What We Tell Every Guest

Tanzania sits close to the equator and the sun is strong, even on overcast days. Sunscreen and a hat are essential, not optional. Drink more water than you think you need - dehydration and heat stroke can creep up quickly on game drives. Most lodges and vehicles keep cold water available throughout the day.

Most lodges and tented camps provide mosquito nets and will spray your room before bed on request. In the evenings, long-sleeved shirts and trousers are the simplest and most effective protection. The risk varies by park, altitude, and season - your guide will advise on what's relevant for your specific itinerary.

Tse Tse flies are present in parts of Tarangire and the Serengeti, particularly during the heat of the day. Unlike mosquitoes, repellants have little effect on them. The most effective precaution is simple: avoid dark-colored clothing. Stick to khaki, beige, cream, or olive tones during game drives. Bites are unpleasant but the health risk for tourists is low - wear the right colors and you'll largely avoid the problem.

Tell your guide immediately - they are your first point of contact and will reach our office directly. Medical assistance is available at some lodges and camps, and a clinic with an experienced expat doctor is accessible in Karatu for more serious concerns. This is one reason we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover before you travel.

More than most people expect. The Ngorongoro Crater rim sits at over 2,000 metres and temperatures at night and early morning can drop significantly - a warm fleece or light down jacket is essential, not a luxury. Kilimanjaro summit temperatures can reach -15°C. Even in warmer parks, early morning game drives can be cool. Layers you can peel off as the day heats up are the most practical approach.

Yes, in Zanzibar. The island is around 99% Muslim, and appropriate dress outside of beach resorts is required - not just preferred. Cover shoulders and knees when walking through Stone Town, visiting markets, or moving through local communities. A light scarf or sarong in your day bag solves this easily. On the mainland, casual safari wear is perfectly appropriate everywhere you'll visit.

Yes. If you arrive in Arusha with more than you want on the road, most hotels will store bags securely while you're away. This is common practice and we can advise on where to leave them.

Not necessarily. US dollar bills printed before the year 2000 are routinely rejected across Tanzania, and even some 2000–2005 notes are turned away. Bring bills printed from 2006 onwards - check the date printed on the front of each note before you travel. Newer, larger-denomination notes ($50 and $100) are generally preferred.

Credit card acceptance in Tanzania is more limited than most visitors expect - don't be surprised if a lodge or shop declines your card. Where cards are accepted, Visa and Mastercard are the most widely used, and a surcharge of 3–6% typically applies. Carry sufficient cash for tips, local purchases, and situations where cards aren't accepted.

Sometimes, yes. Even if you pay in dollars or euros, change may be returned in Tanzanian shillings. This is normal - just worth knowing so it doesn't catch you off guard.

Most lodges and restaurants include a 5% service charge in meal bills, which is distributed among the team. If a particular staff member went out of their way for you, a direct personal tip is always welcomed. There's no fixed amount - it's genuinely at your discretion.

If you want to leave your lodge or hotel after dark, arrange a taxi through the hotel reception rather than flagging one down independently. This keeps the driver traceable if anything goes wrong. Your hotel reception will have trusted drivers on call.

Seatbelts are compulsory on main roads in Tanzania and we ask all guests to wear them during transfers and game drives. Our vehicles are fully equipped - please use them.

Keep passports, extra cash, travel documents, and personal devices in your safe deposit box whenever you're not using them - never left unattended in your room. Safe deposit boxes are available at reception or in the room at most lodges and camps. Before checkout, always open the box and check everything is there. Lodges will not accept responsibility for items claimed missing after departure.

Be careful. Card payment fraud does occur in Tanzania's tourist shopping areas. Before signing any credit card slip, check that the currency and amount are correct. If anything looks wrong, don't sign.

This is a serious legal matter. It is a crime to carry, purchase, or travel with any government-protected wildlife items - including bones, animal skins, feathers, or plants - without official documentation from the relevant Tanzanian authorities. Customs officers are strict and will confiscate items even if purchased in another country, and fines can be significant. Always insist on a receipt and certificate before leaving the shop. When in doubt, don't buy it.

Not always. Some remote lodges and camps run on generators, which are typically switched off between midnight and 5am and sometimes during the day. Arrive at each camp with devices fully charged, and carry a power bank - especially useful on multi-day game drives or on Kilimanjaro where charging opportunities are very limited.