Become mesmerized by Tanzania! This guide will help prepare you for your incredible adventure. Please read this carefully, and if there is anything we have not addressed, feel free to reach out at [email protected]. Can’t wait to show you this amazing country.
Things to expect
Physical level
This trip is suitable for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. Activities include walking safaris, market strolls, and cultural visits on uneven terrain. You won’t be hiking extensively, but getting in and out of safari vehicles, walking short distances on dirt paths, and managing your own luggage are part of the journey. Patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor will enhance your experience.
Inclusions
exclusions
Itinerary
Your general Tanzania itinerary can be found on the Tanzania Meetup Tour webpage. Daily schedules will be given by your guide when you arrive in Tanzania. Because the seasons, operating hours of inclusions, traffic, weather, and many factors can affect the daily schedule, specific timing will be determined by your guide to give you the best possible experience. If you have questions about when to wake up, how long you will spend at a particular site, etc. please feel free to ask your guide at any time.
Itinerary Disclaimer
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Tanzania Traveler Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travelers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
Joining Point
Arusha Serena Hotel, Arusha
Address: Tengeru Rd, Tanzania
Joining Description
Arrival: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where your airport transfer will be waiting for you. Look for a person holding a sign with the SoFe logo on it and your name! The transfer will take you from the airport to our group hotel in Arusha.
If you arrive a day or two early, the airport transfer is not included. Please email us directly if you book flights outside this window so we can assist with arranging a transfer and an early night in the hotel.
Remember, our welcome meeting with your guide is at 6pm in the hotel lobby on the first day of the tour. We recommend arriving to the airport around 3:00pm in order to make it to the hotel with some spare time before 6pm. But, we will pick you up at any time on Day 1, even if you arrive later that day. If you miss the welcome meeting, your guide will find a time to catch you up on the details.
Finishing Point
Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas
Address: Matemwe, Tanzania
Finishing Point description
Fly out of Abeid Amani Karu International Airport (ZNZ) anytime on our tour end date. We recommend departing around 11:00am after breakfast and checkout.
Please note that your departure airport is different than your arrival airport.
Departure transfer is not included. Your guide can help you arrange transportation to the airport as needed.
Problems and emergency contact
While we always endeavor to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognize that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still traveling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://thesolofemaletravelernetwork.com/contact-us
For any arrival transfer related issues, please contact +1 562 544 2737. Our general emergency contact number for Tanzania is: +1 819 329 1292.
Payment schedule
You are required to pay a non-refundable $550 deposit at the time of reservation. This non-refundable deposit confirms your Meetup Tour booking and you will receive a confirmation email detailing the terms of your reservation. Once the confirmation email has been sent to you, a contract will exist between us from the date we issue the confirmation invoice.
Please refer to your booking confirmation for specific dates, deadlines and details regarding final payments for your Meetup Tour. For standard Meetup Tours, the program fee balance payment is due 90 days before the departure date. SoFe’s payment system allows you to input the dollar amount for each payment you submit, so you are welcome to make as many payments in any dollar amount as you prefer before the final payment is due.
The final payment deadline is 90 days before the Meetup Tour start date.
If you have not paid the full balance, requested a cancellation and/or transfer by the final payment deadline, your credit card on file will be automatically charged the remaining balance of the Meetup Tour program cost. A $100 late payment fee will also be levied. Additionally, SoFe reserves the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
Feedback
Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travelers like you. Share your experience with us by emailing [email protected]!
Before you leave
Important notes
Food and dietary information
Tanzanian cuisine is flavorful, comforting, and rooted in local traditions, with dishes influenced by African, Indian, and Arab cultures. Meals often center around staples like rice, beans, maize (commonly prepared as ugali), and plantains, alongside stewed meats or vegetables. Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy a mix of traditional and international meals, especially at lodges that cater to travelers. Breakfasts at our hotels tend to be buffet-style with eggs, toast, fruit, and coffee.
Vegetarians are generally well accommodated in Tanzania, as most meals offer plant-based options such as vegetable curries, rice dishes, or bean stews. However, vegans, gluten-free travelers, or anyone with more specific dietary needs should be prepared for limited variety, especially in remote regions. We do our best to accommodate all requests—just be sure to communicate your dietary restrictions with us ahead of time. While many lodges can offer substitutions, cultural meals or homestay-style experiences may be less flexible. If you follow a strict diet, we recommend packing a few easy snacks or meal supplements to ensure you stay nourished and satisfied throughout the trip.
