CHECKLIST - Please review this webpage carefully to gain a thorough understanding and properly prepare for your safari trip.
Flight From Arusha to Zanzibar
Local flight - Paid for as part of your Safari Tour package
Visa Requirements
Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia & Botswana
FOLLOWING IS A CHECKLIST CREATED BY LION KING ADVENTURES FOR TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR TRIP PREPARATION
On Arrival:
Flying into Kilimanjaro (JRO) & Arusha (ARK) Airports is quite straightforward. English is widely spoken and used for signs/directions.
• Journey time from Arusha Airport to the centre of town is approximately 30 minutes.
• Journey time from Kilimanjaro Airport to the center of town is 60-90 minutes.
• If you are arriving in Kilimanjaro on an international flight, clearing immigration can be a lengthy process (60-90 minutes) if the flights are busy.
Visas & Passports:
Most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. The majority of visitors need an Ordinary Tourist Visa (USD 50). Visitors from the United States need a Multi-Entry Tourist Visa (USD 100). We do not know why!
• Visas can be obtained in advance online (recommended), or upon arrival. If you apply on arrival, you have to complete a simple form and there may be additional queuing time. You pay the fee in cash (US Dollars).
Please note that Tanzania only accepts Dollar bills printed in 2007 or after.
Online visas: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
Immigration e-services portal is best viewed in Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.
• There are a number of online organizations that will apply for your visa on your behalf. They charge an additional fee to do this. We recommend that you use the official website, listed above.
• We recommend you allow at least 15 days (currently about 30 days due to peak safari season) for the visa to be processed. If you do not receive the visa before you travel you will have to apply on arrival and pay the fee again. If you have not applied for your visa yet, please ask your Lion King contact for our ‘e-visa application guidance’
• Make sure your passport is not going to expire within six months of your trip (i.e. since your trip is in July, make sure your passport is valid until at least January 2026) and that it has at least 3 clear pages.
Mandatory Travel Insurance - now required for All Tourists visiting Zanzibar (this will incur an additional cost to your trip, so please read carefully).
Starting from October 1st, 2024, Zanzibar requires all foreign travellers to purchase mandatory travel insurance exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). The cost is USD 44 per visitor and is valid for 90 days. Infants aged 0-2 years are free of charge whilst children aged 3-17years receive a 50% discount on the standard price. The mandatory coverage extends to health services, lost baggage, accidents, emergency evacuation, passport and document loss, and repatriation. Please visit our website for further information. Mandatory additional Insurance for Zanzibar: What do I need to do?
Vaccinations & Health (Reminder):
You will require vaccinations for your trip. As we are not medically trained, we are unable to give detailed advice on vaccination requirements. We recommend that you consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 3 months before you travel.
The following vaccinations are normally recommended for Tanzania:
Covid (2 doses), Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever*, Malaria **
* Yellow Fever is compulsory when you are entering Tanzania from a country that has Yellow Fever. Vaccination certificates are often checked at immigration. If you are entering Tanzania from a country that does not have Yellow Fever, vaccination is not needed.
Please visit the World Health Organisation website for an up-to-date list. WHO Yellow Fever Information If you are transiting through a country that has Yellow Fever.
e.g. Ethiopia & Kenya, vaccination is not needed, as long as your transit is LESS THAN 12 HRS
** Malaria. In some of the areas we visit there is a small risk of contracting Malaria. You must be aware that whatever malaria tablets you are taking (if any), they only offer partial protection. They must be coupled with your own physical efforts against being bitten - which is the best prevention.
Malaria carrying mosquitoes come out at sunset so from this time you should wear long sleeves and trousers. Exposed skin, especially ankles, should have insect repellent containing Deet or Picaridin applied to them.
COVID-19 Entry Requirements:
• All travellers are advised to be fully vaccinated against COVID (this is not compulsory, and you will not be asked to show proof of vaccination)
• You may have your temperature checked upon arrival
Travel Insurance:
It is essential that you have extensive travel insurance to cover you for the duration of your trip. It is also wise to leave a copy of your insurance policy with a friend or relative for safekeeping. Your policy should include:
• Full medical coverage
• Emergency medical air evacuation
• Repatriation cover
Tipping:
There is a well- established culture of tipping in Tanzania.
Guides: If you feel you have received good service, a typical tip is US$15-20 per adult, per day. The guides work extremely long hours and tips supplement their income significantly. Anything you can afford is appreciated.
