ESSENTIAL TRIP INFORMATION

IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
At Hosted Holidays, we want every guest to have a safe, relaxed, and rewarding travel experience.   To help ensure this, we kindly ask that you confirm at the time of booking that you are physically fit and able to take part in activities in the itinerary.

FITNESS LEVEL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This tour is moderately paced but does have some long travel days, but all travel is done in private vehicles. You will be climbing in and out of 4wd safari vehicles. Please expect some travel to be on rough, bumpy roads.

Our tours do require a certain level of fitness and mobility. You should be able to carry your own bags as porter services are not always available at all hotels, walk on uneven ground without the use of any walking aid, and climb some flights of stairs.  Please be aware that some travel days in private safari vehicles can be up to 5- 10 hours long, but convenience stops are included.  Safari vehicles sit 6 travellers plus driver.  Due to space limitations, luggage restrictions apply for the comfort of all passengers. 

Roads in East Africa – particularly in National Parks and Game Reserves are often unsealed.  Those with neck and back injuries should be aware that while the vehicles are comfortable, they are 4WD vehicles and should be accordingly prepared. 

Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle are essential.

If you have limited mobility, chronic health conditions that restrict stamina, or find walking on slippery or uneven surfaces challenging, this itinerary may not be suitable without additional assistance. Please discuss any specific mobility or health concerns with Hosted Holidays prior to booking so that suitable arrangements can be made where possible.

Our experienced tour leaders are trained to accommodate a range of abilities within the group. However, if they believe that a particular activity may present a safety risk to you or others—or may impact the overall enjoyment of the group—they are authorised, in line with our Booking Conditions, to advise you to skip that activity. These decisions are never made lightly, and your wellbeing is always our priority. Please note that if you are asked to sit out part of the tour, refunds are not provided, and any additional expenses incurred will be your responsibility.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is a condition of travelling with Hosted Holidays that you have a travel insurance policy whilst travelling. It’s important that you protect yourself in case of natural disasters, lost or delayed baggage and unforeseen medical expenses. We strongly recommend that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you lose any of your belongings while on tour you may be required to obtain a police report. Make sure you keep any receipts for anything you may wish to claim for on your return – i.e. medical receipts etc.  Please make sure you bring a copy of your policy with you on tour.

 All visitors going to Zanzibar are now required to obtain a mandatory travel insurance, even if they already have their own travel insurance. It must be purchased from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). The link to obtain it online is https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/insurance

 Cost: $44 per adult / $22 per child*

Covers: Medical, evacuation, baggage loss, liability, etc.

Validity: 92 days

Buy: Online before arrival or at the airport/ferry terminal (cash or card)

Proof required: You will need to show a QR code or certificate at immigration.

*Price subject to fluctuation

LOCAL CUSTOMS & ETIQUITTE

Show respect for nature and the environment — many of the places you visit are pristine wilderness, so follow “leave no trace” principles.

Greet with “Jambo” (hello) or “Karibu” (welcome) in Swahili.

Respect local traditions—ask permission before photographing people, dress modestly in Stone Town and villages.

Gratuities - For your convenience Hosted Holidays have prepaid your gratuities where applicable. When travelling on your free time any other meals or optional extras you will be responsible for.

PASSPORTS, VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Passports

All information provided is based in Australian Passport holders only – please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible if you are travelling on a different passport.

All passengers need to have a valid passport for travel. A copy of the photo page of your passport is to be provided to Hosted Holidays before final payment of your tour.

Australian passport holders must have a minimum of 6 months validity on their passport from the date they return home.

Visas

A visa is required for Kenya for Australian Passport Holders; this is done electronically by Hosted Holidays prior to departure. PLEASE ENSURE YOUR TRAVEL CONSULTANT HAS A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT AND A 5X5CM RECENT PASSPORT PHOTO. (recent photo must be no longer than 6 months old).

Your travel consultant will be forwarded the visa form to be completed when Hosted Holidays begins to process the visas (approximately 3 months prior to departure).

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements – Tanzania: Australian citizens entering Tanzania for tourism purposes are required to obtain a visa on arrival at the border. The group will cross into Tanzania at Namanga border. (Hosted Holidays will pay for this visa) Please make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia and at least three blank pages for exit and entry stamps

 FOOD & DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Please advise us if you have any specific dietary requirements.

African food is diverse and full of flavour and with thousands of different ethnic groups across Africa. Ground maize or corn is used as the basis for many meals. Maize flour is cooked with water to form a stiff porridge (called ugari or nsima in certain countries). Sometimes it's made into a dough. This starchy staple is served with sauces or stews.

