Tanzania FAQs

Value for money travel tip – travel in March and November where Africa by Ayu has secured unbelievable offers and game viewing is great. This is when you can beat the peak season rates and crowds.

July to October dry season is the best time to visit Tanzania for wildlife. In July and August due to summer holidays and school vacations the parks and areas like the Ngorongoro Crater in the Northern Circuit can get crowded. But Africa by Ayu has a hand-picked collection of unique camps and lodges which are away from the crowds to get you an exclusive experience including walking safaris and night drives. The remote, raw and wild Southern Parks of Ruaha & Selous are never crowded and wildlife congregate close to the remaining waterholes during this period making for great photo opportunities.

January and February– Calving season in South Serengeti where the Wildebeest give birth to their young.

March – between the short rains in November and the long rains in April and immediately after the calving season is a great time for safaris with incredible prices and fantastic game viewing. Excellent time to follow the migration in Serengeti. Africa by Ayu has secured front row seats to watch the migration.

April and May are the wettest months but has low season rates. Some of the mobile camps in the Serengeti are closed from 1stto 15thMay due to heavy rains.

November and December – is the start of the ‘short rain season’. But in recent years the short rain has been very light and in some places non-existent. Make use of the low season rates until mid-December for excellent game viewing.

Migration Timeline in Serengeti– December to March the herds move towards the Southern Plains of the Serengeti. January & February is the calving season in Southern Serengeti, April the herds move towards Central Serengeti, May the herds enter the western corridor, June the wildebeest move from central area, splitting to the west & north, Grumeti River river crossing, July herds head north and large herds head up past Lobo area, August & September Mara river crossings start and some herds enter the Mara but the main herds are still in the northern Serengeti, October large portions of the herds are in the Mara, November with the short rains the herds start to trek to the south again to start the whole cycle! Please note that this is only a guideline as weather patterns are changing and so does migration patterns. Before booking the tour, please enquire as to the location of the migration.

Mount Kilimanjaro– Is best climbed between July to October or January to March

The weather in Serengeti can range between a high of 28c during the day to a low of 15c in the night. While in the Ngorongoro/ Karatu area it can reach a high of 22c during the day to a low of 9c in the nights.

Africa by Ayu has only partnered with operators and lodges that carry a valid insurance for their operations and are accredited by the relevant licensing authorities in each African country.

*Note – that we do not divulge the names of the tour operators we partner with.

Each hotel, lodge or camp included into an Africa by Ayu itinerary will be selected for the value for money offering it brings to each itinerary, after discussions with our partners in each African destination and careful consideration of all available options for your travel dates.

Our team loves to curate Africa holidays and are happy to spend time to share our expertise with those clients who are keenly interested to book our curated itineraries, through us but we are compelled to bring in this policy as some guests attempt to obtain all information and then proceed to book on their own.

Names of all hotels, lodges and camps will only be divulged upon payment of a non-refundable deposit. This will be set off against the cost of the tour booked with Africa by Ayu. Subsequent to the above deposit, we will divulge the names of hotels. If you wish, you are certainly free to request amendments to the hotels/itinerary and we will be happy to further curate the entire itinerary and suggest alternative names of hotels, subject to availability – (except on scheduled group tours where the accommodation cannot be changed unless the entire group requests it).

Accommodation cannot be held unless an advance is paid on the due date.

The wildlife, game viewing and scenery are excellent in all National Parks and Game Reserves in Tanzania. At any time of the year the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire will always give you amazing wildlife experiences. The Northern Circuit parks may get a bit crowded during the peak season and during school holiday period from July to September.

However, the remote raw and wild Southern Parks of Ruaha & Selous are never crowded and have some of the biggest prides of lions. Between the dry season of June to October the predator sightings are excellent.

For bird watching the best period is between November to April.

In private conservations walking safaris and night drives are possible. Even in the Serengeti Africa by Ayu can organize some exciting walking safaris.

A typical day on safaris can range from full day game drives to morning and afternoon game drives where you will relax during the middle of the day. Most lodges/hotels will have a swimming pool, lounge, library. Please note each lodge may have different times for safaris.

Sri Lankan Passport Holders should apply for the Tanzanian Visa through the Tanzanian High Commission based in New Delhi India.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of travel and should have two blank pages available. If you intend visiting another East African neighbouring country and back (e.g., Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda) please obtain a multiple entry Visa. For Visa’s to Kenya/Uganda/Rwanda you may obtain an e-visa from the respective country or an East Africa Visa.

Africa by Ayu has connections to the rights camps and lodges in Tanzania which are great for multi generational family holidays but not with toddlers. Different camps and lodges have different child policies and a minimum age on scheduled departures and walking safaris. Please enquire for specific details for your tour.

Note:

If you are traveling via Botswana and South Africa - You are required by law to travel with your children’s “Unabridged” Birth Certificate to enter Botswana and South Africa. If you are traveling without one parent, you will also require an affidavit from the absent parent giving permission for the child to enter the country. This must be dated no more than 3 months before the travel date

The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling

US dollars - dated after 2004 are accepted, but, high denomination notes may not be accepted.

Credit Cards are accepted in many places but may incur high charges. It is always advisable to bring some US Dollar currency in small denominations.

The most commonly used local language in Tanzania is Swahili, but English is widely spoken.

Travel insurance will be required before the final payment for your tour as tour operators and camps require your insurance details. Please ensure that the insurance is comprehensive and covers any medical situations such as hospitalization, emergency air-evacuation as well as cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.

