This is the perfect time to finalise all the important arrangements.
Your checklist:
✔ Confirm your safari booking with Shiri Adventures.
✔ Purchase travel insurance.
✔ Check your passport validity.
✔ Book international flights if you haven’t already.
✔ Review your safari itinerary carefully.
✔ Check whether you require a Tanzania visa.
✔ Begin shopping for safari clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Now it’s time to prepare for travel.
✔ Apply for your Tanzania visa if required.
✔ Visit your doctor for travel advice.
✔ Refill any prescription medications.
✔ Purchase insect repellent and sunscreen.
✔ Order any camera accessories or binoculars.
✔ Inform us of any dietary or medical requirements.
Your adventure is getting closer.
✔ Confirm your flight schedule.
✔ Read your final travel documents.
✔ Prepare spending money.
✔ Download airline apps.
✔ Purchase travel adapters if needed.
✔ Begin creating your packing list.
Almost time to go.
✔ Check your luggage allowance.
✔ Download entertainment for your flight.
✔ Charge cameras and power banks.
✔ Print or save copies of your passport, insurance, and itinerary.
✔ Confirm airport pickup details with Shiri Adventures.
You’re nearly on your way.
✔ Complete your packing.
✔ Weigh your luggage.
✔ Exchange emergency contact information with family.
✔ Double-check your passport, visa, and flight times.
✔ Get excited.
Africa is waiting for you.
One of the easiest ways to avoid travel delays is by ensuring your travel documents are in order well before departure.
To enter Tanzania, your passport should:
If your passport expires within six months of your return, we strongly recommend renewing it before travelling.
Packing for your safari is simple and comfortable. We recommend bringing lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (such as khaki, beige, olive, or grey) that is suitable for warm days and cooler mornings and evenings.
A MORE DETAILED GUIDE ON HOW TO PACK FOR A SAFARI
Most international visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania.
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to:
Visa requirements vary by nationality, so we recommend checking the latest requirements as soon as you book your safari.
If you’re unsure which option applies to you, simply contact our team and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
To make your arrival as smooth as possible:
For most of our guests, your adventure begins at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the main gateway to Northern Tanzania’s famous safari circuit.
Located between the cities of Arusha and Moshi, JRO provides convenient access to iconic destinations including:
Many major international airlines connect to Kilimanjaro through hubs such as Doha, Amsterdam, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Istanbul, and Dubai.
If you’re arriving via Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, or Zanzibar, domestic connections to Kilimanjaro are also widely available.
We recommend arriving at least one day before your safari begins. This allows time to recover from your flight, meet your guide, attend your safari briefing, and start your adventure feeling refreshed.
One of the best parts of arriving in Tanzania is knowing that someone is already waiting to welcome you.
After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, simply exit the arrivals terminal.
A friendly member of the Shiri Adventures team will be waiting outside the airport holding a sign with your name.
From there, we’ll assist you with your luggage before transferring you comfortably to your hotel in either Arusha or Moshi.
During your transfer, your driver will happily answer any initial questions about Tanzania, your safari, or the days ahead.
Depending on traffic, your transfer usually takes between 45 and 90 minutes.
Once you arrive at your hotel, you can relax after your journey.
Later that day or the following morning, one of our safari specialists will meet you for a detailed safari briefing. Together, you’ll review your itinerary, answer any final questions, confirm departure times, and ensure you’re fully prepared for the incredible adventure ahead.
From the moment you arrive, you’re in safe hands.
Although travel insurance is not mandatory for most visitors to Tanzania, it is one of the most important things you can arrange before your trip.
Travel insurance provides valuable peace of mind should unexpected events occur before or during your safari.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking.
A good policy should include:
If your itinerary includes activities such as Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, hot air balloon safaris, scuba diving, or other adventure experiences, make sure these activities are covered under your policy.
While we sincerely hope you’ll never need to use your insurance, having the right coverage allows you to travel with complete confidence, knowing you’re protected throughout your journey.
If you’re unsure what type of insurance is suitable for your safari, our team is always happy to offer general guidance before you travel.
One of the most common questions we receive after guests book their safari is:
“Do I need vaccinations before travelling to Tanzania?”
The answer depends on where you are travelling from and your personal medical history. Most visitors enjoy a healthy and trouble-free safari, and with a little preparation, you can travel with complete peace of mind.
Tanzania has good medical facilities in major cities such as Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Smaller towns also have clinics and pharmacies for basic medical care.
When travelling on safari, you will often be in remote national parks where medical facilities are limited. For this reason, we recommend arriving well prepared and bringing any personal medications you may require.
For additional peace of mind, all Shiri Adventures safaris include access to emergency support should medical assistance ever be required. We also work closely with reputable hospitals and emergency medical evacuation providers whenever necessary.
