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Prior to Dispatch Information What to Know Before Your Tanzania Safari

Prior to Dispatch Information: What to Know Before Your Tanzania Safari

Airport Information

When planning your Tanzania safari with Seko Tours Adventures, your journey usually begins at the airport:

  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest international airport to Arusha and is about 60 km (60–90 minutes) from town. It’s the main hub for most safaris.
  • Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK) is smaller and only serves domestic flights, including connections from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Serengeti.
  • You can also fly to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi (Kenya) and then take a connecting flight or bus to Arusha. Nairobi to Arusha by bus takes about 7 hours.

Arrival & Accommodation

After landing, a Seko Tours Adventures team member will pick you up from either JRO or ARK and take you to your hotel or our office. Recommended accommodations in Arusha include:

Budget:

  • Jevas Hotel
  • Banana Farm Eco Hostel
  • Mrimba Palm Hotel

Mid-Range:

  • Summit Lodge
  • Tulia Boutique Hotel
  • Greenside or Green Mountain Lodge
  • Moivaro Lodge

Luxury:

  • Arusha Serena Hotel
  • Mount Meru Hotel
  • Rivertrees Country Inn

On Arrival

  • JRO and ARK airports are easy to navigate and English is widely spoken.
  • From ARK to Arusha town: ~30 minutes.
  • From JRO to Arusha town: ~60–90 minutes.

Flight Planning

We recommend arriving one day before your safari starts and staying in Arusha before and after your safari. Return flights should be booked for the late afternoon or evening. Always confirm your plans with your Seko Tours safari consultant.

Health and Vaccination

We are not medical experts, but we recommend:

Common vaccines:

  • Yellow Fever (certificate required if coming from an affected country)
  • Malaria (tablets and prevention)
  • Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio

Note: If you are transiting through a Yellow Fever country (like Ethiopia) for less than 12 hours, you may not need the Yellow Fever vaccination.

Malaria Prevention:

  • Use repellent with DEET.
  • Wear long sleeves and trousers in the evening.
  • All Seko Tours accommodations use mosquito protection.
  • Consult your doctor at least 3 months before travel.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory. Your policy should cover:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Emergency air evacuation
  • Repatriation

Leave a copy of your insurance details with someone at home.

Money

  • Currency: Tanzanian Shillings (Tsh)
  • US Dollars are accepted (but not older than 2006)
  • Inform your bank before traveling

ATMs & Cards:

  • ATMs are available at JRO, Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar
  • Visa and Maestro cards are widely accepted
  • Carry more than one card in case one doesn’t work

Tipping

Tipping is common and appreciated:

  • Group Safari: $10–15 per person/day
  • Private Safari: $25–30 per person/day

Climate & Weather

Tanzania has varied weather:

  • Long rains: March to May
  • Short rains: November to December
  • Bring layers—days are hot, nights can be cold (especially June–August)
  • Always carry a light waterproof jacket

Packing Tips

Luggage:

  • Use a duffel or soft-sided bag (hard cases are harder to pack in safari vehicles)
  • Keep valuables in a small daypack

Clothing:

  • Neutral colors: olive, green, khaki
  • Avoid black/blue (attracts tsetse flies)
  • Bring long sleeves, sun hat, swimwear, warm layers, waterproof coat

Shoes:

  • Comfortable trainers
  • Sports sandals
  • Flip flops for the camp

Sun Protection:

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Wet wipes or towels

Photography & Electronics

Camera Gear:

  • Waterproof/dustproof bag
  • Spare batteries
  • Memory cards
  • Binoculars (8×40/8×42 recommended)

Power:

  • Safari vehicles have charging points
  • Bring international adapters

Photography Tips:

  • Do not take photos of military areas
  • Always ask permission before taking photos of people

Internet, SIM Cards & Connectivity

  • Most lodges and tented camps have Wi-Fi (but limited in the bush)
  • Serengeti signal is weak; expect basic access
  • SIM cards with data available in Arusha (passport required)
  • Ensure your phone is unlocked before traveling

Safety Tips

Tanzania is generally safe but take precautions:

  • Avoid walking at night—use taxis
  • Single travelers (especially women) should avoid walking alone at night
  • Be cautious with valuables in cities

Final Notes from Seko Tours Adventures

We are excited to welcome you to Tanzania! Your journey with Seko Tours Adventures is more than just a safari—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We are here to help from start to finish. If you have questions about your arrival, vaccinations, money, or packing, just reach out to your safari consultant.

KARIBU SANA TANZANIA!

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