African Beasts & Beaches
Tanzania is a country of natural splendour, astounding wildlife, seductive beaches, charming ancient towns, archaeological sites and geological wonders. We end the trip on the gorgeous island of Zanzibar.
Enjoy seeing Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, from afar. It rises from lush, grassy plains and towers over the land. The ideal bush and beach destination, visitors can witness the mighty herds of the Great Migration thundering across the Serengeti plains and end their unforgettable safari with a serene beach holiday on Zanzibar, the intoxicatingly beautiful and exotic Spice Island.
PRICE PACKAGE INCLUDES
▪ Airport pick up /drop off
▪ All Breakfast's, 4 lunches, 4 dinners and plus meet and greet reception
▪ Unlimited drinking water and soft drinks during Tour Activity
▪ Safari Vehicle with a pop-up roof for animal viewing
▪ All Park entrance fees and Government
Taxes
▪ All safari park fees
▪ A l tours and activities mentioned in the itinerary
▪ Professional English-speaking safari guide
▪ Flight to Zanzibar
PRICE PACKAGE EXCLUDES
▪ Visa On arrival
▪ International flights
▪ Hard liquors /Beers
▪ Serengeti Hot Ballon ($600 per person)
▪ Tips for your guides. ( Suggested rate for
safari guide is $15-$20 per person per day)
Optional Add-Ons
HOW TO GET THERE
This trip originates in Kilimanjaro (JRO) and ends in Zanzibar (ZNZ). You will need to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and fly out of Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).
You can find connections through Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha and other major airports to Kilimanjaro (JRO). Major connection cities out of Zanzibar (ZNZ) include Amesterdam, Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, and others. You can check routes from your departure city on FlightsFrom- https://www.flightsfrom.com/ .
CURRENCY
The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the currency of United Republic of Tanzania including Zanzibar.
The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency of Tanzania. You can use the Tanzanian Shilling for smaller expenses like shopping at local markets, restaurants and super markets. The US dollar is used too, especially at tourist areas where they prefer dollars over local currency. So make sure you have shillings as well as dollars in your pocket. If bringing cash in US dollars, make sure bank notes are in good condition and not older than 2006. Money can only be exchanged in banks (don’t forget to bring your passport). ATMs can be found in the airport and major cities but not in smaller villages. Credit cards are accepted.
Be sure you bring enough cash when visiting Zanzibar. The ATMs are only at the airport and in Stone Town (Barclay’s is the most reliable). A few places do accept credit cards but all add a handling fee – between 5% and up to 20%. Many places still do not accept cards, they will offer to drive you to Stone Town to draw out cash and charge you for the transfer.
For the most up-to date conversion rate click here or download the app- https://www.xe.com/.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond visa issuance and/or date of entry, and at least one blank visa page, is required.
U.S. citizens may obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Tanzania. The cost is $100 USD. Be prepared to pay in cash in case connectivity issues make electronic transactions impossible.
Use this link to secure your visa. https://immigration.go.tz
ELECTRICAL PLUGS
Tanzania has 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. Tanzania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Click here to purchase an adapter/converter for your trip and see other travel accessories.
TIPPING
Before your trip, a Happy Ambassador will reach out to you about tipping our local guides. Plan to budget at least $100-$150. Happy Ambassadors are already compensated, the tip money will go to local guides.
WEATHER & WHAT TO WEAR
Temperatures in February in Tanzania are generally between about 77°F–86°F on the lowlands and at the coast, and around 59°F–68°F in the highlands. February is a relatively dry month, sandwiched between the short and long rainy seasons, although there is a chance of experiencing rain everywhere, particularly at night. In Zanzibar, daytime highs regularly exceed 95°F.
Pack t-shirts, long sleeve cotton shirts, shorts, long pants, sweatshirt/hoodie/fleece (evenings and early game drives can get cool), swimwear, walking shoes, sandals/flip flops.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We stay at local, unique 4 star properties.
