Airport transfer and accommodation is included (no meals included on Day 1)
Group transfers from Kilimanjaro International Airport to the first night hotel will be provided during the afternoon or evening of Day 1. Time is TBC and will be noted in the 30-day pre-trip bulletin.
If you arrive before Day 1 and are staying at the trip’s first nightl hotel an additional night, please contact the Wild Women office directly to request an airport transfer.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is between Arusha and Moshi, and is the best option for itineraries in Arusha and the Northern Safari Circuit. It is not to be confused with the smaller Arusha Airport, 8 km (4.97 mi) west of Arusha, which handles domestic flights only.
If you fly with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines there are daily flights connecting JRO with Amsterdam (Netherlands) that arrive in JRO around 8 PM on daily.

Group Rendezvous Point:

Date: Day 2
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Lobby of Rivertrees Inn

Notes about Arrivals:

Effective June 1, 2019: All passengers arriving at any Tanzania airport can face heavy fines for using plastic bags in any way, shape or form. Using, manufacture or importation of plastic bags, including garbage bags and shopping bags is illegal. Visitors/Citizens and Residents are advised to avoid packing plastic bags in their suitcases or in carry-on hand luggage. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Please check hand luggage before disembarking at entry points and any plastic bags should be left on the plane.

*This includes the transparent plastic bags that many airlines require passengers to use for separating liquids. These are not permitted either and should be removed and left on the plane before disembarking. Consider using a cloth bag alternative for these items.

**Ziplock bags are acceptable to transport your liquids/toiletries during transit (flights). NO plastic shopping bags are permitted.

RECOMMENDED PRE-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS

If you arrive early, we recommend staying at the Rivertrees Country Inn.

Here are a few other options to consider:

DEPARTURES FROM KILIMANJARO

A group transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) will be arranged for a ~6 p.m. drop-off.

Please book your flights accordingly to allow for a minimum of 3 hours before departure on an international flight. It takes about 2 hours to get through security and to your gate. Most KLM flights depart around 9 p.m. daily.

Drop-Off Point:

Date: Day 11
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

RECOMMENDED POST-TRIP ACCOMMODATIONS

If you plan to extend your stay, we recommend you book at:

TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS

You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to the trip start location. These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements. Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:

Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel, Travel Specialists

Email: wildwomen@nowboarding.travel

Note: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.

Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. We encourage you to consider arriving one or two days early, which will help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!

PASSPORTS & VISAS

You are fully responsible for your own visa requirements, permits, and certificates for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the country's Consulate and your country's travel website such as Canada’s for up-to-date information about traveling internationally.

Passport:

Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Visa:

Visa application fees for both US and Canadian citizens are $100 USD for a single entry tourist visa. Once you arrive, a control number is provided and payment can be made immediately. Expect to wait in line upon arrival at the airport for the visa. Women can apply online via https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ but timing may be an issue at this point. Also, ensure that your passport is not expiring within six months of arrival in Tanzania.

To fill out the Visa Application in the airport, you will need:

To provide a photocopy of your flight details to give to immigration
The exact address of your hotel in Tanzania OR this information below:

Address: Serengeti Pride Company Ltd, PO Box 764, Usa River.

Phone Number**: +225 767 482 748 0r +255 783 482 27483

$50 USD in cash for the Visa

When out and about in Tanzania, always carry at least a photocopy of your passport and visa or resident permit, and have the originals readily accessible.

KADCO | IMMIGRATION.

Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

TIPPING

There is no obligation to tip your guides, but after the crunch of the prolonged pandemic, everyone in the travel industry is grateful for the extra thank-you. The appropriate amount to tip is a personal decision but it varies from $10- $20 US per day or $100-200 total if you would like a guideline. You may choose to tip as an individual or combine the tip as a group—either way, it’s immensely appreciated.

At hotels, it’s suggested to tip around $1 US per bag to each staff carrying luggage to/from your room. Another option for those who make use of the service is to make a group contribution (@$5 US per night) to the staff tip box in the hotel lobby to be divided among all staff. Again, this is a personal decision.

For airport shuttle drivers, up to $5 US per participant is suggested (each way).

