Zanzibar Travel Insurance: What You Need To Know

From October 1st, 2024, international visitors will be required to purchase local travel insurance for Zanzibar.

This insurance must be purchased exclusively from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). It will cost $44USD and is valid for 90 days.

This mandatory insurance plan includes coverage for medical care, lost luggage, accidents, emergency evacuations, loss of important documents like passports, and repatriation in the event of death. The new regulation is intended to enhance traveler safety and security while in Zanzibar.

We at Shadows Of Africa fully understand that this new regulation, along with the extra cost, is not good news for travelers. We also recognize that not all details seem to have been fully ironed out. However, we must respectfully comply with the laws of the places we travel to, whether we agree with them or not.

Recommendations for Travelers

When planning your trip to Zanzibar, it's important to include the $44USD insurance fee in your budget. Even if you already have international travel insurance from your own country, you must still purchase this coverage, as it is a mandatory requirement for all foreign visitors.

To get the insurance, you must buy it before traveling. You will need the ZIC-issued QR code for both your flight and entry into Zanzibar.

Be sure to check the official Zanzibar tourism website for updates on the process. For more specific inquiries, reach out directly to ZIC via email at inbound@zic.co.tz or call their toll-free number at 0800008005.

The Purpose of Mandatory Travel Insurance for Zanzibar

As their tourism industry has rapidly expanded in recent years, it has become a key driver of the Zanzibari economy. The new travel insurance mandate is part of a larger effort to improve safety and well-being of tourists.

With more visitors come new challenges, particularly related to health and safety. The government has taken action to address these issues and ensure higher service standards for everyone visiting the island.

The Zanzibar Insurance Corporation

Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC), a government-owned entity, is the sole provider of Zanzibar travel insurance. The ZIC worked with the Ministry of Finance to craft a package that covers all essential tourist needs.

Travelers must purchase the insurance in advance, and will receive a QR code to confirm their coverage. This QR code will be required when entering the country and links directly to the policy details.

Why is Additional Insurance Necessary?

Many travelers will wonder why they need travel insurance for Zanzibar, especially when they may already have coverage from their home country. Although existing insurance plans might offer some coverage, not all policies are tailored to the specific risks and services available in Zanzibar.

The Zanzibar government has said that this new policy addresses specific local needs. For instance, foreign insurance might cover medical emergencies, but it could exclude Zanzibar’s local hospitals or lack provisions for emergency evacuations from remote areas.

Additionally, common international policies might not fully cover lost baggage or the replacement of essential documents. The Zanzibar travel insurance from ZIC closes these gaps, offering protection tailored to local conditions.

The policy will standardize insurance coverage for all travelers: every traveler will have the same coverage provided by one company. Since it integrates with the local tourism system, it also simplifies paperwork for both travelers and authorities.

Additional Entry Requirements for Zanzibar

Besides the insurance, there are a few other things you’ll need when visiting Zanzibar:

• Visa: Required for most nationalities; check with the Tanzania Immigration Department for more information.
• Yellow Fever Vaccination: If you are arriving from or passing through countries with yellow fever risk, you must show proof of vaccination.
• Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date and has two blank pages.

Travel Insurance Zanzibar

With the policy taking effect on October 1, 2024, travelers should make sure they’re prepared by purchasing the necessary coverage and understanding all entry requirements.

Be sure to confirm the latest details with your Shadows Of Africa travel expert before heading to Zanzibar.

Migori-Tarime: Cross-Border Travel

The trip between Migori in Kenya and Tarime in Tanzania is the most common route to cross the border when traveling between Maasai Mara (Kenya) and the Serengeti (Tanzania).

These points are connected by a short drive. Both points have access to airstrips, which are used to travel to and from the parks in the respective countries. The road border crossing is accessible via the Isebania-Sirari border point.

Please note that the information in this document also applies for the opposite trip (traveling from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasai Mara in Kenya).

The process is as follows:

1. Fly from the park to the respective airstrip (Maasai Mara to Migori in Kenya / Serengeti to Tarime in Tanzania)
2. Cross the border by road between Migori and Tarime at the Isebania-Sirari border point
3. Fly from the respective airstrip to your final destination

Maasai Mara to Migori (Kenya)

The flight from Maasai Mara to Migori takes about 40 minutes, depending on how many other stops the plane makes.

Migori airstrip

This is a tarmac airstrip with a small arrivals building with toilets. Your driver will meet you when your plane lands.

Migori to Isebania-Sirari border crossing

The drive between the Migori airstrip and Isebania-Sirari takes about 30 minutes.

The Isebania-Sirari border crossing

This is a one-stop border point. It consists of one building on the border. You will enter the building from Kenya on one side and exit to Tanzania on the other side (or vice-versa).

Your driver will assist you throughout this process.