DINING
Some typical mainland Tanzanian foods include: wali (rice), ugali (maize porridge), chapatti (a kind of tortilla), nyama choma (grilled meat), mshikaki (marinated beef), samaki (fish), pilau briyani and ndizi-nyama (plantains with meat).
Zanzibar is known as the Spice Islands, due to the cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper that are grown there. These spices can be found in many must try dishes.
Urojo, also known as Zanzibar Mix is a popular dish that looks like a soup with a mixture of small pieces of boiled potatoes, cassava chips, bajias, mashed potatoes, small pieces of grilled meat (Mishikak), boiled eggs, and is spiced with fresh hot chili and coconut chutneys.
Pilau is very common food made with a mixture of rice, with any chicken, cow, or goat meat, potatoes, onions, garlic and other spices.
Mishkaki is a meat delicacy made by small pieces of marinated meat, skewered and grilled until tender. It can be of different varieties; cow meat, (Mishaki ya nyama), chicken meat (Mishkaki ya Kuku), goat (Mishkaki ya mbuzi).
Zanzibar pizza is a popular delicious food among Zanzibar locals. It is made of dough that is stretched thin and filled with various meat types depending on your choice (chicken, lobster, prawns, calamari, beef) followed by an egg mixed with onion, mayonnaise, cheese and chili sauce.
Maharage ya nazi is a popular dish made from kidney beans boiled with hot water and then mixed with coconut milk and other spices and vegetables like cumin, garlic, bell pepper, carrots, onion.
Ugali Wa Muhogo is a stiff porridge made with cassava flour.
Chipsi mayai (French fries omelet) also known as zege is the most popular street food.
TRANSPORTATION & SECURITY
Airport transfers and the flight from Arusha to Zanzibar are included. For game viewing, 4 x 4 Toyota Landcruisers with pop up roofs and English speaking guides will be provided.
Tanzanian cities, like urban areas worldwide, face their fair share of criminal activities. Visitors should be mindful of potential risks and take precautions to ensure their safety. Petty crimes such as snatch-and-grabs and pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas. To minimize these risks, it is advisable to follow some simple guidelines.
When going out, opt for taxis from reputable companies and avoid unlicensed or unofficial transportation to reduce the chances of falling victim to scams or robberies. It is also wise to avoid venturing out alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Stick to well-lit and populated places, and consider exploring with a group or trusted guide.
To protect your belongings, refrain from carrying valuable items, flashy jewelry, or large amounts of cash. Instead, keep your essentials secure in a concealed money belt or a bag that is not easily accessible. Make copies of your travel documents like passports and identification, and carry them with you while keeping the originals securely stored at your accommodation.
While walking in cities, especially near busy streets, maintain distance from the roadside to deter opportunistic crimes like snatch-and-grabs or drive-by thefts. Stay alert to your surroundings, and keep a close eye on your personal belongings.
By remaining vigilant, taking necessary precautions, and following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with petty and other crimes in Tanzanian cities, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience.
For more information, please visit the State Department website here.
INTRO, HISTORY & GEOGRAPHY
Rock paintings found in over 150 rock art sites in the Kondoa District of Tanzania date back some 2,000 years ago and portray the lifestyles of nomadic hunters and gatherers who spoke a language similar to Khosian. These cave paintings signal the beginning of a series of waves of migration to Tanzania.
The majority of modern Tanzanians are descendants of Bantu-speaking people who came eastwards from the Niger Delta around 1,000 BC. They arrived in East Africa in the first century AD. Also around that time, merchant vessels from the Red Sea and southern Arabia discovered Tanzania’s shores. These merchants took advantage of Tanzania’s ivory and loaded their ships with slaves. Islam was introduced to the coast between the 8th and 10th centuries.
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to land in Tanzania on their journey to the Orient in 1498. These traders remained on the coast for a further two centuries until they were driven out by Omani Arabs. The Omanis established governors in coastal towns on the mainland after taking control of Kilwa and Zanzibar. European arrival brought strains of smallpox and cholera, as well as new technology like guns. As a result, by the late 19th century, much of East Africa was weakened by disease and violence.
