Frequently Asked Questions

Tanzania & Zanzibar emergency number
112 Use this number only in case of an emergency where you need the police, ambulance or fire department!

Tanzania is generally a safe, stable and friendly country, but you should not tempt others. Keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t walk through the cities at night; take a cab. Do not carry cameras in plain sight or large amounts of cash, and be wary of pickpockets, especially in crowded places such as markets or bus stations. Use the safe in the hotel room to keep your valuables safe.

• We require a 25% deposit within two weeks of your confirmation on the trip…;
• Once we receive the deposit, accommodations will be determined. If changes are needed in terms of accommodations due to availability, I will contact you immediately;
• You will receive by email the invoice for the remaining amount (75%) a few days after deposit;
• The remaining 75% of the total price must be paid no later than 3 weeks before the tour start date.

Yes, that is possible. For this you will receive from us a separate and secure payment link via e-mail. However, 3% extra costs will be charged.

Tipping is obviously not an obligation, but is of course greatly appreciated and it is seen as a token of appreciation. The accommodations in mainland Tanzania during the safari trip all have a tip jar at the reception, which is distributed to all staff. Drivers/guides always hope for a little extra, with $5 to $10 per person per day being somewhat common. For staff at the accommodations on Zanzibar, there is no tip jar and this is usually given directly. The salary level is quite low, so a few euros is already very much appreciated.

Yes, in our accommodations you can pay with your credit card. Only American Express is not accepted. In most restaurants and tourist stores you can also pay by credit card. In local stores and restaurants it is only possible to pay with cash.

No, these are not accepted in Tanzania and on Zanzibar. Also not at our accommodations.

Yes. Withdrawing Tanzanian Shillings is possible at airports and in larger towns. At our accommodations you can always pay with cash (Shilling and US Dollars) or credit card. Changing money at our reception is possible, however the exchange rate is not always favorable. Hence we advise you to withdraw Schillings at the airport or in a larger town. You can always ask the driver to stop at an ATM.

In Tanzania, they pay with Tanzanian Shillings or US Dollars. We recommend always bringing some US Dollars from ‘home’. Almost everywhere you can pay with cash (Shillings and US Dollars) and especially the local stores prefer to receive Tanzanian Shillings.

Of course. Please communicate your dietary requirements in a timely manner to your travel consultant and to the manager and/or front desk at the time of accommodation check-in. We strive to respect dietary requirements as much as possible.

Yes, our chefs prepare elaborate buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily with fresh produce. These are carefully prepared and with a good variety of dishes. The a la cart restaurants also have delicious dishes from different cuisines. Taste typical Tanzanian dishes or choose another worldly cuisine.

No. As in many non-European countries, it is advisable to drink only bottled water provided by hotels, lodges and stores. Tap water in Tanzania and on Zanzibar is generally not safe to drink. Brushing your teeth and showering, of course, is not a problem. The water on Zanzibar can have a salty taste. This is because it is purified by coral, among other things.

Yes, we recommend that you take out travel insurance with worldwide coverage. In addition, it is possible to purchase an “AMREF Flying Doctors Membership. Enrollment costs $15 per person (valid for up to 30 days) and can be requested through your travel consultant. This is not a substitute for personal travel insurance, which is recommended for everyone. AMREF Flying Doctors membership should be seen as a valuable addition.

Yes, all our accommodations have mosquito nets, with the exception of the safari tents with shared bathroom. These are smaller tents and therefore usually well closed and zipped up, so no mosquito nets are needed. Therefore, always keep the zipper closed.

Mosquitoes are most active between sunset and sunrise. So at dusk, in the evening and at night. During these times it is therefore advisable to lubricate yourself with Deet (mosquito repellent) lotion ed. Good mosquito repellent lotion is available both in the Netherlands and locally, so make sure you always have this with you.

The advice is to take anti-malaria tablets while traveling through Tanzania and/or on Zanzibar. Tanzania is a malaria area, some areas are susceptible to mosquitoes and the malaria they carry. There are several malaria medications available. The GGD or Traveldoctor can advise you which ones are most suitable.

If you come from a country where yellow fever is present, you must be able to prove that you have been vaccinated against this disease. This is a requirement of the government of Tanzania. You also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you have a stopover of more than 12 hours during your trip in a country with a known yellow fever risk. In all other cases, you do not need this certificate. Sometimes you will be checked on arrival for a yellow fever vaccination certificate – however, this is usually not required unless one of the two situations described above applies. Click here for the current list of countries at risk of yellow fever.

There are a number of recommended vaccinations for your trip to Tanzania and/or Zanzibar. We, as travel organizers, are not allowed to give advice on these. However, we do advise you to seek advice from the GGD or Traveldoctor.

Yes, all of our safari Jeeps have charging ports that you can use on the road. However, we also recommend bringing a power bank if you want to make sure you can charge your devices in the Jeep.

