A VISA is required for US travelers and can be purchased at the arriving airport for $100 USD. It can also be purchased on line but it is not always reliable at this time. You must have a passport that is valid for 6 months after your departure date.

Tanzania has gone to a "tip box" system at most of the lodges. Safari goers can leave money in the tip box for the services they have received, generally $5-10 a day. Also budget $10-20 a day for your driver/guide.

Standard voltage in Tanzania is 230, in the US it is 110. You will need a converter for some things, typically computers and cell phones don't require a converter. You will, however, need a plug adapter, usually a 3-prong, type D & G.

Internet is available in most of the lodges, sometimes only in the public areas.

Most people go on safari with the goal of seeing the BIG 5, Cape Buffalo, Rhino, Lion, Leopard and Elephant. Very doable.

The migration can be seen year-round somewhere in the Serengeti. Birthing season is generally in February. The Crossing of the Mara River generally happens at the end of August-September.

Most places will take USD or Credit Cards, making it unnecessary to exchange money. However, many places charge a 3-3.5% fee for using a credit card. The exchange rate fluctuates. It is currently 2317 Tz Shillings to the USD.

The temperature varies from about 67 to 85 degrees and inland is usually dry heat. Zanzibar tends to be more humid, particularly around February.

High season is June to Oct. Low season is Jan - March & Nov.-Dec., with the long rains in April & May. Birthing season is Jan.-Mar. The migration can always be seen and travels to different areas in Tanzania.

East Coast US time is generally 8 hours behind Tanzanian time.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, shorts, lightweight pants, and sundresses. You might want to bring a light weight jacket for evenings although the temperature doesn’t fluctuate very much.

Food is tailored towards the Americans and Europeans but recently lodges have been offering some local food for you to try. Most lodges can meet the needs of even the pickiest eaters.

Bird watching is good all year round but best between Nov.-April.

Travel insurance isn't always required but certainly encouraged. With all the ups and downs with travel these days, it certainly is a good idea. We also include Flying Doctors' ins. in case someone becomes ill or is in an accident that requires they be flown to the hospital.
AND DON'T FORGET YOUR SUNSCREEN, BUG SPRAY AND CAMERA!