Travel Insurance

You are required to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover all aspects of your holiday including the loss of deposit through cancellation, loss of baggage and personal items, personal injury and death, inclement weather clause, pre-existing medical condition waiver (includes traveling parties and immediate family). Wild Kingdom can provide this insurance to you.

Health Issues

Consult your physician and local health department to determine the recommended vaccinations and medications for travel to Tanzania. Some require multiple treatments, so be sure to have your vaccinations completed before departure.  Malaria is endemic to Tanzania but is preventable by taking anti-malaria prophylactics, using repellent and mosquito nets, and wearing long sleeves and pants. Typhoid is common among Tanzanians, but is also preventable by drinking only bottled or boiled water and avoiding ice cubes, salads, and poorly prepared foods. HIV/Aids is widespread, especially in populated areas.  Dysentery is also common due to poor hygiene and food handling practices.  For this reason we strongly urge you to avoid buying food from street vendors and eating at small out-of-the-way snack bars.  Most hotels prepare food very well, and the restaurants we recommend have a good track record.  Any food you purchase should be thoroughly washed and peeled before consuming.

Handcrafted beaded jewelry >

Rest assured that our staff will ensure that you are well cared for and, should the need arise, will make sure you get the medical attention you require.

Passport & Visa

You are required to have a Passport before leaving your country of origin.  If you do not have a Passport, apply for one at the U.S. Postal Service or through the proper agency in your country.  Processing can take up to several months, so prepare early.

If you are a citizen of the U.S., Canada, or U.K. the Tanzanian Tourist Visa can be obtained upon arrival in Tanzania (Kilimanjaro International Airport or Dar es Salaam) for $100 CASH.  Citizens of other countries should check the requirements with their local Tanzanian Embassy at least two months prior to departure.

Medical Insurance

We strongly urge you to check with your health insurance provider prior to your trip to determine whether your policy applies overseas and whether you are covered in the event you require emergency medical attention.

Costs and Payments

A deposit of 40% is required at the time of booking with the balance due at least 30 days prior to departure, at which time the funds become non-refundable (see exceptions in Waiver Agreement in Appendix).

What’s Not Included?

The Safari Packages and Trekking Packages describe everything we include in the price. Any other costs associated with your Wild Kingdom adventure are spelled out Terms and Conditions.  There are no surprises! 

For the sake of clarity, we mention a few specifics here that are the responsibility of the traveler:

• Costs associated with obtaining passport and required visas
• Airport departure taxes, security fees, excess baggage fees
• Travel insurance
• Medical insurance and expenses, vaccinations, rescue expenses
• Gratuities to tour leaders, drivers, guides, porters, maid staff, wait staff, etc.
• Laundry service
• All beverages
• Personal items
• All hiking equipment with the exception of tents and cooking gear (everything is available for rent)
• Any expenses incurred in conjunction with this trip while in your home country or in transit

Safety

Tanzania is generally a safe country, but you should take the usual precautions:  keep a close eye on your belongings, beware of pickpockets, and use hotel safes.  The U.S. State Department has some excellent tips for traveling abroad (travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html).

Single Traveler

If you are planning to travel alone and are worried that we won’t be able to accommodate you, let us put that concern to rest!  If you want to, we will try to link you with another group, or we’ll give you the best price as a single traveler.

Traveling with Children

Tanzanians love children! And your children will benefit in so many ways by visiting a different country with such diverse cultures.  However, traveling with children is probably much different than you are accustomed to and will require careful planning.  Canned baby food, formula, and disposable diapers can be found in larger cities, though variety is minimal.  Car seats are not commonly used. 

Traveling with children also requires heightened vigilance on your part to protect them from injury and illness, particularly those under two who may not be able to receive all necessary vaccinations.   

