Tanzania Safari Planning Guide

Whether you're planning a classic Tanzania safari or a multi-country gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, visas can be applied for on-entry or before travel via official government websites. We strongly recommend applying for your visa before travel to avoid long queues at the airport and potential complications.

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
• At least one empty page for each country to be visited.
• We recommend having at least 2 empty pages remaining total.

Recommendation: Apply for your Tourist Visa at least a month before your arrival.

Yellow Fever Vaccination

A Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate is compulsory for entry into Uganda and Zanzibar. While mainland Tanzania officially doesn't require it if you're arriving directly from non-endemic countries, immigration officials often check for it. We strongly recommend getting vaccinated regardless of your entry point to avoid potential issues at borders or when traveling between multiple East African destinations.

Critical Timing: Get vaccinated at least 3 weeks (preferably 4-6 weeks) before travel. The vaccine takes 10 days to build immunity, and your vaccination card must show this elapsed time. Immigration officials have been known to deny entry if the vaccination date is too recent. The vaccination provides lifelong protection.

Malaria Prevention

Anti-malarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all Serengeti safaris and travel to Zanzibar. While malaria risk varies by season and altitude (lower risk in high-altitude areas like Ngorongoro Crater rim), it's not worth taking chances. Common medications include Malarone, Doxycycline, and Mefloquine—your doctor will recommend the best option based on your health history and travel duration. Start taking medication before arrival as directed (timing varies by medication type).

Beyond medication, prevent mosquito bites by using DEET-based repellent (30-50% concentration), wearing long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk, and sleeping under mosquito nets provided at most safari lodges and camps.

Other Recommended Vaccinations

Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date (measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus). Additional vaccines to discuss with your doctor include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Rabies (especially for those visiting remote areas or working with animals). Most travelers already have adequate protection through childhood vaccinations, but confirmation is important.

Comprehensive Travel Insurance

We strongly advise securing comprehensive travel insurance covering accident, illness, emergency medical evacuation (critical in remote safari areas), hospitalization, baggage loss, and trip cancellation/interruption. Ensure your policy covers activities like safari game drives and, if applicable, gorilla trekking or mountain climbing. Medical evacuation from remote national parks can cost $50,000+ without insurance.

Keep both physical and digital copies of your insurance policy, emergency contact numbers, and any pre-authorization codes. Share this information with your safari guide upon arrival.

Luggage Limit: Many regional airlines (especially to Serengeti) have a strict 15kg (33lbs) limit for check-in bags. Soft-sided bags are preferred to fit in small plane compartments and safari vehicles.

Tip: You can store excess luggage at our Arusha office for free while on safari.

While on safari or at beach resorts, standard vacation attire is fine. However, when in Arusha City or Zanzibar's Stone Town, please respect local culture (significant Muslim population in Zanzibar) by dressing modestly.

• Cover knees: Capris, long skirts, or trousers. No short shorts.
• Cover midriff: No crop tops.
• Shoulders: Tank tops are okay if not too revealing, but covering shoulders is better.
• Fit: Avoid skin-tight clothing.
• Mosques: Head covering (scarf) is required if entering religious sites.

Tip: A "Kanga" (local colorful fabric) is a great souvenir and can be used as a wrap/skirt if you need to cover up quickly.

Power Sockets

East Africa uses the British Type G (three rectangular pins). Voltage is 220V-240V. Bring a universal adapter. A surge protector is recommended for expensive electronics as power can be unstable.

Internet & Connectivity

Most lodges have Wi-Fi, but it can be slow or intermittent. Embrace the digital detox! For mobile data, local SIM cards (Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo) are cheap and easy to buy in towns.