Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Please click here to go to our general FAQ, which has essential information that applies to all of our programs.

Resources to Learn & Teach about Tanzania

Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.

Terms and Conditions

It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.

• If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit, which is kept on file for future use
• If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use
• If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use

Trip Notes

1. TRAVEL DAYS: This is not a physically demanding journey; however, traveling can be difficult, as long drives and poor road conditions are the rule as opposed to the exception in both Kenya and Tanzania. A safari is about traveling to see animals, so we cover long distances crossing the country to visit different wildlife parks. Once there, we spend the majority of the time viewing wildlife while driving in the parks. This translates to a lot of driving. Despite this, the diversity and scenery of the African landscape, the local culture, and abundant wildlife are all well worth the experience.
2. YELLOW FEVER: According to the WHO and CDC, there is no risk of getting 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, or have RECENTLY traveled to a Yellow Fever endemic country (with entry stamps in your passport), including the following countries (but not limited to): Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Zambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.**We advise all travelers to Tanzania who are coming from one of the above countries, or who have visited them in the last 10 years, to be prepared with a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate or letter from your doctor with proof of vaccination. Yellow Fever inoculations need to be administered at least 10 days prior to your entry into the country. Border officials in Tanzania have been strictly enforcing these requirements. Travelers without the correct documentation run the risk of being denied entry, and will not be able to continue with the tour. (Any additional travel expenses will be on your own account.) **
3. EXTRAS: Looking to add to your experience? Check out our Extras! Specially designed for travelers with unique interests, Extras are optional add-ons to your trip that make your adventure more you-centric. Extras must be booked prior to departure, please see details in our optional activities field and email travel@geeo.org to book them.
4. 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.
5. LUGGAGE COMPLICATIONS FLYING INTO NAIROBI: It occasionally happens that luggage on international flights into Nairobi does not arrive, especially with, but not exclusive to, major airlines that fly from London-Heathrow or in Schiphol (Amsterdam). Please be aware that this may happen, especially if you have a tight connection in either of these centers, are flying with different airlines with a connection, have a last-minute flight change or re-route, or fly from or connect through another African center. Please be prepared and keep all important documentation and valuables on your person. As well we recommend a change of clothes in your hand luggage. If unfortunately this does happen, and your luggage does not arrive, you should be entitled to a limited initial compensation from your airline. In Nairobi, the arrival of lost luggage normally takes between 48 and 72 hours after the initial plane’s arrival. The airlines technically should be responsible to forward your luggage to you, to your hotel or elsewhere in Kenya. You may find that you will be needed to travel to Tanzania to begin your tour, and you still have not received your luggage. Considering that the customer service standards in Kenya are different from home and that we find that the airlines are not always pro-active in helping luggage in its care be reunited with its owner, it is recommended that you purchase locally the needed items, and hire someone locally to persist with your airline to retrieve your luggage. Please see the emergency local contact number, and our local manager will be able to help you organize this, and once your luggage is retrieved, it should be able to be forwarded to you – depending on where you are. Please note that any costs that you may incur for luggage retrieval or sending luggage are not the responsibility of G Adventures, though we will always strive to assist you in any way possible. You should always keep all receipts and documentation, and contact your airline or insurance provider for reimbursement.
6. FLYING THROUGH LONDON-HEATHROW TO EAST AFRICA?: Please note that regardless of the rules in other centers, travelers flying from, or connecting in, London-Heathrow are currently only permitted one carry-on piece of luggage and one small personal bag (purse, laptop-size bag, briefcase) on board on flights to Nairobi. If you arrive at the security gate with 2 pieces, you will be forced to check-in one of them, which may result in complications noted above. This policy is in place as of the time of writing, though local rules and regulations may indeed change. It is thus advisable to contact your airline directly for the most up-to-date information.
7. CAMPING SERVICE: The idea of camping in Africa can be a daunting one. For those not accustomed to ‘roughing it’ for a few days, we offer a full camping service. All tents are pitched for you, meals are prepared and served and the washing up is done by G Adventures staff. This leaves you with more time to enjoy your surroundings and is ideal for first-time campers who may be worried about the challenges such a trip can entail. When camping we are exposed to the elements, and whilst there are times when the weather is fine and temperatures are pleasant, there may be days when it is foggy, rainy and cool. In certain locations, there may also be a number of bugs. These factors, however, should be seen as minor downsides to a camping experience which will allow you to get up close to the beautiful nature that Africa has to offer. Camps are open to the natural environment (ie. no fences) – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply canvas dome tents with built-in mesh insect nets on the doors and windows. Mattresses are also available, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable. Please note drinking water, ice, and firewood are not provided but can be bought locally with the assistance of the tour leader.
8. SLEEPING BAGS: Sleeping bags can not be rented on any of our Africa overland or safari trips.

