Frequently Asked Questions

Tanzania is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). This means that there’s no time difference between their summer and winter months.

The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, and most of our people speak it. Just as well, as we have well over 100 different tribal languages! Fortunately English is widely spoken in the larger towns and places where visitors frequent. At Samora Explorers, we have a team of driver-guides who can speak a variety of languages such as English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. When booking with us, be sure to let us know if you have a preferred language you would like our Guides to speak.

On the Marangu route, you’ll stay in huts, on the other routes you’ll camp in tents provided by Samora Explorers. The Marangu huts each have dormitories, a dining-room and a separate bathroom (flush toilets or ‘long-drop’ toilets). At the campsites, the toilets are ‘long-drop’ style and Samora Explorers provide a kitchen/dining-tent. If required, climbers can hire a mobile toilet on the Machame, Rongai and Lemosho routes, at extra cost.

We are sure you’ll feel very safe here, we’re sure you’ll feel very welcome. As with everywhere else in the world, just use a bit of common sense, don’t flaunt any valuables and you can enjoy the natural wonders, the culture and the people of Tanzania.

Whilst most of our visitors will come to Tanzania for our wildlife experiences, they often leave with a much wider and richer experience than they could have ever expected. Why? Part of that is due to our friendly, welcoming, colourful people. Tanzanians are a true mix of many ethnicities, different religious beliefs and all live together in harmony in what is one of the African continent’s safest destinations.

Whether you are looking to climb Kilimanjaro or tick off that African Safari from your bucket list, we are excited to help you plan.

Contact us today with any specific preferences, and our team of Tanzania specialists will get back to you with a bespoke Itinerary that will blow your mind.

We cannot wait to welcome you!

The Tanzanian dry season usually starts at the start of June and continues through until the end of October. After that, the ‘short rains’ begin from late October/early November until mid- to end December. There is then a respite from late December to Mid of March, and then the ‘long rains’ start at the end of March and last until May.

Of course, weather seasons can vary every year, so you have to be prepared for anything.

Tanzania has two rainy seasons, with the so-called ‘long rains’ from the end of March to May and the ‘short rains’ from late October/early November through to mid-December.

Yes. With its tropical climate, there inevitably are mosquitos in Tanzania. Visitors should take advice from a medical practitioner well in advance of visiting, as courses of antimalarial drugs usually have to begin before your visit start. You should bring mosquito repellent and wear neutral-coloured/khaki clothes. Some accommodations will provide anti-mosquito measures such as mosquito nets or spray your sleeping quarters with repellent.

Tanzania is mapped by the World Health Organization as a low risk country because no Yellow fever virus has been isolated in the country. However, the abundance of Yellow fever vector and other favorable ecological conditions pose potential risk for Yellow fever if the virus is introduced into the country. Furthermore, being bordered with Yellow fever endemic countries has also increased the vulnerability of Tanzania being infected with the virus.

In order to conform to IHR, 2005 requirements and safeguard public health security in Tanzania, Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travellers arriving from Yellow fever endemic countries. This condition also applies to travellers subjected to long flight connection (transit) in Yellow fever endemic country for twelve hours (12hrs) or more.

You can help to avoid these biting flies by choosing to wear neutral-coloured clothing (khali, beige, green, olive, light brown) as the flies are attracted to bright colours. Most people suffer no adverse reactions to the bites of these flies, but a few suffer from itchiness and swelling.

The tsetse fly are primarily present in woodland areas of Tarangire and in certain parts of Serengeti. They are most active during daylight hours.

All visitors must obtain adequate travel insurance before they depart for Tanzania. Insurance policies must be comprehensive, covering for any reason, medical evacuation, cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.

Several airlines fly directly into Tanzania, either daily or three times per week. Among those with direct flights are KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Condor Charter Flight and Rwandair which fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. Other airlines such as Emirates, South African Airways, Etihad Air and EgyptAir fly into Dar es Salaam International Airport daily.