Travelers need to undergo immigration and customs checks. Both Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities operate at the border to manage these procedures. Passports are required for international travelers, and visas may be needed depending on nationality. Customs inspections ensure that your luggage complies with import and export regulations.

You will require an e-visa for entry to Kenya, and we recommend getting one for entry to Tanzania as well. The entry point will need to be specified on the e-visa application - this will be listed as a land border, either Isebania or Sirari.

You can get a Tanzanian visa on arrival here (ONLY IF your nationality is eligible), so take the exact amount of USD cash with you if you need one.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate check is required if you are crossing from Kenya to Tanzania, but not if you are crossing from Tanzania to Kenya.

There are toilets in this building if needed.

After the border checks you will return to your vehicle and continue the journey.

Isebania-Sirari to Tarime

The drive between Isebania-Sirari and the Tarime airstrip is about 15 minutes. This trip includes a small section of dirt road just before reaching the airstrip.

Tarime airstrip

This is a small rural dirt airstrip with minimal amenities: a toilet and some chairs to sit on. Your driver will wait for the plane with you and assist you with boarding.

Getting from Tarime to Serengeti

The flight between Tarime and the Serengeti takes approximately 30 minutes, but depends which airstrip in the Serengeti you are traveling to/from and how many other stops the plane makes.

For any questions about the border crossing process, contact Shadows Of Africa.

Shadows Of Africa - Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024

We are excited to announce that Shadows Of Africa has once again been awarded Tripadvisor's Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024!

This prestigious recognition places us among the top 10% of attractions worldwide, based on the positive reviews and ratings from our valued travelers.

Since our inception in 2010, we have aimed to provide unparalleled safari experiences across Tanzania and East Africa. Our commitment to exceptional service has led to consistent recognition, and we are honored to receive this award again.

The Travelers’ Choice Award highlights the excellence and quality of experiences we offer. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that every safari is memorable, tailored to the unique preferences of each guest. This award is a testament to our dedication and passion for creating unforgettable adventures in the heart of Africa.

Shadows Of Africa has now received this honor a remarkable 11 times since our founding. We are incredibly proud to be repeatedly recognised by the Travelers’ Choice Award over the last 11 years for our dedication to providing incredible safari experiences.

“Can't begin to explain how fulfilling this experience was. My wife and I did this trip for our honeymoon and it was worth every penny. The accommodations were first class. The service was first class. We had the best tour guide in the country (Lucas). Everyday we spent on safari was amazing. Shadows of Africa are an incredible company and I will forever be grateful for their hospitality throughout. I will always tell folks to reach out to Shadows of Africa if you want to do a trip like this right." - [review]

“Shadows of Africa fulfilled the high expectations that we had placed on the trip, ranging from accommodations, to food, to the vehicles and their personnel. We would definitely highly recommend Shadows of Africa to our friends who are also looking for an unforgettable experience in Africa." - [review]

“We had a trip of a lifetime with the help of Shadows of Africa and our guide, Loma. We visited Tanzania and the country is stunning and the people were all so welcoming and gracious. It was a pleasure to meet everyone we did and spend time with them. We wanted to experience safari and also the culture of Tanzania and Shadows of Africa helped curate us the best possible trip to balance both." - [review]

Our guests' feedback is crucial in achieving such milestones. We are grateful for the continuous support and trust from those who have chosen us for their safari journeys. The positive reviews and high ratings on Tripadvisor reflect the hard work and commitment of our entire team.

Winning the Travelers’ Choice Award for 2024 inspires us to maintain and elevate our standards. We strive to enhance our services, ensuring that every guest enjoys an exceptional and personalized experience.

“Shadows is absolutely the best! Our trip was perfect. Every little detail was perfect. We even added a side trip which a driver quickly arranged for us. Speaking of our driver, Charles was amazing. Our truck was often the first to spot animals and he would lead all the other trucks (different companies) to the animals. Jake at the Shadows office made sure this was the trip of a lifetime! Thank you!" - [review]

“We did a ten day safari in Kenya and Tanzania with Shadows of Africa in January. The trip absolutely blew all of our minds. I couldn't comprehend how much we were able to see in just one day. This trip blew my expectations out of the water! The vehicle was great and the accommodations and food were wonderful! Our guides, Amos (Kenya) and Alex (Tanzania), were top tier and knew a crazy amount of information about the wildlife, plants, culture, and just about anything I asked a question about; I learned so much! Shadows of Africa took care of every detail of the trip, and did a great job. Also, the communication leading up to the trip was fantastic - Thanks Karen Maki.
I would recommend Shadows of Africa to anyone wanting a trip of a lifetime!
" - [review]

“We worked with Shadows of Africa for our dream honeymoon to Africa. It was everything we could have asked for and more. From the beginning, Jake truly listened to our wishes and built a trip tailored exactly to what we wanted.
From when we touched down in Rwanda, throughout Tanzania, to our last day being dropped at the airport in Zanzibar, Shadows of Africa had us covered. We loved all of our guides throughout the trip, and had delicious hot meals served every day on safari.
I hope we can go back to Africa in the near future, and will absolutely be talking to Jake and Shadows of Africa for our next Africa adventure.
" - [review]

If you haven't traveled with us yet this year, now is a great time to plan. With the African summer in full swing, it's the ideal moment to book your dream safari. Reach out to us, and let's start organizing your unforgettable African adventure!