Group Leader Description

All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure’s group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). To round out the team, you will be joined by an expert driver/guide and a camp cook. The Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will be the group manager and leader. He/she organizes the trip and will be there to assist you when needed. Your leader may be from East Africa, or another country outside of the region, and will have a general knowledge base of the region and wildlife. He/she will take care of the small things so you can concentrate on enjoying your adventure. Your driver/guide is a skilled and experienced driver and a certified safari guide and is an integral part of the team. As well, your cook will prepare the camp meals to add some further local flavor to the trip. On Zanzibar, you will have one CEO who will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Fitness Level

Trip includes moderate hiking and other activities that require an average/moderate level of fitness to enjoy. You can skip the longer hikes if you wish.

Meals

When an evening meal is not included, your hotel will have a restaurant or you will be advised of a good local establishment. All camp meals you have during your trip will be prepared from fresh local produce. Shopping for food will be done before the trip departs, fresh vegetables and fruit will be bought along the route from supermarkets, local shops, and markets. Breakfasts will generally be cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches or salads. All evening meals will be hot and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes. Meals will be prepared by the crew with assistance from you if you would like to help cook, this is not compulsory. Vegetarian meals and other dietary requirements need to be specified prior to arrival. Please note all bottled drinking water will be at your own expense.

About our Transportation

This trip is done in private 7 seat 4×4 Land cruiser vehicles. With sliding windows and a large pop-up roofs, these vehicles are designed for wildlife viewing. If there is a large group, 2 vehicles will be used. Speed governors set to 80 kph are used on all vehicles to ensure a safe driving speed. Please note for your own safety it is mandatory to wear your seat belt at all times when in a vehicle. All G Adventure vehicles are regularly serviced and follow a strict maintenance schedule. However given the long travel days and rough conditions of many of the roads in Africa, vehicles can and do breakdown on occasion. If such situations occur all drivers are trained mechanics and any vehicle issues are rectified as quickly as possible so as to not disrupt your trip. Your patience is requested if the vehicle you are traveling in happens to encounter a mechanical fault. This is not a physically demanding journey; however, traveling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Please take note of the travel times and distances in the above itinerary, and consider that this is often on poor quality, bumpy roads. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, culture, and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a local airline to fly between Arusha and Zanzibar. On Zanzibar, we travel using minibusses.

