The airport tax is already included in the price of your ticket, including the taxes for airports and
domestic flights within Tanzania. If it is not included, this will be clearly stated in your flight
confirmation.
Upon arrival at either Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar airport in Tanzania, a driver from
Eco Trail Expedition will meet you in the arrival hall. They will be holding a sign with the name
Eco Trail Expedition.
It is important to respect nature and the environment during your travels.
- Avoid participating in activities that harm animals or support poaching.
Don’t order meat that may come from endangered species at restaurants. - If you’re diving or snorkeling, be sure to leave coral and shells undisturbed. Don’t touch
or step on them—just let them be. - Avoid purchasing products made from protected animals, like sea turtles, big cats, rhinos,
elephants, or coral.
Are you planning to go on a safari and want to get a closer look at the animals? Don’t forget to
bring your binoculars! If possible, choose binoculars with a magnification of 7 to 10 times for
the best experience. Avoid Perma focus binoculars, as they can strain your eyes and don’t
provide a sharp image. Also, steer clear of binoculars with electrical zoom or focus, as they can
be tricky to use. Very small binoculars can be hard to hold steady.
If you’re traveling with a group and want everyone to have a great view, we recommend each
person bring their own binoculars.
You should aim to be at the airport about 3 hours before your flight departs. This gives you
enough time for check-in and any necessary procedures. Be aware that some airlines may require
additional time for extra security checks, so consider that when planning your arrival.
Yes, with online check-in, you can check in for your flight from home, select your seat, and either print or email your boarding pass. You can also use the airline’s app (such as KLM’s app for Apple or Android) to manage your check-in.
Online check-in is available for:
- Passengers with an e-ticket
- Passengers with a confirmed booking
- Groups of up to 9 people
- Passengers with checked luggage within weight limits
- Passengers departing from airports offering online check-in
You can check in online from 30 hours to 1 hour before your flight’s departure. For more details, visit the airline’s website.
Note: Online check-in is not required for domestic flights.
Don’t overpack! We recommend checking our website for a packing list, including tips on what clothing to bring. You can also watch the video, “How to Pack for a Trip to Tanzania.” Remember, comfort and practicality are most important—there’s no need for fashionable attire. If you’re going on a safari, it’s best to wear “safari colors” like green, khaki, brown, and gray. Avoid black and dark blue as they attract insects, and steer clear of white or bright colors, which can scare animals, especially during a walking safari.
Since mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in higher areas, and the day can get hot, it’s a good idea to pack clothes that you can layer for comfort.
Laundry:
If you’re staying at an accommodation for more than two nights, you can have your clothes washed for a fee (except for underwear). However, laundry services are not available at our Green Camps or other safari camps.
Respect the Culture:
Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, so it’s important to dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, especially when arriving at the airport or visiting villages and towns. This shows respect for the local culture. However, you don’t need to worry about this while at the beach or swimming, as locals are accustomed to it.
anzania generally has a tropical climate with a dry, continental feel. Coastal areas and islands tend to be hot and humid, though the sea breeze offers some relief, with average daytime temperatures around 30°C.
There are two rainy seasons:
- Long rains (April to May): You may experience brief, heavy showers, followed by clearer skies.
- Short rains (November to mid-December): These lighter showers usually occur at night.
The hottest time of year is from December to March, just before the long rains, while the coolest months are June, July, and August, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. In high-altitude areas like Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Highlands, temperatures can drop significantly, so it can get quite chilly.
Phone:
The country code for Tanzania is +255. You can use your mobile phone in most areas of
Tanzania, except for very remote locations. To save on international roaming costs, consider
buying a Tanzanian SIM card, which is more affordable. You can purchase SIM cards, prepaid
credit, and e-sims either in Tanzania or online before your trip.
Most hotels and lodges offer Wi-Fi, and you can find internet cafés in larger cities. Alternatively, you can create your own Wi-Fi hotspot using services like Stream. However, keep in mind that Wi-Fi may not always be available in safari camps.
Letters:
International mail typically takes about a week to arrive.
It is illegal to bring shells, shields, skins, coral, and ivory out of Tanzania. For more details on what you can and cannot bring, check the customs website. Remember the motto: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.
Yes, please let us know at least three weeks before departure if you or your children have any
specific dietary requirements, preferences, allergies, or health concerns. This will allow us to
accommodate your needs during the trip.
It’s not safe to drink tap water in Tanzania. Avoid ice, fruit juices mixed with water, and food prepared with tap water. Bottled water is widely available, but be sure the seal on the bottle is intact when purchasing.