We invite you to explore the wonders of Africa with us and experience the award-winning service that has earned us this accolade. Thank you to everyone who has supported us and contributed to this achievement!

Tanzania Yellow Fever Requirements

Are you planning a trip to Tanzania and wondering about the yellow fever vaccination requirements? You'll be glad to know that the majority of travelers do not require the yellow fever vaccine for their journey to this breathtaking destination.

Tanzania is considered a low-risk country for yellow fever, making it safe to travel without the need for this vaccination.

In this article, we will look at the specifics of Tanzania’s yellow fever vaccination requirements, explain what yellow fever is, and offer guidance on receiving the vaccine, to ensure you have a safe and worry-free journey to Tanzania.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?

The vast majority of travelers do not require the yellow fever vaccine to travel to Tanzania. Tanzania has been classified as posing a low risk of yellow fever by the World Health Organization.

If you are from a country with no risk of yellow fever, you won't need the yellow fever vaccine as part of your essential travel vaccinations. Travelers coming directly from Europe or the United States do not need to meet any yellow fever vaccine requirements, and do not need the yellow fever vaccine to enter Tanzania.

What is yellow fever?

Yellow fever is a viral disease primarily transmitted through the bites of infected female mosquitoes. The illness is characterized by flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and nausea. In some cases, the disease can progress to a severe and even life-threatening form.

Tanzania is safe from yellow fever, but it is endemic in other parts of Africa and poses a public health concern in those areas. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against the virus, and it plays a crucial role in controlling outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.

Tanzania yellow fever requirements

You will only need to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival to Tanzania if you are traveling from a country with a risk of the virus. As of 2023, neither Europe nor the United States is included in this high-risk list. Please refer to the full list of Yellow Fever high-risk countries.

An important note, however: if you are transiting through one of the yellow fever high-risk countries for a period of 12 hours or more, you will be required to receive the yellow fever vaccination to enter Tanzania.

In these cases, we strongly advise you to consult your doctor and check Tanzania's vaccination requirements with a healthcare professional before your travel.

Receiving the yellow fever vaccination for travel

The yellow fever vaccine is typically administered as a single dose, which provides long-lasting immunity against the disease, and should be administered at least 10 days before your trip to ensure sufficient protection.

The vaccine should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional in an authorized vaccination center, and you must obtain proof of vaccination from your doctor or health professional in order to travel in high-risk areas.

If your doctor advises against the vaccine due to underlying health issues or other medical factors, you can still travel with an official letter from your doctor. Presenting this letter to the immigration officer upon arrival will waive the vaccination requirement, allowing your trip to proceed as planned.

For more detailed information about yellow fever vaccination requirements when traveling in Africa, please contact your local healthcare professional.

Interested in more information about health and safari? Have a look at our blog: What vaccinations do I need for Africa?

Shadows of Africa makes every effort to ensure the information above is correct at the time of publishing: but please note updates may occur. So although we provide you with information on the Yellow Fever entry requirements, this is provided as a guideline only. Shadows of Africa will not be liable if any information regarding the entry requirements provided by us is incorrect. Kindly ensure you check the latest requirements before departure applicable to your unique circumstances.

We Plant Trees. Together, Planting a Forest

Travel with us, and we plant a tree in your destination.

Shadows Of Africa has partnered with One Tree Planted to maintain and restore our beloved continent.

By supporting reforestation in the delicate ecosystems of our African home, we are making sure that this beautiful land will be around for much longer, so that it can continue to give life to its inhabitants, and that we can continue to enjoy its wonder.

Our partners at One Tree Planted have a mission to rebuild animal habitats, restore biodiversity, and improve the lives of the communities who rely on these forests by promoting sustainable forestry practices.

Trees are critical to protecting Mother Nature. They provide habitat for countless creatures, they filter the air we breathe, they clean the water we drink, and they play a big role in the fight against climate change.

Take a trip to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda, and we will plant a tree on your behalf!

Traveling with Shadows means that you leave Africa greener than when you arrived!

What Vaccinations Do I Need to Travel to Africa?

Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for 2022 Goes to Shadows of Africa!

Some exciting news!
We would like to share with you an achievement that we are sincerely proud of:

We once again made Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice!

