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: Classic Tanzania
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 Arusha where you can relax before beginning your safari adventure in the morning.
The Gran Melia is in the centre of Arusha, and offers a superb spa and swimming pool. Your room has a balcony with views of the Mount Meru volcano and hotel gardens.
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 your first lodge.
Indulge in lavish luxury at the Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge, which is nestled deep within the heart of the Tarangire National Park. The lodge is strategically located atop an elevated kopje hill, overlooking the Tarangire River and the Silale valley leading to the Silale swamp in the west, which is famous for being visited by different wildlife throughout the year due to the availability of water.
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.
You will depart after breakfast for the drive to Karatu, which is situated a few kilometres from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Main Gate. The drive is about 2.5 to 3 hours on a tarred road and you pass through some small villages, nestled under huge, shady trees and full of bustling fruit and curio stalls. You will arrive in time for lunch at your next lodge followed by a free afternoon. Ngorongoro Oldeani Lodge is a colonial lodge situated on a picturesque hill with spectacular views. The lodge is just 9 km from the Ngorongoro Gate.
Ngorongoro Crater
Depart after an early breakfast for the 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, stopping for a picnic lunch, before heading back to your lodge in time for sundowners and dinner.
After an early breakfast you will depart for the long drive to your next safari camp in the Serengeti National Park. You will firstly cross the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and your driver-guide will need to stop to fill in paperwork at the Main Gate. The drive from here onward is long, dusty and bumpy, as the roads are not paved - they are more 'corrugated' which means the ride sometimes is not very smooth. You will also 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 camp, 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. Ole Serai is ideally located near to the Central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park around the vicinity of the famous Moru Kopjes. The area has a variety of resident wildlife (including all the Big 5) as well as a Hippo Pool located only a few metres away from the camp.
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.
Today, depart after breakfast with a packed lunch, which allows you to stay out for the entire day, returning 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. Kilima Moja Lodge is situated in lush green gardens, alive with birdlife. All the suites have panoramic views of the surrounding area.
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 and taken to Arusha Airport. The drive is about 2.5 to 3 hours on a tarred road.
Check in for your flight across to Zanzibar.
Light Aircraft Transfer Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Arusha (ARK) to Zanzibar (ZNZ) - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met once you disembark from the plane by our representative who will be holding a sign with your name. You will be assisted through passport control, luggage collection and luggage screening, then accompanied to meet up with your transfer driver.
You will then be transferred to your beach hotel.
Melia Zanzibar is an all inclusive luxury resort on an amazing 300m long beach of white sands, situated on the northeast coast of the island.
Zanzibar
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, arriving in time to check in for your flight home. Alternatively, if you have an evening flight, the hotel can arrange a late check out for you (additional cost and payable directly to the hotel) subject to the availability of the room.
Arusha is a small town in northern Tanzania, and is the gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Most visitors will pass through here on their way to or from their safari destination.
Depending on the time your arriving flight lands, a stay in one of the many lodges and hotels in/around Arusha is either a necessity as you will be arriving late at night or it is recommmended so that you can relax and rest after your longhaul flight, ready to start your safari adventure fresh the next morning.
If you have time to explore, the streets jostle with safari vehicles, market traders, Masai warriors in traditional dress, and excited tourists. Curio markets offer the opportunity to buy good quality crafts and gifts at reasonable prices. The nearby Arusha National Park is just a 40 minute drive away, and offers the opportunity to explore a beguiling diversity of habitats and spot wildlife if you want to add to your Tanzania safari adventure. The imposing Mount Mero towers over the town, adding to the appeal of a stay here.
The Gran Melia Arusha is set out on 18 acres of beautiful landscaped coffee and tea plantations, with a natural river running through the property and several springs, and offering spectacular views of Mount Meru, the second highest mountain in Tanzania, in the distance.
Pamper yourself in the beautiful spa or relax in the heated outdoor pool where you will feel totally rejuvenated and ready for your once in a lifetime safari experience. If you are looking for a bit of seclusion, then have a wonder through the herb and vegetable garden hidden between the plantations. If you have some energy to burn off, there is a 24 hour gym and a 1.5 km running track.
All the rooms and suites have been designed to capture the diversity and energy of local Tanzanian tribes and the rich colours of the coffee plantations.