To help reduce plastic waste, Eco Trail Expedition has partnered with a mineral water company. On your safari jeep in northern Tanzania, you’ll find a 20-liter container of mineral water, and you’ll receive a refillable bottle. In our Green Camps, there is also a container with clean mineral water in the restaurant tent. Many lodges and hotels also provide a (glass) bottle of drinking water in your room.
If you plan to drive in Tanzania, we recommend obtaining an international driver’s license.
Remember, driving is on the left side of the road. If you’re driving in Zanzibar, you’ll need a
local driver’s license.
Drones are permitted in Tanzania but only under strict regulations. Even if you meet all the
requirements, drones are not allowed to fly over national parks.
The voltage in Tanzania is 220 to 240V, and power outages can happen from time to time, so don’t be surprised if the electricity goes out briefly. The electrical sockets are typically British (3-pin straight or 2-pin round), so it’s a good idea to bring a universal plug adapter to ensure your devices can connect.
Some lodges have limited hours of electricity as they rely on generators, and in certain accommodations, like our Green Camps, there is no electricity at all. These camps use solar energy and lanterns instead. On safari in northern Tanzania, you’ll find a power outlet in your jeep to charge your devices.
It's best to use equipment you’re already familiar with, so you can capture important moments
without any hassle. Keep your camera and gear in a tightly sealed bag to protect it from sun,
dust, and rain.
Turn off the sound on your camera and avoid using flash, as it can startle animals. Since wildlife
photography can require quick reactions, a fast shutter speed is recommended, especially for
animals in motion. A telephoto lens (300mm or longer) is ideal for close-up shots of animals, and
a 70-200mm lens is also a great choice for versatility. To keep your camera steady, try
supporting it on a rice bag.
Remember to bring enough memory cards and batteries, as these items can be more expensive in
Tanzania and may not always be easy to find. You’ll be able to charge your devices in the safari
jeep and at most lodges and camps.
If you plan to take photos of people, always ask for permission first, especially in areas like
Maasai villages, where they may ask for a small fee for photos. Never take photos secretly, as
this can cause problems, and be aware that it’s strictly forbidden to photograph police officers
and soldiers. And don’t forget to tag us in your photos on social media @Eco Trail Expedition
on Instagram.
Pre-Climb Briefing
During your pre-climb briefing, your guide will check to ensure you have the correct amount of luggage. To avoid overloading the carriers, your total luggage should not exceed 15 kilos, as that is the maximum weight they can carry.
Hand Luggage Essentials
Make sure to pack these essentials in case your suitcase gets lost or delayed:
- Waterproof mountain shoes (high, sturdy hiking boots, Category B or C). It’s best to wear these on the flight to save space in your hand luggage.
- Waterproof coat
- Hat or cap
- Sunglasses (that offer full protection from UV rays)
- Fleece sweater or cardigan (both thick and thin)
- Lightweight pants (avoid jeans)
- Waterproof pants
- Two pairs of hiking socks
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Sunscreen (at least SPF 25, preferably 50, in bottles no larger than 100 ml)
- Any necessary medications
For a detailed packing list and more information on what to bring for your Kilimanjaro climb, refer to the packing guide provided.
Yes, you must have a valid passport for your trip to Tanzania. Upon arrival, your passport should
be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. It is your responsibility to ensure your
passport is valid and in order before your trip.
Arrival in Tanzania
Upon arrival in Tanzania, you will go through passport control and customs, where you’ll receive a stamp in your passport.
- A visa is required for entry, and it’s recommended to purchase one online before your trip (see more details under “visa”).
- If you haven’t arranged an online visa, you can also buy one at customs before going through passport control.
Please note: Even if you’re traveling from the mainland to Zanzibar, you’ll still need to go through customs.
General Safety in Tanzania
Tanzania is a friendly and generally safe country, but it’s important to be mindful of your belongings.
- Always keep valuables like your passport and money on you.
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry.
- Theft can occur, so take care of your possessions, especially in public places.
Personal Safety
Evening Safety: Avoid walking alone in cities, villages, or remote beaches at night.
In National Parks:
- Stay within the camps or lodges, as wild animals inhabit these areas.
- Never approach or feed animals.
- Safaris are allowed only during daylight unless booked as special night safaris.
- Follow park rules strictly
On Safari
- Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide permits you to exit.
- If you need to use the restroom, inform your guide so they can find a safe location.
Fire Safety
- Be cautious when smoking.
- Never leave cigarette butts on the ground.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not technically difficult, but safety is a priority:
- Your guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid (Wilderness First Responder), specialized for remote environments.
- Significant resources are invested annually in training guides and porters.
Safety measures include:
- Altitude sickness checklist
- First aid kits
- Evacuation stretchers
- Thorough pre-climb briefings with your guide