These can occur regularly and are of varying duration. All of our accommodations have generators to handle these power outages.

Socket type G is used in Tanzania and on Zanzibar.

Electricity voltage is usually 230 volts, although voltage fluctuations may occur from time to time. Socket type G is used in Tanzania and on Zanzibar.

During your trip, you must bring the following documents:

• Passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after leaving Tanzania and must contain at least 1 blank visa page.
• Visa. You can request this online and it will be sent by email. Print out this document and keep it handy.
• Vaccination booklet. The yellow booklet You can get this from the GGD or Traveldoctor, among others. More information about vaccinations
• Medical documents. This does not apply to everyone, only travelers with a medical background.

Applying for a Tanzania visa online is in English. Below is the information you should/can fill out when applying for a visa;

• Country from where you are applying: Netherlands | Belgium
• Nearby embassy to handle your application: The Hague | Brussels
• Type of Vise Requested: Ordinary Visa
• Purpose of your visit: Tourism
• Destination: Tanzania Mainland | Zanzibar (Choice based on where you arrive first)
• Port type: Airports
• Port of Entry: Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar Airport)
• Port of departure: Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar Airport)
• Company/Organization – Full Name: Paradise & Wilderness
• Mobile No: +255 789 467 746
• Email: sales@paradise-wilderness.com
• Company name / Organization registration No: Enter the name of your first accommodation here.
• Physical Address Hotel: Look up your first accommodation in Google and copy the address. Tanzania and Zanzibar often do not have street names and/or zip codes. So you don’t need to enter this either.
• Are you traveling as part of a group or organization? No
• Are you accompanied by any minors? No
• Applicant passport size photo: Here you need to upload a digital passport photo.
• Applicant Passport bio data page: Here you need to upload a photo of the “hard page” from your passport with all your personal data. Often the photo you take with your phone is too big to upload. Advice is to take a screenshot of the photo and upload it.

Usually this takes about a week, but this is not a certainty. We recommend applying for a visa immediately, once you have booked the trip and international tickets. The visa will be sent by email. Once you have applied for the visa online, you will receive a confirmation email with a link in it. From that link you can check the status of your visa.

Yes, you will need a visa if you are going on a trip to Tanzania and/or Zanzibar. You can apply for this one online (https://visa.immigration.go.tz/). The cost of a visa is currently $50 for Dutch/Belgians. We recommend applying for a visa immediately, once you have booked your trip and international tickets. The visa will be sent by email. Once you have applied for the visa online, you will receive a confirmation email with a link in it. From that link you can check the status of your visa. It is also possible to apply for and pay for a visa on arrival, but this process has become more complicated, so we recommend applying for the visa online early. Remember that your passport must still be valid for at least 6 months after leaving Tanzania and contain at least 1 blank visa page.

Yes, this is possible. For this, however, you have to go to a phone store in the city and your details will be registered. Your driver/guide can help you buy a local Sim card in the cities (depending on your itinerary).

Yes, all our accommodations have free WIFI in the common areas and is suitable for daily use of simple apps. You may run out of WIFI range in your room and the WIFI is not suitable for streaming.

Zanzibar is a beautiful island with tropical temperatures. Ideal for whole days in swimwear or breezy tops and shorts. Grease your body well and enjoy the sun’s rays on your skin. Should you go to a local village, Stone Town or other place where there are also local people, we advise women to cover their shoulders and knees. This can be done with a thin cloth or scarf and is greatly appreciated.

Yes, most accommodations offer a laundry service for a fee. Check with the front desk and be sure to discuss when you will be leaving your accommodation so that you will have your clean clothes back on time.

Yes, our vehicles come standard with one pair of binoculars that you can share with the guide, but your own binoculars are a good way to make sure you don’t miss anything.

• Binoculars. A good pair of binoculars should be one of the first things in your safari bag. When you can zoom in from afar, you simply see the wildlife more and better.
• Anti mosquito lotion. It is a must and also wise to cover exposed skin early in the morning and at night. Mosquito repellents that contain DEET are the most effective.
• Sunscreen. The sun can be very bright and strong on safari – protecting your skin from sunburn is a must.

The best safari clothing advice ever; Dress like an onion! This means, wear several layers that you can easily put on and take off. A short-sleeved top, a long-sleeved shirt over it and a vest for the early morning and late evening. Cotton clothing is often finest during the days in the safari Jeep. Safari colors beige, brown, khaki, cream and green are perfect. Black, dark blue, white and red are not recommended. A scarf or shawl are also ideal to bring, as well as a cap, sunscreen and insect repellent. Finally, it is advisable to wear sneakers or other easy-fitting closed shoes.

You may take +/- 15 kg of luggage per person on the domestic flight + hand luggage. Please use a soft suitcase or (weekend) bag. If you stay overnight in one of our accommodations before and after the safari, you can leave your other belongings with us. We will make sure that these items will be ready in time at the accommodation where you check in after the safari trip.