Money Matters
Spending money is a personal choice, and everyone will have different spending habits and needs. It is best to budget a reasonable amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Please have a thorough look at the itinerary and at what is included so you will be prepared for what isn’t included. Our Meetup Tour is very inclusive, however some meals and extras are not included. This guide should make budgeting a little clearer.
EMERGENCY FUNDS
Please also make sure you have access to an additional US$500, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (e.g. a natural disaster, civil unrest, strike action, etc.) necessitate a change to our planned route.
There are ATMs available in all major towns and cities throughout Tanzania, and most accept Visa, Mastercard, and cards connected to international networks like Cirrus. That said, some ATMs—especially those linked to smaller banks—can be unreliable or temporarily out of service, so you may need to try more than one before completing a withdrawal.
It’s best to arrive with a small amount of U.S. dollars or Tanzanian shillings in cash to get you started, then use ATMs along the way to withdraw more as needed. Credit cards are increasingly accepted at mid-range to high-end lodges, restaurants, and souvenir shops, but smaller establishments, rural markets, and local vendors generally operate on a cash-only basis. Once you’re on the ground and have a better sense of your spending habits, your guide can help you plan when and where to access more cash. Ultimately, a combination of card and cash will give you the most flexibility.
Changing money in Tanzania is relatively straightforward, with banks and exchange bureaux available in major cities like Arusha and Moshi. We recommend either exchanging a small amount at the airport upon arrival—where it’s safe and convenient—or waiting until you’re with your tour guide, who can help you find a trusted location.
Please be aware that not all currencies are accepted at exchange offices. Australian dollars, in particular, can be difficult to change, so the most reliable option is to bring U.S. dollars in clean, newer bills. Avoid torn or worn notes, as they are often refused.
Once we leave the main cities and head into national parks or rural areas, access to money exchange becomes extremely limited. It’s important to plan ahead and exchange what you’ll need before leaving Arusha. Always use licensed banks, official exchange offices, or reputable hotels—never change money with individuals on the street, as this is illegal and can lead to scams. Keeping your exchange receipts is also a good idea in case you need to show proof of the transaction or convert leftover shillings back into your home currency at the end of the trip.
Tips are included on all SoFe trips, covering hotel staff, your main driver throughout the trip, included experiences, included meals, and the people who will take care of you during your travels.
This amount does not include a tip for your tour guide, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It is customary to tip your leader for outstanding service provided during your trip. You are free to tip more or less as you see fit. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, $12-20 USD per person, per day can be used for your guide.
There may be times when you find yourself exploring solo. When you’re out by yourself and you’re happy with the services, providing a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SoFe destinations.
In most local and mid-range restaurants, tipping is appreciated but not automatically included in the bill. In these places, it’s polite to round up or leave a small tip (around 5–10%). For example, if your meal costs 18,000 TZS, you might leave 20,000 TZS. At high-end or tourist-oriented restaurants, you may occasionally see a 10% service charge already included on the bill. If so, there’s no obligation to tip further—unless you feel the service was exceptional. But it’s not as standard or predictable as in countries like the U.S.
The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), which is divided into 100 cents, though cents are rarely used in practice. Banknotes are commonly issued in denominations of TZS 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, and 1,000. Coins are available in values of 500, 200, 100, and 50 shillings, but they are used less frequently, especially in more tourist-oriented areas. While U.S. dollars are widely accepted in many hotels, lodges, and for tipping, you’ll need Tanzanian shillings for local markets, shops, and casual dining. Make sure your U.S. bills are clean, untorn, and issued in 2009 or later, as older notes may not be accepted.
A sit-down lunch at a local restaurant typically costs between $10–$20 USD, while dinners at lodges or tourist-friendly spots may range from $15–$30 USD depending on the location and whether drinks are included. Street food, like grilled meat skewers or chapati with beans, is widely available, surprisingly tasty, and very affordable – usually under $5 USD. Most travelers find the food safe to eat, but it’s still wise to stick with freshly cooked options and bottled water, and to ask your guide if you’re unsure. Your guide will help you find local options.
Food prices in Tanzania range widely from cheap street food to fine dining. If you have a strict budget, be mindful of your choices and let your tour guide know the type of food you are looking for, so she can direct you to the best places.
