Travel tips
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Get your PCR & Rapid Covid Test in Arusha, Zanzibar and the Serengeti!
Latest update!
Since 26th of January 2021 KLM requires a Rapid Covid-19 test as an additional obligation to the PCR test. This rapid test must be taken no more than 4 hours before departure. Rapid testing is performed on all airports that KLM flies from and to: Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
The cost for this test is 25 USD per person/test. To be paid in cash at the airport.
Reserve enough time for this test to prevent any issues, and arrive at the airport at least five hours before departure.Where to get a PCR test in Arusha
A PCR test can be taken in Mount Meru Regional Hospital
and in Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre
Where to get a PCR test on Zanzibar
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The Ministry of Health Zanzibar has currently designated three locations for Covid PCR tests:
- Emergency Operation Centre in Lumumba
- Global Hospital in Vuga and
- North Valley Hospital in Nungwi
What's the cost
The cost of the test is 100 USD.
In Zanzibar private hospitals charge 150 USD.
In the Serengeti the cost are $100 for the test and $17 for the handling feeWhere to get a PCR test in the Serengeti
To be able to get the PCR test in the Serengeti you also have the register via the normal website: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz
After registering, a control number will be generated. Pay the test fee, which is equivalent to 100$ in TZS, following the instructions provided when the control is generated.
For taking a test in the Serengeti there is a small extra handling fee covering the extra cost with taking a test in the Serengeti. Pay the handling fee via Mpesa, through Vodacom pay ‘Number 5106362 Tanzania Association of Tour Operators’. Shadows of Africa can assist with this. The handling fee is 40,000 TZS or roughly $17
Go to the Testing Center in Seronera between 8AM and 12AM. No appointment needed.
The test will travel to Dar es Salaam for the physical testing. The results take 48 hours to be delivered to you via email, WhatsApp - like with tests taken in Arusha & Zanzibar.How to take a PCR test in Arusha or on Zanzibar
Since 4th of January 2021 new rules have been implemented by the Tanzanian government.
You need to register on the official test site: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz, with your passport and telephone number. You should do this 5 days before you plan to take your test.
Choose a hospital, pay and get tested.
Roughly, this is the procedure on arrival in the hospital:
Get in a line to pay for the test. Cash is preferred, although cards are accepted. Using cards to pay might cause some trouble or delay. After paying, you'll receive a receipt, which is also a necessary document when leaving the country, so don't lose it!
You'll then proceed to another line. You'll present your paid receipt and submit your personal information and flight details. In the third line, you will then declare how you want to get the results, on-line via WhatsApp or email or a printed copy. We suggest the latter since you will need a printed result to present at the airport.
You will then receive a control number, and when it's your turn, you get tested. The samples are taken from your throat and nose.How long does it take to get the result?
It will take up to 48 hours to get the results since the samples are sent to Dar es Salaam for testing. If your airline has strict regulations regarding the validity time of the certificate make sure you perform your sample taking in the morning - so it can be sent to Dar es Salaam the same day of the sample taking.
Will I get the results on time to comply with the requirements of the airline or the country I'm travelling to?
The date stated on your certificate is the date the test was performed in Dar es Salaam, not the date the sample was taken. So in short, yes you can meet all requirements
Travelling to Tanzania during Covid-19 pandemic – all you need to know
Travelling in the times of the pandemic can be tricky. The key to successful travel is good preparation, which starts with credible information. Let's start with some facts:
The Government of Tanzania is collecting tracking information for all international passengers arriving in Tanzania. Temperature scanning for all international passengers arriving in Tanzania is implemented. If you show symptoms of Covid-19 upon arrival, you may be required to take a test. And, of course, you should comply with any additional screening measures instituted by the authorities.
There are some sanitary regulations and restrictions, like recommended wearing of face masks, disinfecting your hands and keeping social distance, just as almost everywhere else in the world. They are strictly obeyed, and most accommodations have their own Corona coordinator, to keep you and the Tanzanians safe and healthy. You may also like the fact, that there are no significant numbers of sick people, that the average age of the population is 18 years, and they are generally very healthy.
Life in Tanzania is (close to) normal, public transportation is operating, restaurants, cafes and bars are open, as well as non-essential businesses and attractions. And once again, this pure piece of Africa has everything to offer and the Tanzanians are overjoyed to be able to show you their beautiful country again.
The natural parks currently host much fewer visitors, thus the animals are being very curious. Our guides report of doubled spottings and much longer observing time for the visitors, so your experience can be really unique and also quite intimate. And remember, the visitors protect the animals from poachers! Equally unique and intimate can be any trekking experience; imagine Kilimanjaro or Ngorongoro with your group only. Or a long sandy beach caressing you while resting alone…
As for the cherry on the top, all these jewels can be enjoyed for a very, very reasonable price. A slow flow of tourists because of the pandemic pushed the prices low, but don't rely on them staying there.
