Prepare for Your Serengeti Adventure: Essential Travel Information

Before you travel to the Serengeti, make sure to take note of the following important information:

Passport Requirements:

• All travelers must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from their arrival in Tanzania.
• Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps at Tanzanian immigration.
• Check with your local consulate or high commission for visa requirements. Some passport holders may need a visa before departure, while others can obtain a visa on arrival.

Health Vaccinations and Precautions:

• Visit your doctor a few months before departure to determine the necessary vaccinations for your trip to Tanzania and to organize any prescription medication.
• If you are traveling from a yellow fever-affected country, you must show proof of yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days prior to arrival in Tanzania.
• Malaria is present in certain areas of Tanzania, so taking anti-malaria precautions is recommended. Consult your doctor to determine the best option for your individual health needs.
• Consider getting a rabies vaccination, although the chances of being bitten by wildlife are highly unlikely.

Travel Insurance:

It is strongly recommended that all safari visitors purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected situations that may arise during their visit to East Africa. Look for policies that include coverage for travel cancellations, loss of possessions, emergency medical costs, and evacuation.

Packing List:

When packing for your trip, consider including the following items:

• Casual, comfortable, and easy-to-wash clothing.
• Neutral-colored clothing like beige, khaki, or green is preferred.
• Avoid wearing dark clothing as it attracts mosquitoes and tsetse flies.
• T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts for sun protection.
• Cotton shorts, safari trousers, and lightweight pants.
• Jacket, sweater, and waterproof jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Comfortable shoes with good grip.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Insect repellent.
• Lip balm, moisturizer, and eye drops.
• Camera and binoculars.
• AC/DC converter for electronic devices.
• Medication for malaria, anti-diarrhea, rehydration, pain relief, allergies, and motion sickness.
• First-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic cream, and prescribed medications.

Plastic Bag Ban:

Note that all plastic carrier bags have been prohibited in Tanzania since June 1, 2019. Do not bring plastic bags with you as they will be confiscated on arrival. However, Ziploc bags for carrying toiletries are allowed as long as they remain in your possession and are not disposed of within the country.

Serengeti Climate:

The Serengeti region experiences a moderate year-round climate with warm and humid days, as well as cool mornings and nights. Temperatures generally range from 15ºC to 26ºC, with occasional peaks above 30ºC during the warmer months.

The seasons are as follows: June to October (dry season), November and March (short rains), and March to May (long rains).

Currency:

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), with an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD to 2,000 TZS (at the time of writing).

Banks and foreign exchange counters are available in most towns, cities, and international airports.

While U.S. dollars are generally accepted for lodge payments and staff tips in the Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, it is advisable to carry small denominations of Tanzanian Shillings as well.

Banks operate from Monday to Friday (8:30 am to 12:30 pm) and Saturdays until 1:00 pm.

Major credit cards are accepted at camps and lodges in the Taasa Wildlife Reserve, but they may incur a surcharge of 3 to 5%.