'...pleased to be your host in Tanzania, E. Africa'

As a rule, it is very likely that you will need a visa to travel to Tanzania. Citizens of some countries (particularly the Commonwealth), may be exempt when travelling to Tanzania. As a rule, it is always a good idea to check visa requirements at your local embassy or consulate ahead of travel, as they do change quite frequently. Although Tanzania may offer visas at the place of entry, but we advice our guests to obtain these before travelling in order to save time and money. Your passport should generally be valid for at least six months longer than the duration of your stay and must have enough blank pages for the visa and entry stamps.

At Shrike safaris we have classified accommodation into 5 categories, from Indulgent luxury game lodges/tent, basic luxury game lodge/tent, Exotic Shrike (Our luxury mobile camp and semi-permanent tented camp), mid-range lodge to Standard camping accommodations. In the cities there are also award-winning boutique hotels and spa resorts. Moreover, accommodation in national parks and other places where numbers of visitors are limited can fill up quickly, particularly in high season, and it is recommended to book in advance, 60 days before .





Just about any time of year (see the information on climate in the Our country, Tanzania page). However, the most popular seasons are mid December to mid March and July to mid September. This is because of the demand for Christmas and winter holidays and the summer school breaks. An increasing number of visitors are realising that June and October are ideal, benefiting from lower visitor numbers.
Shrike Safaris offers some safaris at competetive rates and no single supplements in the months of April and May.  Apart from that, we may sometimes offer some better discounts for larger groups during this period - please call/email us for details.



If you are going on safari, remember that luggage capacity is limited on small planes and other modes of transport you are likely to use. It is likely that you will need to restrict your luggage to 15 kg (33 lb), packed in a soft duffle bag, plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment.



ATMs are found in all major towns of Tanzania.



Depending on how much you have been satisified with the services . Tender whatever you feel like to our safari guides, hotel and lodge staff at the end of your stay. When in doubt, please ask us for tipping guidelines. It is customary to tip 10-20% of the bill at all restaurants and 10-20% of the fare to taxi drivers.



Guests travelling in Tanzania should be able to dial up, unless they are at a game lodge or camp in one of the many wilderness areas, where connections may be slow or non-existent. Internet connections are only available in the large towns.



Tanzania offers exceptional birding in diverse destinations, boasting not only an excellent array of indigenous species, but a large number of migrants. Rubondo island in Lake Victoria is an ideal spot for birding, as are the many Rift Valley lakes of northern Tanzania.



Memory cards and film are available in most large cities and towns. However, the quality may vary and it is recommended that you bring your own.



Tanzania is a great destination for travel with children and you can be assured that all young travellers will receive the warmest welcome. There are rough roads in most Tanzanian national parks sometimes is not recommended to travel with even the youngest of children below 2 years.



In Tanzania, cellphone connections are only available in and around the larger towns. Guests are advised to check with their cellphone operator before travelling. Cellphone cards can be purchases in most towns and at the larger airports. There is Blackberry connectivity in most cities (even in Zanzibar and at the Ngorongoro Crater).



Tanzania is perfectly safe to visit and the Tanzanians are renowned for their warm hospitality. As with any travel, it is a good idea to take the standard precautions. Keep your passport and valuables close at hand or safely locked away and don’t leave luggage unattended. When travelling in town, check with your tour operator or hotel concierge to see if there are any areas that should be avoided. Avoid isolated or deserted areas, particularly at night, ensure that your car is locked at all times and park in well-lit, busy areas. Avoid wearing excessive jewellery when exploring Africa’s diverse cities and make use of concealed travel wallets. When driving through Africa, it is not recommended to stop for hitchhikers.



.The water in Tanzania is not safe to drink and it is recommended that you stick to bottled water or boil all water before drinking it.

We highly recommend that you purchase insurance for the following: trip cancellation, lost/stolen baggage, extended medical and evacuation costs. An unforeseen illness or unexpected event may require you to cancel your trip. In order to protect yourself, your baggage and/or personal property, a short-term traveler’s insurance package may be purchased through your travel/insurance agent who can advise you as to what is available and their costs. Shrike safaris will not be responsible for any costs incurred by passengers for such occurrences and circumstances. We will do whatever is possible to help but you are responsible for all expenses.



We encourage you to wear light khaki, olive, tans and brown, beige as they increase the chances of  better game viewing. However due to the high altitude on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, night time temperatures are cold even in summer. Travellers to these regions should pack a fleece or sweater, as well as a warm jacket for game drives. Swimwear is a must when travelling to the coastal areas of Zanzibar. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for those planning bush walks or walking safaris. Guests intending to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru should pack thermal underwear, light layers, a sweater, warm jacket, good socks and sturdy boots

In Tanzania the currency is the Tanzanian shillings, Foreign currencies such as the US dollar are widely accepted in Tanzania, although dollar bills dated before 2003 are usually not accepted. Most cities have banks and forex bureau where money can be changed and in national parks, facilities are usually available at reputable lodges/tent. It is a good idea to change your money in advance if you are going on safari.

The standard voltage throughout Tanzania is 220V AC. Tanzania make use of  three-pronged square plug.

Most large cities in Tanzania offer a large variety of restaurants and cuisines from around the world. Most safari lodges and camps pride themselves on their cuisine, which may include variations on local specialities. We may cater for special diets, as long as you give us advance warning.



Most parts of Tanzania are malaria areas and it is recommended that travellers see their doctors for a course of prophylactics prior to travel. When travelling to Tanzania, you will require a recent yellow fever inoculation.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in most restaurants, shops and hotels in Tanzania. However, Diners Club and American Express may not be accepted. Proof of identification may be required when paying by credit card, so be sure to carry some form of photo identification at all times.