The late 19th century witnessed the “Scramble for Africa”. Carl Peters, a German adventurer, set up a colony for Germany in Tanzania without the endorsement of his government, and to the dismay of the British. He made his way through the country, getting chiefs to sign blank treaties. Back in Germany, Chancellor Bismarck approved of Peters’ colony and the Germans were able to establish an informal control through the sultan of Zanzibar. The local population was not consulted in any way during German colonization and no effort was made to improve the quality of life. After the First World War, Germany was forced to give up territory and Britain was put in charge of Tanzania. Unfortunately, things did not change under British rule.
In 1948, Tanzania’s first political party was established. By 1953, it had been renamed the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) whose objective was national liberation. Independence was granted in 1961, and TANU, led by Julius Nyerere, set out on a project of nation-building. However, after Britain left, the economy was in shambles and the country was very poor. Tanzania was left searching for funds in the first years after independence.
In 1967, TANU officials established the Arusha Declaration, a radical new plan for Tanzania that took a socialist approach to government. There were many positives to this plan including new schools, roads and crops all built by the community. Other parts drew criticism, including the elimination of a multiparty system in 1965. Policies like villagistaion in which people farmed communal lands suffered due to infertile lands, among other issues. Nyerere admitted there were problems with the Arusha Declaration, however, his government had made tremendous steps towards social equality as well as health care and education.
The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a steady decline in the economy and Tanzania was suffering. The government was forced to rely on the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which called for economic reform. Nyerere resigned in 1895 but remained an active voice in many moral issues. He was an advocate for South Africa’s liberation from white rule and Tanzania has continued to open its doors to civilians fleeing violence from neighbouring countries. It still hosts more than half a million refugees, more than any other African country.
Despite economic troubles, Tanzania has enjoyed a great deal of peace, especially after returning to a multiparty political system in 1992. It is known for its political stability in a location that is characterized by political turmoil. It remains one of Africa’s premier tourist destinations with many exciting attractions offering amazing insights into Africa’s incredible nature and wildlife.
Recommended safari clothing:
We recommend Casual, comfortable and easy to wash clothes are recommended. The goal is to pack lightly as most lodges and camps will launder clothes for a small fee. Safaris are informal and there is no need to dress up. Do plan to dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes as early morning game drives can be quite cold depending on the time of year while day time temperatures can get quite warm. Stick to neutral or khaki colors and avoid wearing dark blue or black clothes as these colors tend to attract tsetse flies. Wide brimmed hats, sun glasses, sunscreen, insect repellent are a necessity. After sunset, we recommend that you wear long pants, long sleeved shirts and socks and spray insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
• T-shirts and tank tops
• Long-sleeved shirts (for protection from sunburns) • Shorts
• Light long pants or convertible long-short pants
• Warm fleece pullover or jacket
• One swimsuit
• Cotton socks and underwear
• Pajamas
• One pair of comfortable walking shoes
• One pair of sandals or flip-flops
• Wide brimmed hat
• Bandana (for dust)
Clothing for Zanzibar – Please dress modestly when sightseeing in Stone Town or visiting anywhere outside of the beach resorts in Zanzibar. Women should not wear sleeveless or revealing tops and short skirts or thigh high shorts (Capri pants or at least knee-length shorts are fine). Men should wear shirts, pants or knee-length shorts.
Other items to pack
• Passport
• Plane tickets
• Travel Insurance Policy & Emergency Contact Numbers
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if passing to endemic countries
• Safari itinerary
• U.S. dollars in large and small denominations ($20, $50 & $100 bills should be issued after
2006)
• Credit cards and ATM bank cards
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Small flashlight or headlamp
• Insect/Mosquito repellent
• Eye drops and extra contact lenses or spare glasses (if applicable) • Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
Tissue paper and small travel towel (washrooms in Tanzania often don’t have toilet paper or paper towels)
Camera, extra memory cards, batteries and charger, if applicable
UK plug adapter and transformer/voltage converter, if applicable
Zip lock bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, etc.
