Preparing for your trip

Visas
The current cost of a visa is $50. These are available at the point of entry but must be paid for in U.S. dollar cash.

Visas are also available from Tanzanian Embassies and consulates in many countries.

If you are entering Tanzania through Nairobi you are also required to have a visa for Kenya which may be purchased on arrival or in advance from embassies. There is a concessional rate for passengers simply transiting through Kenya.

Departure Tax
There is a departure tax on International flights of $20- this will generally have been included and already paid in the price of your ticket. There is a small local departure tax payable in cash at the airport/ airstrip for local flights.

If your final departure is from Zanzibar, you will have to pay in U.S.$ cash on departure.

Medical Requiremnets
Check with your doctor to get the current recommendations and advice. Anti malarial tablets are strongly recommended.

Although the Kilimanjaro climb is often described as available to any reasonably fit person, the combination of strenuous exercise, cold and high altitude can have adverse effects. If in doubt please consult your doctor in advance.

Clothing and Equipment
Clothes for safari should be light, comfortable and not too brightly coloured. There is little or no requirement for anything formal. A light jacket or sweater may be needed in the evenings at higher altitudes, comfortable walking shoes are an essential, as is a hat to keep off the sun, and sunglasses. Don't forget a swimming costume for use at the lodge pools.

Most people bring binoculars and/ or cameras and video equipment with plenty of tape or film. Zoom or telephoto lenses are likely to be useful. Film is also available at most lodges/camps but can be expensive.

Most of the better hotels and lodges will spray rooms and provide mosquito nets, but do bring your own insect repellent sprays.

A flashlight is always useful.

There will be no television or radio in most places, so you might want to bring a little short-wave radio or Walkman if you want to keep up with world events or listen to some music.

Remember that safari vehicles and light aircraft have tight limits on the size and weight of luggage carried. Depending on your itinerary, it may be possible to leave some luggage in your hotel in Arusha for the duration of your safari.

Insurance
Wild Trails require that all clients arrange personal travel insurance to cover their medical, property and other personal risks for the duration of their safari.

Temporary one month membership of AMREF's Flying Doctors' Society may be purchased with your safari arrangements. This cover provides the services of light aircraft and skilled doctors for emergency treatment and evacuation to Nairobi resulting from accident or medical emergency in Kenya and Northern Tanzania