Climate information
Tanzania has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons, and temperatures vary based on elevation and region. Because Tanzania is typically explored from the plains of the Serengeti to the cooler highlands near Ngorongoro, you’ll likely experience a range of weather conditions.
The dry season runs from June to October. During this period, days are warm and sunny, typically ranging from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F), with low humidity. Mornings and evenings, however, especially in higher elevation areas like the Ngorongoro Crater or the Tarangire highlands, can be quite chilly, dropping to 10°C (50°F) or lower. It’s important to bring layers, including a warm jacket, hat, and even gloves if you tend to get cold.
The wet seasons are divided into the long rains (March to May) and the short rains (November to early December). The long rains tend to be heavier and more sustained, especially in April, while the short rains are more sporadic and often limited to afternoon showers. Rain rarely disrupts travel entirely, but it can make some unpaved roads muddy and slow-going. During these seasons, it’s essential to bring a light rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, and waterproof shoes or sandals with good grip. Even during the rainy seasons, you’ll still see plenty of sunshine, and the landscape is lush and green. Animals are also active year-round, though wildlife may be slightly more dispersed in the wet months due to the abundance of water.
Sun exposure is strong no matter the season, especially on game drives in open vehicles or during cultural visits in rural areas. Be sure to pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and plan to stay hydrated throughout the day.
If your departure falls during a transitional month—like May or November—be prepared for a mix of weather conditions, and pack accordingly. Your guide will always be up to date with local forecasts and will adjust daily plans if needed to give you the best possible experience.
passports, visas, and entry requirements
Most travelers to Tanzania will need a visa to enter the country, including citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and most EU countries. Fortunately, Tanzania offers several visa options, including an easy-to-use e-visa system, as well as visa on arrival at major airports like Kilimanjaro International (JRO). For most nationalities, the single-entry tourist visa allows a stay of up to 90 days and costs approximately $50 USD, though U.S. citizens pay $100 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
We recommend applying for an e-visa online before departure through the official Tanzania Immigration website. This allows you to skip potential queues at the airport and enter the country more smoothly. Processing typically takes 10 business days, but it’s best to apply well in advance in case of delays. You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date, a passport-style photo, a scanned copy of your passport, and your travel itinerary or confirmation of accommodation.
Some nationalities are not eligible for visa on arrival and must apply in advance. It is your responsibility to check your own country’s specific visa requirements. We suggest confirming this immediately after booking your trip to allow time for paperwork, appointments, or potential delays. You can check visa eligibility and entry requirements on your government’s foreign travel advisory website or by contacting the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your country.
Please note: if you are transiting through other countries before arriving in Tanzania, you may also need a transit visa depending on your nationality and the length of your layover. Double-check all requirements to avoid last-minute surprises.
You’ll need a valid passport to travel to Tanzania, and most nationalities are required to have at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into the country. Additionally, your passport should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps. We require your passport details at least 45 days before departure, as these are needed to confirm hotel bookings, park permits, and domestic arrangements. When booking your Meetup Tour, please make sure the name you enter matches your passport exactly. If you notice any discrepancies, let us know right away so we can update your booking details accordingly.
To be extra safe while traveling, we strongly recommend taking two physical copies of the main pages of your passport—one to carry with you and one to leave with a trusted contact at home. You may also want to save digital copies of your passport, visa, flight details, and travel insurance on your phone or in a secure cloud-based location. In the unlikely event that your passport is lost or stolen, having these copies will greatly assist in obtaining a replacement from your embassy.
Packing
Our tours are comfortable and very inclusive with premium accommodations. This means you can pack a little lighter since the hotel will have a wide range of amenities. Since you will be carrying your own bags to the lobby or at the airport, we suggest packing in a way that is manageable for solo travel. You’ll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc. for day trips.
Important Luggage Information: our domestic flights include 20kg baggage allowance TOTAL (check-in and carry-on luggage allowance is up to 20kg together). Please adhere to these limits to ensure we have sufficient space on the vehicles we’ll be using throughout the trip. See baggage policy: https://www.auricair.com/General/baggage_policy
The following is a general list to be used as a guideline. If you think you need more items, pack them.
See our full Tanzania Packing Guide above for a detailed checklist. Important items include:
Comfortable walking or trail shoes
Lightweight long pants and tops for sun and bug protection
A warm layer for chilly mornings
Rain jacket
- Scarf or shawl for dust
Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Daypack for water, snacks, and camera
Insect repellent
Binoculars for safari
Power adapter (Tanzania uses UK-style Type G sockets)
Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safes to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.
