Kilimanjaro National Park

Situated in East Africa, Tanzania is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to its Eastern side, endowing us with the allure of Zanzibar.

To the North of Tanzania lie Kenya and Uganda, while Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi can be located to the west. To the South of Tanzania are Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

Tanzania is in the GMT+3 time zone, which signifies that there's no time variance between their summers and winter seasons.

We assure you'll find Tanzania very safe and welcoming. Like anywhere else globally, exercising common sense is key. Avoid displaying valuables and embrace the natural wonders, culture, and people of Tanzania without worry.

While many visitors come to Tanzania primarily for wildlife experiences, they often depart with a broader and deeper understanding. Why? A significant part of this is attributed to our amicable, hospitable, and diverse populace. Tanzanians encompass various ethnicities and religious beliefs, coexisting harmoniously, making Tanzania one of Africa's safest destinations.

Typically, the Tanzanian dry period commences in early June and extends until late October. Subsequently, the 'short rains' arrive from late October or early November until mid to late December. Following this, there's a break from late December to mid-March, after which the 'long rains' set in from the end of March to May.

Naturally, climatic patterns may fluctuate annually, so it's essential to be ready for any eventuality.

Certainly. Given its tropical climate, Tanzania naturally hosts mosquitoes. Prior to visiting, it's advisable for travelers to seek guidance from a healthcare professional well in advance, as antimalarial medication typically needs to be initiated before arrival. It's recommended to carry mosquito repellent and dress in neutral or khaki-colored clothing. Certain lodgings may offer mosquito-prevention measures like mosquito nets or spraying repellent in sleeping areas.

To mitigate the risk of these biting insects, opt for attire in neutral tones (such as khaki, beige, green, olive, or light brown), as tsetse flies are attracted to bright colors. While most individuals experience no adverse reactions to their bites, some may endure itchiness and swelling.

Tsetse flies predominantly inhabit woodland regions of Tarangire and specific areas of Serengeti, exhibiting peak activity during daylight hours.

Numerous airlines operate direct routes to Tanzania, with frequencies ranging from daily to thrice weekly. Carriers offering nonstop flights include KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Condor Charter Flight, and RwandAir, which serve Kilimanjaro International Airport. Additionally, airlines such as Emirates, South African Airways, Etihad Airways, and EgyptAir offer daily flights to Dar es Salaam International Airport.

The majority of lodgings will readily take credit cards. However, if you prefer cash transactions, it's advisable to utilize US Dollars. Please be aware that US Dollar banknotes dated before 2009 are not accepted. For credit card payments, either MASTERCARD or VISA are recommended.

For currency needs, we recommend bringing US Dollars from your home country, as they are widely accepted.

However, if you find yourself in need of cash while in Tanzania, there are numerous ATM machines available in Arusha City where you can withdraw additional funds before embarking on your safari or trek. It's important to note that US Dollars cannot be withdrawn from ATMs, and there is a maximum withdrawal limit of 400,000 Tanzanian Shillings, which is equivalent to less than 200 USD. Therefore, it's essential to consider this limit when withdrawing cash.

Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that many small towns or beachside hotels may lack ATM facilities, so it's advisable to ensure you have sufficient cash before traveling to remote areas or the beach.

While we understand the inclination to show kindness and establish connections with community members, it's not advisable to distribute gifts randomly. If you wish to make a donation or present gifts, please inform us, and we can arrange this for you. Additionally, we can offer guidance on suitable gifts or donations.

The expense of a journey to Tanzania varies based on various factors, including the itinerary, lodging preferences, duration of the trip, and the size of your group. Upon consultation with us regarding your preferences, we will design an itinerary and provide you with detailed cost estimates.

The majority of lodges and camps provide laundry services for an additional fee. However, in our Comfort style accommodations, it's important to note that all laundry is hand-washed and drying is dependent on sunlight. We recommend requesting laundry services only if you're staying for more than one night. This ensures ample time for your garments to dry before your departure from the camp.

The domestically brewed beer is of high quality, with options such as Serengeti, Safari, and Kilimanjaro. For a unique experience, you can also sample mbege (a homebrew from the Chagga community) or banana beer. Imported beers are also exceptional, with the Tusker Kenyan variant being particularly popular among our favorites.

From a logistical standpoint, the Marangu route is unique in providing accommodation within mountain huts, whereas the remaining three routes necessitate tent camping at designated campsites. Marangu may be considered less visually captivating compared to the other routes. For a more comprehensive overview of each route, please refer to our Mount Kilimanjaro page. Another significant contrast lies in the duration of the trek (refer to 'How lengthy is the hike?' above).

Kilimanjaro stands at 5895 meters, or 19,341 feet, above sea level at its summit.

Ascendinig Kili remains feasible throughout the year, yet it is most favorable during the drier seasons. The prime periods for climbing are from early December to early March or from late June to late October. However, it's worth noting that these periods are typically busier, and only seasoned hikers are encouraged to undertake the challenge during the wetter months. It's important to recognize that rain showers can occur unexpectedly even during the dry season!

