We hope that this example holiday will give you give some inspiration to help you begin to plan your own dream holiday to Africa.
The next couple of pages show a summary of the itinerary, followed by a detailed page on each destination.
Important travel information for visitors to Tanzania is included at the back of this document.
All the holidays we offer to our clients are tailor-made so we can adjust this trip to fit in with your travel dates, interests, preferred accommodation...and of course your budget.
All our travel consultants have extensive knowledge of travel throughout Southern and East Africa, and our strong relationships with suppliers mean that our rates to you will always be competitive.
Let us take the hard work out of planning your trip: you can get in touch either by giving us a call on +44 (0) 1483 266725, completing the Enquiry Form on our website or emailing us at info@travelbutlers.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Travel Butlers Team
Holiday Title: Tanzania Safari of a Lifetime
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Tanzania for 12 nights
Passengers: 2 Adults
*Excludes international flights from your home country - please ask us if you would like us to include these for you.
All monies paid by UK customers for the air package holiday shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10245.
When you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday from us you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists what is financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you and who to contact if things go wrong.
Arrive into Kilimanjaro Airport.
Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way to the Arrivals Hall where you will be met by your transfer driver who will be holding a sign board with your name on it. You will then be transferred to just outside of Arusha. Depending on the time your flight lands, this first night is either a necessity as you will be arriving late at night OR included so that you can relax and rest after an overnight flight, ready to start your safari adventure fresh the next morning.
Set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings, the Mount Meru Game Lodge is nestled between the Usa river and a wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to zebra, ostrich, water buffalo, mongoose, duiker and a wide array of birds and monkeys, including the elusive Colobus monkey.
This morning you will be met by your driver-guide and driven in your private 4x4 safari vehicle to the Tarangire National Park. The drive is about 3 hours on a tarred road and you will arrive in time to enjoy lunch at the lodge.
Built to blend in with the vastness of its surroundings, Tarangire Sopa Lodge lies hidden among the kopjes, ancient baobab and grasses of the Tarangire National Park - home to the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa. Many can be seen around the lodge, allowing visitors a close encounter.
Tarangire National Park
After lunch, you will depart on a game drive in the Park. The Tarangire National Park is especially renowned for its large herds of elephants and oryx, tree climbing lions and huge pythons, as well as rock paintings which were done by early man tens of thousands of years ago.
Set off early this morning for the 3 to 3.5 hour drive to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Main Gate. Your driver will need to fill in some paperwork, so while you wait for him you can visit the small information centre. You then drive up the narrow, winding road through magnificent trees and foliage to the Crater rim itself, stopping at the view point to take in the most amazing view across the entire Crater. The road continues around the Crater rim to the descent road down into the Crater and within 90 minutes you will be on the Crater floor itself. The Ngorongoro Crater is on many peoples bucket list of places to see and visit. This natural wonder is the largest unflooded, intact volcanic caldera in the world. The actual crater is about 20 km across, 600 meters deep and covers 300 sq km. Within the rim there are an estimated 30,000 animals, making this one of the densest concentration of wildlife within Africa. Explore the caldera floor before departing late afternoon for the drive to your accommodation, which clings to the rim of the crater.
The Ngorongoro Serena Lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the Crater 600 metres below. Your room has a panoramic private balcony from which to soak in the marvellous views over the crater itself.
Ngorongoro Crater
After an early breakfast, you will depart for the long drive to the Serengeti National Park. As well as long, be prepared for the drive to also be both dusty and bumpy, as the roads are not paved - they are more 'corrugated' which means the ride sometimes is not very smooth. You will need to stop at the Serengeti Gate while your driver completes the paperwork, so you may have time to take the walking trail up the hill to view the surrounding plains. You will then continue with the drive to your lodge, arriving in time for a late lunch. If you see anything of interest along the way your guide will stop so that you can take a photo. Set high on the saddle of a tree-clad ridge, commanding panoramic views across the Serengeti, Serengeti Serena Lodge is the ultimate fusion of traditional African architecture and world-class style. On the very edge of the ridge is a 'vanishing horizon' pool, which looks out over the endless plains after which the Serengeti is named.
The Serengeti
After lunch you can go out with your driver-guide on a short afternoon game drive to see what wildlife you can spot near the lodge. Keep your eyes peeled for the ever elusive leopard or you may spot a Secretary bird strutting across the short, shimmering grasslands.