Accommodation: This is also discretionary. Most accommodations will have a tip box in Reception. We recommend putting something in at the end of your stay, rather than giving individuals money.
Depending on the level of service, US$10 per day (for a group of 2)
• If you wish to tip your guide, we recommend that you do this at the end of your Safari
• It is preferable to tip in US$ Money
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. US Dollars are widely accepted. Tanzania only accepts US Dollar bills printed in 2007 or after.
Credit and Debit Cards:
Visa cards are the most widely accepted. We recommend that you inform your bank that you will be using your card abroad to avoid it being blocked.
Changing Money:
The best way to obtain local currency is with a cash machine/ATM. It is possible to change money in the banks, but this often takes a long time. There are a few Bureau de Changes in Arusha. We advise that you bring US Dollars with you.
ATMs:
These are available in Arusha, Kilimanjaro Airport, and other big towns. They allow you to withdraw local currency and some ATMs in Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport allow you to withdraw US Dollars. In Zanzibar, you will find a few ATMs in Stone Town. There is one ATMin each of the following towns: Nungwi, Paje, and Dunga (if possible, do not rely on these as they often run out of money quickly).
Weather:
The weather varies greatly, depending on where you are. Whatever time of year you come, please bring some warm clothes! It gets really cold in some places because of the high altitude, especially in June, July and August. It can also get very hot. We advise dressing in layers. Typically, the long rains are March, April and May. The short rains are in November / December. Like many places in the world, Tanzania is experiencing changes in weather patterns and it is becoming less predictable.
Please visit the following websites for more detailed information:
What to Bring:
Luggage:
If possible, you should bring a duffel bag or soft-sided bag. These are easier to carry and pack inside the safari vehicle. Ideally, the fabric should be hardy and waterproof and the bag should be lockable. Put anything that is of any value in a separate day pack such as a backpack. Anything of real sentimental or monetary value should ideally be left at home.
Clothes:
Pack for hot days and cool nights. Tanzania can be hot and dusty by day but it is often cool and crisp by night. Layers are ideal for safari days. Pack clothing that is able to keep you cool but protect you from the sun and biting insects. Choose mid-tone colours and avoid white or bright colours that may distract the animals and dark colours like black and blue as these can attract tsetse flies. The best colours are the safari classics: olive, green and khaki. For evenings at lodges you can stay in your casual gear as even the luxury lodges do not expect smart wear out in the bush. Check the temperature before you travel to make sure you have clothing that is warm enough for the season. It is always a good idea to bring a waterproof coat, whatever the season.
Tanzania is quite a conservative culture, so please avoid wearing ‘short’ shorts or low-cut tops. These can attract unwanted attention and can sometimes cause offense.
Shoes:
As you want to be careful not to over pack, you need to think carefully about what shoes to take. As long as you are not going on a safari that requires a lot of walking, you will be fine with trainers and some sports sandals (sandals are also great for walking around the camp at night). You may also like to take flip-flops for the showers.
We will be posting a separate list of gear for those participating in the Kilimanjaro Day Hike.
Sun Protection:
The African sun can be brutal so be sure to bring a good pair of sunglasses so you can protect your eyes. You’ll also need a hat that shades your face and covers your ears and neck so you have maximum sun protection. Of course, take plenty of high-protection sun cream and lip salve.
First Aid:
This is a suggested list of first aid supplies:
• Antiseptic ointment
• Antihistamine cream & tablets
• Nurofen or equivalent painkiller
• Eye-drops
• Anti-diarrhoea treatment
• A couple of bandages
• Medication for personal allergies/asthma etc
• Insect repellent containing Deet or Picaridin
• Rehydration sachets/vitamin tablets
• Assorted plasters
Photography & Electrical Equipment:
We recommend you bring:
• Strong bag/carry case to protect the camera - zip lock/plastic bags are useful for dusty conditions
• Spare/extra batteries
• Memory/Storage media (2 x memory cards in case one gets corrupted)
• Binoculars. These will be essential when you are out spotting wildlife
Photography etiquette:
It is forbidden in Tanzania to take photos of anything military. Bridges, border posts and airports are also sensitive, so be careful or be prepared to have your film/camera confiscated. Please act with discretion and respect when taking photos of people - it is always better to ask first before you snap away!
