If you are coming from North America or Europe, we recommend flying KLM to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) Air France, British Airways, Kenya Airways via Nairobi, Turkish airlines via Turkey or Qatar airlines via the Middle East. If you are coming from China, we recommend flying Ethiopian Air to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you are planning a visit to Zanzibar after your safari, we recommend that you either arrange your flight so that you arrive at JRO and depart through Dar Es Salaam International Airport (DAR) or consider entering into Tanzania through DAR or then take a connecting flight to JRO to start your safari. Zanzibar flights are available from Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha airport and also from various locations in the Serengeti. The flight between JRO and DAR is approximately about one hour. Please confirm all international flights and seating before departure.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering Tanzania. The only case that can sometimes be an exception is vaccination against yellow fever. A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever may be required to enter Tanzania if you are coming after a stay in one of the countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda). You can find a full list of these countries on the website of the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers. If you just plan to have a short (less than 12 hours) layover between flights in one of them without leaving the airport, the certificate will not be necessary.
Those arriving from the USA or countries of the European Union, Russian Federation, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, have no vaccine requirements.
Our safari itineraries are tailored to seasonal animal movement patterns so wildlife viewing is excellent year-round. So, the best time to go on safari is really dependent on when you wish to come, your interests, places you wish to visit and activities that you may want to do.
If you plan on traveling during the high season (June – September, December – March), we suggest you book your safari as far in advance as possible, 8 to 12 months, to secure your preferred accommodations. We can book on short notice. However, your safari will be subject to availability of rooms in the various accommodation and lodges.
Tourist visas can be obtained upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Dar Es Salaam International Airport by simply filling out an entry form (provided during your flight) and payment of the visa fee. Please ensure you have two blank pages in your passport and your passport does not expire within six months of your arrival date. The tourist visa fee is US$50 except for the following citizens: Pakistan (US$ 200), USA (US$100).
We can help organizing activities and book, hotels and flights to Zanzibar after or before your safari in Northern Tanzania. Just share your ideas with our sales consultants about the dates and type of accommodation.
Safaris are a considerable investment, and we strongly wish you to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Coverage should include trip cancellation, delay or interruption, lost or delayed baggage, emergency accident, illness and evacuation, 24-hour medical assistance and traveler’s assistance.
Although the currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania Shilling (Tsh), the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. However please note that for larger U.S. dollar denominations ($20, $50 and $100), only bills issued after 2006 will be accepted in Tanzania due to counterfeiting and fraud. Major credit cards are accepted at larger safari lodges, and major souvenir shops and larger tourist towns offer ATM bank machines where you can withdraw cash using your bank card or credit card. Please note that ATM bank machines only dispense Tanzanian shillings. Please note that some lodges may not have visa facilities for payment. Traveler’s cheques are hard to cash and not recommended.
Included:
Taking an African safari with your children can be a very rewarding experience, creating some unforgettable family memories. It will also instill respect in your children at an early age for our beautiful planet and the wildlife that inhabit it, which is a crucial factor for conservation efforts. Family safaris are an excellent opportunity for children to learn about wildlife and participate in cultural activities and interact with local children. We can tailor your safari to visit a local primary school or orphanage to see how other children live, learn and play. Please note that most safari lodges and camps are not fenced, and wildlife moves about freely. Never let a child out of your sight or wander around unattended under any circumstances. Please listen carefully to all safety briefings from your safari guide and lodge staff and follow instructions especially concerning moving to and from your tent/room after dark.
If you have any special needs or requirements, please let us know when you book your safari. Whether it’s some equipment you need like binoculars or photography bean bags, wheelchair accessibility or allergy to specific foods, we can plan your itinerary accordingly.
All game drives are conducted using either 4-wheel drive extended Landcruiser which can accommodate up to six passengers. Each traveler is guaranteed a window seat. Some of our vehicles have WIFI which is available on your safari, but reception can be intermittent depending on the landscape. We have no mileage restrictions on game drives. For safety and communication, our vehicles are equipped with a long-distance radio.
Our safaris are tailored to suit your preferences and budget and offer a wide choice of accommodation categories from standard, deluxe to luxury hotels, lodges, and tented camps. Each property will have its own unique character, and all of them are clean, comfortable and includes bathroom facilities. Most meals on safari cater to western tastes, and some lodges also offer a sampling of local Tanzanian food. A vegetarian choice is typically available on every menu. We ask that you notify us of any special dietary requirements in advance of your safari.
Casual, comfortable and easy to wash clothes are recommended. The goal is to pack lightly as most lodges and camps will launder clothes for a small fee. Safaris are informal, and there is no need to dress up. Do plan to dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes as early morning game drives can be quite cold depending on the time of year while daytime temperatures can get quite warm. Stick to neutral or khaki colors and avoid wearing dark blue or black clothes as these colors tend to attract tsetse flies. Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent are a necessity. After sunset, we recommend that you wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks and spray insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Recommended safari clothing:
Alpine chat adventure policy applies to the package offered, upon payment of deposit and confirmation of reservation.
Cancellation of booking or failure to join a tour will result in retention of funds by Alpine chat adventure as described below and remain balance of package price refunded.