Tanzania

Summary

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!

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Following its recent expansion, Ruaha is currently East Africa’s biggest national park and the second-largest on the African continent. It is also Tanzania’s most sizeable elephant haven and home to a profusion of bird species, including kingfishers, plovers, egrets, hornbills and sunbirds. Crocodiles and hippos thrive in the Great Ruaha River, which flows along the sanctuary’s eastern border and in the dry season between July and November, animals flock to the last remaining water sources, presenting an exceptional wildlife spectacle. There are a number of accommodation options available but some close for the wet season in March and April.

Sandwiched between tropical greenery and the warm azure waters of the Indian Ocean, remote Matemwe beach is arguably the most enchanting of all the beaches in Zanzibar. Located on the last stretch of sand before the beaches give way to rugged cliffs on the uninhabited north-east coast of the island, Matemwe offers an unspoiled natural landscape, perfect for a relaxing tropical beach holiday. With its lovely shallow lagoon and the coral gardens of the renowned Mnemba Atoll resting just off the coast, Matemwe boasts some of Africa’s most impressive diving and snorkelling sites where you can marvel at the abundance of exotic marine life including colourful reef fish, turtles and many species of dolphin. Above water, visitors can experience a local fishing trip on a traditional dhow, visit nearby markets and villages, or simply kick back under a palm tree and unwind, far from the stresses of the modern world.

Singita Grumeti is located adjacent to the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, bordering the national park, and encompasses 400,000 acres of unrivalled wilderness. Wide river valleys meandering through the plains, grasslands, woodland and forest. The area forms part of the famous migratory route, which is travelled by hundreds of thousands of animals every year. Grumeti features unparalleled exclusivity combined with the ability to enjoy a wide selection of activities not allowed inside the Serengeti as it not governed by national park regulations. The famous Great Migration, an annual trek of 2 million animals through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, bisects our reserve annually. Called The Greatest Wildlife Show on Earth it has, since time immemorial, been the dramatic backbone of this enormous wilderness.

The Serengeti together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park form Africa’s most famous wildlife park. The image of acacia trees on an endless grass plain epitomises Africa for many, and then add a Masai warrior and some cattle to the picture and the conversation need go no further. The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. But that is not where the game viewing ends; large prides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention but a few.

Sandwiched between the endless savannas of Tarangire National Park and the bird-rich waters of Lake Manyara National Park, Chem Chem lies in the renowned migration corridor. This concession covers over 20 000 hectares of Tanzanian wilderness characterised by vast grasslands dotted with ancient baobab trees and inhabited by diverse wildlife including herds of elephant, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, impalas, and over 400 species of bird. Visitors can look forward to dining under the African night sky, day and night wildlife safaris, and visiting a traditional Maasai village. Other popular activities including: horse riding, bird watching, fishing, guided bush walks, 4x4 trails, hiking, picnicking, and game drives.

Set in the Arusha Region, Ndutu is situated in the northern part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area within the magnificent Serengeti. The surrounding landscapes are covered in sweeping grasslands which provide the perfect habitat for the migratory route for hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, antelope and zebra. Visitors can look forward to exploring the forest around Lake Ndutu, spotting an array of wildlife, and visiting the fascinating archaeological site at the Olduvai Gorge. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on a game drive to view the spectacular herds of the annual Great Migration, enjoy a scenic hot air balloon ride over the plains and take a guided tour with the local Maasai and learn about culture and traditions. Other commonly spotted species include: leopard, lion, cheetah, caracal, serval, African wildcat, and a variety of prolific birdlife.

Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking and visiting a local Maasai village. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on an excursion to the magnificent Olduvai Gorge.

The rich acacia-dotted plains of the Eastern Serengeti are home to abundant wildlife. Visitors flock here to view the world-renowned wildebeest migration. Some of the best game-viewing can be enjoyed from Lobo on the eastern edge of the Serengeti National Park along the Grumeti River. Popular activities include: taking a guided walk through the spectacularly scenic terrain of the wild Serengeti, jumping on a hot air balloon safari, picnics in the bush, and learning about Maasai culture and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the world famous Gol Kopjes for the best cheetah viewing in Africa.

Located in western Tanzania, the remote Katavi National Park is a great stop along the western circuit tourist route. Encompassing Lake Katavi, the Katuma River and picturesque Lake Chala, Katavi National Park stretches across roughly 4500 square kilometres of unspoilt Tanzanian woods, open savannah and wetlands. This park is the third largest in the country and is home to the world’s largest herds of buffalo. It boasts a wide array of bird and animal life, including leopard, elephant, zebra, lion and the densest hippo and croc populations in the country. Visitors can enjoy excellent bird and game viewing, and fascinating walking safaris.

