Question 1

What are the entry requirements for Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

The entry requirements can be found on the relevant website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Federal Foreign Office. Excerpt:Austria: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/reise-urlaub/ travel information/country/tanzania/Germany: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/tanzaniaSicherheit/208662 Switzerland: https://www.eda .admin.ch/eda/de/home/ agencys-and-travel-notes/tanzania/travel-notes-fuertansania.html

UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/entry-requirements Visa: You can obtain a visa for approximately £40 upon arrival at the airport. You can also apply for a visa online in advance of your trip.Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the start of your trip and have three blank pages! The entry stamp usually takes up an entire page.Fee:The passenger fee (VI Tax) for international air travellers is:1. USD 45 for a one-way international flight and2. USD 90 for a return flight.This tax is used to finance security and immigration systems and is automatically added to the airfare charged when purchasing the ticket.Infants under two years of age and flight attendants on duty are exempt.

Question 2

How do I get a visa for Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

An online visa can be applied for in advance at: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/

You can also get a visa at Kilimanjaro Airport for $50/€50. To speed up entry, this document can be filled out in advance and handed in at the counter: https://de. tzembassy.go.tz/uploads/VISA_FORM.pdf

Question 3

Which airlines fly to Tanzania/Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)?

Accepted Answer

Qatar, Ethiopian, KLM, Turkish Airlines and Condor all fly to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).

Question 4

How do I get to my accommodation?

Accepted Answer

There are detailed descriptions on the respective accommodation pages. The Original Maasai Lodge is in a different location than the Hillside Retreat. Our drivers will be happy to take you to the accommodation. The travel time is approx. 1.5 hours.

Question 5

What do the accommodation names mean?

Accepted Answer

For a time, the lodge was the only one in Tanzania where travelers from all over the world had the opportunity to experience Maasai life up close. Meanwhile, there are imitators offering similar experiences, which is why we chose the name ' Original Maasai Lodge '. However, the social aspect is unique to us, and we can assure you that every cent goes directly to the Africa Amini Alama project.The ' Maasai Sacred Site ' is located in a special place, Mount Mukuru – the sacred mountain of the Maasai. The landscape is dotted with countless caves, which the Maasai use for healing. Inspired by this, we have built caves that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings and offer a unique overnight accommodation option.The ' Hillside Retreat ' sits atop a small hill offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and borders directly on Arusha National Park. Guests frequently spot giraffes and monkeys, especially from the terrace. A variety of apartments with full board are available, each with its own private terrace.The ' Amini Homes' are houses located amidst the Afrika Amini Alama projects, hence their name. The restaurant under the Afrika Amini tree offers full board, and you are immersed in the life of the Afrika Amini projects from the very first minute.

Question 6

What is the weather like?

Accepted Answer

The tropical climate in Tanzania means warm to hot temperatures during the day; cooler in the evenings and early morning. The summer months are December-March and the winter lasts from June to September. During the European summer holidays, temperatures are likely to be similar to those seen in spring in Europe.

Question 7

When is the best time to travel?

Accepted Answer

Apart from the rainy season in May, any month is recommended. Depending on the travel time, we recommend different national parks because of the animal migrations.

Question 8

What vaccinations are required?

Accepted Answer

We recommend: Hepatitis A + B / Tetanus (lockjaw) / Diphtheria / Whooping cough / Polio.Yellow fever vaccination is only necessary on the island of Zanzibar or when traveling onward to Kenya.tap water The water is not drinkable, however, you will receive free filtered water in all lodges/hotels.Our accommodations are located in a malaria-free area , as we are situated at an altitude of over 1550 meters.

Question 9

What payment options are there on site?

Accepted Answer

We recommend you bring dollars or euros with you. In Arusha, the nearest major city, foreign currency can be exchanged for Tanzanian Shillings (TSH, local currency). There are now ATMs in Tanzania; however you can only withdraw money in Shillings (TZH)

Exchange rate as a guide 1 € = approx. 2,500 Tsh

Big bills (50,100, 200, 500 bills) have a better exchange rate. In Tanzania it is still uncommon to pay by credit card and you need to be prepared for that eventuality.

Question 10

Which language should I speak?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge of Swahili is not a requirement; knowledge of English is an advantage, but not a must!

Most of the people you deal with in and around Africa Amini Alama will speak English.  Volunteers on site or the project managers Christine and Cornelia speak German. In larger towns and cities in Tanzania, English is generally spoken, less so in rural areas. The official language in Tanzania is Kiswahili.

Question 11

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

If you have concerns, we can pick you up directly from Kilimanjaro airport. Everyone from your driver/guide to the security guards on the gate,, all the staff take care of you so you don't have to worry. In the event of a medical problem, our medical team will be happy to help you.

All our activities and buildings are compliant with practices brought in to manage the COVID 19 virus. If you need detailed information, you can find it under the item "COVID-19 PROACTIVE AND PREVENTATIVE MEASURES" or contact us directly.

Question 12

Is it really illegal to take plastic with you?

Accepted Answer

Plastic bags may no longer be imported, exported, manufactured, sold or used in Tanzania. Private users of plastic bags could be fined 30,000 shillings (about 12 euros/dollars) or two weeks in prison. The use of plastic in medicine, in agriculture or in the construction industry is exempt from the ban.

Question 13

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

To ensure you can enjoy your trip in a relaxed manner, we have compiled the most important things for your holiday in Tanzania:👕 ClothingSoftshell jacket and rain gearSweater or fleeceShirts and T-shirtsShort and long trousers / skirts / dressesUnderwear and socksHead covering (hat, cap or cap)Swimwear for our pools 💡 Note: Laundry service is available at all our accommodations for an extra charge – so you can travel light!👟 ShoesSturdy hiking or athletic shoes (they get dusty from the sand)Flip-flops, sandals🎒 Equipment & AccessoriesCamera and chargerflashlight or headlampBinoculars for wildlife observationsunglassesContact lenses and sufficient lens solutiondiary or writing materialsfavorite book or travel games🧴 Health & CareTravel pharmacyInsect repellentsunscreen

Question 14

Is there internet

Accepted Answer

Yes, Wi-Fi is available in all our accommodations. The speed isn't always high, as this also depends on the current weather conditions. However, as long as no large files/attachments are being sent or downloaded, it's perfectly adequate.