When you book your safari with Woodland Trek Safaris, we will send you a pre-departure package with extensive details and important information and a map that will show your safari schedule. In the meantime, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
As Follows: 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!
WHAT TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS ARE NEEDED?
Passport: Your passport should have at least five onsecutive blank visa pages. In addition, your passport must be valid for at least six months on the day you depart from your home country.
Visa: It is possible to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airports at 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.
Which Airport should I fly to?
JRO is approximately 60km (60 min) from Arusha city centre. Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) ison the outskirts of Arusha but only operates domestic flights (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Serengeti).
ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER TANZANIA?
We recommend you 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 and up on arrival you will have to show the proof of vaccination against yellow fever as required at the airport.
Vaccinations are recommended for travelers going to Tanzania: yellow fever, typhoid, Malaria, cholera, hepatitis A and a combined tetanus, diphtheria and inactivated polio vaccine (Td/IPV). For more details you can check CDC’s website for updated health information for travelers to Tanzania. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov If you suffer from any 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.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
We highly 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 highrisk sports (scuba diving, canoeing, mountain biking, etc.). Mountain climbing requires a separate mountaineering insurance policy. Woodland Trek Safaris accepts no liability whatsoever in connection with any such activities
WHAT IS TANZANIA'S CLIMATE LIKE ?
The climate is tropical on the coast, where heat and humidity heat .It is temperate in the other parks. October to mid-March is the hottest period and from June to September the coolest. There is light rainfall in November and the rainy season is from mid-March to the end of May. 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. For more information please visit ( https://www.tripsavvy.com/tanzania-weather-and-averagetemperatures-4071465 )
WHAT IS TANZANIA'S CURRENCY?
Tanzania local current is Shilling (TZS). We would recommend bringing U$D (United States Dollars) with you and withdrawing Tanzanian Shillings once you arrive via ATM’s (Our ATM’s accepts visa cards and master cards only). The maximum you can withdraw in one go is TSH 400,000. This is about U$D 200. Most places that you will visit accept U$D but it is always a good idea to have some local currency. Once you are on safari (in the bush), you will not have access to either banks or ATMs, so exchange sufficient funds beforehand. Credit cards are normally accepted in the bigger hotels and restaurants, but in the smaller lodges or hotels, there is often no access.
Please note: Tanzania does not accept U$D printed before 2006 (this information is printed on the front of the note).
WHAT DO I PACK?
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TOURS?
All our safaris include excellent Toyota Land Cruisers 4 x 4s with pop-up roof and it is unlimited mileage also has a fridge inside and a socket whereby you can charge your phone, all national parks entrances, camping and concession fees and permits, unlimited water, we offer our client one bottle of beer per day per person ,two bottles of wine (red & white) and soft drinks during the safaris, donations to the local communities and accommodations as agreed (on full board or all inclusive basis).
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.
WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept payments via wire transfer (we have bank accounts in Tanzania). Payments are also possible with credit card via PayPal although there is a fee for this service.