel.

As you want to be careful not to overpack, 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.

There will be basic First Aid Kit in the Safari Vehicle, but still we recommend bringing a personal First Aid Kit. This is a suggested list of supplies: Sun Screen, 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.

Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi in common areas such as lounge, reception and restaurant. The signal strength is variable and is often weak. It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used (in Arusha) and some places in during safari. If you want to use it in your phone, you will need to make sure it is unlocked. There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help/advise with this.

All our safari vehicles have power/charging points. Please bring Universal Travel Adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances/devices. The vehicles and most accommodation in Tanzania use UK sockets.

Our Safari vehicles are 4x4 Toyota Landcruiser with pop-up roof for easy game viewing and photography. The vehicles are serviced and maintained to a very high standard before, during and after every safari.

All the roads in safari are rugged so there might be rare cases of a breakdown. If the vehicle does break down and it cannot be fixed on the road, we will request a rescue jeep that will come for you so that you can continue your safari with minimum impact. Whilst every effort is made to prevent this from happening, the driving is rough and the vehicles do take quite a pounding!

Yes, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Please ask your Safari Consultant for more information.

It is possible to do a night game drive in Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks. Please ask your Safari Consultant for more information.

It is possible to visit one of several Maasai villages during your safari. However, these villages are close to the main roads and whilst you will meet many Maasai, have a tour around their village and have an opportunity to learn about their culture, some clients have given the feedback that the experience felt a little uncomfortable. It costs $25 per person and during the visit, you will be encouraged to buy some of their jewellery/craft (this is by no means compulsory). It is inevitable that over time, the experience has become less authentic and we are in the process of sourcing alternative options for our clients. You are very welcome to visit, but we wanted to be open and transparent about the kind of experience you can currently expect.