The Serengeti together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park form Africa’s most famous wildlife park. The image of acacia trees on an endless grass plain epitomises Africa for many, and then add a Masai warrior and some cattle to the picture, and the conversation need go no further. The annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti and the Masai Mara is the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – with more than a million animals following the rains. But that is not where the game viewing ends; large prides of lions, elephants and giraffes in grasslands, gazelles and eland to mention but a few. Aside from traditional vehicle safaris, hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti plains has become almost essential, and you can even do a horse riding safari.

Spreading out from the shores of beautiful Lake Tanganyika, the mountainous terrain of the Mahale Mountain National Park is home to some of Africa’s last surviving wild chimps, and trekking in search of these endearing primates is one of the main attractions of the reserve. Other highlights include on-foot game safaris that take in the park’s diverse wildlife, hiking up the 2460-metre Mount Nkungwe – the highest of the Mahale mountain range’s six peaks – and fishing and snorkelling in Lake Tanganyika on the park’s western border. While the park is home to over 900 chimpanzees, it is also home to a variety of other wildlife including: leopards, blue duikers, red colobus monkeys, giant pangolins, lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, otters and a variety of bird species.

Travellers heading for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater will inevitably pass through the town of Karatu in the green hills of Tanzania’s northern highlands. Presided over by the towering Ol Deani Volcano, this small, colourful town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the area’s many game parks. The town offers a variety of activities including browsing the bustling marketplace, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting a traditional Iraqw homestead, or taking a guided walk through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and elephants caves. Whether you are looking for cultural tours, hiking and biking opportunities, a chance to enjoy an authentic rural Tanzania experience, or simply a break between safari game drives, this underrated town has plenty to offer.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area includes the famous Crater and its lesser known regions to the north; the Olduvai Gorge (where Lucy was found in 1974) and expansive plains of grassland which run all the way across to the Serengeti. Local Masai herd their cattle and goats alongside Africa's famed wildlife, as they have for centuries.

Tucked between the Kidero Mountains in the south and the Eyasi Escarpment in the north, Lake Eyasi is set in a remote, dry, arid landscape located just south of Tanzania’s renowned Serengeti National Park. This seasonal lake features dry salt beds; a variety of birdlife such as flamingos and pelicans; and is surrounded by woodlands, forests and ancient baobabs. Visitors can learn about local cultures and visit the pastoralist Datoga people as well as the nomadic hunter-gatherer Hadzabe group. Other popular activities include: bird watching, hiking, walking safaris and soaking up the spectacular views. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Oldeani Mountain, the swampy valley of Yaeda and spectacular Serengeti.

Located to the north of Mount Meru in northeastern Tanzania, West Kilimanjaro is a concession area to the west of Mount Kilimanjaro and south of Kenya's Amboseli National Park. This remote, off-the-beaten-track destination combines Maasai culture and private wildlife game viewing in a spectacularly scenic environment. The area is remarkably uncrowded and unspoilt as it often overlooked by travellers in the rush to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Those discerning enough to visit, will discover incredible open and empty stretches of savannah dotted with acacia woodland and wild bush; plenty of wildlife including large numbers of elephant; and a diverse range of activities such as walking safaris, night drives and even horseback safaris.

Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Africa. Straddling the Kenya/Tanzania border, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro rises up to an impressive 5896 metres above sea level. It is one of the world's highest volcanoes, the highest mountain on the African continent, and the highest free-standing mountain on earth; making it an international destination attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the globe. Set within the Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro emerges from the sprawling plains of Tanzania and boasts dense tropical rainforests, glacial ice fields, moorlands, and mystical moonscapes. Take on the colossal challenge of climbing this majestic mountain, explore the lush forested foothills, soak up the breathtaking views or take a wildlife safari and spot some of Africa’s diverse wildlife including: elephant, buffalo, leopard, duiker, eland, hyrax, blue monkeys and more.

Located in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, close to the Kenyan border in Northern Tanzania, the vibrant town of Moshi is known as a coffee producing hub boasting vast coffee plantations. The majestic snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro towers over this little African town. Moshi serves as the gateway to the Kilimanjaro National Park and provides an excellent base from which to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. Visitors can enjoy day trips, short hikes, or longer expeditions using Moshi as a starting point. Other popular activities include: spotting the Big Five on a wildlife safari, visiting a local village to learn about Maasai culture, and sampling mouth-watering Tanzanian cuisine.