About Accommodation

The group will spend seven nights in simple hotels, typically with en suite bathroom facilities. The group will spend four nights camping. Camping in Tanzania is truly an adventure. You will be able to get off the beaten track to get a first-hand experience of the beautiful wilderness and nature. While camping, we stay at designated campsites inside and nearby the national reserves and parks. These campsites are generally very basic and are not comparable to western standards. We pitch tents at the public campsites and may be sharing the space and facilities with other groups, especially during the high seasons. (The number of people sharing these campsites may influence the cleanliness and environment of these public campsites.) All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag) is supplied, including camp mattresses, which are warm and comfortable. We supply dome tents and assembly/disassembly takes only 5 minutes. They are good quality, durable, industry-standard 2-person safari canvas tents. Please note that most adults will not be able to fully stand up inside the tents, though most travelers find these more than adequate, as they have a base area of approximately 4 square meters. These tents are regularly treated with a waterproofing agent, but under certain rainy conditions, the tent fabric may become saturated to the point where seepage or leakage may occur. All tents have built-in mesh insect netting on the windows and doors. Our campsite in Mto wa Mbu is basic, but clean and the location is very convenient. Once we move into the Serengeti National Park and to the Ngorongoro Crater rim, the facilities become more basic with long-drop latrines, simple cold shower or bathing, and no electricity. Camps are open to the natural environment (ie. no fences) – care must be taken, especially at night, when a torch/flashlight is recommended when walking around the camp area. The idea of camping in Africa can be a daunting one. For those not accustomed to ‘roughing it’ for a few days, don’t worry, your trip is a ‘full-service camping’ experience. All tents are pitched for you, meals are prepared and served and the washing up is done by G Adventures staff. This leaves you with more time to enjoy your surroundings and is ideal for first-time campers who may be worried about the challenges such a trip can entail. ** NOTE ** – In Zanzibar, we stay in standard, twin-share accommodation in Stone Town and on the beach. Please note that our Zanzibar Beach Resort location is subject to change due to availability. – Before booking any post nights in Zanzibar please CONTACT US to confirm the location.

Single Travelers

Half of the people that travel with GEEO are traveling by themselves, so please don’t worry if you have no one who can join you on your trip. Our pricing is based on double occupancy or, in other words, two people to a room. You never have to pay for a single room unless you want one. GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender. Most of our trips have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that will allow you to have a room to yourself. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please click here where you can look up your trip in the extra services spreadsheet. Please note that if you have booked the “My Own Room” option for this tour, you will receive your own single room/tent for all night stops.

Joining Instructions

Day 1 is an arrival day, and no activities have been planned. Upon arrival to the city on Day 1, or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us, please make your way to the joining hotel. Please note: Check-in time will be in the afternoon. Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note at reception from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on Day 1, usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., at which you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details! On arrival, no transfers are included. Please make your way to the joining hotel. Kilimanjaro International airport is approximately 40km, or 40 minutes, from Arusha. Taxis are available to transfer you to Arusha and cost approximately USD 50 per car. From Nairobi, Kenya, Arusha is approximately 6 hours by land, including the border formalities. To arrive in Arusha from Nairobi, a seat on a public shuttle bus (leaves daily at 8 am) can be pre-booked through G Adventures. If you have a pre-booked transfer, please look for the driver, who will be holding a sign with the G Adventures logo on it. At times there are taxi drivers who will want to get your business, so please be aware of them and look for our G Adventures representative. For security purposes, your name will not be on the G Adventures sign. As well, please do not tell the driver your name straight away, but rather ask the driver FIRST to tell you who they are meant to pick up. This will ensure that you go with the right driver. The tour departs Arusha in the morning of day 2.

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 If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you. Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 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 our 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

Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack, no larger than 30cm(height) x 30cm(width) x 60cm(length), maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced, and due to limited vehicle capacity, the cost of transporting any luggage beyond these restrictions is the responsibility of the client. Please note, if you are traveling with a large amount of luggage and wish to leave a portion of it at the start hotel, this is indeed possible as storage facilities are available. For our camping style tours, you will need to provide your own sleeping bag, and liner (if you would like). We provide the tent, small pillow, sleeping sheet, and the sleeping pads. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives. Light, quick-drying, practical clothes are advisable for this safari trip.