The Big 5 refers to Africa’s most impressive animal species:

• The Lion
• The Leopard
• The elephant
• The rhino
• The buffalo

The Great Migration, also known as Great Migration, takes place throughout the year.

• From December to March, the southern Serengeti comes alive during the wildebeest calf season. This is when the newborn calves take their first steps into the world.
• As the seasons change, the herds move into the western Serengeti from April to June and begin their epic migration. This is the perfect opportunity to witness the huge numbers and powerful movements of these animals.
• From July to October, the northern Serengeti becomes the scene of one of nature’s most dramatic events – the crossing of the Mara River. It is a thrilling spectacle as the herds navigate the treacherous waters and crocodiles lurk.
• By November, the migration begins its retreat to the eastern Serengeti and the incredible cycle is complete.

The best travel time for Tanzania and Zanzibar depends on what you want to experience. Both destinations have something unique to offer throughout the year.

• Want to experience the Great Migration, in which millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate through the Serengeti? This natural phenomenon takes place continuously, with highlights including the calving in the south (December-March), the river crossings at Grumeti (June-July) and the spectacular Mara River crossing in the north (August-September).
• On Zanzibar, you can enjoy pearly white beaches, azure seas and rich culture all year round. Whether you want to relax, snorkel or explore the island, there is always something special to experience.
• During the green season, nature is at its best, with lush landscapes and abundant wildlife. Short rains provide a refreshing change and bring the savannah to life.

In short, any time of year offers a unique experience in Tanzania and Zanzibar, whether you come for wildlife, breathtaking landscapes or cultural discoveries.

Spotting wildlife may seem easy, but it is not. Many wild animals are shy and hide when a car approaches.But with the following tips, you may fare a little better!Look around carefully, even behind you when you are standing near a wild animal. Look for eyes when it is darker (early morning, dusk or evening) the eyes are the ones that reflect light. During the day, many animals migrate to a watering hole, so it’s ideal to spot them there. It is also advisable to scan the area from right to left. We are used to reading from left to right and therefore more easily overlook things. Finally, very obvious, but be silent. Your camera too. Turn off all (possible) sounds, do not use flash and whisper as softly as possible.

Zanzibar is a beautiful island with tropical temperatures. Ideal for whole days in swimwear or breezy tops and shorts. Grease your body well and enjoy the sun’s rays on your skin. Should you go to a local village, Stone Town or other place where there are also local people, we advise women to cover their shoulders and knees. This can be done with a thin cloth or scarf and is greatly appreciated.

In Tanzania and on Zanzibar, the main language spoken is Swahili, an African language found in more than 14 countries. The language sounds very friendly and it is much appreciated if you speak a few words of Swahili.

• For example, “Mambo” means “Hello, how are you?
• To which you can reply, “Poa!” when things are going well.
• ‘Jambo’ is ‘Hello’ and ‘Kwaheri’ is ‘Goodbye’.

When you use these words, you will find that it is well received. English is also well spoken by many local people.

The best travel time for Tanzania and Zanzibar depends on what you want to experience. Both destinations have something unique to offer throughout the year.

• Want to experience the Great Migration, in which millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate through the Serengeti? This natural phenomenon takes place continuously, with highlights including the calving in the south (December-March), the river crossings at Grumeti (June-July) and the spectacular Mara River crossing in the north (August-September).
• On Zanzibar, you can enjoy pearly white beaches, azure seas and rich culture all year round. Whether you want to relax, snorkel or explore the island, there is always something special to experience.
• During the green season, nature is at its best, with lush landscapes and abundant wildlife. Short rains provide a refreshing change and bring the savannah to life.

In short, any time of year offers a unique experience in Tanzania and Zanzibar, whether you come for wildlife, breathtaking landscapes or cultural discoveries.

During your round trip, there can always be a situation where you want to call someone for questions and/or help. Of course, we are happy to share this important information with you.

• Calling: +0800 12 00 34. Available between 07:00 and 23:59 EAT. This number is free to call even if you are already in Tanzania or Zanzibar;
• Emergencies: +255 789 848 413 | 24/7 | English-language
• WhatsApp: +255 677 072 650.

Emergency Number Tanzania & Zanzibar 112 Use this number only in case of an emergency where you need the police, ambulance or fire department!

Tanzania is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +3). Tanzania does not have daylight saving time, so there is no time difference between summer and winter months. This means that in our summer time there is 1 hour time difference with the Netherlands and in our winter time it is 2 hours difference.

Yes, if you have included a transfer in your itinerary, the driver will be waiting for you outside the airport near the exit. The driver will have a sign with your name on it. Look carefully for our driver with the sign and don’t be persuaded by other eager cab drivers.