FAQs

DO I NEED A VISA? Yes. Everything you need to know about getting your tourist visa to Tanzania can be found at the Visa Information page of the Tanzania Embassy In The United States website.

In a nutshell, you need to download and completely fill out a visa application which can be found here and here.
Then get together the following items:

 * Two recent passport photos.
 * Your signed and valid passport with at least 6 months remaining until expiration.
 * A stamped self addressed envelope.
 * A check or money order for $100 made out to the Tanzania Embassy.
 * Proof of purchase of your flight to and from Tanzania.

Mail all this to:
Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania
2139 R Street, NW,
Washington DC 20008

It's a small hassle to get the visa ahead of time so a lot of people just wait until they arrive in Tanzania to get their visas. If you decide to do this you'll need to stand in line at the airport in Tanzania with your hundred dollars in hand and get the visa there. My advice is just go ahead and get it ahead of time if you can. You'll appreciate it when you breeze through customs while everyone else is having to stand in line for 30-60 minutes after that long flight.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE? Basically, everything from the time your arrive in Tanzania to the time you leave is prepaid and arranged for you. That includes food, water, all lodging, all travel inside Tanzania. Personal purchases and tipping are not included in the price. Drinks and spirits are generally not included except as part of a High End safari package.

SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE? Tipping is per your preference. Generally, tips range from $5-10 per client per day for your guide.

DO I NEED TO GET IMMUNIZED? Check your immunization history and compare against the US Centers For Disease Control's list of recommended vaccines when traveling to Tanzania. You should consult your doctor about which immunizations are needed prior to embarking to Tanzania. When you make the appointment to see your doctor be sure ask if the doctor has immunization doses in the office. You don't want to go and then have the doctor just send you somewhere else to get the shots.

You are required to have proof of Yellow Fever documentation when returning from Tanzania. In my several trips to Tanzania I have never been asked for this, but it would be wise to have it handy, just in case.

WHAT ABOUT MALARIA? Malaria exists in Tanzania. It's a disease that is spread by mosquitos. Malaria can be prevented by taking one of several choices of pills before, during, and after your stay in Tanzania. Consult your doctor or travel doctor on this because each brand has different pluses and minuses. Some are easier on the system, but require you to take a little longer. Some require you to take fewer pills but can be a bit hard on your gut.

WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE? Northern Tanzania straddles the equator so, as you can imagine, the weather is fairly consistent year round. The monthly average temperature varies between the low 70s and low eighties. There are two rainy seasons - the short rains for most of November, and the long rains which fall anywhere between mid March and the end of May.

WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY IN TO? Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is where your guide will pick you up. This airport is located in the city of Arusha, Tanzania, and should not to be confused with Arusha Airport (ARK) which is a regional airport.

WHAT ABOUT AIRLINE TICKETS? We do not currently offer airline tickets sales as part of our service. KLM Airlines (also known as Royal Dutch Air) and Northwest, their code share airline in the U.S., offer the most service to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). I have found that I can get the best deals if I purchase my ticket online at sites such as Expedia.com and CheapTickets.com. When I am short on time however I would recommend using your favorite travel agent. They can take the time to find the flight that fits your schedule exactly. Personally, I have always used my local TravelCentre and found their agents to be helpful and accommodating. I probably pay a little more but if you don't have a lot of time then it's worth it.

DO YOUR SAFARIS HAVE A SET SCHEDULE? No. You are free to arrive on any day you choose. The safari starts when you get here. You set the tempo of your safari.

HOW ARE YOUR PRICES DETERMINED? At Westside Safari we send our clients on personalized luxury level safari itineraries. You choose the level of accommodation you would like; from Nice, Fancy, to High End. Price is based almost exclusively on the number of people in your group and the level of accommodation you choose.

WHY DO YOUR SAFARIS SEEM TO HAVE FEWER DAYS THAN OTHER COMPANIES? Many other companies pad their itineraries with the travel time. You often see an offer for a 14 day safari that includes 3 days of travel time. When we describe a 7 day vacation it really means 7 actual days in Tanzania.

IS TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED? We do not offer travel insurance as part of our service at this time.