The reassuring news is that your Shammah Wonders Safaris team will ensure your safety. Safety always takes precedence for us. The majority of your ascent will be spent above the altitude where mosquitoes pose a nuisance and above the altitude where wildlife typically roam. (Although you may encounter some animals on the lower slopes.)

The primary concern is the potential effects of altitude sickness, which can affect anyone regardless of their level of fitness. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and other related discomforts. However, we conduct daily health assessments and our guides are adept at identifying symptoms and taking appropriate measures.

Out of the six distinct pathways leading to the summit, Shammah Wonders Safaris presents four, with one route offering two alternatives: the 8-day Lemosho Route, 7-day Machame Route, 6-day Machame Route, 6-day Rongai Route, and 6-day Marangu Route. You can find further details about them on our Active Trekking section. The total distance covered by these routes ranges from 53 to 73 kilometers (33 to 46 miles). It's important to note that the longer duration spent on the mountain increases the likelihood of a successful ascent.

The tallest mountain in Africa is positioned in Northern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. It lies approximately 350 kilometers (220 miles) south of the equator. The nearest significant urban centers are Moshi and Arusha.

Tanzania is undeniably an exceptional destination for bird enthusiasts, with an abundance of extraordinary avian species awaiting your discovery!

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (Tshs). However, it's important to note that Tanzanian Shilling cannot be imported or exported. Nonetheless, it can be easily converted to US Dollars, Euros, and other currencies within the country.

Should you need to exchange currency while in Tanzania, numerous banks across the country provide currency exchange services. It's advisable to always obtain a receipt for currency transactions.

Certainly. The baggage allowance, encompassing both checked and carry-on luggage, is 15 kilograms. However, an exception applies when an airline operates ATR aircraft for flights connecting Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam: on these routes, the weight limit increases to 20 kilograms.

All travelers are required to acquire sufficient travel insurance before embarking on their journey to Tanzania. Insurance plans must offer extensive coverage, including medical evacuation, trip cancellation, arrangement curtailment, and baggage loss, for any unforeseen circumstances.

Whether you aim to ascend Kilimanjaro or cross off an African Safari from your list of dreams, we're thrilled to assist you in planning.

Reach out to us today with your particular preferences, and our team of Tanzania experts will craft a customized itinerary that will exceed your expectations.

We eagerly anticipate your arrival!

There are multiple methods of reaching Tanzania, but typically, you'll arrive by air at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (640 kilometers, or a 2-hour flight from Arusha City), or at Kilimanjaro International Airport (a 45-minute drive from Arusha City).

The primary language of Tanzania is Swahili, spoken by the majority of our population. Additionally, we boast a diverse array of over 100 tribal languages! Thankfully, English is prevalent in major urban centers and areas frequented by tourists. At Shammah Wonders Safaris, our driver guides are proficient in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. When making reservations with us, please indicate your preferred language for our guides.

Tanzania witnesses two periods of rainfall, known as the 'long rains' from late March to May and the 'short rains' from late October or early November to mid-December.

Throughout your journey, you'll encounter chances to acquire handicrafts, presents, and souvenirs while traveling to and from the National Parks.

The majority of prominent curio shops accept major credit cards (MasterCard and Visa). Prices are typically open to negotiation for the majority of items.

Accommodation options vary depending on the nature of your trip. For instance, Kilimanjaro treks offer limited choices compared to lavish retreats in Zanzibar.

Nevertheless, Tanzania caters to all budgets, offering options from budget-friendly to luxurious accommodations.

At Shammah Wonders Safaris, our safaris feature four accommodation styles tailored to your preferences and budget: Basic, Comfort, Comfort Plus, and Luxury.

We exclusively collaborate with top-tier accommodations within each category. Basic accommodations are situated on public campsites with shared restroom facilities. In the other three categories, accommodations boast private bathrooms. These rooms are spacious, equipped with either twin or king-size beds, a vanity, and a wardrobe for luggage storage. Lodges and tented camps within the National Parks utilize generators for power. It's worth noting that while some accommodations provide 24-hour access to hot showers, others offer hot showers only during specified times in the morning and evening.

Fed up with monotonous meals? Brace yourself for a burst of flavor. In Tanzania, eateries offer a plethora of options that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you satiated without the burden of heavy calories or cholesterol! Thanks to its varied geographical regions, the cuisine in this nation is incredibly diverse, ensuring there's something to suit every palate: from international travelers seeking an authentic African culinary journey, to backpackers vacationing with their families yearning for Indian cuisine prepared over open flames.

Although many establishments provide water purification methods, it's advisable to consume bottled water during your visit to Tanzania. Bottled water is easily accessible throughout your stay and is also provided by Shammah Wonders Safaris for safari excursions.