Please note: Hundred dollar bills are difficult to use in Tanzania, and may not always be accepted due to exchange problems. It is best to bring US twenty-dollar bills and smaller. If you do bring large bills, make sure they are recent bills (year 2006 or newer). Keep in mind that ATMs are few and far between and may not have your desired withdrawal amount available!

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS

Rooming Arrangements:

Our trip price is based on shared accommodations. You will be paired up with another awesome woman on the trip if you’re coming solo or, of course, you can share with your traveling companion.

Private Upgrade

A private room upgrade is available which includes all 9 nights in a single room or tent. If you already indicated your interest on your registration form, we will be in touch. If you are now interested, please email support@wildwomenexpeditions.com to request. Subject to availability.

Bathrooms

All of the lodges or hotels will have ensuite bathrooms with western-style three piece baths.

At the safari camps, all tents will have flush toilets along with solar showers.

While camping, portable toilets with a tent shelter will be used but no shower facilities are available. Staff will provide a bowl of hot water for washing your hands and face in the morning.

For all bathrooms, it is normal to dispose of used toilet paper and feminine hygiene products in the waste bin provided.

Internet / WiFi / Cell Coverage

With limited or no wifi access, being off the grid in Tanzania helps you truly immerse yourself in the awesome experience! You will have wi-fi at some hotels, so you will still be able to check in with family/friends.

Potable Water

Filtered drinking water will be provided throughout the trip.

If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!

Lifestraw

GRAYL Canada | OnePress™ Global Protection

Travelers Against Plastic | Take the TAP pledge

Water-To-Go

Overnight Arrangements During Your Stay

Rivertrees Country Inn

Set in Northern Tanzania just outside the bustling safari town of Arusha, Rivertrees looks out toward Mt Kilimanjaro, and is perfectly situated for exploring the abundant nature reserves that this region is home to. The inn is a charming country estate that was once an old coffee farm, and still retains the nostalgic air of a well-loved homestead. Sprawling ten acres of fertile greenery, the grounds are a natural extension of Mt Meru’s sloping foothills, and offer a sanctuary for the birds and wildlife indigenous to the area.

Lake Manyara Serena Lodge

Tanzania’s towering Mto wa Mbu escarpment provides a remarkable backdrop for a one-of-a-kind visit. Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge welcomes you with a peaceful location amidst the rich wildlife and unsurpassed tranquility of Lake Manyara National Park. The lake is home to over 300 migratory birds including flamingoes, long-crested eagles and grey-headed kingfisher; our lodge is designed to mimic this extraordinary birdlife, with an architectural motif featuring swooping avian curves and vibrantly coloured wall frescoes depicting the intricacy of bird migratory patterns. Housed in circular two-storey “rondavels”, our accommodation pays homage to tradition, while also offering contemporary perks. Flamingo Restaurant, the central dining room, serves delicious cuisine and includes a veranda with picturesque views; we would be pleased to arrange a meal in the bush for you as well.

Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

Tanzania’s prehistoric Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, has yawned heavenward for millennia. Deep within its immense walls is a breath-taking blue-green landscape dotted with plains, lakes and forests; an eerie, otherworldly “land that time forgot” thick with massive bull elephants, rhinos, wildebeests and the highest concentration of lions in Africa.

Nestled high above the plains into the Crater’s jagged rim, cloaked in river stone and indigenous vines, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is barely visible to the naked eye. Framed by arched stone passages and timbered decks, its torch-lit walls are adorned with stylized cave paintings. At the stone heart of the lodge burns a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight. Rooms are looped around the Crater rim. Each has its own rock-enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below.

Kwato Fly Camp

Dunia Camp

Dunia is a tented safari camp which has perfected the fine balance between a traditional safari and the comforts of a permanent camp. Eight spacious, luxurious safari tents are constructed on raised wooden decks, with spectacular views across the savannah and acacia woodland. Available with either a large double bed or twin beds, all have fully operational en-suite bathrooms with hot bucket showers and private verandas. Electricity is limited in tents, power for lights is fine, charging of any other appliances can be done in the main tent. This 2-night stay is all-inclusive. Laundry services are complimentary and all alcoholic beverages are included in your stay.