Depart after breakfast with a packed lunch, which allows you to stay out for the entire day and return late afternoon to the lodge. The Serengeti is probably one of the most famous safari destinations in the world and offers what many people consider to be some of the best game viewing in Africa. Large herds of wildebeest and buffalo, thousands of antelope such as eland, impala, gazelles and topi, and family groups of zebra and giraffe are closely watched by eager predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena, who are always on the lookout for a quick and easy meal. Rhino, elephant, jackal, aardwolf, porcupine, warthogs, baboons, vervet monkeys, serval cats and hippo are just some of the other 70 mammal species that can be found here.
You will depart after an early breakfast for the drive back down through the Serengeti and across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Main Gate - the drive is on 'corrugated' roads again most of the way - so another bumpy, dusty and long drive. Once through the gate the road is tarred and it will take a further hour from here to reach Lake Manyara. You will arrive at your lodge in time for a late lunch. Standing high on the edge of a towering terracotta escarpment with panoramic views over the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge offers a unique blend of safari opportunities, peace and tranquillity, and wildlife discovery.
Lake Manyara
After lunch depart on a game drive in the Park. The Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its excellent bird-watching opportunities, as more than 400 different bird species have been recorded. Other wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, cheetah, hippo, Masai giraffe, wildebeest, impala, zebra, warthogs, large troops of baboons and the legendary but rarely seen tree-climbing lions.
After breakfast you will be transferred back to Arusha - about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive on tarred roads - and taken to Arusha Airport, where you will check in for your afternoon flight across to Zanzibar. There is a small cafe at the airport where you can buy a light snack for lunch if required.
Light Aircraft Transfer Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Arusha (ARK) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
Upon arrival into Zanzibar Airport and having collected your luggage, make your way through the Arrivals Hall and exit the terminal building. You will be met outside by your driver holding a sign with your name - there is normally a mass of drivers waiting so be prepared to search for the right sign board. You will then be transferred to your beach hotel.
For centuries the island of Zanzibar has evoked a mystical and magical dream. There is no better place to experience and enjoy a fantastic setting on a pristine and untouched beach than at Breezes Beach Club. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean, sip a freshy cut coconut from the waving palm trees, indulge in a massage, dive the coral reef and experience warm, genuine Swahili hospitality during your stay here.
You will need to check out of your room this morning but you can remain at the hotel and use all the facilities until you are collected for your transfer back to the airport. Alternatively, if you have an evening flight, the hotel may be able to arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the room.
Set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings, the Mount Meru Game Lodge is nestled between the Usa River and a wildlife sanctuary, which is home to zebra, ostrich, water buffalo, mongoose, duiker and a wide array of birds and monkeys, including the elusive Colobus monkey. The majority of the animals were once either orphaned or badly injured and were brought to the sanctuary for rehabilitation. By choosing to stay at Mount Meru Game Lodge, you will also be playing a very important role in helping these animals since the activities of the sanctuary are entirely financed by the lodge.
The lodge and sanctuary were established by Dr Von Nagy in 1959, and still remains within the family. Being one of the first lodges in Northern Tanzania, the lodge has had the pleasure of hosting a long list of visitors, including numerous presidents, the King and Queen of Sweden, Prince Charles, the Hemingways, the Kennedys and a number of modern day celebrities.
Equidistant from the city of Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport - each an easy 30 minute drive on good roads - the lodge provides an excellent starting point for those interested in visiting the Northern circuit Parks such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, or for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru.
The lodge features a total of 18 guest rooms (including 2 family rooms) surrounding the main lodge building. All the rooms are en-suite and have a small veranda where one can enjoy the gardens, monkeys, birds and animals.
The main building consists of the reception area, lounge and bar. The lounge, with its enormous picture windows and comfortable furniture, provides a relaxing environment, and the bar offers a wide selection of spirits, beers and minerals, complemented by a carefully selected collection of wines. To the front of the main building is a terrace which is shaded by enormous old mango trees and enjoys magnificent views of the gardens and sanctuary.
In the grounds of the lodge there is an outdoor dining area, and in the evening a camp fire allows guests to dine under the African star-lit sky whilst listening to the exciting night sounds.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Hidden among the kopjes in the Tarangire National Park lies Tarangire Sopa Lodge, surrounded by ancient baobab trees.