Yes. The luggage limit, including hand luggage, is 15kgs. The only exception is where an airline uses ATR aircraft on flights between Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam: on such flights there is a 20kg weight limit.

Most accommodations will accept credit cards, but if you want to pay by cash instead, you should use US Dollars . Please note that US Dollar Bills should be not be older than 2009, as these will not be valid. For credit cards, you should bring either MASTERCARD or VISA.

The local currency in Tanzania is Tanzanian Shilling (Tshs), but please note that you cannot take this currency either in or out of the country. It is however convertible freely for the US Dollar, Euro and other currencies within Tanzania.

If you have to change money in Tanzania, there are several banks in Tanzania where you can exchange your money. Always get a receipt for currency exchanges.

For cash, we advise you to bring US Dollars with you from home, as these are accepted in most places.

If however, you do need to withdraw cash while in Tanzania, then there are several ATM machines in Arusha City and these are where you should withdraw any additional cash before your safari or trek begins. Please note that you cannot withdraw US Dollars from ATM Machines, and there is a maximum limit of 400,000 TSHS, which is less than 200 USD. So bear that in mind when withdrawing cash.

Please also note that in many small towns or beach hotels there are no ATMs, so you should have sufficient cash before you depart for remote areas or the beach.

If you are booking with Samora Explorers, then your package will include all accommodation, park fees, meals and game drives if on safari.

It will also include your transfers between Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport, however if you have chosen a different airport to arrive at then this will not be included.

You will need to include money for international flights, domestic flights (unless agreed with us as part of your programme), insurance, tips for your driver-guide or staff at your accommodations, drinks purchased at hotels/bars/lodges/tented camps, laundry services, phone calls, any additional activities, visas or any shopping. As these will not be included in your package.

Every guest has different spending habits, so we cannot advise as to how much you will need. You should budget, taking into account the above items and the length of your safari trip.

Whilst we appreciate the desire to express generosity and have connections with locals it is not advisable to randomly hand out gifts. Do let us know if you would like to make a gift and we can organize this for you and advise what might be an appropriate gift/donation.

During your trip, there will be opportunities to purchase handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs on your way to and from the National Parks.

Major credit cards (Mastercard and Visa) are accepted by most of the larger curio shops. Prices are negotiable for most items.

The cost of a trip to Tanzania depends on a number of different factors, principally the route, accommodation style you choose, the number of days your trip lasts and how many people will be joining you. Once you discuss your requirements with us, we will create an itinerary for you and advise you of the exact costs involved.

This is primarily dependent on the type of trip you are looking at. For example Kilimanjaro treks will offer limited options compared to a luxurious stay in Zanzibar.

Tanzania however in general has something for all budgets. Whether you are looking for a budget trip or 5 star luxury it has something for you.

Our safaris are available with  different choices of accommodation styles to suit your taste and budget. We offer Basic, Comfort, Comfort Plus and Luxury style accommodation options.

We only work with the best available accommodations in each category. Basic style accommodation is on public campsites, with shared bathroom facilities. In the other three categories, accommodations include private bathroom facilities. The rooms in these three categories are spacious, furnished with either twin beds or king-size beds, a dressing table and a wardrobe where you can store your luggage. Lodges and tented camps located within the National Parks use generators for power. Please note that although some accommodations have hot showers available 24 hours per day, others only have hot showers at set times in both morning and evening.

Most of the lodges and camps are able to offer laundry services, at extra cost to yourself. In our Comfort style accommodations, please note that all laundry is done by hand, and drying relies on sunlight. Please only ask for laundry services when you are staying more than one night. This ensures that there will be sufficient time for your clothes to dry before you depart the camp.

Prices are usually based on room-sharing, however if you are looking to have a room to yourself, we can advise you on a single supplement cost.

Prior to booking, please let us know what your accommodation preference is, so we can ensure we incorporate this into the accommodation options.

Whilst most companies offer water purification, it is recommended to drink bottled water during your stay in Tanzania. Bottles are readily available throughout your stay and are also supplied by Samora Explorers for Safari drives.