Most urban areas have good medical facilities. If you do not have adequate cover you risk being turned away from the hospital.

Currently there are no specific requirements for visitors to have any inoculations prior to their arrival in Tanzania. However, a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever is required for any person entering Tanzania from, or via, a yellow fever infected area (please check latest WHO- World Health Organization current classification). It is advisable to obtain a Yellow Fever vaccine as sometimes at borders the officials request for the certificate. In Sri Lanka, you can obtain the Yellow Fever vaccine at the MRI.

Tanzania is a malaria area and malaria prophylactics are recommended. Please consult your Doctor prior to travel.

Lodges provide mosquito nets. To avoid mosquito and insect bites, wear long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night and use an insect repellent which contains at least 20-30% DEET. Although a medical kit is available at each lodge or safari operator, please bring all personal medications.

*Comprehensive travel and medical insurance must be taken by each traveller, prior to the final payment of your tour.

No one at Africa by Ayu is qualified to give medical advice and as such none of the above should be taken as authorized medical advice but are intended to be guidelines and general tips. Please consult your Doctor prior to travel and obtain accurate and up to date independent medical advice.

Flights

Africa by Ayu arranges all domestic flights from the main Airport to the national parks and between camps. Fly-in safaris would be the most convenient to visit the Southern Parks of Tanzania such as Selous and Ruaha as it takes long to get from one park to another.

Baggage restrictions on flights

On internal aircraft transfers, strict baggage restrictions apply. Weight, size and style of bag is strictly enforced.

Each passenger is only allowed a 15Kg soft duffel bag (not in hard top cases or bags with wheels) including hand luggage (includes camera equipment).

Large suitcases and rigid, inflexible luggage with “pull along” handle frames and wheels and bags which have soft sides but have a solid or rigid “wheely” frame within the base of the bag are NOT ALLOWED.

These restrictions are enforced for the security of guests as the weight balance is important on light aircraft.

Pilots on small aircrafts will refuse any luggage which does not fit within the luggage pods of the aircraft.

Tap water in East Africa is not safe to drink. and as a general rule bottled mineral water is recommended.

Please inform any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to confirming a tour.

The electrical voltage is 220 to 240V. Wall sockets require 3 square pin type plugs so it is recommended that you carry international travel adapters to be used in areas/camps where there is electricity.

Whilst most hotels and lodges will have permanent electricity, mobile camps and in many remote bush camps and lodges will not have permanent electricity and will use, kerosene lamps, Solar or Generators for lighting (of tents and communal areas) and for refrigeration and are often switched off at night. Small electronic devices/cameras should be charged during the day but it may not be possible to use electric shavers and hairdryers.

Fully charged spare batteries should always be carried on safari and have sufficient memory cards for your images and videos – these are difficult to purchase here.

In most bush camps and remote lodges cellular phone coverage and internet connections will not be available. Some, will have limited Wi-Fi connection in main lounge areas.

For emergencies, all safari operators can connect with their main camp via a radio link or satellite phone connection.

* A 24 hour local point of contact will be provided to you for all emergencies.

* Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is not permitted on any flights

Tipping is entirely at your discretion and will be greatly appreciated by those who provide a good service.

A rough tipping guideline for Tanzania

• Guides: US10 dollars per day per guest or per couple (US$15-20 per day per group)

• General lodge staff: US10 dollars per day per guest or per couple (a tip box is usually available at all camps and lodges and this will be distributed among the staff)

• Hotel/restaurant - a service charge is added to the bill but if the service has been great, then a tip not exceeding 10% of the bill is customary.

• It is not customary to tip lodge managers

For the tipping guideline for Mount Kilimanjaro climbs – Please enquire.

• To wear on safari: Comfortable and casual clothing, that you can wash and wear in muted colours - khaki, green, beige

• Since game drives are conducted early mornings and evenings – it can be quite cold, especially in winter and warms up during the day, so bring layers you can peel off or put on as needed as well as a jacket, gloves, scarf/beanie and hat.

• For walking safaris and bushwalks - wear a good pair of closed shoes (hiking boots not required) and clothing must be neutral colours (beige, khaki, olive, stone). You must not wear dark or bright colours.

• When relaxing at camps and lodges: casual clothing

• For evenings: Long-sleeved shirts, trousers and shoes to avoid mosquito bites

• When traveling during cold months: Jeans or safari trousers

• A lightweight waterproof jacket/poncho in case of rain

• Swimwear as somelodges and camps do have a pool

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturiser and lip salve

• Torch

• Binoculars and camera equipment (with spare batteries and SD/Memory cards)

• Most lodges inside the parks offer complimentary same-day laundry service. So you don’t need to bring too many clothes- please check on arrival.

• Strict luggage restrictions (of 15kg per person including hand luggage and camera equipment) applies on all small flights.

• On clothing and equipment for Mount Kilimanjaro climbs – please enquire.

Tanzania attracts many tourists and is considered a safe country especially on an organized safari, as visitors on safari are shielded from public areas in cities where theft and crime can be more common like anywhere else in the world. The operators that Africa by Ayu partners with will always have your safety and security in mind throughout your tour. However, for all safari destinations and throughout the tour we offer, we recommend that you do not take any expensive jewelry, watches etc and ensure your bags can be locked.

Traveling or driving at night is not recommended.

Safaris may bring you up close in contact with wild animals and all instructions of your Guide should be strictly followed. However, you should take responsibility for your own safety. Some lodges or operators will require that you sign an indemnity form on your arrival.

* A 24 hour local point of contact will be provided to you for all emergencies.