Tanzania
Travel & Other Logistics
Travel Logistics
Please book your flight early into Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha to arrive before 3pm on the start date of your trip. Please note that the trip itinerary cannot be postponed due to the delayed arrival of guests. You are welcome to arrive before the expedition start date. Please let us know and send us your accommodation and flight itinerary. You can plan to depart anytime on the last day of the program. We will pick you up and drop you off at the airport.
Food
The traditional food staples of Tanzania are ugali (stiff maize porage), mchemsho (stew), mandazi (fried dough), mshikaki (grilled meat), nyama choma (barbequed meat), mchuzi wa samaki (fish curry), kuku (chicken), wali na maharage (rice & beans), wali wa nazi (coconut rice), mayai (fried egg), ndizi (plantains), and Sukuma Wiki (collard greens). There is a little more variety of world foods in Arusha. On the Kili climb, we will eat breakfast and dinner in camp. If you are climbing Kili, please bring two comfort snacks per climbing day. Western candy bars and junk food snacks are limited but available to purchase in Arusha. "Healthy" snacks are not available.
Tipping
The industry standard is to tip the guide team 10-20% of the total trip cost. Tips will be distributed fairly to the porters and local guides on the last night. There are no ATMs in remote areas so if you plan to tip, bring smaller cash bills. If you build a strong relationship with a specific person, feel free to tip them privately.
Visa & Passport
A visa is required for Tanzania. You must apply for your visa online in advance. To learn more and complete your visa application click here.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your trip dates.
Altitude & Self Care
Expect to be challenged by climbing Kilimanjaro. Kili is rugged and not easy. However, nothing worthwhile typically is. It's a different environment: dusty, cold, and high elevation. Aggressive self-care is critical including drinking 3-5 liters daily, eating well, layering when cold, and communicating openly about how you are feeling. Hiking and sleeping over 14,000 feet requires deliberate, slow movement. Something a simple twisted ankle can become an evacuation. We bring safety gear, including O2, satellite communication, 1st aid kits, etc. Please check with your physician before the trip. If you are climbing Kili, may want to bring Acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude sickness and prevention. Notify us of your medication plans. With multiple guides, we are prepared to divide the group as needed due to altitude illness or other challenges.
Hygiene & Toilets
It is recommended to wash hands twice and thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet. Generally, TP is placed in a bin, not the toilet. Squat and pit toilets are common in Tanzania. Guidance will be provided on how to effectively use these toilets. Plan to pack a personal roll of TP. TP is provided at our accommodations, however it can be a rare commodity while traveling, even at the airport.
Hot Water & Wifi
Regardless of the rapid influence of globalization, Tanzania is different. Hot water showers and WiFi are generally available at our accommodations on Safari and in Zanzibar. However, they are not always reliable. On Kilimanjaro and while in the bush, WiFi and hot water showers are not available. Where applicable, like cafes and lunch stops, the internet can be sometimes be purchased directly.
Cultural Competency
Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. From the tall graceful Maasai warriors, the ancient ways of the Hadza bushmen, the resourceful agricultural practices of the Wameru, the artistic talents of the Makonde to the Chaga merchants and traders. Each ethnic groups has their own mother tongue including the last click language. Some will also speak Kiswhili, the language of Tanzania. Nicole's Tanzanian family is Chaga, and we have a surprise greeting in Arusha where they live. We will also spend unique personal time with the Maasai and Hadza on Safari. And1 Zanzibar is an entirely different culture all together. A few tips from the locals:
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Ask before you snap.
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Mind your left hand.
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Don't sniff your food.
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Respectfully greet elders with "Shikamoo"
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Wear modest clothing.
Covid
Please bring a K95 mask in case of exposure. Covid tests will be provided as needed. In the case of a positive test that individual will go to Kathmandu to rest in quarantine.