Karibu River Camp

The River Camp is loved for its excellent location surrounded by Acacia trees and grasslands accommodating the residents around the area. It purposefully resides a few meters from the Mara River, where the picturesque River Crossing of the great migration occurs from June to October. Our 15 luxury tents all possess incredible viewpoints of this scenic attraction and how hospitality accommodates your experience with outstanding professionalism and detail. The dining and bar lounge areas are perfect for spending our time enjoying the savannah grassland whilst being pleasantly accommodated with our amenities.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT TANZANIA

About

- Full country name: United Republic of Tanzania
- Capital City: Dodoma
- Language: The official languages are Swahili and English. There are also numerous dialects spoken throughout.
- Area: 945,087 km sq
- People: 99% native African (over 100 tribes), 1% Asian, European and Arabic
- Religion: 40% Christian, 33% Muslim, 20% indigenous beliefs
- Government: Republic (multi-party state)
- Major industries: Tobacco, sugar, sisal, diamond and gold mining, oil refining, cement, tourism
- Currency: Tanzanian shilling ($1 US dollar = @2,333 shillings *subject to change). It’s helpful to carry a small calculator (or use the calculator feature on your phone) unless you are a math whiz!
- Electricity: The electric current in Tanzania operates on 230V, 50Hz. Variable voltage, spikes and sporadic, unexpected, unscheduled power cuts of varying duration can be expected. You may want to consider bringing an extra battery for your camera to reduce the worry of not being able to recharge between safari days.

Common Animals

Tanzania’s fauna is notable both for sheer numbers and variety, with representatives of 430 species and subspecies among the country’s more than four million wild animals. These include zebras, elephants, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, antelopes, dik-diks, gazelles, elands, and kudus. Tanzania is known for its big cats and Serengeti National Park one of the best places for spotting lions, cheetahs and leopards. In addition, Tanzania has over 60,000 insect species, about 25 types of reptiles or amphibians, 100 species of snakes and numerous fish species.

Complementing this are over a 1,000 species of birds, including various types of kingfisher, hornbills (around Amani in the eastern Usambaras), bee-eaters (along the Rufiji and Wami Rivers), fish eagles (Lake Victoria) and flamingos (Lakes Manyara and Natron, among other places). There are also many birds that are unique to Tanzania, including the Udzungwa forest partridge, the Pemba green pigeon, the Usambara weaver, and the Usambara eagle owl.

Climate & Weather:

The long dry season lasts from June to October. This is when rainfall is unusual, even on the islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it’s usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it’s a great time to visit Tanzania. The average temperature is around 70 - 80°F (21 - 27°C).

Animal-spotting is easiest during this time, as long grasses are sparse and animals congregate around dwindling waterholes.

MONEY MATTERS

Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.

Currency Exchange Offices & Banks:

The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency of Tanzania, but US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas.

Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter

We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and Mastercard but these are limited to major cities. We also recommend the use of cash in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops but they usually charge a 2-4% transaction fee. Be aware that ATMs in Tanzania aren’t reliable for large withdrawals or limited withdrawal amounts.

Credit Cards

Mastercard and Visa are the most accepted credit cards.

Cash

This is the best way to pay for items in the communities we will be visiting.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Useful Websites:

GETTING FIT

Please be sure to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information about your health & fitness level and keep us updated if there are changes. Wild Women Expeditions trips travel to remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist.

A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.

Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their medical travel insurance or personal expense. Generally, our expeditions are intended for travelers in reasonably good health for their safety, along with that of their fellow travelers.

Tips:

You don't have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You'll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.

That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.

Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:

Take every opportunity you can to be active.

You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!

Rev up your ticker!

Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high-intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way, the aim is to get your heart rate up.

Hill Training.

The most spectacular views aren’t from the bottom of a valley – so the places we go on our trips aren’t flat. A little time training on hills and stairs is an investment that’ll pay off big-time when you’re on your trip. When it comes to hills there’s no hurry – get into a slow steady rhythm and you’ll be at the top before you know it.

Join a local walking or running group.

This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.

Warm up, cool down and stretch.

If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.

Hydration.

When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.

Nutrition.

Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!

Have fun!

The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.

GENERAL FAQ'S

For general Wild Women Expeditions FAQs please click [HERE].