Personal toiletries just extra as hotel will provide
Small first aid medical kit including Tylenol or ibuprofen, antimalarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, itch medication, band-aids, stomach ache remedy, antibiotic cream, diarrhea medicine, prescription antibiotic for travelers’ diarrhea ( Ciprofloxacin) and any prescription medications.
We strongly recommend that you carry-on all important items such as prescription medication, camera equipment, essential toiletries (please keep in mind many airlines have liquid restrictions) and one or two changes of clothes in case of checked luggage delays or loss.
Visa Requirements
Make sure that you have a valid passport whose expiry date is sufficient for you to be allowed to enter Tanzania. (Usually the expiry date must be at least six months from the date of travel, for tourists, and longer for business travelers.) With the exception of those travelling from certain African countries (and a few other countries), all visitors to Tanzania must have a valid visa. It is the responsibility of travelers to arrange this. American passport holders need to get the Multi Entry Visa which will be valid for both Tanzania and Zanzibar. Visas can be arranged in advance, but we have been advised by our travelers that have visited this destination previously that it is easier to get your visa upon arrival. If you are arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, without having arranged a visa in advance, please follow the procedure outlined below, to ensure that you get the correct visa and meet up with your driver- guide outside the arrival door:
Complete the visa request form (either on the flight or on arrival)
Join the queue for one of the visa counters - please don't let yourself be assisted by anybody at the airport or be persuaded to give your visa money to anyone apart from the staff at the counter
Pay for the visa - USD 100 per person for US nationals and USD 50 per person for nationals of other countries (visa fees are payable in cash ONLY and US bills should not be older than 2006)
Make sure that you get a receipt for this transaction – the receipt is yellowish- orange colour with a silver seal sticker.
Verify that the number on the receipt is the same as the one written on top of the visa stamp on your passport
Queue up for your fingerprints and passport check
Collect your luggage and leave by the exit door
Outside the exit door you will see our driver guide holding the Gosheni Safari sign board
If you are arriving in Kenya, prior to transferring to Tanzania, you should familiarize yourself with any Kenyan visa requirements that may apply and ensure you obtain the necessary visa or transit visa for that country, too. Useful information regarding visas for Tanzania and Kenya can be found on the Tanzanian Embassy websites in your home country.
Money Matters
Visa and Master card are widely accepted in Tanzania, although usually with a 4% - 5% surcharge. But note that American Express and Diners' Club cards are not accepted. In certain places, such as Masai villages, cash will be the only acceptable method of payment for
souvenirs etc. Travelers should not rely on travelers’ cheque, as these are not accepted in Tanzania.
US Dollars are always the best currency to carry and it is important that the banknotes you bring have been printed after the year 2006, as older notes are often not accepted. Spending Money during Your Trip
Each traveler has different spending habits and therefore different cash requirements when on safari, to cover items such as drinks and souvenirs. You should bring the necessary amount of cash in US Dollars to cover your expected needs. Don't forget to budget an amount in cash to cover tips (see 'Tipping,' below.)
Tipping
Tipping is of course discretionary, but is an expected part of the way in which business is done in Tanzania. It counts as an expression of gratitude to those who – hopefully – have made your experience an unforgettable one, and enables you to directly reward those people. Our passengers come from all around the world, with different cultural attitudes to tipping, but a tip is of great significance here in Tanzania and will be hugely appreciated by the recipient. We know that the act of giving of a tip can be a bit awkward and we would suggest that the best way to remove this 'awkwardness' is for each group member to put their tip anonymously into an envelope and for the envelopes to be presented by the group to the staff member.
Travel Insurance
All travelers taking trips with us advised to have valid Travel Insurance.
Please ensure that all members of your party are covered by insurance and that it includes medical cover and adequate cover for emergency rescue and repatriation. We would also recommend that your policy covers trip cancellation, personal liability, curtailment and loss of luggage/personal effects. If your travel insurance has been arranged in conjunction with your credit card provider, we will require proof of purchase of the cover. Please contact your bank/ credit card provider for details of the participating insurer, together with the level of cover provided and the emergency (24-hour) contact telephone number.
