Details

Trip Notes & Expectations

FLYING THROUGH LONDON-HEATHROW TO EAST AFRICA?

Travelers flying from or connecting through London-Heathrow are currently allowed only one carry-on item and one small personal bag (e.g., purse, laptop bag, briefcase) on flights to Nairobi. If you arrive at the security gate with more, you will be required to check one, which may lead to complications. This policy is current at the time of writing, but local rules may change. We recommend contacting your airline for the most up-to-date information.

ACCOMMODATION

The group will spend seven nights in simple hotels, typically with en suite bathrooms, and four nights camping in or near Tanzania’s national parks. Camping Experience: Camping offers an off-the-beaten-pathexperience at public campsites, shared with other groups. These sites are especially busy in high season and may vary in cleanliness. Facilities are basic, and campsites in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are particularly rustic, with no electricity. You’ll be provided with a 4 cm-thick mattress and a 2-person dome tent with built-in mesh for insect protection. The tents are treated for waterproofing but may experience minor seepage in heavy rain. Sites in Mto wa Mbu tend to be cleaner, but still simple. Since camps are unfenced, always use a flashlight at night and stay alert. You can bring your own sleeping bag, or rent one in Arusha for $40 USD. Pillows are not provided. Camping Support: This is a full-service camping trip. G Adventures staff will pitch your tent, cook your meals, and do the washing up—ideal for first-time campers. Weather is often pleasant but can shift quickly. Expect occasional fog, rain, bugs, or cooler temperatures, especially at night. Zanzibar Note: Accommodations are in twin-share rooms in both Stone Town and the beach resort. Hotel selection at the beach is based on availability and may change. Please contact us before booking any post-trip nights to confirm the final hotel location.

TRANSPORTATION

You will travel in private 7-seat 4x4 Land Cruisers equipped with pop-up roofs and sliding windows for great wildlife viewing. If your group is large, we’ll use two vehicles. All vehicles have speed governors set to 80 kph, and seat belts must be worn at all times. Our drivers are also trained mechanics and will handle any mechanical issues quickly. Breakdowns are rare, but due to long days and rough roads, they can happen. Thanks in advance for your patience if that occurs. Between Arusha and Zanzibar, you’ll take a local flight. In Zanzibar, we use minibuses for group transport. Comfort Considerations: This isn’t a physically demanding trip, but you’ll spend long hours on bumpy roads. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring any remedies you rely on. The reward? An incredible immersion into Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

ELECTRICITY

The power supply in Tanzania is nominally 240VAC, 50hz. Variable voltage, spikes and sporadic, unexpected, unscheduled power cuts of varying duration can be expected.

MEALS

When evening meals are not included, your hotel will have a restaurant or you’ll be directed to a good local option. Camp Meals: All camp meals are made from fresh local produce, with food shopping done before departure and along the route. Warm breakfasts (e.g., eggs/crepes) are prepared when time permits, otherwise cereals may be served. Lunches, often en-route, are light (e.g., sandwiches, salads), while hot evening meals include a variety of continental and local dishes. Meals are prepared by the crew, with optional assistance from travelers. Please specify dietary requirements before arrival. Bottled drinking water will be at your own expense.

LUGGAGE COMPLICATIONS

Don’t overpack. Your bag must stay within the size limits listed in our packing list. Delayed luggage is common on international flights to Nairobi—especially if you’re flying from Heathrow or Amsterdam. To be safe, keep important items in your carry-on: passport, documents, valuables, medications, and a change of clothes. If your bag is delayed, it will likely arrive within 48–72 hours, and the airline should forward yours to your hotel or next stop in Kenya. If you’re already in Tanzania by then, local staff can help—but be aware that airlines are not always proactive. You may need to buy replacement items locally, or pay someone to help communicate with the airline. Costs for retrieving or shipping your bag are your responsibility. G Adventures will support you where possible, but they cannot cover any expenses. Save all receipts for possible reimbursement from your airline or travel insurance provider.

MANDATORY INBOUND TRAVEL INSURANCE

All travelers to Zanzibar are required to purchase Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This insurance is mandatory and separate from any other travel insurance you may already have, and you may be refused entry to Zanzibar if you do not have this insurance. For details and to purchase the insurance, visit the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation website.

