Arrival

Do I need a Visa enter a new country?

Yes you do. We recommend you to get a visa to enter the new country from the embassy of that particular country in your home country. If you do not get your visa before you arrive, you can easily get a visa and filling the short application form at the international airports or one of land border crossings. To get a tourist visa costs around $50-$100. All Visas are to be paid in dollars / Euros upon entry. You will need two passport pictures with you.

What do I do if my flight gets delayed?

If there is any change earlier or at last-minute, we should get informed right away. If we will not get informed in time, you will have to arrange your own transportation to Arusha. Shuttles and taxes are available at the airport. Just give us a call upon your arrival and we will connect you.

Will Zohar guide or representative meet me at the airport?

Yes. Please send us your flight details at least 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival date. You will meet our representative holding a Zohar sign with your name in the public area outside customs.

What do I do if my luggage arrives late or get lost?

If your luggage arrives late or get lost, you will need to fill a lost luggage form and give to the Zohar representative who will follow up and bring the luggage to you at the hotel later when it arrives.

How long is from the airport to the hotel?

This depends on the choice of your lodge, but normally the drive is within 30min-1hr. Some lodges are close, some are far.

Safety and Health Matters

What vaccines you recommend me to get in advance my trip to Africa?

We recommend you make contact with your doctor or a travel clinic, and seek advice from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) online at least 5-6 weeks earlier to your arrival in Africa to get the basic inoculations within the necessary time period before your arrival date. Regular vaccines for African travel include protection against; influenza, mumps and rubella, chickenpox, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio. To make sure you are safe to travel to any country in Africa you need hepatitis A and B, yellow fever and typhoid vaccines. Yellow fever certificate is very important in sub-Sahara African countries. There is no vaccine to fight against malaria so consult your doctor or travel clinic to prescribe the specific anti-malaria medication. We recommend you bring the pills with you and begin taking them before, during and following your travel to Africa.

In high elevations, you can get altitude sickness like dizziness, headache or become weak so to avoid this please make sure your physician has prescribed protective measures or medications for these kind of sickness. Diarrhea is so common to foreign visitors so please don't forget to bring some antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

What are the major health risks in Africa?

If you are careful and follow good health protocol, there is no any health risk in Africa. Sexual Transmitted Diseases including HIV AIDS is widespread. Your own behavior or using of condom will protect you from this.

Is there safe water to drink?

Bottled water is always safe water to drink, so bottled water is highly recommended. Do not drink tap water because the water may be contaminated. Bottle water can be purchased within the lodge you get accommodated, restaurants or shops around you. We provide safe mineral water throughout the program.

What type of travel insurance is recommended?

We recommend travel insurance as well as trip cancellation insurance. These insurance will keep you safe in case of any emergency. Your travel agent can recommend you to a better travel insurance or trip cancellation Insurance. Medical Evacuation Insurance is covered in your safari fee.

Money Matters

Which currency is accepted?

The local currency. You can exchange money and get the local currency in banks, airport bureau change or the bureau change around town. US dollars or Euros are accepted in hotels, large supermarket and shops. ATM machines are placed in all airports or around town.

What is the current exchange rate?

Currency conversion rates keep changing every day. Different denominations return different rates in TSH. US $50 and 100bills always get the best exchange rates. We recommend checking online currency exchange rate converters to get the most up-to-date information on the exchange rate.

Should I bring cash or credit cards?

We recommend bringing both cash and credit cards. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and towns, but some smaller towns and villages may only accept cash. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and to be prepared in case of a credit card malfunction. ATM machines are available in most cities and towns.

How much money should I bring?

This depends on your personal spending habits and the length of your trip. We recommend bringing enough cash to cover your expenses for the duration of your trip, including accommodation, meals, souvenirs, and any activities or excursions you plan to do. It's always a good idea to have some extra cash on hand for emergencies or unexpected expenses.

Is it customary to tip in Africa?

Yes, it is customary to tip in Africa. Tipping is a way of showing appreciation for good service. In restaurants, it's common to tip 10-15% of the bill. Safari guides and drivers also rely on tips as a significant portion of their income, so we recommend tipping them at the end of your trip according to the level of service they provided. Your travel agent can advise you on appropriate tipping amounts.