 Suggested Checklist

• Sleeping bag (It tends to be in the 50s F at night.)
• Warm layers for the evening, early mornings
• Light windproof/waterproof rain jacket
• Sun hat
• Personal clothing for weather in the 50’s to the 80’s – we recommend packing 8-9 days of outfits so you only have to do laundry once
• At least one pair of long pants
• Daypack
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Sport sandals or flip-flops
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Watch or alarm clock
• Small flashlight or headlamp
• Toiletries – your hotels will have soap and shampoo
• Camera
• First-aid kit, including: lip salve, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking

Optional Checklist

• Lightweight silk sleeping bag liner
• Travel pillow
• Money belt
• Water bottle
• Phone/Tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
• Chargers for electronics as well converters/adapters, if needed
• Packing cubes – these are awesome
• Earplugs – these are a life-saver if you have a snoring roommate
• Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
• Ziplock bags for wet clothing
• Reading/writing material
• Hand sanitizer/Baby wipes

Document Checklist

• Passport (with photocopies)
• Travel insurance (with photocopies)
• Airline tickets (with photocopies)
• USD/EUR cash
• Credit or debit card
• G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information, and dossier
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent 10-30 days before departure

Laundry

Hand washing of clothes can be done at campsites, as most have simple facilities for this. We recommend you bring a non-polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry. Your start/end hotel also has laundry service for a fee.

Passports and Visas

All GEEO trips require that the participant have a valid passport.  Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double-check the information we provide below by searching here. Please see here for GEEO's 2022 Tanzanian tourist visa guidance. As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. IMPORTANT NOTE It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate upon entering the country. Please check in with your local consulate and health expert for advice on Yellow Fever and other inoculations required for this area.

Money Exchange

The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH, or TZS). We do not recommend bringing travelers’ checks to Africa. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places. Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. it is harder to find machines Mastercard/Cirrus cards. We highly recommend that if you hold a Mastercard, you obtain a Visa card prior to departure and travel with both. This is also useful should something unforeseen happen to one of your cards during your travels. While there are many ATMs in the major centers, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank. Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. The majority of our optional activities can also be paid by credit card. Your tour leader will advise on these. Please note that in many areas there may be occasional power-outages, where 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. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don’t want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. The gesture serves as an expression of appreciation for exceptional service, and amounts given are up to your discretion. Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be seen as a formal “thank you,” and the action should in no way be awkward. The best method of tipping someone that has served the whole group is to plan in advance, and not rush when it comes to saying goodbye. A suggestion would be for each group member to contribute anonymously by putting their tip into an envelope. This often works the best and the group should gather to present the gift to the recipient(s), offering their thanks and showing their appreciation. This method brings the action out into the open, allowing for friendly and appreciative interaction between the group and the recipient(s). You may use the following as a guideline, all given in a per person format: Tour leader: $5 USD (per day) Driver: $5 USD (per day) Supply Crew: $2-5 USD (per day) Local guides: $1 USD (per couple of hours) Restaurant Staff: 10 cost of bill

Vaccinations

We legally cannot give you any medical advice. It is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. Please take this seriously!

Flights

We often find the best prices for purchasing flights is 60 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You must wait until this trip is confirmed with the minimum number of required participants before you book your flights. Typically, we reach the minimum number needed at least 90 days before departure. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. You can find out whether this trip has been confirmed here. This program begins in Arusha and ends in Stone Town. 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 and COVID protocols. 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. You must not book your departing flight from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for any time earlier than 2:30 PM.

Plugs and Converters

There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two to three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. The transformer changes the local voltage to that required by your device. You will want to bring plug converters for Plug types G and D. Their voltage is 230 Volts. U.S. outlets are 120V. Most new devices (phones and laptops) can handle the different voltage rates, but some devices only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device to see what voltage range it handles. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity. For example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work on voltages from 100V to 240V. If your transformer can’t handle the different voltage, you’ll need to purchase a voltage converter. You can find world regional voltage converters power packs at various vendors.

Expectations

Before you decide on traveling with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.

• The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. The hotels on this trip can be pretty basic. There are also four nights of camping.
• We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Expect some long days in our vehicle.
• Your luggage must not exceed the dimensions we list in our packing list, so do not over-pack.
• We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
• Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring, and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.

Hopefully this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Weather

Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. Late December falls at the tail end of Tanzania's "short" rainy season and the start of the"short" dry season. It’s a great time to visit Tanzania. Temperatures should be in the 70s and 80s during the day and 60s at night.