YELLOW FEVER

According to the WHO and CDC, there is low risk of exposure to Yellow Fever in Tanzania. It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling to Tanzania from a Yellow Fever endemic country . If required, Yellow Fever inoculations need to be administered at least 10 days prior to your entry into the country.

MOSQUITOS

Mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya are present in Tanzania. While hotels pre-confirm mosquito nets and repellents are available, our experience on the ground is that this isn’t always the case. We recommend bringing repellent, long sleeves, closed-toed shoes, and—if you’re concerned—a portable net or plug-in repellent. It’s best to come prepared to protect yourself.

GROUP LEADER

All GEEO/G Adventures trips are led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), whose role is to take the hassle out of travel and help you get the most from your trip. They’ll share information about the places you visit, suggest activities and restaurants, and introduce you to our local friends. While not traditional guides, CEOs have broad knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and daily life. On some excursions, local guides are used for deeper insight—giving you the best of both worlds.

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Single Travelers

Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same. Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion. Want a private room? Most trips offer a “My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the Extra Services section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.

Emergency Contacts

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: G Adventures Local Office (Nairobi, Kenya) From outside Kenya: +254 727 208 832 From within Kenya: 0727 208 832 G Adventures Local Representative (Tanzania) During office hours, 9 am-5 pm local time: From outside Tanzania: +255 754 400 141 From within Tanzania: 0754 400 141 If you are unable for any reason to contact the local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with the 24-hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 AIRPORT TRANSFER: If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please call the local emergency contact numbers listed below for more information. For any issues relating to pre-booked transfers for Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, including delays or missed transfers, please contact the airport transfer operator: Musaddiq: +255 754 400 141 or +255 787 400 142 (From outside Tanzania) Musaddiq: 0754 400 141 or 0787 400 142

Packing List

See our blog post of staff recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks. Bring one small or medium backpack or rolling bag (22-30lb) and one daypack for daily items. Space is limited on transportation, so oversized bags cannot travel. You will not be taking your main suitcase with you on the four nights of camping. You will need a large day bag or collapsible duffle bag that you take with you on safari. As you prepare your packing list, we recommend checking average weather conditions for your destination on a site like Weather Spark for the time of year you will be traveling. *Laundry: Hand washing of clothes can be done at campsites, as most have simple facilities for this purpose. We recommend bringing a non-polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of string to use as a clothes line for drying. If you arrive at the campsite in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry overnight. Your hotel in Arusha also has laundry service for a charge.

Passports and Visas

Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries. 

• → Read GEEO's Guidance for Tanzania (detailed instructions with official links and resources)

PASSPORT  All travelers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip dates with enough blank pages for stamps. Need to apply or renew? Start here. ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS  Visa rules change frequently—always verify the latest requirements on the U.S. State Department Country Information Pages. Non-U.S. passport holders should verify requirements with your country's official government resources. Use the tool below to see entry requirements for your specific itinerary.  Entry information below is provided by Sherpa, a third-party service and trusted G Adventures partner. You must search each of your destination countries separately; “Add connection” solely searches transit visa requirements. Additional fees apply if you choose to purchase any services through Sherpa.

Money Exchange

The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH or TZS). For current exchange rates, visit www.xe.com. As of March 28, 2025, Tanzania has banned the use of foreign currencies (such as USD) for domestic transactions. You will need to exchange any cash you bring into Tanzanian Shillings either at an authorized exchange bureau or commercial bank. Credit cards may be accepted in major cities and larger towns, and some optional activities can be paid for by credit card. However, do not rely on credit cards as your primary method of payment, as they are not widely accepted across the country. Visa/Plus cards tend to work more reliably than Mastercard/Cirrus cards in East Africa. If you typically use a Mastercard, we strongly recommend getting a Visa card before your trip. You should also be aware that when purchasing products or services on a credit card, a fee of 3%-10% often applies. Please note that in many areas, there may be occasional power-outages when there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. For these reasons, we recommend that you bring a combination of cash (to exchange) and cards, and always carry more funds than you think you will need, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Tipping

Tipping is optional but appreciated and goes a long way for the people who look after you on the trip. If you are happy with the service, use these ballpark amounts and adjust as you see fit. Remember to tip in the equivalent value of Tanzanian Shillings: - Driver: $5 USD (per day) - Supply Crew: $2-5 USD (per day) - Local guides: $1 USD (per couple of hours) - Restaurant Staff: 10% of the cost of bill - Tour leader: $5 USD (per day) (We suggest pooling contributions in an envelope and presenting it as a group)