The lodge is located on the eastern side of the Tarangire River opposite Tarangire Hill. The Tarangire National Park is 2,850 square km of remarkable beauty and rewarding game drives, and is on the traditional migration route. The Park is also home to the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa. Over 500 bird species can be spotted here as well. With water constantly available in the area, the greenery is lush providing a wonderful contrast to the burnt ground.
The lodge is 30 km from the Park entrance gate, about an hour's drive through an area rich in wildlife.
Located at the swimming pool, the Pool Bar is surrounded by a patio area and small sheltered umbrella areas, and is an ideal venue to relax around in between game activities.
Masai village visits can also be arranged, as can bush dinners.
Children are very welcome at the lodge, and babysitting services are available.
There are 75 spacious rooms in total, all with a private lounge with a mini bar. Each room has 2 queensize beds with a mosquito net around them.
Ceiling fans keep the rooms cool and glass sliding doors open out onto a balcony, with a great view of the landscape beyond.
The dining room is a spacious, light and airy room with an outside seating area which is ideal for BBQs and themed dinners.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | Tarangire Park fees; concession fees; and all meals are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide. |
The unique Ngorongoro Serena Lodge clings to the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, the largest and most perfect volcanic crater in the world.
Long and low, the lodge is built from local river stone and camouflaged with indigenous vines. Designed to blend completely into the landscape, it is entirely invisible from the floor of the crater some 600 metres below.
Deep within the crater, some 25,000 large mammals wander the plains, lakes and forests, including bull elephants, rhinos and lions.
Guests staying at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge can enjoy a variety of activities, including daily game drives down into the crater, sundowner drinks on the rim of the crater, picnic lunches, early morning breakfasts in the crater itself, guided nature walks around the crater rim, and nightly Maasai dancing.
Visits to local Maasai villages and cattle markets can also be arranged.
Each of the 75 rock-built rooms are strung around the crater rim. Each has its own rock-enclosed balcony, and all enjoy completely uninterrupted views of the volcanic amphitheatre far below. The rooms feature brass lamps, embossed leather headboards, and locally inspired decor including Masai carvings and stylised cave paintings.
The spacious Kimba Suite has a dressing area and natural stone en-suite bathroom, and an elegantly appointed sitting room with crater views and a stone-built balcony.
The main lodge areas are linked by arched stone passages and timbered decks. The lodge walls are also decorated with stylised prehistoric cave paintings and lit by flickering torchlight, and at the heart of the lodge there is a glowing fire, which is kept constantly alight.
The main restaurant is beautifully designed in a traditional Tanzanian style to create an enchanting dining experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows and double doors leading out on to an expansive terrace complement each meal with panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | All crater/concession fees and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide. |
Set high on a tree-clad ridge, the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge offer panoramic views across the Serengeti’s vast, endless grasslands, where lions and cheetahs stalk their prey and massive migrating wildebeest herds darken the landscape in a relentless search for fresh grazing grounds.
Centrally located adjacent to the famous Western Corridor and Grumeti River, guests staying here can enjoy a variety of activities, including spectacular game drives, or a gentle nature trail in the company of an experienced naturalist. Balloon safaris over the Serengeti plains, followed by a champagne breakfast at the landing site in the bush can also be arranged (at an additional cost).
An essential part of traditional safari life, the concept of having drinks whilst watching the sun go down dates back to the time of the great safaris of the 1920s. Timed to commence as the sun starts its descent, which on the Equator is usually around 18:00, the Serengeti sundowner begins with a gentle drive to a scenic spot. Chairs, lamps, a campfire and a bush bar with cocktail snacks will already have been set up. This activity is an additional cost.
The lodge has been designed to blend completely into the landscape. A series of traditional domed rondavels are widely spaced throughout the grounds, which are cooled by groves of acacia trees and watered by sparkling streams. Looking out over the plains, each room has its own private balcony, private entrance, spacious bedroom, natural stone bathroom, and intricately carved furniture.
The Serengeti Suite is set slightly apart from the rest of the rooms, and has a sitting room as well as the en-suite bedroom.