Bordering Kenya to the north, the Ngorongoro Region is known for its abundance of beautiful natural features. It encompasses the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, and the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. Visitors can look forward to a variety of activities such as viewing the epic Serengeti wildebeest migration, visiting a local Maasai village, soaking up the remarkably diverse scenery and catching a glimpse of the magnificent bird and wildlife including over 500 bird species, all of the Big Five, as well as crocodile, hippo, zebra, antelope, lion, leopard, and cheetah. Don’t miss the opportunity to join a walking safari, enjoy thrilling mountain biking adventures and scenic trekking.

After the Serengeti, Tarangire has the greatest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania and in the dry season the Tarangire River is a magnet for thirsty wildlife. Large herds of elephants and migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland gather and not surprisingly the predators follow. This is also the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as oryx and gerenuk are regularly spotted. Tarangire is also known for its spectacular baobab trees, and its breathtaking views of the Masaai Steppe and the mountains to the south. Located just a few hours drive from the town of Arusha, Tarangire is a popular stop for safaris travelling through the northern circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The park extends into two game controlled areas and the wildlife are allowed to move freely throughout.

Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania located at the foot of Mt. Meru, close to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. From there it’s only a short trip to the Serengeti. Just to the north, on the slopes of Mt. Meru is the Arusha National Park. Built by the Germans as a centre of colonial administration because of the temperate climate, Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from your safari.

Travel Style: Romantic, Self-Drive

The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti, is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterised by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands. Wildlife can be seen along the banks of the Mara River and visitors can view the annual spectacle of the half a million migrating wildebeest. Commonly spotted wildlife include: a multitude of plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe as well as lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, hot air ballooning, game safaris and guided bush walks.

Travel Information

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough time to take effect. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance with medical benefits and that you bring any personal medication with you. Please also check with your health department prior to departure for any changes in health regulations.

Required Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Yellow Fever – all travelers coming from a yellow fever infected country will be required to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate on arrival. It is otherwise not required or recommended. You should be vaccinated at least 10 days before you travel, as this will allow enough time for your body to develop protection against the yellow fever infection. Your proof of vaccination certificate will only become valid after this time.

Recommended Immunizations/Vaccinations:

Malaria prophylaxis – highly recommended for all travelers

Malaria

Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear in mind that malaria may be contracted despite chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where chloroquine resistance has been reported. Both chloroquine-resistant and normal strains of malaria are prevalent in Africa.

Malaria is transmitted by a very small percentage of female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are mainly active in the early evening and throughout the night. Malaria transmission is at its highest during the warmer and wetter months. We strongly recommend you take the following preventative measures:

Use plenty of mosquito repellent. Some camps provide a locally made repellent but please bring your own as there may be skin sensitivity.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in the evenings.
Please use the mosquito net over your bed where supplied/available.
If staying in a bungalow or tent, spray with a suitable insecticide to kill any mosquitoes that may have flown into your room.
Mosquito coils are also effective.

There is a six to seven day minimum incubation period before symptoms present themselves. If you become ill on your return, while still on prophylaxis or even once you have stopped taking them, ensure that your doctor does everything to establish that your illness is not malaria. Please remember the best precaution is the preventative kind.

It is inadvisable for pregnant women to visit malarial areas as malaria infection during pregnancy can be detrimental to both mother and child.

Stomach Upsets

It is advisable to carry medication supplied by your physician for simple stomach upsets. In the first few days of your trip you may suffer from mild upsets attributable to a change in food and water.

Ticks

Ticks exist all over the world and are well known carriers of diseases that affect both animals and humans. Symptoms of this disease present after a 5-7 day incubation period and include fevers, headaches, malaise and even a skin rash, but effects can vary dramatically from person to person. A dark black mark usually results at the site of the infected bite and is a helpful diagnostic. The disease is easily treated with antibiotics although this is not always necessary.

After walking in the bush it is best to brush your clothes down and to examine your body for ticks. If a tick is found, remove it entirely without leaving the biting mouth parts in your skin. Anti-tick sprays such as Bayticol can be very effective against ticks and wearing long pants will prevent many bites.

Tsetse Flies

Tsetse flies exist in large areas of sub-Saharan Africa including parts of Tanzania. They are best known as the carrier of trypanosomiases – causing sleeping sickness in humans which can be fatal but is easily treated and cured. In the unlikely event that symptoms are recorded after a visit to an area containing tsetse flies, we recommend that a doctor be consulted. These symptoms can present a few weeks to months after a visit and begin with fever, headaches and pains in the joints followed by dramatic swelling of the lymph nodes. If left untreated these symptoms can evolve to cause anaemia, cardiac and kidney disorders; alternate bouts of fatigue and insomnia can disrupt the sleep cycle.

U.S. citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Tanzania. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.

