​Frequently Asked Questions?

How long are the flights to Tanzania?

There are no longer any direct flights from London Heathrow to Tanzania, Dar es Salaam. From London the best routes are via Nairobi on Kenya Airways or with KLM via Amsterdam which depart daily.

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

This will depend on which nationality passport that you have, but British Passports need a visitor’s visa. You can arrange this at the Tanzanian High Commission in London (£38) or buy one on arrival in Dar es Salaam, the process there is usually quick, so long as you have the right money. The fee on arrival is currently US$50 per person, and it is best to have new(ish) notes. Your passport must also have a minimum of 6 months validity from your date of departure.

Where is the best place to go on safari?

Tanzania is blessed with a number of excellent reserves and has been at the forefront of conservation for a number of decades. There are 3 distinct areas in the South, North and West.

The Northern circuit includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park. The crater is a unique game viewing experience but can be pricey depending on how close to the carter you want to stay. You are virtually guaranteed to see the Big 5 on a single trip into the carter, as well as cheetah and hyena.

Lake Manyara offers the opportunity to enjoy a canoeing safari at some times of the year, watching animals as they come down to the lake shore. The park is famous for its lions which have learned to climb trees.

To the south is the Selous National Reserve with neighbouring Mikumi and Ruaha reserves. Accommodation at these locations tend to be a little more expensive but there are less visitors to these parks making it a very special experience, and particularly suited to honeymooners.

To the west are the Katavi and Mahale Mountains National Parks. Mahale is famous for its chimpanzee populations and it is possible to track the apes on foot here.

Can I combine a safari in Tanzania with a safari in Kenya?

Yes, but it is not as simple as we would all like it to be! Firstly the presence of Mount Kilimanjaro means that visitors must travel around the mountain. It might look like a short distance on a map as the crow flies,but it is very different in reality! Secondly even though the migration herds cross freely between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, visitors are required to cross at designated border points, so that they can clear immigration. If you chose to fly, you will also have to fly via an airport which has full immigration and customs facilities as you will be moving between countries. This might mean that you have to fly via Kilimanjaro or Nairobi.

What should I take on safari?

Cotton layers such as vest t-shirts, t-shirts, a light fleece, shorts and a pair of long trousers are the key items to take on a safari holiday. The temperature can vary quite a bit from the early morning game drive to the heat of the day. Sun screen, a hat and a swimming costume are the other necessities for the heat of the day. It is best to avoid bright colours for a safari. Footwear should include a pair of sandals or flip flops and some walking shoes, trainers would be fine. Aside from clothes, we also recommend the following items; insect repellent, some headache/pain killer tablets, some anti-diarrhea tablets as a precaution, also some rehydration sachets are handy to have. It is easy to get dehydrated without noticing, even though drinking water will be readily available. Tanzania can be quite cold at night as some of the reserves are at quite a high altitude, so a couple of extra long sleeved items are a good idea.

Can I charge my camera/phone/ipod on safari?

In the more remote tented camps where electricity is supplied by generator or solar panels, there may not be plug points in your accommodation. Generally in this instance there is a facility to charge batteries in the Managers office. Larger safari lodges are connected to the mains and there will be power points in your room. It is best to take an adaptor with you although they will often have ones which you can borrow.

Can I use my credit card?

Most lodges will accept credit cards for purchases such as souvenirs. It is also wise to carry some cash for staff gratuities. The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, but US Dollars are widely accepted or can be converted. There are a number of Bureau de Change in Dar es Salaam Airport on arrival, just tell the person meeting you that you need to change some cash and he will take you to one of the offices before you depart from the airport.