Tired of eating the same old food all day? Get ready for some spice. In Tanzania, restaurants have a variety that will excite your taste buds and leave you feeling full without being weighed down by heavy calories-or cholesterol! The cuisine in this country is very rich due to its diverse geographic locations which also means there’s something here suited just about anyone who visits it: from foreigners looking for an authentic African experience; backpackers on vacation with their families craving Indian meals cooked over open fires.

The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari and Kilimanjaro. You can also try mbege (Homebrew from the Chagga people) or banana beer for something different! Imported beers are excellent too–the Tusker Kenyan variety being one of our favorites.

If your budget was unlimited, then you might choose to combine both of these destinations on your safari trip to East Africa. For many visitors, it is a question of making a choice. Many people are very keen to see the Great Migration as part of their trip, so choosing your destination country is important. The migration spends eleven months of each year in Tanzania, and it is only in September that the herds cross the Mara River and spend their time in the Maasai Mara – which is, of course, in Kenya. Even in that month, there are thousands of the wildebeest who prefer not to cross the river, spending their time grazing instead in the Northern Serengeti, Tanzania.

Our wildlife is so plentiful, there will never be a dull moment. We have over 35 species of large mammal, but there are dozens of fascinating smaller animals, too, and an incredible diversity of insect life. And don’t forget there are well over one thousand bird species to be seen as well. Oh yes, and plenty of intriguing reptiles, too.

There are never any guaranteed sightings, but the highlights of a typical game drive might include the popular and giant African elephant, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, olive baboons and big cats such as lion, leopard and cheetah. Jackal and hyena are others to look out for, and in the other-wordly Ngorongoro Crater you could be fortunate enough to see a rare black rhino.

The best thing is that not only will you see many or all of these, but thanks to the incredible knowledge of our driver-guides, you will learn so much about them, too. If you are not an expert bird-watcher yourself, then your driver-guide will also be able to point out some of our colourful feathered friends to you: maybe a majestic African fish eagle, a grey-headed kingfisher or a pearl-spotted owl. As for the vultures…well, you will spot them yourself.

There are never any guarantees with wildlife, but our driver-guides work hard to find you the ‘Big 5’ and so much more. But you will certainly have a good chance of seeing the Big 5, depending on which parks you choose to visit as part of your itinerary. If your goal is to see a black rhino, you should include Ngorongoro on your schedule.

For obvious reasons, you are required to stay inside the safari vehicle when visiting our National Parks. At certain times, you will be able to get out of the vehicle in a safe place to have your picnic lunch, for example. Walking safaris can be arranged in certain parks, such as Selous, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park and Ngorongoro, accompanied by an armed Park Ranger. In the Serengeti, some lodges organize short walks in safety.

Tanzania is truly a phenomenal place for birds, which of course makes it a remarkable place for bird-spotters, too!

One thing is certain, you will not leave Tanzania without witnessing some incredible avian species.

We often get asked about family safaris and most children absolutely love their safari experience. If they are old enough to fully benefit from what is a holiday of a lifetime.

There is nothing better for children than to be so close to our amazing wildlife, so much better than watching it on TV or merely reading a book about it.

We at Samora Explorers can advise on child-friendly accommodations and ensure that you get a family-friendly room. It is essential to be realistic, however. A safari involves a lot of driving over rough terrain, and we would not recommend a safari trip for children under 3 years old.

Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi. Most public camp-sites do not have Wi-Fi. In all places, the signal strength is variable and is often weak. It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used (in Arusha). If you want to use it in your phone, you will need to make sure it is unlocked. There are Vodacom and Airtel shops in Arusha that will be able to help / advise with this.

All our safari vehicles have power / charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances / devices. The vehicles and most accommodation in Tanzania uses UK sockets.

We advise that you bring your own binoculars. Samora Explorers can provide binoculars on request, but the regular exposure to dust means that the condition of the equipment is not as good as when new.