The world-renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor is at the helm of the hotel's Yellow Chilli restaurant, which offers the authentic taste of a different kind of Indian cuisine. The other 2 restaurants ensure there is a dish to suit every taste.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Deluxe Mount Meru View Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast is included. |
Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge is located deep with the Tarangire National Park and is strategically located atop an elevated Kopje Hill, overlooking the Tarangire River and the Silale valley leading to the Silale swamp in the west, which is known for its large wildlife populations all year round.
The Park is famous for being home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania, and also for its abundance of baobab trees dotted throughout the landscape.
From the exceptional views in every room and the unforgettable crystal night skies –it’s all about the here and now, absorbing each memorable moment against a backdrop many only ever dream about. Amidst an atmosphere that is relaxed an unpretentious, the attention to detail is fantastic.
This uniquely designed lodge consists of 25 luxury tents perched along the Baobab tree line. Each tent includes an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, along with an extra spacious private veranda and viewing deck with uninterrupted panoramic views of the Park. Two of the rooms are interconnecting, making this perfect for families. All tents are elevated 3-5 meters above the ground.
The main pavilion is built within the kopje rocks, and consists of several comfortable lounges, viewing decks, a fireplace, swimming pool, and an open dining area at the Masai boma where you can enjoy dining under a large canvas of brightly lit stars on a clear night surrounded by sounds of the wild.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Tent | ||
Includes: | The Tarangire Park fees; all meals; and drinks (excluding premium brands) 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. |
The 5* Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge is a colonial lodge set on 40 acres of pristine lush green gardens which alone attracts over 130 species of birds. The lodge is elevated on a hill with 360 degree views that extend seemingly for miles into the distance.
The lodge is accessed over a pond and your first impression is of the grand central hallway with wooden trusses looking out over the rim flow infinity pool and further onto Mount Oldeani, which is part of the caldera of the world famous Ngorongoro Crater, which itself is only 12 km away.
Over 30,000 animals live within the Ngorongoro Crater, making this the most densely packed concentration of wildlife in Africa. On a game drive into the crater, watch out for wildebeest, elephant, lion, zebra and hyena - just some of the animals that can be found here. The crater is also home to black rhino - a rare sighting in Tanzania. Around the lake you may also find flocks of pelican, ibis and flamingos.
The spectacular stone main house includes a main lounge, dining room, boutique shop, media (TV) room, outside fireplace pit, billiards room, internet cafe and a childrens' activity room. The Ole Sere Spa offers a great chance to rejuvenate and re-energise after a bumpy and dusty safari adventure. There is also a Movie Theater with recliners and a big screen.
For the more energetic, the fitness center has a well-equipped gym, or outdoor fitness workouts can be arranged with the staff - varying from a jog round the 1 km stone pathways to cycling.
Your stay at the lodge includes a hearty breakfast, a picnic lunch for your day out on safari, and then a sumptuous dinner served in the evening.
All 50 suites and the Livingstone Suite have infinite views of the surrounding area. All rooms are tastefully decorated with all the amenities one would expect in a 5* establishment, including inside and outside showers, bath tub, air conditioning, a fireplace, Wi-Fi, minibar, and a private deck terrace.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Deluxe Suite | ||
Includes: | All meals are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide. Children of any age are permitted on nature walks. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Ole Serai Luxury Camp Moru Kopjes is ideally located within Central Seronera area of the famous Serengeti National Park around the vicinity of the famous Moru Kopjes and Lake Magadi.
The camp is perched between the Rongai Hills and Nyaroboro Hills, a few metres away from the banks of the Mbalageti/Seronera River and a hippo pool. The area boasts an abundant variety of resident wildlife (including all the Big 5), and at the right time of the year, the annual wildebeest migration can be witnessed as the camp lies on one of the main migratory corridors.
The camp offers a daily walking safari, which starts from the boma. Lasting between one and 2 hours, you will learn all about the various plants and animals that you com across. The walk is led by a professional guide along the river towards the plain areas. The walks normally depart at 07:00 or 16:00.
Each luxury en-suite tent has a private viewing deck with uninterrupted panoramic views. There are 20 tents in total, including one Family Tent. The en-suite bathrooms have flushing toilets and pressurised running showers with 24 hour power supply.
The main guest areas consist of a well-stocked bar and a spacious dining tent. The evenings can be enjoyed sitting around the fireplace while exchanging stories about your day's adventures with other guests. On some nights, dinner is served in the Maasai Boma, where the background music is nature's unique sounds, mostly dominated by the lions roaring in the distance.