So, to summarize: Tanzania implemented precautions due to Covid-19 situation, people understand and obey them, lodges and hotels take special care of hygiene and sanitation, wildlife and nature are even more amazing and the prices are historically low. A great melange for the best travel ever. Experience it with us!
Source on travel restrictions: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/entry-requirements
Last update: 1 day ago.Money Tips for Travel to Tanzania
Below are few good to know insider money tips for travel to Tanzania that can turn out useful knowing them prior to arrival to the country.
Crossing the Border on Safari: What You Need to Know
Crossing the Border on Safari
If you're taking part in one of Shadows of Africa's many fantastic multi-country safaris, your trip is likely to include a border crossing.
Whether you're flying from Kenya's Maasai Mara to Tanzania's Serengeti or crossing into Uganda from Rwanda for your gorilla trekking, you'll have to go through immigration.
While this can be a stressful experience, your Shadows of Africa driver will be on hand to offer help and guidance.
You'll also find plenty of helpful information on crossing the various borders that stand between you and your safari adventure.
Namanga Border Crossing: Kenya and Tanzania
The most commonly crossed border between Tanzania and Kenya, Namanga lies between Arusha and Amboseli National Park.
Crossing the border at Namanga can be a slow process, as it is a popular border crossing for tourists and locals alike.
With immigration needing to check and issue visas as well as check baggage, you can expect anywhere from 1 - 2 hours at the Namanga border crossing.
Thankfully, you'll have your Shadows of Africa drivers on hand to help you out. No matter what direction you're crossing the border, one driver will wait for you to cross before you meet with your new driver.
As local law forbids Kenyan drivers from driving in Tanzania and vice versa, you'll switch cars here for your onward travel.
Isebania Border Crossing: Kenya and Tanzania
If you look at a map, the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti look close together, but it's not as simple as all that.
Crossing from the Maasai Mara to the Serengeti requires either two flights or the long, dusty drive via the Isebania border crossing.
Weighing in at anywhere between 10 and 12 hours, the Isebania crossing is not one we recommend unless you're on a tight budget. It is not only a long, boring day of driving, but it also eats up an entire day. You won't be seeing much (if any) wildlife during your drive.
Like Namanga, you'll need to go through immigration and customers when crossing the border. You'll also need to switch drivers.
Migori-Tarime Border Crossing: Kenya and Tanzania
For those wanting to experience both the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti, flying between the two is the best way to avoid a wasted day in the car.
Crossing the border when there are no international airports on either side means landing and making a land transfer, but the process is much the same as other border crossings.
You'll land, transfer via shuttle to the border crossing for immigration, and then continue onwards to your second flight.
While flights between the two parks can be quite expensive, we always recommend it for those who can afford it. The Isebania drive is an unpleasant one.
Rwanda - Uganda Border Crossing
Due to the higher prices in Rwanda, more and more people are choosing to fly into Kigali and do their gorilla trekking in Uganda.
While there are a number of different border crossings between Rwanda and Uganda depending on where you are trekking, the process is the same at each.
Unlike Tanzania & Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda do not forbid drivers crossing the border, so you'll have your guide on hand at all times to help if you run into any snags.
Just make sure you have an East African Visa if you are planning to cross back into Rwanda after you've finished your trekking, or you'll need to pay for a second Rwandan tourist visa!
How to Speed Up Crossing the Border
While some things are beyond our control when crossing a border, there are certainly ways to make the process as quick and painless as possible.
1. Have your visa already
While Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya can all process visas on arrival at border crossings, this can be a major time drain. Get your visas in advance either online or through your local consulate to avoid the long visa on arrival queues.
2. Have Your Vaccination Card Ready
When crossing into Tanzania after having spent time in Rwanda, Uganda, or Kenya, you will be required to present your Yellow Fever vaccination card.
It is possible to get this vaccination done at the border for an additional fee, but this can be time-consuming (and a tad painful). Have your Yellow Fever vaccination card ready and you'll breeze straight through!
3. Pack Smart
The Isebania and Namanga border crossings both have extensive customs and security checks for your luggage, so you'll need to carry everything with you and wait for staff to search it.
If your bag is a jumbled mess, this may take the security staff longer to check.
Be careful not to travel with plastic bags, animal products, or any other forbidden products. Local laws can be very strict and tourists are not exempt!
4. Don't panic!
It can be nerve-wracking dealing with the crowds and the bureaucracy at a border crossing, especially on your own.
Just remember, you've got Shadows of Africa drivers waiting for you on both sides of the border and our head office is just a phone call away!
You're perfectly safe at border crossings, so it's just a matter of following the signs and you'll be on your way in no time!
5. Avoid scammers
A number of enterprising locals have made a cottage industry out of helping tourists carry their bags from security to their safari cars.