Expect hearty breakfasts and lunches on safari; dinners often include local flavours: Nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali, fresh fruits in Nairobi and Zanzibar.

In Zanzibar enjoy fresh seafood, curries, street snacks, and spice-infused dishes reflecting Swahili and Indian influence.

Water and Ice: The tap water throughout Africa is generally not suitable for drinking. The safest option is to stick to purified bottled water. Make sure you are purchasing sealed bottles and watch the seal being broken on the bottle.

MEDICAL & HEALTH INFORMATION

Yellow Fever/Malaria:

As we are travelling to Kenya, which is a yellow fever endemic country, prior to our arrival in Tanzania, a yellow fever vaccination, is mandatory for travellers. A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required.  Please consult your medical practitioner to arrange this vaccination and documentation. For more information regarding yellow fever please visit this link

https://wwwhealth.gov.au/diseases/yellow-fever

https://www.easytravel.co.tz/yellow-fever.  

Tanzania is in a malaria area due to its Tropical climate so inevitably there are mosquitoes. Please take advise from a medical practitioner well in advance of visiting, as courses of antimalarial drugs usually should begin before your visit starts. Regardless of mosquito netting in hotels, you should always bring insect repellent with DEET, trousers/slacks, sports/long sleeved shirt and/or blouse and dress/skirt for ladies.

General:

It is advised to carry any medication you're taking in its original container and have a clear label. Prescription and controlled medication must be accompanied by a prescription from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery and include the medication's generic name.

We suggest that you confer with your own physician to be sure your routine immunizations, such as tetanus, are up to date before travelling. Older travellers may wish to consider preventive measures against influenza and pneumonia.

 PACKING SUGGESTIONS

Pack as lightly as possible – due to small aircraft limitations.   Soft Sided bags are required. 

Neutral/khaki colours are your best choice. Avoid wearing dark blue colours or black clothes as these tend to attract biting Tsetse flies.

• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Long pants/jeans
• Scarf
• Swimwear
• Camera (with extra memory cards and batteries)
• Day pack
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, band aids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Comfortable durable Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Money belt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Sunglasses
• Watch and alarm clock
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Binoculars
• Power bank
•  Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)

 CLIMATE & SEASONAL INFORMATION

February–March is warm and mostly dry — ideal for safaris.

• Nairobi & Highlands: 20–25°C (cool evenings).
• Serengeti/Masai Mara: 25–30°C (warm days, chilly mornings).
• Zanzibar: 28–32°C (humid, tropical coastal climate).

East Africa’s climate is as diverse as its landscapes, ranging from the high-altitude savannahs to the Great Rift Valley lakes. In Kenya and Tanzania, the climate is generally tropical, with variations depending on altitude and proximity to the equator. The Serengeti experiences warm days and cooler nights year-round, with a distinct wet season from March to May and a shorter one in November, which sustain its lush grasslands and fuel the Great Migration. Lake Nakuru, sitting in Kenya’s Rift Valley, has a moderate climate with mild temperatures, though it can be rainy between April–June and October–December. Across these regions, wildlife thrives thanks to the balance of rainy and dry seasons, creating some of the most iconic safari conditions in the world.

 February is one of the best months to visit Tanzania. The Serengeti’s Nadutu region is at the peak of the wildebeest calving season, offering dramatic predator-prey action. 

 Zanzibar in February is one of our favourite times to visit.  Let your worries melt away in the deliciously warm weather and cool down in the vibrant blue lagoons and bays populating Zanzibar’s coast. Zanzibar, lying just off the Tanzanian coast, enjoys a warm, humid, tropical climate influenced by the Indian Ocean. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, often ranging from 25–32°C, with cooling sea breezes making the island comfortable. The main rainy season, known locally as the “long rains,” falls between March and May, while a shorter rainy season occurs in November. The dry months from June to October and December to February are the most popular times for visitors, offering clear skies and calm waters ideal for beach holidays, diving, and exploring the spice plantations.

MONEY MATTERS

Before you depart don’t forget to notify your bank that you will be travelling overseas. You will need to advise each country you will be travelling to.

Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES), Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), US Dollars widely accepted.

Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted albeit usually with a surcharge but note that American Express and Diners’ Club cards are not accepted. In certain places, such as Masai villages, cash will be the only acceptable method of payment for souvenirs etc. Travellers should not rely on travellers’ cheques, as these are not accepted in Tanzania. US Dollars are always the best currency to carry, and it is important that the bank notes you bring have been printed after the year 2006, as older notes are often not accepted.