Before travelling, we recommend speaking with your doctor or travel clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure.
Common vaccinations that travellers often discuss with their healthcare provider include:
The vaccinations you need will depend on your country of residence, previous vaccinations and your travel plans.
Many travellers ask whether they need a Yellow Fever vaccination before visiting Tanzania.
In most cases, a Yellow Fever vaccination is only required if you are arriving from, or have recently transited through, a country where Yellow Fever is present.
If you are travelling directly from countries without a Yellow Fever risk, a vaccination certificate is generally not required.
If you are unsure, we recommend checking with your local health authority before travelling.
Please remember to bring enough medication for your entire holiday.
We recommend carrying medications in your hand luggage rather than your checked suitcase.
If you require prescription medication, keep it in its original packaging together with your prescription or doctor’s letter.
If you have severe allergies or medical conditions, please let our team know before your arrival so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Although your guide carries a comprehensive safari first aid kit, many guests find it useful to pack a small personal kit containing:
Being prepared means you can quickly deal with minor issues without interrupting your adventure.
A few simple habits will help you stay comfortable throughout your trip.
We recommend:
Your safari is designed to be enjoyable and comfortable, and these simple precautions will help you make the most of every day.
Preparing your spending money before arriving in Tanzania is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a stress-free safari.
Although many expenses are already included in your safari package, you may wish to purchase souvenirs, enjoy drinks, tip your guide, or visit local markets during your journey.
Here’s everything you need to know.
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
However, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted throughout Tanzania’s tourism industry, including many lodges, hotels and gift shops.
For the smoothest experience, we recommend bringing US Dollar notes printed in 2009 or later, as older notes are often not accepted.
Small denominations such as $1, $5, $10 and $20 notes are especially useful for tipping and small purchases.
Yes. We recommend carrying a combination of:
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash while travelling.
Most hotels, luxury lodges and many safari camps accept:
Some properties may also accept American Express, although this is less common.
Please note that some establishments charge a small processing fee for card payments.
For this reason, having a small amount of cash is always helpful.
ATMs are available in major towns including:
Once your safari begins, ATMs become very limited inside national parks.
We recommend withdrawing any cash you may need before leaving Arusha or Moshi.
In most cases, this isn’t necessary.
US Dollars are accepted in many tourist areas, while local currency can easily be withdrawn from ATMs after arrival if required.
Your guide will also be happy to advise where exchanging money offers the best value.
Tipping is one of the most frequently asked questions before a safari.
Although tipping is entirely optional, it is a wonderful way to recognise the hard work and dedication of the people who make your journey exceptional.
At Shiri Adventures, our guides, chefs, camp staff, transfer drivers and lodge teams work incredibly hard to create unforgettable experiences for every guest.
If you are happy with the service you receive, tipping is always greatly appreciated.
USD $30–50 per vehicle per day
Your guide is with you throughout your safari and is responsible for your safety, wildlife experience and daily logistics.
Most guests present the tip on the final day of their safari.
USD $5–10 per room per day
Most safari lodges have a communal staff tip box located at reception.
This contribution is shared fairly among the entire hospitality team.
USD $2–5 per transfer
A small tip is always appreciated for airport transfers.
If you participate in optional activities such as:
Your guide will advise if tipping is customary.
Wear neutral colors like khaki or light grey to stay cool and blend in with nature. Avoid white (shows dust), blue (attracts tsetse flies), and camouflage (reserved for military). Bring a light jacket for cool mornings, sturdy closed shoes for game drives, and a hat and sunglasses for sun protection. Check our Safari Packing List
The best time for a Tanzania safari depends on your preferences:
Yes, you can! Many Tanzania safari tours are family-friendly, offering unique experiences for children. With Shiri Adventures, families can enjoy customized safaris featuring engaging activities like nature walks and wildlife tracking. Many lodges also provide child-friendly amenities and babysitting services, ensuring your Tanzania safari is both fun and stress-free for parents and kids alike.
East Africa is home to idyllic beaches perfect for unwinding after your safari:
Yes, you can! Many Tanzania safari tours are family-friendly, offering unique experiences for children. With Shiri Adventures, families can enjoy customized safaris featuring engaging activities like nature walks and wildlife tracking. Many lodges also provide child-friendly amenities and babysitting services, ensuring your Tanzania safari is both fun and stress-free for parents and kids alike.
Tanzania offers world-class safari destinations, each with its own charm. The Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, while the Ngorongoro Crater guarantees Big Five sightings. Tarangire dazzles with elephants and baobabs, and Lake Manyara is home to tree-climbing lions. For a wilder, offbeat experience, explore Selous, Ruaha, or Mahale Mountains.