Vaccinations

GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously! Yellow Fever Note: Some countries on GEEO programs may require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from or transiting through countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. This includes long layovers (typically over 12 hours) in affected countries. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before entry to be considered valid. Always check with your health provider and the official entry requirements of each country to determine if you need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Flights

This program begins in Arusha and ends in Stone Town. Do not book a departing flight earlier than 2:30 p.m. on your final day. Wait for official trip confirmation via email from GEEO before booking your flights. Prices tend to be lowest 90–120 days out, but that window varies by route and year. Neither GEEO nor G Adventures bear responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Arusha. Most people will fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, but you could also fly into relatively nearby Nairobi (in Kenya) if flights are cheaper. A transfer typically takes 3 hours plus border crossing time. Keep in mind flying into Nairobi could cause complications with visas. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. Your trip ends in Stone Town where you will be transferred to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.

Plugs and Converters

The countries visited use Type D and Type G plugs and the voltage is 230V. To use your electronics safely, you’ll need to consider: 1. Adapter (plug shape) Adapts your U.S. plug to fit another type of socket. See our recommended all-in-one travel adapter in our Gear Recommendations post. 2. Converter / transformer (voltage) Steps the outlet voltage down to 120V for U.S. appliances that can’t handle higher voltage. How to know which you need: Look at the fine print on the plug or power brick. An “Input 100-240 V” means the device is dual-voltage and works worldwide with only an adapter—phones, laptops, and most camera chargers fall into this category. If the label shows “Input 120 V” (hair dryers, curling irons, some shavers), it could be damaged on high voltage. Pack both an adapter and a travel voltage converter. Converters are inexpensive and sold online or in the travel aisle of many stores.

Weather

Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. However, generally, the long dry season lasts from June through October, and rainfall is uncommon, even on the islands. Temperatures vary widely with altitude and location, but it’s usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it’s a great time to visit Tanzania. Temperatures should be in the 70s and 80s during the day and 50s and 60s at night.

Advice from Past Participants

"There is a lot of tipping on this trip. Not only the CEOs (make note there are two of them, one in mainland Tanzania, another in Zanzibar), drivers, and local guides, but often we gave tips to people we talked to in the villages who showed us how they made things. For example, in Jambiani, we tipped the women who showed us how they plant and harvest seaweed and make rope. Plus the service people at hotels were super attentive and we tipped them extra. Also, women that cooked for us in Mto Wa Mbu, Masai in the village, boat drivers in Zanzibar, plus airport transfer tips. A lot of tipping money is needed. "It was colder than I was expecting. Long johns would be a good thing to have for camping." "I think that the wording of the driving time each day could also be better explained. For example, on Day 4 it says that drive time will be most of the day in the vehicle. While that was true, those hours spent during the day were actually on safari and looking at animals. Before I realized this, I wasn't super thrilled about all of those long driving days, but now I understand that it meant that we would be out on safari for the whole day and not just driving from one point to another." "We couldn't bring our entire bags/suitcases with us during the 4 nights of camping. We were instructed to bring a separate smaller bag with us instead." "The guidelines did say that meals would be far apart, but they were really very odd. We would eat breakfast at 7 or 8, not each lunch until sometimes as late as 2 or 3, and then eat dinner at 6 or 7. Make sure you have snacks!" "Tanzania no longer allows the use of foreign currencies (including US dollars) for local transactions. You'll need to draw local currency out of the ATM when you arrive." "Stay away from black, blue, and bright colors for the day in Safari with the dangerous flies." "Personally, I would have liked a better understanding of the clothing I needed. There was only one day when I needed to avoid black and blue (due to the tsetse flies), and it was only really chilly one night. I took too many clothes for cooler weather. I knew the dollar was accepted, but they literally would take the dollar ANYWHERE and gave a better deal if I paid with US dollars versus the local currency (Tanzania Schillings). I took $50 in one dollar bills, but I wished I had more. It was hard to get change for a $20. Lots and lots of tips were needed. It was a wonderful trip!" "The trucks that we were in had power, so we could charge external batteries and our phones. There was also pretty reliable phone service through Verizon the entire time. I could easily send out text messages." "All campsites had flushing toilets and showers and were relatively clean."