Zanzibar Islands

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.

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).

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

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.

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 It's important to note that US Dollars cannot be withdrawn from ATMs, and there is a maximum withdrawal limit of 400,000 Tanzanian Shillings, which is equivalent to less than 200 USD.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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

If you're booking through Shammah Wonders Safaris, your package will cover all lodging, park entrance fees, meals, and safari excursions.

Included in your package are transfers between Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport. However, if you opt for a different arrival airport, this service will not be provided.

You'll need to budget for international flights, domestic flights (unless arranged by us as part of your itinerary), insurance, gratuities for your driver-guide or accommodation staff, beverages purchased at hotels/bars/lodges/tented camps, laundry services, telephone calls, extra activities, visas, or any souvenirs. These expenses are not included in your package.

Since each guest's spending habits vary, we cannot specify an exact amount needed. It's advisable to budget accordingly, considering the aforementioned items and the duration of your safari.

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.

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

We frequently receive inquiries regarding family safaris, and the majority of children thoroughly enjoy their safari experience, provided they are old enough to fully appreciate this extraordinary holiday opportunity.

There's nothing quite like being in close proximity to our magnificent wildlife, far surpassing the experience of watching it on television or simply reading about it in books.

At Shammah Wonders Safaris, we can offer guidance on child-friendly accommodations and ensure that your family is provided with suitable lodging. However, it's important to be realistic. Safaris entail extensive driving across rugged terrain, and we do not recommend safari trips for children under the age of 3.

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.