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: A Memorable Journey across Tanzania
Holiday Destination: Holiday to Tanzania for 13 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.
Welcome to Tanzania.
Arrive into Dar es Salaam Airport. Go through Immigration, collect your luggage and clear Customs, then make your way into the Arrivals Hall. You will be met here by our representative and assisted with the check in for your flight across to Selous.
Light Aircraft Transfer Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Mwalimu Julius K Nyerere Intl (DAR) to Nyerere Airstrip - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met at the airstrip by your camp vehicle and transferred to your camp. Siwandu is perfectly situated to fully experience the breathtaking landscape and abundant wildlife of Nyerere Game Reserve. The Reserve has over 2,100 species of plants, in excess of 400 varieties of birds, more than half of Tanzania's elephant population, over 120,000 buffalos, and the Reserve's 40,000 hippo and 4,000 lion are probably the largest populations on the continent, not to mention it is home to the planet's largest population of rare wild dogs - giving guests an opportunity to glimpse all of these animals in a true unspoilt landscape.
Selous Game Reserve
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip, where you will board your flight to Ruaha.
Light Aircraft Transfer Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Nyerere Airstrip to Ruaha Airstrip - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met at the airstrip by your camp vehicle and transferred to your camp. Situated on the banks of a seasonal river in the remote southern sector of the Ruaha National Park, Jongomero is gloriously isolated. Far from the madding crowds, this secluded idyll offers a chance to discover true unadulterated wilderness.
Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, you will be transferred back to the airstrip and board your flight back to Dar es Salaam.
Light Aircraft Transfer Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Ruaha Airstrip to Mwalimu Julius K Nyerere Intl (DAR) - arrival and departure times to be confirmed
You will be met from your flight and assisted to meet up with your transfer driver.
Light Aircraft Transfer Seat in Plane Rate (Light Aircraft): Fly from Mwalimu Julius K Nyerere Intl (DAR) 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, and then accompanied to meet up with your transfer driver.
You will then be transferred to your beach hotel.
Boasting some of the archipelago's finest offerings, Zuri Zanzibar hotel offers 300 metres of private, pristine beach and a lush spice garden. Guests can enjoy the region's gorgeous African sunsets due to the property's west-facing location on the northern edge of Zanzibar.
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. 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.
Siwandu Camp (previously known as Selous Safari Camp) is delightfully situated within an open palm forest on the shores of Lake Nzerakera, a massive lake adjoining the Great Rufiji River. There are no fences so animals may wander freely through the camp and often do. Hippos moving through the camp are a nightly occurence and elephant frequently meander between the tents. The African sound of whooping hyenas and bellowing hippos is a constant background medley throughout the night. The area is also one of the best in East Africa to see wild dog.
The camp offers an exceptionally large array of activities to choose from be it by boat, vehicle or foot, and the guides will personally tailor all activities to suit each guest so that they get the most out of the reserve in the time they have available.
The camp as a whole is comprised of 2 separate camps, North (4 tents) and South (6 tents). In this way, there is never the feeling of having too many people around. Each camp has its own swimming pool, well stocked bar and dining area, and each has its own well supplied kitchen where the chefs produce the finest cuisine. All meals are complimented by a good wine selection.
All the 13 spacious safari tents are widely spaced along the lake shore ensuring maximum privacy and wonderful views. Each tent is en-suite, and sits atop its own raised timber platform with a large verandah where you can sit with a cup of tea in the morning watching the bush come to life at sunrise, or nursing a gin and tonic as the bush gets ready for the night at sunset. Every room has a personal butler who is assigned to you for the duration of your stay.
For that intimate, quiet, wild feeling, Siwandu Camp is perfect for forgetting all the troubles of the modern world and immersing ones self in nature with just the right amount of luxury in a very remote wild location.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Safari Tent | ||
Includes: | All meals; tea/coffee; basic laundry; airstrip transfers; 2 shared activities per day; mandatory flying doctor cover; and Park/concession fees are included. Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on game walks. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Superbly isolated right in the heart of the Ruaha National Park lies Jongomero Camp. Situated on the banks of a seasonal sand river which bears the same name, and blending in beautifully with its surroundings, the camp is tucked away among some shady riverine vegetation. Being the only camp situated in this area of the Park ensures unmatched privacy and a true wilderness experience.
Game drives go out twice per day, in the morning and afternoon. All game drives are driven by qualified guides in an open 4x4 Land Rovers with a canopy for shade and no more than 6 guests per vehicle. Daily bush walks can also be arranged (at an additional cost) for those who want to get as close to nature as possible. For those with a truly wild heart, perhaps have a go at fly-camping; a one or 2 day expedition on foot through the reserve, sleeping in a small fly-camp or satellite camp.
Or if a break from a hectic schedule is called for then just relax in or around the swimming pool and enjoy the wildlife. Birds constantly flutter through the camps trees, and elephants frequently enter the camp and can be viewed without even getting out of the swimming pool. For those interested in the stars, the camp has its own high powered telescope.
Accommodation at Jongomero comprises 8 large and well-appointed tented suites, all built on raised wooden platforms and under enormous thatched roofs that also encompass a spacious private veranda. The tents are spread out on the edge of the sand river which is often used by a multitude of different animals to make their way to the river system for water.
The main dining and living areas are both original and very comfortable, and offer a great vantage to take in the sights and sounds of the African bush that surrounds the camp.
Nights: | 3 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Tented Suite | ||
Includes: | All meals; tea/coffee; basic laundry; Jongomero airstrip transfers; and 2 shared activities per day; Concession/Conservation fees; and the Tourism Development Levy are included. Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on guided walks and walking safaris. Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari. |
Just 50 km from Stone Town and the international airport, Zuri Zanzibar offers 300 meters of private, pristine beach and the opportunity to enjoy the region's gorgeous African sunsets due to the property’s west-facing location on the northern edge of the exotic island of Zanzibar.
The white sandy beach is the perfect place to spend a day, whether swimming or sunbathing. The beach is also the perfect location for a romantic dinner for two or a wedding ceremony.
The 32 metre long infinity pool offers a great alternative to the beach, and guests can relax by the pool whilst still enjoying the incredible view of the Indian Ocean.
Zuri offers a fusion of European, African, Arabic and Indian cuisine, creating a rainbow of sensational flavours and bringing the very best of the Indian Ocean's cuisine together for guests to enjoy - whether you choose to dine privately on the beach, by the swimming pool, at one of the Zuri Zanzibar’s beachfront restaurants, or even in the privacy of your own accommodation.
Guests can choose from 55 superbly appointed stand-alone bungalows, suites and villas. The Garden Bungalows offer a tranquil view of the tropical gardens; the Ocean View Bungalows have panoramic views over the Indian Ocean; and the Jacuzzi Bungalows have a partial view of the ocean but their own private jacuzzi on the deck.
The suites all have a separate bedroom and living room area - the Jacuzzi Suites have partial ocean views and a private jacuzzi; the Ocean Front Suites are ocated just a step away from the beach and offer uninterrupted views of the stunning Indian Ocean.
Set in an exclusive location with your own stretch of private beach, the luxuriously appointed 2 or 3 bedroom Ocean Front Luxury Villas enable you to enjoy your own private paradise.
Nights: | 7 Nights | ||
Adults: | 2 | Children: | 0 |
Room: | 1 x Garden View Bungalow - Stay 7 offer included (15% discount) | ||
Includes: | Half Board basis. PLEASE NOTE: The rate excludes the US$1 per person per night Infrastructure Levy - this is payable directly to the hotel 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.