FAQs

Tanzania offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. The dry season (June to October) is generally regarded as the best time for game viewing. However, even the wet season (November to May) has much to offer in terms of wildlife experiences. April and May are likely the least optimal months to visit, as many camps close during the long rains. Nonetheless, there are still enough options available to create a magnificent itinerary if those months are your only choice. Additionally, as it is low season, you will benefit from a less crowded and more affordable journey!

Passport:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months on the day you depart from your home country. It should also contain at least four blank visa pages, specifically two sets of two opposing blank pages.

Visa:
You can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airports in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. We will assist with an expedited visa process, but you also have the option to apply for a visa in your home country before your trip. Please note that visa fees must be paid in US dollars, and only cash payments are accepted upon arrival.

It is essential to make an appointment with a travel doctor in your home country prior to your visit. Depending on your situation, you may need to receive a vaccine for yellow fever. If you are travelling to Zanzibar or coming from (or transiting through) a yellow fever endemic country, proof of vaccination may be required at the airport. Vaccinations recommended for travellers to Tanzania include yellow fever, hepatitis A, and a combined tetanus, diphtheria, and inactivated polio vaccine (Td/IPV). Proof of yellow fever vaccination is necessary if you are travelling to Tanzania from yellow fever endemic countries or if you transit through such areas for 12 hours or more.

For the most current health information for travellers to Tanzania, please consult the CDC’s website: CDC Travel Health Information.

If you take prescription medication or have a medical condition requiring special consideration, it is advisable to consult your physician and inform the airline prior to your trip before flying. You may need a medication passport to show authorities and flight attendants that you require certain medications. In the event you lose your medication or need additional supplies while abroad, this passport will facilitate the refilling of your prescription. Additionally, you will typically require a doctor’s certificate, such as a Schengen medical certificate or a medical certificate written or translated into English. The same may apply to travelling with medical equipment. It is advisable to inquire about these requirements well in advance, as the process can take weeks.

There is currently no vaccine available against malaria. We recommend consulting a travel medical specialist regarding the use of anti-malarial medication. Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The parasites multiply first in the liver and then in the red blood cells. Symptoms include shaking chills followed by fever, typically preceded by flu-like illness. To protect yourself from mosquito bites, apply insect repellent containing DEET and ensure you cover your body adequately if you are outside after sunset.

Travel insurance is the traveller’s responsibility. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance in your home country to cover loss, damage, or theft of luggage, money, and other valuables, as well as medical expenses and repatriation costs. Consider any additional coverage you may need for extreme, specialist, or high-risk sports (such as scuba diving, canoeing, or mountain biking). Mountain climbing requires a separate mountaineering insurance policy. Terra Safaris accepts no liability in connection with any such activities.

Located in the eastern part of the African continent, bordering the Indian Ocean, Tanzania enjoys warm weather throughout the year. The climate varies significantly across this large country, but a tropical wet and dry climate, or tropical savanna climate, predominates. The eastern region experiences more periods of rainfall and drought, while central Tanzania is predominantly dry. The main rainy season, known as the ‘long rains,’ lasts from March until the end of May, when the landscape turns vibrant green—a great time for wildlife viewing. From June to August, the weather is drier and cooler. The ‘short rains’ begin in early October, bringing warm summer temperatures during the day. January, February, and March are the driest months of the year. As your tour will take you through various altitudes, from mountainous regions to lower coastal areas, temperatures will vary. Given the changing seasons and the fact that it can get a bit chilly at night, we recommend packing clothes that can be layered easily.

The local currency is the Tanzania Shilling (TZS). In hotels and restaurants, bills can generally be paid in USD, but for local shops and markets, you will need TZS, which is available at most banks and exchange bureaus in major towns. ATMs can be found in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and most major towns; however, once you venture out on safari (into the bush), you will not have access to banks or ATMs, so it is advisable to exchange sufficient funds beforehand. Credit cards are usually accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but many smaller lodges or hotels may not have this facility.

To respect local customs and religious beliefs, Tanzanians typically dress modestly. While you need not adhere to any specific dress code within your accommodation or at the beach, it is advisable to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and legs when interacting with the local population. This is a simple courtesy that demonstrates respect for their culture.

• Necessary Documents: Passport, vaccination certificate, and any other relevant paperwork.