The main lodge facilities include a traditionally carved domed dining room, a scenic bar with a timbered outside terrace, a central barbeque area and water gardens, and a gift shop. There is also an infinity pool which looks out over the endless plains.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | Serengeti National Park fees; concession fees; and all meals are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Standing high on the edge of a towering terracotta escarpment with panoramic views over the glittering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, Lake Manyara Serena Lodge welcomes you to this peaceful location. The lake is home to over 300 migratory birds including flamingoes, long-crested eagles and grey-headed kingfisher, and the 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.
Safari activites include morning and afternoon game drives around the lake itself, night game drives, canoeing safaris on the lake and morning bird walks. Other activites that can be arranged are boating trips around the lake and its ecosystem, visits to the villages of the Mbu Cultural Tourism Programme offering village walks (with lunch), bicycle tours and dance displays, high-action mountain biking around the Park, and day trips to nearby Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.
The main reception area of this highly unusual lodge is built in a traditional African style, and is accessed via a bridge over a small stream. Beyond the reception lies the central dining room, bar and veranda. Perched on the very edge of the cliffs, with stunning views over the lake is the 'vanishing horizon' swimming pool, the pool bar and the observation point.
The 67 rooms are housed in circular, double-storey, white-washed 'rondavals' (traditional circular buildings with conical thatched roofs), which are strung out along the edge of the cliff so as to allow for maximum views. Each spacious circular room has its own small veranda while the interior décor reflects the blue of the lake and the pink of its flamingos. Behind each bed hangs a spectacular hand-woven rug, while the furnishings and fittings reflect traditional Maasai beadwork.
The Losimingori Suite features a spacious bedroom with a kingsized double bed, walk-in mosquito nets, sumptuous furnishings, a dressing area and a marble en-suite bathroom. A separate sitting room provides panoramic views and there is a balcony overlooking the infinity pool. 24 hour room service is available, and fruit and wine is laid out to welcome you. The suite is set slightly apart from the other rooms, and enjoys its own private access.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Standard Room | ||
Includes: | All meals are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Located on the south-east coast of the island of Zanzibar, Breezes Beach Club & Spa is the perfect getaway retreat. With its pristine white sandy beach, rustling palm trees, exquisite attention to detail and genuine hospitality, this exotic resort captures the very essence of Zanzibari style.
The cuisine features the freshest catch, the most exotic spices and the lush natural fruites from the island, all prepared and served in the most stunning venues. For a more romantic setting, guests can choose to dine at The Tides, a private beachfront dining only for two people overlooking the Indian Ocean with impeccable personalised service.
Windsurfing, sailing, kite surfing, and snorkelling trips can be arranged, as well as professionally organised diving activities including PADI Open Water Courses. For the more active, head to the Fitness Centre for a workout, or indulge in a game of tennis on the floodlit tennis court.
If all that sounds too energetic, simply relax around the pool and enjoy a cocktail from the Pool Bar, or make an appointment at the Frangipani Spa,where you can enjoy a variety of treatments and therapies, all aimed at relieving the negative impacts of a modern lifestyle such as stress or exhaustion.
The resort has 74 rooms and suites in total.
The Deluxe Rooms are located on the ground floor of bungalows, and each has its own terrace. They are tastefully decorated in ivory tones with cotton throws, teak wood finishes and Zanzibar carvings.
The Standard Rooms are located further away from the sea, and have with a terrace and garden view. A sofa bed in each room doubles up as a third bed, making these ideal for families.
The Suites are located on the upper floor of bungalows, and have a walk in dressing room, a large bathroom, and a large balcony with sunbeds and a covered outdoor lounge area.
Nights: | 6 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Deluxe Room | ||
Includes: | Half Board basis. Full Board rates are available upon request. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes the USD 5.00 per person per night Infrastructure Levy - this is payable directly to the hotel IN CASH upon check out. |
Latest Travel Updates
For up-to-date travel information from the UK government, please check:
UK Government Advice: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania
Normally, holders of the following passports require a visa to enter Tanzania when travelling as a tourist: United Kingdom; United States of America*; Canada; Australia; New Zealand; Belgium; Netherlands; Italy; France; Germany; Spain; Ireland.
If you are a passport holder from another country, please contact your local Tanzania High Commission or Embassy for up-to-date visa requirements or check this website which lists countries whose nationals are NOT required to apply for a visa to enter Tanzania: http://immigration.go.tz/index.php/countries-which-are-not-required-to-apply-for-visa - so if your nationality is not listed, you will be required to obtain a visa.