Flying Doctor Insurance
Gosheni Safaris can arrange 'Flying Doctor Insurance' should you require it. Flying Doctor insurance covers the provision of light aircraft with qualified doctors, able to evacuate patients from remote locations to hospital. However, this is not a substitute for your travel insurance and is only available in conjunction with that insurance. If you wish to take out this additional insurance, please let us know. We will need a copy of your passport, plus full details of your travel insurance company, including your policy number and their 24-hour contact telephone number. Bookings for 'Flying Doctor Insurance' should be made at the time of booking your trip.
Vaccinations and medications
We highly recommend that you consult with your physician or a travel medical doctor for advice in advance of your trip as you may need a series of vaccinations. Please ensure that you indicate that you will be travelling to Tanzania on safari. Your doctor will be able to suggest which vaccinations and medications are advisable. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended and should be discussed during your doctor’s visit.
All vaccinations are voluntary for entry into Tanzania with the exception of Yellow Fever vaccination. If you are entering Tanzania from Yellow Fever infected country such as Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda, you will be required to show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate upon arrival in Tanzania. Please ensure you carry this Certificate with your passport. If you are entering Tanzania from Europe, you will not be required to show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate.
Safety and Security
Safety advice is issued by most national governments and updated regularly and we would suggest that all travelers check the appropriate website for updates both prior to booking, and again prior to traveling. (Traveling to countries against your own government's advice can adversely affect the validity of certain travel insurance policies.) The supplier is strongly advises all travelers to use a money belt or neck
wallet for the safekeeping of cash, passport, airline tickets and any other valuables. Please leave other valuables, such as jewelry, at home. Most accommodations provide safety deposit boxes, an excellent way of storing your valuables. We also advise you to keep a photocopy of your passport, separate from your actual passport, when you travel.
The supplier reserves the right to make changes to, or even cancel, any part of the planned trip if in their opinion safety and security concerns deem this necessary. Your driver–guide will accompany you throughout your safari and it is important that you always follow his instructions, in the interests of safety.
If you spend time in Arusha, you will find that most Tanzanians are friendly and helpful, but as in most cities in any part of the world, you should exercise caution. Carrying expensive cameras or jewelry or waving large amounts of cash around, is always a bad idea and will invariably attract unwanted attention. Be aware of people approaching you and trying to 'befriend' you: often these people are con-men and you should be polite but firm in saying 'no' to them. We would strongly advise using taxis after dark for trips to restaurants or other nighttime trips and would urge you to keep to the main streets during the daytime. We also advise that you travel in small groups, wherever possible. In the unlikely event that you find yourself in an area where a political protest or demonstration is taking place, we would advise you to leave the area immediately, as these can turn violent or provoke counter-demonstrations or reaction from the police.
Please note that you should use your own judgment when choosing activities or excursions which do not form part of the trip you have booked with us. We can offer your assistance in choosing how to spend your free time, but neither Gosheni Safaris nor any of its representatives can provide any guarantee about the safety or suitability of any activities or excursions, nor about the operators who organize these. As in all countries, taking photos of police stations, border crossings, immigration controls, army barracks, military personnel or checkpoints, airports or political demonstrations is never a good idea, often illegal, and very likely to land you in trouble with the authorities.
Swimming, snorkeling and other water-based activities are always undertaken at your own risk.
Driver Guides
You will spend a great deal of time with your highly-experienced driver- guide during your safari and for most visitors; the success of the safari is greatly enhanced by their interaction with him. At Gosheni Safaris, we believe that we have the best, most knowledgeable, most professional driver- guides in the business – and we are flattered that much of our travelers' feedback reflects this opinion. Your driver-guide will ensure that you see as much wildlife as possible, assist in finding you the best photo-opportunities, drive you safely around the safari locations, be available to answer your every query and generally to help you with any difficulties you encounter. We encourage you to use your driver-guide as a 'walking encyclopedia': ask him not only about the wildlife, but also about Tanzanian culture, its customs and its people. He will be proud and delighted to share his knowledge with you.