• Medications: Include any personal medications, as well as common remedies for issues like headaches or diarrhoea.

• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, lip balm, and moisturiser.

• Camera: We recommend a wide lens (approximately 17-55mm) for landscapes and a telephoto lens (200-400mm) for capturing wildlife at a distance.

• Binoculars: While we provide high-quality binoculars in the vehicle, feel free to bring your own if you prefer.

• Clothing: Pack comfortable and casual attire in khaki, beige, or green. Include t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a sweater, and a jacket for cooler mornings, as well as swimwear if your accommodation has a pool or if you plan a beach extension. Comfortable hiking shoes are also essential.

• Insect Repellent: To protect against insect bites.

All our safaris include the use of excellent Toyota Land Cruisers designed for optimal safari experiences, featuring pop-up roofs. Your package also includes unlimited mileage, entrance fees to all national parks, camping and concession fees and permits, as well as water and soft drinks during the safaris. We also contribute to local community projects, and accommodations are provided as agreed, either on a full board or all-inclusive basis.

The cost of visas for the country is not included, nor are personal expenses such as souvenirs or additional services/tours that have not been pre-arranged. Tips for your guide and accommodations are also excluded. Should the government decide to increase park fees, camping fees, concession fees, or other costs after you have booked your tour, these charges will be added to your contract.

There are six primary approach routes to Kilimanjaro, listed here in a counter-clockwise manner from west to east:

1. Lemosho Glades: This route begins at a remote trailhead, leading you through lush forest and heather over two days to reach the western edge of the Shira plateau. From here, you can continue via the Northern Circuit, Western Breach, or the Machame/Southern Circuit route. The Southern Circuit is the most popular choice and ideally completed over 7 or more days, making it the longest route available.

2. Shira / Morum Barrier: Starting at an elevation of over 12,000 feet (3,500 m), this route allows for gentle hiking right from the outset and provides an opportunity to avoid the crowds, particularly if you opt for the remote Northern Circuit. While it can also connect to the Southern Circuit or Western Breach, it is best undertaken via the Northern Circuit in 8 days. We favour this route for its wilderness character and minimal foot traffic.

3. Machame (Whiskey Route): This is by far the most popular and busiest route, typically completed in 6 or 7 days. Ascending via the Southern Circuit, climbers reach the summit by way of the east-facing Mweka (Barafu Camp) route to Stella Point. The route is renowned for its scenic beauty and rugged terrain, though it is quite challenging to complete in just 6 days.

4. Umbwe: The shortest and most direct ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit, this route presents the greatest challenge in terms of terrain and difficulty. It is best completed via the Western Breach over 6 or 7 days, but can also connect to the Machame/Southern Circuit.

5. Marangu (Coca-Cola Route): The original hut route, commencing at the southeast, traverses dense forest, heather, and moorland before crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Climbers ascend to Gillman’s Point and then navigate around the southern rim of the crater to Uhuru Peak. This route requires pre-booking and deposits to secure accommodation in the huts, and is best completed in 6 days.

6. Rongai: Approaching from the drier northeastern side (Kenya), this route leads to the flanks of Mawenzi, traversing the expansive barren saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, before reaching the summit via the Marangu Route. While it can be done in 5 days, it is ideally completed in 6 or 7 days. The descent follows the Marangu Route, resulting in a longer final day compared to other camping routes.

There is a circuit of routes traversing the Kibo massif in the alpine desert (approximately 3,500 to 4,000 m), with three summit route options available from this circuit.

The Northern Circuit is the least frequented route on Kilimanjaro, offering an authentic wilderness experience.

The Southern Circuit essentially continues from the popular Machame Route, following the Mweka (Barafu Camp) route to Stella Point. This path sees over 80% of summit foot traffic, with most climbers also choosing the Marangu Route via Gillman’s Point to reach Uhuru Peak.

The Western Breach represents the final summit route and attracts only a small percentage of climbers. It features a steep scramble from Arrow Glacier Camp (4,900 m) to the crater rim at 5,900 m, presenting a true alpine-adventure experience with some rock fall risks. We impose specific restrictions on this route to ensure a homogenous group with prior experience in similar terrain, and we provide mountaineering helmets for all participants ascending via the Western Breach.