Electrical charging & power supply:
All our safari vehicles have power/charging points. Please bring travel adaptors to ensure they are suitable for your appliances/devices. Most accommodation uses the plug sockets as shown below
(Type G).
Phones / Wi-Fi:
• Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi
• Some camp-sites have Wi-Fi, but this should not be relied upon
• The signal strength is variable at all locations and is often weak, especially in the Serengeti. You may be able to check WhatsApp and Social Media, but you will not be able to stream Netflix movies!
• It is possible to buy a SIM card with data that can be used during your safari. You will need to purchase this in Arusha and it will need to be registered, using your passport. If you want to use it in your phone, you will need to make sure the phone is unlocked.
Your safari consultant will be able to advise you further on this process
Binoculars:
We advise that you bring your own binoculars. Lion King 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.
Security:
All towns and cities have their share of petty crime and sensible precautions need to be taken. Wearing expensive-looking jewelry/watches and carrying cameras, will draw unnecessary attention. You may find a simple money belt is more discrete than a bag. Always be aware of your surroundings and when approached by people you do not know, use your common sense. At night
in towns, it's best to use a taxi, rather than walking around the streets. Single women in particular need to be careful & we suggest that it is safer to be in a group.
Accommodations:
Most places will have a safe inside the room. If they do not, there is normally a safe at Reception. Whilst theft from inside rooms is very rare, we do recommend that you use these to store valuables.
Wild Animals at Tented Camps
Tented Camps are not fenced. Wild animals can and do wander through the Camps, sometimes stopping to graze for a while. For many of our guests, this is one of the highlights of their safari! The risk of you coming to any harm is minimal, but the following information may help you to feel prepared.
• At every Tented Camp there are a number of Guards that patrol the Camp throughout the day and night. You should not move between your tent and communal areas after dark5unless you are accompanied by a guard.
• When you leave your tent, make sure you zip it up fully (cheeky baboons have been known to sneak in and cause havoc!).
• Animals that might wander into camp include zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, hyena and very occasionally, elephant and lion.
Responsible Travel:
Before you go,
• Learn some of the local language and read up on the local history/culture before you go.
• Why not pack some pens/pencils, exercise books and/or sanitary pads in your rucksack and they can be donated to a local school or project while you're away. These items can also be
purchased locally andwill help local businesses.
• Lion King works with a local Maasai Women’s Group. To find out more, please visit our website Maasai Women's Group.
Plastic Bags:
From 1st June 2019, most plastic bags are prohibited from being imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used in Mainland Tanzania. Visitors to Tanzania are advised to avoid bringing plastic bags into Tanzania. This new initiative has been introduced to protect the environment and keep our country clean and beautiful.
Please help us to do this! Travellers often use plastic bags to separate/organize certain items in their luggage. You may choose to do this, but be prepared to answer questions if your luggage is searched at Customs. You can explain that these bags are used in your packing and will return to your home country with you when you leave (please make sure they do!). If you meet a Customs Officer who does not accept this explanation, you may be asked to pay a small fine (approximately U$D 15). Remove unnecessary packaging before you leave home
While you're travelling:
• Please don't waste water. It is a valuable and often scarce resource in many of the areas we visit.
• Never buy endangered species or endangered habitat products. Apart from the fact that it’s illegal, it also encourages the trade to continue.
• Buy locally made crafts and products helping to support the local economy.
• Don't feel when bargaining that you have to get the cheapest price possible just for the sake of it. Pay what the item is worth to you and don’t worry about what someone else has paid.
• Try the local food and drinks - this will help to support local farmers and food sellers.
• Dispose of litter appropriately on your trip. This includes cigarette butts. Not only does litter look unsightly but it can be lethal to wildlife.
• When game viewing do not encourage your guides to get too close to the wildlife so that their natural behaviour is impeded.
*Respect local customs, traditions, and beliefs of the people in the different regions that you travel through.
• Do not take photos of people, ritual events or special places unless you have asked first.
• Dress appropriately according to local codes and show respect around religious festivals.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information and we hope you have a fabulous safari in Tanzania!