In Tanzania, the most common plug types are Type G and Type D. Type G plugs have three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern, while Type D plugs have three round pins in a triangular pattern. Type G is the more prevalent standard, especially in newer constructions like hotels and tourist areas. We always suggest bringing a universal adaptor.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory on all our Meetup Tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are traveling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travelers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
We recommend that you check your government’s advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
on the road
Group Guide
All tours with The Solo Female Traveler Network are accompanied by a tour guide who is with the group for the whole trip. The tour guide’s role is to be the local expert of the destination and coordinate a lot of the on the ground logistics. Our tour guides are SoFe’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your guide will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At SoFe, we aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your tour guide will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialized information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
Accomodation
We use a range of accommodation that we choose based on season, group size, and availability and because of this, we can not provide a confirmed list of hotels before the tour. However, here is a list of the accommodation we are most likely to use. Feel free to request a confirmed list of all accommodation from your guide on Day 1.
We do provide the confirmed start and end accommodation to help you plan transportation, pre/post travel plans, or visa needs. You can find this in the “joining point” and “finishing point” sections of this page.
Arusha: Arusha Serena
Serengeti National Park: Tortilis Serengeti
Ngorongoro Crater: Ngorongoro Farm House
Zanzibar Stonetown: Tembo hotel
Zanzibar Beach: Zanzibar Sunrise at Bandas
*PLEASE SEE YOUR SPECIFIC DEPARTURE’S DOWNLOADABLE ITINERARY FOR YOUR CONFIRMED HOTELS
9 nights in a mix of boutique hotels, cozy lodges, and tented safari camps—each chosen for comfort, character, and location. Rooms are twin share unless you request and pay for a single supplement.
While Tanzanian accommodations are not as standardized as chain hotels, this is part of their appeal. Some rooms may be slightly larger or have better views than others, but we do our best to ensure fairness throughout the trip. We guarantee twin beds, but bed sizes may vary slightly depending on the property. We ask all travelers to embrace the spirit of adventure and appreciate the distinctive qualities of each stay.
Rooms are twin share with an ensuite unless you upgrade to a private room, based on availability.
The accommodation indicated on the webpage is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
In the base cost of the tour, a shared room is included. You may choose to upgrade to a private room for an extra charge and as long as there is availability. Private rooms also have an ensuite.
Upgrading to a private room once in Tanzania is more difficult and may result in a higher cost than advertised on the webpage.
Our Tanzania tour features premium-style accommodation, including boutique hotels, safari lodges, and tented camps. These properties are carefully selected to provide comfort, character, and an immersive experience in each location. While many of our stays are upscale and thoughtfully designed, the standard may still differ from what you’re used to in terms of amenities, design, or service—especially in more remote or rural areas. Some locations prioritize location and atmosphere over luxury, and Wi-Fi, electricity, or hot water may be limited at times, particularly in the Serengeti.
In certain regions, high-end hotels simply don’t exist, and instead we stay in charming lodges or camps that offer genuine Tanzanian hospitality, home-cooked meals, and breathtaking surroundings. All accommodations are clean, comfortable, and safe, even if a bit simpler than a traditional five-star hotel. If you experience any issues with your room during the tour, please speak to your guide right away so they can resolve it quickly whenever possible.
Sometimes it is not possible to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels, especially if you arrive before check in time. We can store your luggage and you can explore the surrounding area. Standard check in time is 4:00pm.
Check out is at 11:00am on the last day.
You can request extra nights at our hotels based on availability. You may have to switch rooms at the beginning or end of the tour.
All of our accommodation has air conditioning. Should it not work, we will attempt to replace your room or the unit, upon availability. Some evenings are cold in Tanzania, and most accommodation in Tanzania does not have heating. Bedding is always provided.
Optional Activities
During this tour, there may be times when you are offered a selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travelers. When we do offer optional activities, prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. When it’s recommended that travelers pre-book an optional activity, we will list them here. For most, they can either be organized independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist.
Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not operated by us is at your own discretion and risk.