Visas are issued online via the Tanzania Immigration website https://visa.immigration.go.tz/. Visas can also be obtained on arrival.
Visitors coming for holiday/tourism purposes are advised to apply online for an Ordinary Visa.
* Holders of American passports who come for holiday/tourism will have to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa online (due to bilateral agreements between Tanzania and America) even if they come for a single entry visit.
Please note that getting a single entry visa on arrival can take a substantial amount of time and if possible, we would advise getting your visa online prior to travel IF YOU ARE ARRIVING INTO TANZANIA via the following international airports/border posts – Kilimanjaro (JRO), Julius Nyerere/Dar es Salaam (DAR), Zanzibar (ZNZ), Namanga Border Post (road border between Tanzania and Kenya) and Tunduma (road border between Tanzania and Zambia). NOTE: Zanzibar Airport is referred to as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport on the visa application.
Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania, so the same single entry visa can be used upon arrival at Zanzibar.
Single entry visas obtained at port of entry currently cost USD 50 per person (but USD 100 per person for US nationals) - costs all subject to change - and the cost is payable in USD cash only. We recommend small denominations of dollars as officials are not in the position to give change. You must also bring 2 recent passport size photographs of yourself if getting the visa on arrival and you must provide proof of a return ticket.
Online visa applications for minors under 18 years travelling alone or with only one parent/legal guardian must also be accompanied by a consent letter, jointly signed by both parents or legal guardians approving the travel.
Please note that if you are applying online, you need to allow 2-3 weeks to receive your visa. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Tanzania and have sufficient blank pages for entry/exit stamps (AT LEAST 4 consecutive pages).
IMPORTANT: Entering Zanzibar from 1 October 2024: With effect from 1 October 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar (excluding residents) must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) for the duration of their stay (up to 92 days).
You can only buy this insurance from ZIC. Other international travel insurance policies will not be accepted. Go to https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/ for more information and to buy your insurance. If you have any questions that are not covered on the website, contact ZIC by emailing inbound@zic.co.tz.
You may be refused entry if you do not have the correct insurance.
IMPORTANT: Plastic bags are banned in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. Arriving visitors are requested to avoid bring plastic bags into the country - this includes in suitcases and carry-on hand luggage. Please check hand luggage before disembarking and any plastic bags (including plastic duty-free shopping bags and the transparent plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, etc) should be left in the plane. Ziploc bags that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted.
PLEASE NOTE: Countries can change their entry requirements at any time. Travel Butlers try to ensure that the information displayed here is correct, but the onus remains with the traveller to verify the information with the relevant High Commission or Embassy and ensure that they can comply with the applicable entry requirements.
You are advised to contact your doctor or clinic around 4-8 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations and to get their professional medical advice regarding travel to Tanzania.
To help prevent diarrhoea, avoid tap water – drink only bottled water and use bottled water for tooth brushing, and avoid ice made with tap water – and only eat fruit or vegetables that are cooked or can be peeled. To help avoid heatstroke, drink plenty of bottled water/fluids, and keep out of the midday sun.
There is a risk of malaria in all areas of Tanzania and Zanzibar - check with your doctor about suitable antimalarial tablets. Dengue fever can also be transmitted via mosquito bites. Try to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible - wear loose long-sleeved clothing and trousers, and use a repellent on clothing and exposed skin.
Tsetse flies are found throughout most of Tanzania's Northern and Southern Parks, especially in wooded areas. There have been some cases of sleeping sickness occurring after a tsetse fly bite, although these are mainly amongst farmers/locals who have repeated exposure to bites. However, the fly can still deliver a painful bite, so it is advisable to take necessary precautions - don't wear dark colours, especially black and blue (including denim), wear long-sleeved clothing/trousers, and don't walk through bushes during the hottest part of the day.
Tanzania is not listed as a yellow fever endemic country, however, in accordance with International Health Regulations, Tanzania requires all travellers over one year of age to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival if:
They are arriving from a yellow fever risk country (including low risk)*
They have been in transit longer than 12 hours at the airport of a yellow fever risk country (including low risk)*
They have left the airport whilst on transit in a yellow fever risk country (including low risk)*
*Yellow fever risk countries include Kenya and Uganda but it is up to the traveller to check the full list (including low risk yellow fever countries) via this website https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/60/yellow-fever-maps
Kiswahili is the official language of Tanzania. However, English, as the second official language, is the spoken commercial language and is widely understood.