Baggage allowance for internal flight from Arusha to Zanzibar operated by FLIGHTLINK
- Only 1pc of 20kg check-in baggage is permitted per passenger free of charge‚ Max dimension (Height 70 x 35 x 20cm) SOFT luggage is permitted per passenger to be checked in. No oversized‚ Metal or aluminium suitcase allowed to be checked in due to limitation of aircraft hold space. An extra piece of luggage will be weighed and charged as excess baggage. (Multiple/Combining bags that total to baggage allowance is NOT permitted)
- Due to limited space‚ NO TROLLEY BAGS OR OVERSIZED BACKPACKS are allowed as hand luggage. Onboard hand carry is limited to 1 piece (40 x 15 x 30cm) of 5 kg soft bag ONLY. (This could be medicines‚ laptop bag‚ camera bag‚ and personal documents)‚ Trolley bags and Oversized backpacks will be denied‚ charged extra‚ and put on HOLD baggage. Hand luggage must be placed in the overhead bins or under the passenger seat. All hand luggages must fit in the sizing frame at check-in and the boarding gate. In addition to the above, a purse or small shoulder bag (male and female) plus a camera will be permitted onboard. Please note, in the event of a dispute, the airline rules will supersede the information posted on this website. When in doubt, please check directly with the airline. We do not take any responsibility for errors or omissions.
- Excess Baggage (EB) can be purchased at the check-in counter or online‚ subject to availability. Cost of Excess Baggage: (0-5Kg USD25 | 5-10Kg USD50 | 10 -15Kg USD100)
- The Company does not carry unaccompanied baggage or cargo.
- In the event of baggage loss or damage‚ the passenger must file a complaint at their respective station upon arrival. If the baggage is not found‚ the passenger is entitled to a one-time compensation of up to USD 500. Claims made after exiting the airport premises will not be applicable.
The local flight from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar is included in your African Safari Tour package. On July 16th, the group will travel from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in two separate flights. Regardless of the airline's baggage policy, we strongly recommend packing light and efficiently. During the safari, we will be frequently changing locations and travelling in safari vehicles where guests will keep their luggage with them at all times. The only exception is when staying at a hotel for two or more consecutive nights, the luggage will remain at the hotel during that period.
Print the Trip checklist for Tanzania and zanzibarGo to African Safari itinerary (Tanzania and Zanzibar)Go to Victoria Falls Itinerary (Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana)Go To Tanzanian e-Visa InformationGo To Zimbabwean Visa information (please apply for “KAZA UNIVISA” to Zimbabwe if you are planning to cross over to Zambia to view the Victoria falls and/or if you are visiting Botswana Chobe National park)Go to Zambian visa information (citizens of Canada, USA, UK, Australia & New Zealand do not require a visa.)Go to Botswanan visa information (citizens of Canada, USA, UK, Australia & New Zealand do not require a visa.)Go Back to top of this pageGo to the home page
TANZANIA eVISA APPLICATION GUIDANCE
Applying for your Tanzanian eVisa via their official website is a smooth process, as long as you are prepared. If you carefully follow the guidance below, your Tanzanian eVisa application process should be quick and easy. If you begin without gathering the necessary documents in advance in the format and size stated below, the process can feel very overwhelming.
Every family member is a separate application.
Here’s what you need to have ready before you start:
1. *Passport-sized photo*
* Use any passport like photo with a white background and crop accordingly
* Format: JPEG or PNG
* Size: Max 300KB
(See screenshot below)
2. *Photo of your passport biodata page*
* Format: JPEG or PNG
* Size: Max 300KB
(See screenshot below)
3. *Copy of your flight itinerary or air ticket*
* Format: PDF
* Size: Max 1MB
(See screenshot below)
4. Type of Visa Requested: Ordinary Visa
5. Destination: Mainland Tanzania (This will cover both mainland and Zanzibar)
6. Port of entry: Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA/JRO)
Port of departure: Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
7. *Host Details for the Application:*
* Host Type: Company / Organization
* Host Name: Lion King Adventures (repeat same for the company name)
* Relationship: Tour Company
* Phone: +255 754 371 242
* Email: info@lionkingadventures.com
* Address: Lion King, Mula, Ilkidinga, Arusha, Tanzania, 23211
8. Where are you going to stay?:
When asked where you will be staying, just list the hotel names separated by commas. There is no need to include full addresses. See below.👇
If Luxury Plus Package:
Gran Melia Arusha, Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection, Melia Zanzibar
If Luxury Package:
Mount Meru Hotel, Acacia Farm Lodge, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge, Melia Zanzibar
9. *Visa Fee & Payment Tips:*
* Application cost: USD $50
* Payment via credit card is easiest, with an additional fee of $0.75
* You may encounter a “500 Error” message after selecting credit card payment. If so:
1. Go back to the previous screen and scroll to the bottom left of the screen
2. Copy the Control Number displayed next to the web link
3. Click on the link: https://epay.gepg.go.tz (see screenshot below)
4. Paste the Control Number on the payment screen when prompted to retrieve your information and complete the payment
Be sure to take a screenshot of your payment confirmation, as you will not receive a confirmation email or receipt, and the website does not offer an option to print one.