Transportation
We travel in private safari vehicles designed for comfort and views. Drives can be long but scenic. You’ll also have two one-way domestic flights arranged for you.
a few rules
Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewelry at home – you won’t need it while traveling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your tour guide will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you’ll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your guide will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your SoFe itinerary, and SoFe makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your tour guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Seat belts are provided in all our private vehicles and must be worn at all times in accordance with local Tanzanian law. This applies during long drives between destinations as well as during game drives in national parks.
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic and road rules can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Road rules may be very different from what you are used to. Be careful and aware that pedestrians do not have the right of way.
While most of the tour, especially in major cities, will be with your guide and the group, petty theft is common in any tourist area. Do not walk around alone at night if it can be avoided and hold your belongings close on public transportation. Your local guide will give you some safety tips throughout your tour, and we suggest heeding this advice.
As suggested earlier, please do not bring valuables. Use a TSA approved luggage lock to secure your luggage and belongings throughout trip.
We suggest checking your government’s advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
When not with your guide, we recommend the following:
- Do not walk in isolated areas or at night by yourself
- If hotel staff need to enter your room, arrange to be either on tour or in the lobby, so you are not alone.
- Respect the local customs.
- Do not hire a driver or guide for tours from the street. Always go with a reputable company or ask us to help you arrange any pre or post experiences.
- Do not accept any invitations for anything from random people on the street.
- Always carry your tour guide’s contact information and hotel address with you during solo time.
- Alert your guide of any inappropriate behavior or perceived risk to your safety
Women should exercise caution when traveling in Tanzania, as cultural norms and gender dynamics may be different from what you’re used to at home. While the overall risk of serious incidents on tour is very low—especially as you’ll be with a guide and group most of the time—it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings and set boundaries when needed. Street harassment such as catcalling, staring, or unsolicited invitations (to get in a car, visit a shop, or join someone for a drink) can happen, particularly in cities or busy market areas. These situations are usually harmless, but they can be persistent and uncomfortable. The best response is often no response:
- Ignore. Don’t even bother smiling. Just keep about your business.
- Wear sunglasses to avoid eye contact.
- Ignore. We mean it, so we said it twice! Ignore them but also ignore your internal commentary on it all. Let it roll off your back and walk on focusing on all the amazing things around you.
- Dress respectfully and you will find both men and women will respond to you in a more respectful manner.
- While it very unlikely to happen, do feel free to stand up for yourself if you feel threatened. Men you do not know should not be touching you at all and if you’re in public, people will come to your aid if you make a fuss.
For both cultural respect and personal comfort, we recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing that keeps you cool while protecting your skin from the sun. In most areas of Tanzania—especially rural villages or religious communities—modesty is highly valued, and dressing respectfully will help you feel more comfortable and be received more positively by locals. Long, flowing skirts or wide-leg pants are ideal for travel days and cultural visits, as they’re both breathable and appropriate.
While there are no mosques included in this itinerary that require head coverings, it’s still a good idea to have a lightweight scarf on hand in case we visit particularly conservative areas or cultural sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered in these situations, especially during village visits or community interactions. Swimwear is perfectly appropriate at lodges and hotels.
We recommend avoiding short skirts, tight-fitting outfits, or tops with plunging necklines. Not only do these items tend to attract unwanted attention, but they also may feel out of place in certain cultural settings. Dressing in a way that’s both respectful and comfortable will go a long way in creating a positive, connected travel experience.
phone and internet access
Access to phone and internet service in Tanzania varies greatly depending on where you are in the country. In cities like Arusha or Moshi and in most of the hotels at the beginning and end of your trip, you’ll typically find reliable Wi-Fi and mobile signal. However, as we head deeper into national parks like the Serengeti and more remote regions, coverage becomes more limited.
If staying connected is important to you while traveling, we recommend purchasing a local Tanzanian SIM card with a data plan upon arrival. This option is usually inexpensive and works well in populated areas. Providers like Vodacom, Airtel, and Tigo offer good national coverage, and SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in town. You’ll need to show your passport, and your phone must be unlocked to use a local SIM. Your guide can help you get set up if needed.
Alternatively, ask your home service provider for international plans.
medical and health
All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure (Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hep A/B, etc.) and malaria pills. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained while traveling.
Tap water in Tanzania is not considered safe to drink, even in hotels or cities. We strongly recommend that you avoid drinking from taps, brushing your teeth with tap water, or using ice made from unfiltered water. All accommodations will have drinkable water, sometimes for purchase and sometimes provided with your room.