Roads Conditions
This is Africa and you are on safari, road conditions are sometimes not what you are used to and journeys take longer than they would in your home country. Not every road here is tarmacked and some can be rough. For example, Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha, Arusha to Tarangire, Tarangire to Manyara and the road to Ngorongoro Gate are all on paved roads, but any time spent travelling in the Serengeti will be on rough roads. We can reassure you that our safari vehicles are custom- built, rigorously maintained and regularly serviced. They are the best in the business. Very rarely, as can happen anywhere, vehicles break down but we at Gosheni Safaris always have a 'Plan B' designed to minimize any disruption to your scheduled itinerary. If a vehicle cannot be repaired quickly on the spot, then a replacement vehicle is always made available. All vehicles are equipped with radios.
What to wear during your Safari
What are some other items to pack?
•••••• ••••
Passport
Plane tickets
Travel Insurance Policy & Emergency Contact Numbers Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable)
Safari itinerary
U.S. dollars in large and small denominations ($20, $50 & $100 bills should be issued after
2006)
Credit cards and ATM bank cards Sunglasses
Sunscreen and lip balm
Small flashlight or headlamp
••
•• ••••• •
Insect/Mosquito repellent
Eye drops and extra contact lenses or spare glasses (if applicable)
Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
Tissue paper and small travel towel (washrooms in Tanzania often don’t have toilet
paper or paper towels)
Camera, extra memory cards, batteries and charger, if applicable UK plug adapter and transformer/voltage converter, if applicable Zip locks bags for toiletries, camera equipment, snacks, etc.
Personal toiletries
Small first aid medical kit including Tylenol or ibuprofen, antimalarial pills, cold and allergy medicine, itch medication, band-aids, stomach ache remedy, antibiotic cream, diarrhea medicine, prescription antibiotic for travelers’ diarrhea ( Ciprofloxacin) and any prescription medications.
We strongly recommend that you carry-on all important items such as prescription medication, camera equipment, essential toiletries (please keep in mind many airlines have liquid restrictions) and one or two changes of clothes in case of checked luggage delays or loss.
Laundry
Some of our camps and lodges offer a laundry service, for an additional charge. Please note that, where you are arriving at your accommodation in the late afternoon and then leaving the following morning, it can be very difficult to have your laundry washed and dried before your departure. (Washing is by hand and drying relies on sunlight.) It will be best to plan to have your clothes washed at camps/
hotels where you are staying for more than one night, to give the staff enough time to do your laundry. Bringing light, quick-drying clothes with you is advisable. Please always keep a list of all items you send to have laundered
Meals
When you're out on safari, all meals (breakfast, picnic-lunchbox and dinner) are included in your trip price and are provided by the relevant safari camp/hotel/safari lodge in which you are staying. Please note, the first night's accommodation in Arusha is on a bed and breakfast basis and guests must make their own arrangements and pay for any lunches or dinners on their first day. (The simple reason for this is that at the time of you booking your safari. Your Arusha hotel will be able to give you restaurant recommendations. Although each traveler will have their own budget for this, we would suggest around $20 US per person, excluding drinks.
During your safari, all meals are prepared using the best available local produce, allowing you to enjoy regional specialties at their best. Although all our accommodations cater for vegetarians, any other special dietary requirements can also usually be met, but must be advised to us well in advance. Any bottled drinking water on the trip will be at guests' own expense.
Optional Hot Air Ballon Ride
Drift silently over the awakening bush, spotting wildlife and savoring the breathtaking scenery of Africa.
Following breakfast, embark on a ful l day of game viewing in Serengeti National Park with a picnic lunch in tow. Serengeti remains a haven for thrilling game viewing, renowned for its robust resident wildlife, including the iconic "Big Five": Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo.
Tanzania & Zanzibar 
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