When you first begin the application, note down your application ID. You will also receive a confirmation email with this ID, which you’ll need to check your application status later.
Zimbabwe KAZA UNIVISA – Simplified Travel Between Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana
As part of our Victoria Falls adventure in Zimbabwe, we will be crossing the border on foot into Zambia to experience the Falls from both sides. Travellers joining the Chobe National Park game drive will also enjoy a half-day trip into Botswana. To make this cross-border travel hassle-free, we recommend the KAZA UNIVISA. This single visa allows multiple entries between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and includes day trips to Botswana’s Chobe National Park, making it the perfect choice for our travel purposes.
You can apply for the Kasa UniVisa online using the link provided at the bottom of this section.
Application Process:
- Create an account to begin your application. If you're travelling with family, you can manage all members under one account by creating individual profiles.
- The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue, usually immediately upon submission. Your permitted length of stay, up to 30 days, will be decided by immigration officials upon arrival.
During the application, you’ll need to provide the following:
- Full name, address, date of birth & passport number
- Occupation
- Emergency contact information
- Point of entry: Victoria Falls Airport
- Host name: Safari.com
- Your address in Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Stand 471c Squire Cummings Ave, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- Funds available at entry: You can just state USD 1,000
Fees & Payment:
- The visa costs USD $50 per traveller + a transaction fee of $1.29,
- You can choose to pay online during the application or on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport.
- If you pay online, you’ll instantly receive:
- A payment receipt email from the processing bank
- A payment confirmation email from the Zimbabwe Department of Immigration
After completing your application:
Take a screenshot of the QR code. If you forget, you can always log back in to your account and download your approval letter, which will include the QR code.
Upon Arrival:
- Present the QR code to the immigration officials at the Victoria Falls Airport. They will scan the code to access your visa application and payment confirmation and issue you the Kaza Univisa for a period of up to 30 days.
DISCLAIMER:
The organizer of this reunion is not a travel agent, tour operator, or representative of the travel industry. All information provided on this website must be independently verified directly with the respective tour operators.
The organizer does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information shared and will not accept responsibility for any potential misrepresentation, errors, or omissions.
Travellers are required to make all payments directly to the respective tour operators. The organizer will not accept any payments on behalf of tour operators and is not responsible for issuing receipts or confirming itineraries.
It is the traveller’s sole responsibility to ensure all arrangements, including tour itineraries and payment confirmations, are verified directly with the tour operators. By booking any tour, hotel, or excursion, you acknowledge and accept that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions, including cancellation policies, set forth by the booking company.
The organizer’s role is solely to facilitate bringing together interested parties to participate in the reunion and does not assume responsibility for any discrepancies, misquotes, or actions by the tour operators.
Participation in any activities is strictly at your own risk. The organizer is not liable for any injuries, illnesses, accidents, or fatalities that may occur during the trip, nor for any issues arising from travel arrangements.
It is the sole responsibility of each traveller to secure comprehensive insurance coverage for travel, health, transportation, trip interruptions, cancellations, and other risks.
All travellers are responsible for independently seeking medical advice on the necessary and recommended vaccines before reaching their destinations. It is essential to consider not only your destination but also your departure point and any transit locations, as vaccine requirements may differ.
Additionally, travellers are responsible to apply for and obtain the necessary tourist visas for the countries included in your tour itinerary. Visa requirements vary depending on your country of citizenship.
COUNTDOWN TO OUR AFRICAN SAFARI TRIP HAS BEGUN!
JULY 8TH IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER…
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WE HAVE ONE DOUBLE ROOM AVAILABLE IN LUXURY PLUS PACKAGE
We currently have an opening for one double room in Luxury Plus package. Please contact Udish - the organizer if you are keenly interested.
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