FAQs

When you book your safari with OSIMLAI Adventures Limited, we will send you a pre-departure packet with extensive details and important information. In the meantime, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Q. WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO ON SAFARI?

Tanzania offers the best and most consistent wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. The dry season (June to October) is generally considered the best time overall for game viewing. However, even the wet season in Tanzania (November to May) has an amazing amount to offer in terms of wildlife viewing. April and May are probably the least optimal months to go since many camps close during the long rains. However, there are still enough places open for us to put together a magnificent itinerary for you if those months are your only option. And, since it is the low season, you will enjoy the benefits of a less crowded and less expensive journey!

Q. WHAT TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS ARE THERE?

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months on the day you depart from your home country. In addition, your passport must contain at least four blank visa pages that are two sets of two opposing blank visa pages.

Visa

It is possible to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airports of Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, and we will provide an expedited visa process but you also have the opportunity to apply for a visa in your home country prior to your trip. It is important to know that you have to pay for the visa in USD dollars and that they only take cash payments upon arrival.

Q. ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER TANZANIA?

It is very important to set an appointment with a travel doctor in your home country before you come. Depending on the situation, you might take vaccine for yellow fever. If you go to Zanzibar or come from (or transit in) an endemic yellow fever country, proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required at the airport. Vaccinations are recommended for travelers going to Tanzania: yellow fever, hepatitis A and a combined tetanus, diphtheria and inactivated polio vaccine (Td/IPV). Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are traveling to Tanzania from countries that have Yellow Fever Endemic or travelers who transit in Yellow Fever Endemic Areas, only if the transit period at the airport is 12 hours or more.

Check the CDC’s website for updated health information for travelers to Tanzania. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania

If you use prescription medication or if you suffer from a medical condition that requires special consideration, it is best to consult your physician and inform the aircraft company before flying. You may require a medication passport to show authorities abroad and flight attendants that you need certain medication. In the event that you lose your medication or require additional supplies abroad, the medication passport will allow you to refill your prescription. In addition, you will usually need a doctor’s certificate in the form of a Schengen medical certificate or a medical certificate written or translated into English. The same may apply to traveling with medical equipment. Enquiring about these things may take weeks, so it is best to start well in advance.

Q. WHAT ABOUT MALARIA?

There is no vaccine available against malaria. We recommend the use of anti-malarial medication, but again, it is best to take this up with a travel medical specialist. Malaria is an infectious disease that is caused by a parasite. You get it from the bite of a mosquito that carries the parasite. These parasites multiply first in the liver cells and then in the red cells of the blood. The symptoms include shaking chills, followed by fever, usually preceded by flu-like illness. To protect yourself against mosquito bites, you can spray yourself with insect repellent containing DEET and make sure to cover your body properly if you are outside after sunset.

Q. DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Travel insurance is the traveler’s own responsibility. We recommend that you take out travel insurance in your home country that will cover, for instance, loss, damage or theft of luggage, money and other valuables, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, etc. Consider also any additional cover you may need, such as for extreme, specialist or high-risk sports (scuba diving, canoeing, mountain biking, etc.). Mountain climbing requires a separate mountaineering insurance policy. Travel with Us accepts no liability whatsoever in connection with any such activities.

Q. WHAT IS TANZANIA'S CLIMATE?

Situated in the eastern part of the African continent, bordering on the Indian Ocean, Tanzania enjoys mostly warm weather all year round. The climate varies considerably in this large country, but a tropical wet and dry climate, or tropical savanna climate, predominates. The eastern portion of Tanzania has more periods of rainfall and droughts, while Central Tanzania is predominantly very dry. The main rainy season or ‘long rains’ in Tanzania lasts from March until the end of May. This is the time when everything turns vibrant green – a great time to see wildlife! Then, between June and August, it is drier and cooler in Tanzania. The beginning of October marks the start of the period of ‘short rains’ during the daytime, with warm summer temperatures. January, February and March are the driest summer months of the year. As your tour will take you to various altitudes, ranging from mountainous regions to lower coastal areas, temperatures will differ. In view of the different seasons and the fact that it can get a little chilly at night, it is advisable to pack clothes that you can layer easily.

Q. WHAT IS TANZANIA'S CURRENCY?

The local currency is the Tanzania Shilling (TZS). In hotels and restaurants, bills can normally be paid in USD, but in local shops and markets, you will need TZS which is available at most banks and bureaus in major towns. ATMs are available in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, and most major towns, but once you are out on safari (in the bush), you will not have access to either banks or ATMs, so exchange sufficient funds beforehand. Credit cards are normally accepted in the bigger hotels and restaurants, but in the smaller lodges or hotels, there is often no access.

Q. HOW DO I DRESS?

In honor of their religious beliefs and culture, Tanzanian people always dress modestly. In the privacy of your accommodations or at the beach, you do not need to concern yourself with any dress code, but if you mix with the local population, it is appropriate to wear clothes that cover the body, especially shoulders and legs. This is a simple courtesy that shows respect for the local population.

Q: WHAT DO I PACK?

- All necessary documents: passport, vaccine certificate and others that might apply.
- Any medication you might need: This should include medication for possible common situations like headaches or diarrhea.
- Sun block, sunglasses, hat, lip balm and moisturizer.
- Your camera: we recommend bringing a wide lens (about 17-55mm) for those scenery pictures, and a telephoto lens (in the 200-400mm range) to catch animals at a distance.
- Binoculars: We do provide a pair of top notch binoculars in the vehicle but feel free to bring your own which you may be more used to.
- Clothes: Comfortable and casual clothing, with khaki, beige or green colors. You should pack t-shirts, shirts with long sleeves, long pants, a sweater and a jacket (for the cold mornings), swimwear (if the accommodations you selected have a pool or if you do a beach extension) and comfortable hiking shoes.
- Insect repellent

Q. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TOURS?

All our safaris include excellent Toyota Land Cruisers adapted for the best safari experience with pop-up roof with unlimited mileage, all national parks entrances, camping and concession fees and permits, unlimited water and soft drinks during the safaris, donations to the local communities and accommodations as agreed (on full board or all inclusive basis).

Q: WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOURS?

We do not include the country visas, and items of personal interest like souvenirs or extra services/tours not agreed beforehand. Tips for your guide and lodges are not included. Also, if after you book your tour, the government decides to apply increases in park fees, camping fees, concession fees or others, these shall be added to your contract as well.