20 Days East African Highlights — Wildlife & Gorillas

Before you book · Tanzania

Travelling in Tanzania

Visas & entry

Single-entry tourist visa available online (e-visa) or on arrival — USD 50 for most nationalities, USD 100 for US passports. Passport valid 6+ months. Note: Tanzania is not part of the East Africa Tourist Visa, so a separate visa is needed even on combined trips.

Arrival gateway

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for the northern circuit, Julius Nyerere (DAR) for the south and Zanzibar (ZNZ).

Best time to travel

June–October for dry-season game viewing and the Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti (Jul–Sep). December–March for the Ndutu calving season. April–May is the long rains with the lowest rates.

Health & vaccinations

Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country (including Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda). Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended everywhere, including Zanzibar. Tsetse repellent useful in Tarangire and Ruaha.

Money & payments

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); park fees and most lodges are quoted in USD. Cards are accepted at lodges but carry USD cash for tips, curios and Zanzibar markets.

Weather & climate

Serengeti and Ngorongoro are high and cool — crater-rim nights drop to 5–10°C. Tarangire and the coast are hot, 30°C+.

Connectivity

Reliable 4G in Arusha, Karatu and Zanzibar; patchy in the central Serengeti; usually none in Ruaha or Nyerere except lodge Wi-Fi.

Tipping guideline

USD 20–25 per vehicle per day for your guide, USD 10 per guest per day for camp staff, USD 15–20 per day for Kilimanjaro crew members.

What to pack

Layered safari clothing, warm jacket for the crater rim, buff for dust, swimwear for Zanzibar, modest cover-up for Stone Town, and a 15 kg soft bag for bush flights.

Local etiquette

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim: cover shoulders and knees away from the beach, and avoid alcohol in public outside hotels. Greet with 'Jambo' or 'Habari' — it's always appreciated.

Requirements and fees change. We reconfirm current visa, permit and health rules in writing before you pay any balance.