The Swahili phrase, Hakuna Matata (meaning No Trouble) was made famous by the Lion King Disney movie, and guests can expand on this one phrase an learn more Swahili words with the resident teachers who will give you a one on one lesson every evening at the fireplace.
Nights: | 2 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Luxury Safari Tent - Full Board Package | ||
Includes: | Serengeti National Park fees and all meals are included. Game drives are taken with your private driver-guide. Children under the age of 6 years are not permitted on nature walks. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
The Lake Manyara National Park is renowned for its excellent bird-watching opportunities in general, 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 - yes, they really do climb trees!
During the wet seasons (November/December and March to May), the lake itself can cover up to 60% of the Park's total area. The lake's high alkaline waters attract a variety of migratory waterbirds, including huge flocks of pink flamingos as well as pelicans, storks and cormorants. During the dry seasons, however, the lake can dry up considerably.
The Lake Manyara Boardwalk trail meanders 300m through to the lake, and gives visitors a unique view and wonderful photo opportunites along the route. Educational signage at key points further enhances the experience! For the braver tourist, check out Tanzania's only Treetop Walkway too, giving you a birds-eye view of the area.
Nested on the rim of the Great African Rift Valley with stunning views lies Lake Manyara Kilima Moja Lodge. The lodge is set on pristine lush green gardens with over 130 species of bird. It is the ideal place in which to base your Northern safari experience. Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, Oldeani, Lake Eyasi, and the Ngorongoro Highlands are all just a short drive from the lodge.
Each of the 50 suites has its own spacious private veranda and viewing deck, with en-suite bathrooms that have slipper baths with views over the highlands, inside and outside showers and double basins. The 2 bedroom Villas also have panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The main house has a main guest lounge, a dining room, spa, boutique, media (TV) room, rim flow pool, billiards room, an internet cafe and a children's activity room. Dining is table d'hotel with international traditional cuisine and fusion. There is outside and inside seating overlooking the escarpment.
Sitting around the ouside fireplace watching the sun setting over the Great Rift Valley and listening to the humming of the birds the background is a fitting way to end a day.
Nights: | 1 Night | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Deluxe Suite | ||
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. |
Situated on the north-east coast of Zanzibar, the all-inclusive Melia Zanzibar resort is situated on a 40 acre estate with a beautiful beach of pearlescent white sand lapped by warm ocean waters, 300 meters long, situated at the very end of the property to procure the perfect combination with nature.
The powder white sand of the beach provides a dramatic natural entrance to the resort’s beautiful Gabi beach restaurant nestled quietly in the palm trees. Feel the beat, have a drink, and enjoy the grill menu in an informal atmosphere. About one kilometer from the resort's Main Lobby, golf carts every 15-20 minutes can take you to this little piece of paradise, where comfortable sun lounges draped in soft towels are arranged under the palm trees.
One of the other landmarks of Melia Zanzibar is the beautiful jetty that transports you out into the Indian Ocean. At the end of your walk you will discover the Jetty Bar & Restaurant - ready to welcome you for pre and after dinner drinks and snacks. Alternatively, the Pool Bar is located alongside the main infinity pool and offers an extensive menu of cocktails, international wine and beers and other beverages. The Spices Restaurant is modelled after the traditional spice market found in Stone Town, offering a relaxed dining experience that features an international mixture of cuisines with a distinct Arabian and African influence in buffet style.
Accommodation at Melia Zanzibar has been designed to offer the highest standards of luxury ensuring that your stay is both personalised and memorable. All rooms, suites and villas are decorated in comtemporary style and have been designed to maintain complete privacy and come equipped with large comfortable bathrooms, outdoor rainforest showers and private terrace or balcony, mostly with side views of the magnificent Indian Ocean. Connecting room are available on request for families or for groups travelling together, why not take out a private villa for the ultimate exclusivity.
There is also a luxury spa sanctuary, inviting you to take time out to indulge in an Out Of Africa journey full of 1920s decadence and refinement. By stepping into this intimate world you can discover true relaxation and indulgent pleasures.
Nights: | 5 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Garden Room | ||
Includes: | Breakfast; lunch; dinner; soft drinks; some alcoholic drinks; activities; and beach services are included. 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/ or single entry visas for certain nationalities* can be obtained on arrival. PLEASE NOTE: You cannot get a multiple entry visa 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.