While these people are not likely to steal from you, their charges can be a tad high. Don't be afraid to give a firm but polite "no" if you don't want to tip $10 USD for their services.
Food available at the border is also similarly high-priced, so we would advise skipping those bags of cashew nuts or dried peas unless you've got a powerful hunger.
We've Got You Covered
Regardless of where you're crossing the border, the Shadows of Africa team is on hand to help out.
While you may not be able to immediately grab your driver's attention during immigration, you'll have the contact number for our head office as well as your booking agent.
Don't hesitate to give us a call if you are confused or held up at immigration. We're not going to leave you high and dry!
How Can I Pay for my Safari?
When it comes to paying for your safari, Shadows of Africa offers a number of payment options to make things easier on you.Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Going on Safari (but were afraid to ask)
Got a question about going on safari that you're afraid to ask? We've covered all of the bases in this post! From what to eat to where to pee, it's in here!How to Apply for a Tanzanian eVisa
The Tanzanian eVisa - Finally!
For a long time now, visitors to Tanzania have had two options when it came to getting a visa:
- They could arrange this on arrival and deal with airport queues;
- They could apply in advance by mailing their passport to the nearest consulate or embassy.
While both of these options were relatively painless, neither could boast the convenience of the online visas that so many other countries offered.
At long last, Tanzania has moved into the 21st century and is offering future tourists the chance to fill out an easy online form to get their Tanzanian eVisa.
Let the Shadows of Africa team walk you through the simple process of applying for your Tanzanian eVisa.
#1 - Go to the Tanzanian eVisa website
First thing's first. Go to the Tanzanian Visa website. It should look like this:
You're going to scroll down to the box in the lower left corner: New Application.
Go ahead and click that.
#2 - Set Up An Account
On the next page, you'll be prompted to enter your email address as well as selecting a security question and answer.
You'll also need to complete a CAPTCHA form to prove you're human. If you are not human, you can't get a visa, I'm afraid.
On the next page, you'll be presented with your application information: an application ID and the date. You'll want to write both of these down!
#3 - Fill Out Your Application
The next few pages will have you fill out the meat and bones of your application.
- Page 1: Fill out your personal information such as name, date of birth, and nationality.
- Page 2: Provide contact information, your present and permanent addresses, and your employment information.
- Page 3: Provide your passport information as well as information on your parents. Weirdly, you are required to provide information on your legal guardian. Just put your own name or your parents' name here.
- Page 4: This one is a little trickier, so we'll cover it in the next section!
#4 - Travel Information
Up until now, this has all been pretty straightforward, but the fourth page of your application gets a little more complicated.
- You'll be asked to list the country in which you are applying and the nearest embassy. There is a limited selection of embassies here, so choose the one in your country or, if all else fails, select immigration headquarters.
- When asked for your Type of Visa, you'll need to select Ordinary (or Multiple Entry, if need be). For Purpose of Your visit, select Leisure and Holiday.
- If you have visited Tanzania previously, you'll need to provide the date of your last entry as well as your visa number from that visit.
- For your travel plans, select all that apply. Be sure to select the correct Port of Entry - the airport or land border crossing. If you aren't sure, ask your Shadows of Africa Safari Expert!
- When asked for your Local Host, select:Host: Company/Organisation
Full Name: Shadows of Africa
Mobile Number: Enter the contact number provided in your booking contract
Email: Enter the email address of your contact at Shadows of Africa
Company: Shadows of Africa
Relationship: Tour Operator
Physical Address: Mateves, Arusha, Tanzania - Lastly, it will ask you for your accommodation. Ask your Shadows of Africa contact for the address of the first hotel in your itinerary and enter this.
#5 - Travel Companions
On the following page, you'll be asked two questions:
- Are you traveling as part of a group or organization?
- Are you being accompanied by minors?
If the answer to either of these is 'yes', you'll be prompted to provide additional information.
#6 - Documents
On the next page, you'll be asked to upload a passport sized photo, a copy of your passport's photo page, and an invitation letter.
An invitation letter is not actually needed for a tourist visa, but the system is set up to require one.
Your booking contract will work in place of a formal invitation letter.
#7 - Final Steps
On the next page, you'll be asked to review the information you've submitted and agree to a Declaration Statement.
Make sure everything is 100% correct, as you can't change it after this.
You'll then make payment for your visa and be provided with confirmation.
Visas are $50 USD (or $100 USD for US citizens), just as they would be at the border or airport upon arrival.
You're done!
Checking the Status of Your Tanzanian eVisa Application
To check on the progress of your application, return to this website.
You'll find a Visa Status button in the bottom right corner. Enter the details you were provided in step two and you're all set!
How it works
- 1 Describe your dream trip
- 2 A travel consultant will help curate your experience
- 3 Confirm & start packing
Let us plan your dream
African trip!Enquire now and a Shadows of Africa Safari Expert will be in touch within 24 hours!
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