Read on for the lowdown on the practicalities on visiting Tanzania, including visa requirements, health considerations, money and getting there.

Flights to Kilimanjaro

It is not possible to fly direct from London to Kilimanjaro (JRO). KLM is the only major international airline to fly directly into Kilimanjaro. Flights are from Amsterdam which has connections from most major International Airports (including Heathrow). This would always be our first recommendation availability allowing. For those short of time it is possible to arrive on the KLM flight landing 2045 in Kilimanjaro and start your trek the very next day.

The next best option is usually to fly Kenya Airways to Nairobi and then on to Kilimanjaro (the second leg by Kenya Airways subsidiary Precision Air on a small prop plane). British Airways and Ethiopia Airlines also offer this route. The cheapest available fares from the UK vary throughout the year from £590 - £800

Visas

For up to date advice, always check the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. British passport holders are required to obtain a Visa to enter Tanzania. Single entry Visas can be obtained on arrival at the main ports of entry (including International Airports). If you are flying into Kilimanjaro expect to queue for up to 1 hour to obtain the visa (particularly if you are last off the plane). British residents will need USD 50 per person in cash for the Visa, US passport holders are charged USD 100 per person. Those of other nationalities are advised to have USD 100 in cash ready, though in most cases the cost will be only USD 50.

London residents (and others willing to travel into London) can apply for a visa in person at the Tanzanian Embassy. You will need your passport and payment in cash of GBP 38 (or GBP 43 for those wanting an express 24 hour return service with collection at 1500 the following working day). 

Visitors from countries infected with yellow fever must produce international certificates of vaccination; this is particularly relevant for those traveling from neighbouring African countries.  If visiting Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania, a yellow fever certificate must be produced. If in doubt, make sure you have a yellow fever certificate.

Money

The basic unit is the Tanzanian shilling.  It is advisable to carry American dollars.  Moneychangers also accept the major convertible currencies including the yen.  Travellers’ cheques are exchangeable in some places.  Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels but it is advisable to carry cash.

Visitors can take in any amount of foreign currency and no currency declaration is required.   But import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal.  Foreign currency in cash or travellers’ cheques may be exchanged at any branch of the commercial banks or through authorized dealers and at Bureaux de Change (“forex bureaux”), at the international airports, major towns, and border posts.

Health

For up to date advice, please consult the UK NHS Fit for Travel advice for Tanzania

Courses or boosters usually advised for Tanzania are: tetanus; hepatitis A; typhoid. Vaccines sometimes advised for Tanzania are: hepatitis B; rabies; cholera; yellow fever*.Malaria precautions are essential in all areas of Tanzania below 1800m, all year round.  Although Kilimanjaro is above that altitude, you will be spending time in a Malarial area before and after the so the sensible approach is to take anti-malarials.

Plugs

Tanzania uses British square 3 pin plug sockets