We would ask that all travellers are respectful of the local culture as follows:
Loud and aggressive behaviour, drunkenness, foul language and disrespect, especially towards the older generation, is likely to cause offence. Kissing in public or display of affection is not customary to Zanzibar. Drinking alcohol in public places (outside of clubs/restaurants) may offend the residents.
As over a third of the population in Tanzania is Muslim, it is important to dress modestly out of respect for the Muslim culture.
On the beaches and within the confines of hotels/beach resorts, normal swimwear is acceptable but not nudity/topless sunbathing.
Away from beach resorts, women should avoid walking around in public areas (especially in Stone Town) displaying their legs, midriff and shoulders - ‘short’ shorts, miniskirts, vests and tank tops are viewed as a sign of disrespect.
A dress code in public places (such as the airport, Stone Town, markets and shopping centres) has now been introduced and ALL tourists must now cover their bodies from shoulders to knees in public areas. The authorities will penalise visitors for inappropriate appearance and penalties and fines will be given out - the fine could be up to $700 or more.
Homosexuality is illegal on mainland Tanzania and on the island of Zanzibar. Many of the local communities are also very traditional and conservative, and whilst everyone is of course entitled to their own sexual preferences and gender identity, we would advise all clients (and this includes members of the LGBT+ community as well as members of the heterosexual community) to refrain from overtly public displays of affection which may cause offence to some local citizens and in some cases public displays of homosexuality such as kissing in public or holding hands could even lead to an arrest and imprisonment.
You should always ask permission before taking anyone’s photograph. Military and security sensitive areas cannot be photographed.
Travel Butlers have 20 years experience of booking travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean for clients from all around the world. In this time we have supported clients through disruptions caused by numerous unexpected events including natural disasters, localised disease outbreaks and airline cancellations. Nobody can be certain exactly what will happen in the future, however Travel Butlers can offer you peace of mind and flexibility to ensure that you feel confident booking a holiday with us.
Our team are specialists in travel to Africa and the Indian Ocean, and we are constantly monitoring the changing situation regarding travel to the region. If your trip cannot go ahead due to specific travel restrictions related to Covid-19 then we will get in touch to offer you the choice of the following:
The specific Covid-19 travel restrictions are defined as follows:
We would not normally be able to confirm that your trip cannot proceed due to travel restrictions until a couple of weeks before the start of your trip, however should you want to look at postponing or altering your trip before then we would aim to be as flexible as possible.
If we confirm that your trip is unable to proceed due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, then we will not charge you an amendment fee if you choose to postpone your trip or move it to another destination. We may need to adjust the cost of your trip to reflect the new dates, particularly if those coincide with a more expensive season of travel or higher grade of accommodation. Equally, if the cost of your postponed trip is less, we will reduce the cost accordingly.
You should still take out travel insurance that includes Covid-19 to cover you in the event that your trip can go ahead but you are unable to travel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances. If there are no travel restrictions in place that mean your trip could not go ahead but you need to cancel due to illness or a change in your personal circumstances then our normal terms and conditions would apply. You should ensure that your travel insurance provides adequate cover for cancelling due to illness, including Covid-19, and you may be able to make a claim against your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy.
We offer 24/7 telephone assistance to all our clients whilst they are away, and also have partners in each country that are able to assist with any PCR tests or other issues that might arise during your trip.
If you fall ill whilst you are away, or if your trip is disrupted due to Covid-19 whilst you are travelling, then our experienced team will be on hand to assist you in whatever way you need. You would need to pay any additional costs incurred due to illness or travel disruption whilst you are away, however you may be able reclaim these expenses on your travel insurance depending on the cover offered by your policy. Travel Butlers will be able to assist by providing supporting documentation for your claim.
All of the holidays we sell are 100% financially protected through our ATOL and ABTOT bonding so your money is in safe hands when you book a Travel Butlers holiday. Furthermore, our business is well positioned to navigate through the challenges which the travel industry is currently facing.
Please read our Terms and Conditions for more information.
You can now get insurance that offers cover for disruption related to Covid-19, and these policies could include cover for:
Not all policies offer this kind of cover, not necessarily even all policies from the same provider, so you should ensure you check the policy details carefully before buying your insurance.
You can read more about choosing suitable travel insurance in the FCDO guide to travel insurance.