Travel Guide

Flying to Tanzania

The event is confirmed, please book flights.

All attendees of the 2024 EO Tanzania Exploration should book their arrival flight to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ/HTZA) in Zanzibar arriving by 8:00 AM on Saturday, 18 May 2024 to start the Exploration and book their departure flight also from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ/HTZA) in Zanzibar after the completion of the Exploration anytime after the morning of Friday, 24 May 2024.

The early morning of Saturday, 18 May 2024, the group will meet to travel together into the Serengeti together on private charter flights, arriving at the Seronera Airstrip, located within the central sector of Serengeti National Park for transfer to the Four Seasons Safari Lodge. You can find more information about shuttle flights into Serengeti National park here. Space for luggage on the aircrafts is very limited and the following allowance applies: you only may carry 15 kgs per person in a soft duffel-type bag, this includes hand luggage and camera equipment. These limitations are strictly adhered to. EO will arrange a separate transport for additional luggage.

You are encouraged to pack separately for the Serengeti portion of the trip and the Zanzibar portion of the trip. EO will arrange secure storage of your luggage for Zanzibar at our resort there so your items for that portion of the trip don’t have to take up space in your luggage while traveling in as well as to and from the Serengeti.

You will need to arrange your own ground transportation to/from the Zanzibar airport as you arrive and depart for the Exploration. EO will share airport transfer options in advance for you to book on your own. Air and ground transportation during the programme days to/from the venues and various locations within Tanzania are included in your registration and will be booked by EO, only your initial arrival and final departure flight/ground transportation will need to be booked on your own.

Ground Transportation

Taxi: There are several taxi transfer companies who provide service to and from the Zanzibar airport and you should expect to spend US$20-50 per trip.

Weather

Tanzania has a warm, Tropical climate. Tanzania’s average temperature in May is a high of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and a low of 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit).

Dress

In general, the Exploration will be casual during the day and casual chic in the evenings. You will likely be active during the day, so plan on lighter fabrics and comfortable shoes. Bring layers to ensure you are cool/warm enough. Any other specific dress codes will be shared closer to the programme dates.

Tanzania, including the island of Zanzibar, is a deeply conservative country. Wearing revealing clothing is disrespectful and it’s always best to dress modestly. Traditionally, women wear long skirts, but it’s fine for visitors to wear trousers or jeans that aren’t too form-fitting. Always keep your chest, midriff and thighs covered. When in Zanzibar, you should never wear swimwear or skimpy clothing away from the beach. As soon as you leave the beach, both men and women must cover up in modest clothing.

PACK LIKE A PRO – SAFARI STYLE

PACKING LOGISTICS
Space for luggage on our charter flights is VERY limited. You may only carry one (1) bag of no more than 15 kgs in a soft duffel-type bag. These limitations are strictly adhered to by the airline.
Please pack separately for the Serengeti portion of the trip and the Zanzibar portion of the trip. EO will arrange secure storage of your luggage for Zanzibar at the Meliá Resort.

PACKING SPECIFICS
We are exploring Tanzania during the shift in seasons, so it is recommended that you pack for multiple weather possibilities. It may be chilly in the mornings but will warm up throughout the day; there is also the chance of rain showers at times. With those things in mind, here are a few highlights to give you some ideas. You can see a more detailed packing list on the Exploration Pack Like a Pro page.

Clothing made of light breathable fabrics like organic cotton – including a light scarf (earth-toned clothing is recommended), a hat that provides sun protection (we recommend one that is waterproof, breathable, and can be packed flat).
Comfortable footwear is essential. We recommend trainers or sandals with a thick sole for game drives which will include the occasional walk. For walking safaris sturdier footwear is recommended, such as closed walking or hiking boots.
A few other things you won’t want to forget are: sunglasses, camera equipment, binoculars (the Four Seasons can provide if you do not have your own), a bathing suit & cover-up, and a WHITE OUTFIT for our full moon beach party!

While at the Meliá Zanzibar, feel free to dress however you are most comfortable, however Zanzibar as a whole is a predominantly Muslim island and is very conservative. Whilst it’s a beach destination, it’s not as liberal as cities in Europe or other places around the world. To be respectful of the local culture, please plan to wear clothing that covers your shoulders, torso, and legs to your knees when visiting Stone Town or other local villages in Zanzibar.

About Tanzania

Time Zone: Tanzania (GMT+3)

Please check www.timeanddate.com to determine what time it is in your home city.

Currency:

Tanzanian Shilling

For currency converter tools, please visit Oanda.com or XE.com.

Etiquette

Tanzania is full of welcoming and friendly locals, so it’s best to return the favor and brush up on Tanzanian culture and traditions before you go. Not only will you show respect to the locals, but you’ll get a much more authentic insight into the culture of this wonderful country.

For etiquette information, please reference:

Language

English is the official language of the 2023 EO Tanzania Exploration.

Currency

The Tanzanian Shilling (sign: TSh; code: TZS), is the official currency of Tanzania. However, US dollars are also widely accepted. The Tanzanian Shilling is subdivided into 100 senti. Coins are in denominations of 50, 100, 200 and 500 are referred to as shilingli and banknotes are divided into amounts of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000 shilingli. To check the current exchange rate for your currency, go to http://www.xe.com/.

All major forms of credit cards are commonly accepted in Tanzania. Credit card issuers commonly charge anywhere from 2% to 5% for purchases made in other countries. Before traveling, contact the bank that issued your credit card or debit card and ask about their fees. Debit cards normally have lower fees, but be sure to check all your options. We recommend travelling with a credit card only as a backup, you will find that you can incur surcharges of anything up to 10% for using them.