Safari Tips  

• Clothing - Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing such as cotton or linen.  Bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.  Due to changing weather patterns, layers are good.  Bring a sweater, jacket, or light raincoat in case of cold weather.  Smart casual clothing and shoes for evening lodge dining.  Avoid revealing or tight clothing, as the customs and culture are conservative.
• What do I bring? - Don’t worry - you don’t have to spend a fortune at an outdoor outfitter!  And if you forget something, there are stores and pharmacies available! These are our recommendations:  sunscreen, sunglasses, binoculars, hand sanitizer, day pack, water bottle, insect repellent, shopping bag for souvenirs.  Note to contact lens wearers - you may find the dusty conditions on a safari uncomfortable; bring a pair of glasses just in case.  Also see Photography.
• Tipping Protocol - Your drivers will expect a tip following the safari.  Plan to give them approximately $5 per day per person, depending upon the quality of service. If you are single, plan to pay at least $10 - $20 per day.

Trekking Tips

What Clothing do I wear on a Trek?

1. shorts
2. base layer (top/bottom)
3. fleece top
4. shell top with hood (rainproof)
5. shell bottom waterproof
6. fleece pants
7. hat or beanie (to protect neck and ears)
8. gloves-fleece liner type/ over-mitt (zero degree)
9. boots- sturdy, waterproof or goretex, well broken in
10. sub-zero parka or down jacket
11. mountaineering socks/ liners

What do I bring on a Trek?

Note:  tents and all cooking gear will be provided.

1. duffel bag for porter to carry, preferably with backpack shoulder straps, to put your gear into, waterproof cover
2. sleeping bag with stuff sack (0 degree), sleeping pad (thermarest)
3. gaiters
4. trekking poles
5. glacier or good sunglasses
6. daypack and waterproof cover
7. water bottle, nalgene, platypus, water filters (Note: These should be placed against the body at high altitude to prevent water from freezing.)
8. sunscreen, zinc oxide
9. lip balm
10. headlamp, spare batteries
11. rescue blanket, whistle
12. plastic garbage bags, waterproof
13. first aid kit (include moleskin, tape, and wraps)
14. personal toiletries medicines, anti-diarrheal
15. trowel, toilet paper, moist towelettes
16. hand sanitizer
17. iodine tablets
18. comfort food
19. reading material, music, mp-3 player (caution, some do not perform at altitude)

Also see Photography

Food while Trekking

The cook will prepare 3 hearty meals per day. Breakfast is usually porridge, fruit, eggs, toast, and coffee or tea. Lunch usually consists of soup, bread, pasta or rice, and chicken. Dinner consists of soup, pasta, or curry chicken and vegetables, often with a special twist. Coffee and tea are also provided (until high altitude). Depending on the size of the group, there will be a communal eating tent.

Trekking Weather

At lower altitude (first two days), you will be warm during most times of the year due to the high degree of exercise. Many people wear shorts for the first day, then light trousers for the second day. On top of the mountain it is always cold, and the weather is unpredictable so prepare for wind, rain, hail, or snow.  The temperature is approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or -12 Celsius.

Trekking Safety

• Your safety and enjoyment is our number 1 priority.  The guides always carry mobile phones that work at high altitude, and there are radio towers at each campsite.  You may bring a satellite phone with you or you may wish to purchase a phone card.  Rescue vehicles are stationed throughout the mountain for transportation to a hospital in nearby Moshi that is capable of handling nearly all emergencies.  Emergency helicopter evacuation is also available from Nairobi.

• Altitude or mountain sickness occurs to some people ascending rapidly to altitudes above 8000 feet. As the air pressure decreases at higher elevations, less oxygen enters your body.  Symptoms may include headache, nausea, and insomnia.  To minimize these effects and better your chances of reaching the summit: (1) In Swahili “pole, pole” means “slowly, slowly.” (It’s pronounced po-lay, po-lay.) Take your time, climb slowly to give your body the opportunity to acclimate to the environmental changes. We will pace you appropriately to help you achieve proper acclimatization.  (2) Be in the best shape you can be before your trip to give your lungs the best chance of responding.  (3) Drink plenty of water.

• Rest assured that our staff will ensure that you are well cared for and, should the need arise, will make sure you get the medical attention you require.  An assistant guide will always accompany someone to safety.

Trekking Latrines

• There are pit latrines at every camp. Camps on the Marangu Route have platform/flush toilets

Trekking Tipping Protocol

Tips are only given after the completion of your trek.  If your guides and porters have not met or exceeded your expectations, please inform Wild Kingdom Safaris and Cultural Tours immediately, and don't feel obligated to give a tip.  If you are pressed for a tip during the trek, do not oblige and inform us as well because this is forbidden (asking at the end of the trek is okay). 