This means that we - Shadows Of Africa - are in the top 10% of attractions worldwide on the biggest travel site on the internet. It makes us so happy that so many of our travelers consider us the best tour operator in Tanzania and East Africa.

We have won this award for 9 years in a row now! We won Tripadvisor’s Certificate of Excellence every year from 2014 to 2019, then they replaced the Certificate with the Travelers’ Choice award in 2020, and we have continued to be recognised for our service every year since.

We were very excited to receive this message once again:

“Every year, Tripadvisor celebrates attractions that consistently deliver amazing experiences with a Travelers' Choice Award—and this year, you made the list. That means you’ve earned positive reviews and ratings over the past year, so keep it up.
Good job, and congratulations on your well-deserved win."

This award means recognition for our hard work and commitment - and this means a lot to us. We are beyond proud to be considered among the best safari companies in Tanzania, and the best travel agencies in Africa!

Thanks, Tripadvisor! And thanks to all of our travelers for joining us on so many wonderful adventures!

We would like to share some of the sweetest and most heartwarming reviews we received recently. Reviews like these tell us we’re doing things right, and fill us with motivation to keep working hard for our travelers!

“On our flight home, we were extremely sad to be leaving but were also already starting to plan our next safari with Shadows of Africa so we would absolutely recommend Shadows of Africa [...] to anyone looking for an unbelievable once in a lifetime trip." - [review]

“Our safari was very customized to meet the desires of my 80 year old father's life long dream of going on a safari and I honestly can not stop thinking about this experience we had. I've never been so impacted by a trip before. Everything was absolutely incredible, the parks, the food, the lodging, the people, the animals, and our guide Loma made the trip an incredibly memorable one for my dad, brother and I." - [review]

“All local contact persons/guides of Shadows of Africa were very friendly and seemed to be very well connected. It is great knowing someone of Shadows of Africa is always around looking after your best interest and I truly think it’s a big advantage vs lodge organized airstrip safaris." - [review]

“Our honeymoon was really everything that we hoped it would be, and we owe a big thank you to Shadows of Africa and Loma for making it as special as it was. After this experience, we can't wait to go back!" - [review]

“If you are considering a trip to Kilimanjaro I absolutely recommend booking through Shadows of Africa and requesting Amir and his team as your hiking group. I can assure you that you will be well taken care of and leave Kilimanjaro feeling accomplished, with many memories and new friends." - [review]

If you haven’t yet had the chance to travel with us this year, now is the perfect time to plan for the rest of the year. The African summer is quickly approaching, so get in touch and let’s start preparing for your dream African adventure!

We are truly grateful to everyone who traveled with us and took the time to leave a review. We truly loved hosting you and sharing the unforgettable beauty of Africa with you - each and every one of you.

Latest Covid Entry Requirements Zanzibar

Last update: February 2023

Looking for the LATEST COVID ENTRY REQUIREMENTS to Zanzibar? Shadows of Africa has got you covered. With our team living on the ground, we are always aware of the LATEST COVID ENTRY REQUIREMENTS. For a quick overview, see below. Our safari experts are ready to give you tailored advice.

Latest Covid Entry Requirements for Zanzibar
IMPORTANT: TANZANIA HAS NO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS

• As of February 2023 travelers no longer need a negative COVID-19 Certificate or vaccination to enter Tanzania and/or Zanzibar

Shadows of Africa makes every effort to ensure the information below is correct at the time of sending: but please note updates may occur. So although we provide you with information on the Covid entry requirements, this is provided as a guideline only. Shadows will not be liable if any information regarding the entry requirements provided by us is incorrect. Kindly ensure you check the latest requirements before departure applicable to your situation.

If you want to plan a safe and responsible trip to Zanzibar - don’t hesitate to contact us to start planning & dreaming.

For the full document please click this link: Latest COVID requirements for Zanzibar

Latest Covid Entry Requirements Uganda

Last update: April 2022

Looking for the latest covid entry requirements to Uganda? Shadows of Africa has got you covered. With our team living on the ground, we are always aware of the latest covid entry requirements. For a quick overview, see below. Our safari experts are ready to give you tailored advice.

Latest Covid entry requirement summary:

For fully vaccinated travellers:

• NO requirement for a negative PCR test done on arrival
• NO requirement for a negative PCR test for departure.

Travelers with partial or no vaccination will be required to present a negative CPR test done within 72 hours of travel.

Travelers below 5 years are not required to present a negative PCR test on arrival or departure.

The Ugandan government is taking the safety and health of our travellers seriously, and has implemented regulations that will help make it possible for everyone to enjoy a safe safari. Uganda has been lucky enough to be a safe destination to visit and these new measures will ensure it will continue to be so.

If you want to plan a safe and responsible trip to Uganda - don’t hesitate to contact us to start planning & dreaming.

For the full document please click this link: Full Ugandan travel advisory