ATMs: Available in major towns, but not in remote safari lodges.

Spending Money During Your Trip: each traveller has different spending habits and therefore different cash requirements when on safari, to cover items such as drinks and souvenirs. You should bring the necessary amount of cash in US Dollars to cover your expected needs.  

Gratuities: Hosted Holidays have included gratuities for included activities, however for free-time activities, tips are of course discretionary but appreciated.

Carry small denominations for tipping and minor expenses.

CONNECTIVITY & COMMUNICATION

Wi-Fi available at most hotels and lodges but can be slow or unreliable.

Local SIM cards (e.g., Safaricom, Airtel, Vodacom) available for purchase.

Bring a power bank; charging ports may be limited on safari.

International roaming is expensive — consider enabling WhatsApp over Wi-Fi.

The power supply in Tanzania is at the UK/European standard voltage of 220/240, and most of power sockets are the U.K. square pin type. If you want to use U.S. appliances, you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug converter. Power supply is also subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation. On safari most lodges’ power supplies are from generators and these are often turned off during parts of the day and night to reduce noise and fuel consumption. Please see this link to know the type of outlet mostly used in Tanzania, Plug G

Also on Safari, you will be able to charge your batteries/cameras/Mobile Phones in our vehicles equipped with Inverters for that purpose.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE

IMPORTANT: For this tour, luggage must be soft sided to accommodate storage limitations in safari vehicles and small aircraft.  Traditional hard suitcases are NOT suitable. Soft duffel-style bags are ideal, and soft-sided wheel bags are permitted if they have only one firm panel and remain flexible on all other sides.   This ensures bags can be safely loaded into restricted cargo spaces.  To avoid any complications during transfers and flights, please ensure your main bag meets these requirements before travel.

We recommend you main luggage weight is under 15kg to meet the requirements of our internal flights and the safari vehicles.   

Emirates Airlines luggage limit is 23kg per person, however the tour limits you to a maximum of 15kg.

Auric Air luggage limit is 20kg per person including hand luggage, however the tour limits you to a maximum of 15kg.

Flights from Arusha to Zanizbar & Zanzibar – Dar es Salaam

Flights will be operated by AURIC AIR

Luggage allowance 20kg including hand luggage

Bags should not exceed 90cm x 65cm x 35cm (LxWxD).  This is so the bags can fit comfortably in their small aircraft storage, so soft-sided duffel bags are ideal. As for wheeled duffel bags, they will be fine if they are soft sides. 

SAFETY

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, cash and other valuable items. Please leave other valuables, such as jewellery, at home. Most accommodations provide safety deposit boxes, an excellent way of storing your valuables. We also advise you to keep a photocopy of your passport, separate from your actual passport, when you travel.

A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your Host will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. You should use your own judgment when choosing activities or excursions, which do not form part of the trip you have booked with Hosted Holidays. We can offer assistance in choosing how to spend your free time, but neither Hosted Holidays, nor any of its representatives can provide any guarantee about the safety or suitability of any activities or excursions, nor about the operators who organise these. As in all countries, taking photos of police stations, border crossings, immigration controls, army barracks, military personnel or checkpoints, airports or political demonstrations is never a good idea, often illegal, and very likely to land you in trouble with the authorities. Swimming, snorkelling and other water-based activities are always undertaken at your own risk.

Please also note that your Host has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

FUN FACTS

• Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera.
• Zanzibar was once the world’s leading clove producer.
• The Great Migration involves over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras.
• Swahili, a Bantu language with Arabic influence, is spoken across East Africa.
• Kenya & Tanzania are home to 2 of Africa’s most iconic parks: Masai Mara and Serengeti.

  HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS

• Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date. Visas for Australian passport holders are included.
• Jet Lag: Stay hydrated, avoid caffeine, and try adjusting your sleep schedule before flying.
• Currency Exchange: Exchange some USD in Australia for immediate needs; local ATMs and forex bureaus are available in major cities.
• Language: English is widely spoken; learning a few Swahili greetings (like Jambo or Asante) is appreciated.

OPTIONAL TOURS

To be advised.

Note: All information provided is intended as a general guide only and is correct at the time of preparation. Conditions, timings, prices, and inclusions may change without notice due to factors such as weather, operational requirements, or local regulations. Hosted Holidays makes every effort to ensure accuracy but accepts no responsibility for variations beyond our control. We recommend checking closer to departure for the most up-to-date details, and please be aware that all optional activities are subject to availability and minimum participant numbers.