• Head guide approximately $15 per day

• Assistant guides $12 per day

• Cook $10 per day

• Porters approximately $7 per day

• Items that can be left behind are much appreciated as additional tip.

Oxygen while Trekking

Very few people ever require oxygen. It is seldom necessary unless you have a pre-existing condition or are seriously out of shape. Oxygen can be provided at an extra cost.

Storing Luggage during your Trek

Luggage can be stored for a fee at the hotel or at our office in Arusha where it will be very secure.

African warthog hand carved from olive wood by Maasai Mara craftsman

Handmade Candelsticks

Accommodations

Based on your tour package, accommodations vary from tented bush camps to exquisite luxury hotels with all the amenities.  We select lodging based on quality and feedback from clients.  They have been reviewed and proven to provide the best Tanzania has to offer.

Food

With our tour packages, meals are provided at hotels most days.  Packed lunches are prepared by the hotel chef and sent along on excursions.  In town, our staff can recommend restaurants that offer any cuisine from African, European, American, Italian, Chinese . . .  it’s all there! 

Is the Water Safe to Drink?

We recommend that you do not drink or brush your teeth with water from any tap (including ice), but rather drink bottled or boiled water. 

What Do I Bring?

Note: See Safari Tips and/or Trekking Tips for advice on what specific things to bring on wildlife safaris and treks.

This list is wide-ranging but certainly not all-inclusive.

1.Two photocopies of your passport identification page.  Leave one at home with a relative or friend, and carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.  In the event that your passport is lost or stolen when you are away from home, this will facilitate obtaining a replacement.  Also, complete the emergency information page.
2. Yellow immunization card.
3. Itinerary, and leave a copy with a relative or friend.
4. Tickets, government identification, credit cards, important phone numbers/email addresses, travel and medical insurance, money, money belt.
5. Prescription medications (including anti-malarial prophylactics), glasses/contact lenses, and vitamins you normally take.
6. Common OTC remedies such as pain relievers, cough drops, treatments for motion sickness and diarrhea.
7. Small first aid kit.
8. Personal toiletries: Most things can be found in larger cities, though the variety will not be what you are accustomed to in the U.S. 
9. Plastic bags
10. Note cards and envelopes, pens, a good book, deck of cards
11. Laptop, camera, cell phone, music player (See also the Photography and Electricity sections.)

Will Our Guides Speak English?
Our guides all speak English and love to share their knowledge of the flora and fauna as well as traditional stories and customs. They welcome your curiosity about their cultures and your questions about the wildlife and environment.

Dos and Don’ts
Be sensitive to those around you. Westerners are often indiscrete without realizing because we don’t understand some of the cultural differences in clothing, hygiene, service, food, etc. As a result, some comments we make are offensive if overheard. (For example, “I can’t believe they . . . !”)

Giving out candy, pens, and money should only be done as an expression of appreciation or friendship. Indiscriminate handouts encourage begging. The government of Tanzania is trying to discourage begging as well.

When photographing people, consider how you would feel being photographed in the same situation. No one wants to feel like they are a spectacle.

Women should avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing since customs and culture are conservative.

Electricity in Tanzania

Tanzania uses 220V.  Bring adapter(s) and converter(s) as needed for your electronics and appliances.  Most laptop and digital camera power cords have built-in voltage converters.  Since power failures are commonplace, also bring a flashlight.

Plugs are as follows:

Money

The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).   Major currencies can be changed easily in towns, and ATMs are available.  Credit cards are usually only accepted at major hotels and gift shops, and often a fee of up to 40% is added to the charge!  Traveler’s Cheques and credit cards are discouraged because of high interest rates and fees. 

Maps

Where is Tanzania?

Tanzain is in Eastern Africa, just below the equator, on the Indian Ocean. It shares borders with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR of Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

Northern Safari Circuit

Within a short distance from one another are amazing national parks that are home to hundreds of different wildlife mammals, reptiles and birds.

The Great Migration