It is only in the major towns or airports that you will be able to withdraw money from an ATM machine, and it will be dispensed in the local currency. When you contact your bank before traveling, ask if they partner with any banks in Tanzania that will allow you to use their ATMs without a charge. Before traveling to Tanzania, be sure to contact your bank and inform them that you will be traveling and using your credit card overseas. If you fail to inform your bank of your travel plans, your card may be put on hold and you will not have immediate access to your account.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in most countries around the world, tipping in Tanzania is not expected, but certainly appreciated. If you feel that the quality of service you have received is good, then it is now customary to leave a tip to show your appreciation to those who have served or guided you.

Do note, you will not need to tip during activities planned as part of the Exploration registration, EO will take care of that on behalf of the group.

Stay Connected

The country code for Tanzania is +255. When dialing a U.S. number from abroad, be sure to dial +1 before the area code and number. The national emergency number in Tanzania is 112.

Please contact your individual mobile phone service provider for information about international plans. Mobile phones are widely used throughout Tanzania. Call your service provider before arriving to determine if you should purchase an international roaming plan.

Wi-Fi is available either under payment or for free in some public places such as coffee shops/ bistros, airports, restaurants, and some hotels. The strength and speed of the signal may vary and you may need to ask for login information.

The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In Tanzania there are two associated plug types, types D and G. Plug type D is the plug which has three round pins in a triangular pattern and plug type G is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. You may also need a voltage converter so you should consider a combined power plug adapter/voltage converter. Be extra careful with certain appliances because of the difference in frequency. Check out the following pictures:

 

COVID-19 Entry and Exit Requirements

There are currently no Covid-19-related travel restrictions to enter the country via air transport, nor any disease prevention measures in place such as masking or vaccine requirements.

EO members are responsible for being aware if they need a negative Covid-19 test to get back into their home country or if one is required by the airline. EO will not be able to provide personal assistance on testing if a negative Covid-19 test is required to enter back into your home country or by the airline. Members are responsible for fulfilling entry and exit requirements on their own. EO members are responsible for arranging their own travel in a timely manner—including, but not limited to, all entry requirements and testing, immigration and visa-related costs and paperwork. If you fail to receive the appropriate approvals to enter Tanzania after you have purchased a registration, you will be subject to EO cancellation policies.

Please refer to the following document for detailed information on current Covid guidelines upon entering Tanzania.

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Visas

Depending on your country of origin, a visa is likely required for entry into Tanzania. Use this list to locate your country to determine if a visa is required. If your country is not on either list, you are able to obtain a visa upon arrival. Visa must be paid with notes of US$50 or US$100. The length of stay is determined at ports of entry. If you do require a visa ahead of arrival, you can submit the application online here. When applying for your visa, use the following address (Melia Resort) for the physical address of your accommodations: 29V9+P7, Kiwengwa Zanzibar TZ, Kiwengwa 00200, Tanzania.

EO highly recommends that you arrange your visas in advance of travel in order to make entry as seamless as possible.

EO will not be collecting any data from members as they are responsible for applying for their visas directly but EO will provide an invitation letter upon request to [email protected].

For your passport, it will need to be valid six months after the planned date of departure and requires one page for an entry stamp.

EO members are responsible for arranging their own travel in a timely manner – including, but not limited to, all immigration – and visa – related costs and paperwork. If you fail to receive the appropriate approvals to enter Tanzania after you have purchased a registration, you will be subject to EO cancellation policies.

EO takes no responsibility for acquiring or monitoring the status of a visa for any member. EO can support you in your quest for immigration approval by providing the following:

  • Letters of invitation
  • Hotel confirmation numbers (where applicable)
  • Connections to chapter members via the Chapter Admin

EO cannot:

  • Sponsor members
  • Guarantee costs or other monetary-related paperwork
  • Liaise with ministries, immigration, embassies or consulates on behalf of any member

If you require a sponsorship for entry into Tanzania, you assume all risk associated with registering for the Exploration prior to getting approval and finding sponsors. EO cancellation policies apply. EO members are required to find other EO member sponsors on their own, including using eonetwork.org or through the EO chapter hosting the event. EO staff will not broker sponsorship.

Travel Insurance

EO highly recommends that you purchase travel insurance and verify the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and requirements of your insurance policy before you travel and to check with your travel insurance provider (whether you have a group, an individual or a credit-card type of insurance) the following:

  • Are you covered for COVID-19-related medical expenses, other non-COVID-19 emergency-related expenses, as well as interruptions to your travel plans? While some insurance companies may offer COVID-19 related medical expenses coverage, it may not include protection for other non-COVID-19 emergency-related expenses.
  • Find out if you are covered for quarantine costs should you become infected with COVID-19 during your trip.
  • Make sure you have travel insurance coverage for your entire trip as some insurers may limit options to extend policies after departure.
  • Find out if you are covered for extended stays outside your home country.

Health

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

You can find more health and safety recommendations for Tanzania from the Centers for Disease Control(CDC).

Dietary Restrictions

Please notify us of any dietary restrictions during registration so that your needs are accommodated at the Exploration. To edit any dietary restrictions or input new dietary restrictions, go to the event page and click “Modify Registration.” You will be able to edit or enter dietary information and click “Save.” If you suffer from severe food allergies, we encourage you to visit this website and consider purchasing food and travel-translation cards to effectively communicate your needs while traveling.