U.S. citizens can obtain a visa on arrival or in advance. We highly recommend you obtain the visa online prior to travel to avoid long delays upon arrival in Tanzania. However, please note that only the following five ports are currently equipped to accept online visas:

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Namanga (road border between Arusha & Nairobi)
Tunduma (road border between Tanzania & Zambia)

E-visas are typically issued within 2-3 weeks. If travelers are entering via a different port (eg: Tarime Isebania), it is advisable to obtain the visa on arrival. An online visa can still be used and will be accepted, but the process of validating the visa can be time consuming when the port does not have the necessary equipment on hand.

A multiple-entry visa is $100 per person.

ONLINE VISA

Before you start, gather the following for each person requiring a visa (including children):

Passport size photo (must not be more than 300MB – right click to resize if you need to reduce. (You can photograph yourself against a plain wall/background and resize.)
Copy of passport
Copy of international airline reservation showing e-ticket number
Request the contact details of your local host from us (company, full name, mobile #, email, physical address)

We recommend reading through the questions below to ensure you have all of the answers at your fingertips before beginning your application at:

https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/

Personal Details:

First name
Middle name
Last name
Gender
Marital status
Birthdate
Country
City
Nationality at birth
Present nationality

Contact Information:

Telephone
Mobile # (can be the same)
Email

Physical Address:

Present physical address (# street, apartment #)
Present City
Present Country
Permanent physical address
Permanent City
Permanent Country

Employment Status:

Employment status
Employer
Occupation

Passport Information:

Passport type
Passport number
Country of issue
Place of issue
Date of issue
Expiry date (must be valid for at least next 6 months beyond return date)

Father Information:

Full name
Nationality

Mother Information:

Full name
Nationality

Guardian Information (applicable to minors):

Full name
Nationality

Embassy Information:

Country from where you are applying (United States)
Nearby embassy to handle your application (Washington D.C.)

Visa Information:

Type of visa (multiple entry)
Purpose of visit (leisure and holiday)
Date of first entry
Is this your first time to visit Tanzania (yes/no)
Last visit date (if applicable)
Visa number (if applicable)

Travel Plans:

Destination (Tanzania Mainland)
Onward country (optional)
Port type (air, road)
Port of entry (note valid options listed above)
Port of departure (same applies as above)
Date of arrival
Stay duration (# of days)

Local Host:

Host
Full name
Mobile #
Email
Company name / Organization registration # (optional)
Relationship (Ground Handler)
Physical address

Accommodation:

Where are you going to stay? (Hotel)
Physical address (Name first hotel/camp location e.g. Namiri Plains Camp, Serengeti, Tanzania)

Countries Resided:

Add resided country (if applicable)

Who is Accompanying You?

Are you traveling as part of a group or organization? (Yes/No)
Group or Organization name (your traveling companion’s name or family name)
Are you being accompanied by any minors? (Yes/No)

Upload Documents:

Applicant passport size photo (supported types are jpeg/png, size = 300KB max)
Applicant passport bio data page (supported types are jpeg/png, size = 300KB max)
Return ticket (supported type is pdf size – 1MB max)

REVIEW YOUR INFORMATION CAREFULLY, ONCE YOU SUBMIT THIS INFORMATION YOU CANNOT REVERT OR EDIT.

Declaration Statement

Mark the box that says you have read and understood the declaration statement

Payment Methods:

Bank deposit
Visa or MasterCard

Click on PROCEED WITH VISA OR MASTERCARD:

It will take you to GOVERNMENT ELECTRONIC PAYMENT GATEWAY (GePG)
Click PAY NOW
Fill in credit card details

Credit card number
Expiry date
CCV #

Click PAY
If there is a problem with the credit card charge a number will be provided to call the bank to verify the charge – quickly take note of number as it disappears after a few seconds! (1.800.654.9214 – not sure if it’s always the same number or if it is applicable only to Chase cards?)
If charge goes through it will say APPLICATION RECEIVED, PENDING APPROVAL followed by your application ID number.
Log back in after 24-72 hours and click on VISA STATUS

VISA ON ARRIVAL

If clients DO NOT have an e-visa, they will need to go through the following steps on arrival, which can take in excess of two hours:

Queue for a Government Control Number
Queue again to pay for this at the bank
Queue again to have the visa issued
Queue again for Immigration to check the visa

Visas can be obtained upon arrival for $100 USD (cash only; notes older than 2006 are not accepted). If obtaining a visa upon arrival, the exact amount is suggested because change is often not provided. Please fill out the Tanzania visa application ahead of time and bring it with you. Credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted for payments of visas. Other currencies are accepted but often at a very unfavorable exchange rate.

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