Can we bring plastic bags to Tanzania?

The Tanzanian government has banned single-use plastic bags like shopping bags. You can still use Ziploc bags for your loose items and to keep items dry.

plastic bags Tanzania

What money should I bring to Tanzania?

We recommend bringing approximately $700-800 US dollars. They should be 2009 and newer, undamaged bills. USD is accepted everywhere. They should be an assortment of $100s, $20s, $5s, and at least 40 dollars in $1s. Use the $100s for the tip because the exchange rate for large denominations is better than $1s. You can use your credit cards at a few souvenir shops, but you’ll get hit with International transaction fees.

Who will pick me up at JRO?

Once you grab your luggage in baggage claim at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), proceed to the parking lot. If you paid for a pickup, then just outside the doors, one of our drivers will be standing there with a sign for Kilimanjaro Sunrise. Go with him. If your bags did not arrive, let him know immediately so we can begin gathering temporary equipment and gear. Once your bags arrive, a porter will run them up the mountain to you. Please tip him.

If you did not pay for a pickup, head toward the parking lot to the right. Someone will most likely ask if you need a taxi, he is not a taxi driver. He will just take you to the taxi area. He will expect a tip of $1 USD.

 

Do I have to exchange currency into Tanzanian Shillings?

US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Tanzania. There is no need to exchange your US Dollars for Tanzanian Shillings while in Tanzania. However, by paying with US dollars you will experience slightly less buying power. Most merchants will round up to the nearest dollar when doing a currency conversion. For example, if a bottle of water is 1700 shillings and the current conversion is 1900 shillings to one US dollar. They will charge you one full dollar for the bottle of water.

Please note that your US dollars must be dated at least 2009 or newer. Many merchants will not accept US cash that is older than 2009. You can find out the date of your dollars by looking for the Series date on each bill.

They will not accept damaged or torn bills either, not even at the bank.

ATMs are not very plentiful in Tanzania so we suggest that you bring all the cash that you think you may need. Do not rely on being able to find an ATM while you are in Tanzania.

Large hotels and restaurants will take credit cards. However, many will impose a fee of up to 5% for using a credit card. Smaller merchants and street vendors do not accept credit cards.

Read more here: Do You Have to Exchange US Dollars to Tanzanian Shillings?

What kind of bags should I bring, duffle bag or backpacks?

When climbing Kilimanjaro, you will need to bring at least two bags. One should be a daypack that you will carry during your hike. The second bag can be a duffle bag or a backpack. This bag should be 75 liters up to 90 liters. We do rent 90-liter duffel bags.

Think of your first bag, your daypack as your carry-on luggage. You will have access to this bag during the entire day as you hike. This daypack will weigh about 15 lbs. It will contain your water, your lunch, snacks, rain gear, camera, and maybe an extra layer of clothing.

Your second bag is like a check-in bag. You will give this bag to a porter and he will carry it from campsite to campsite. You will not have access to this bag during the day. It will be waiting for you inside your tent when you arrive at your campsite. This bag will contain all your other clothing and toiletries.

The second bag should not weigh more than 33 lbs. If it is a duffle bag, it does not need to be waterproof as the porters will put it inside another larger waterproof bag. However, we do recommend waterproofing everything inside of it in case the outer bag leaks. See here: https://youtu.be/0fhfp8J4UE4

If it is a backpack, it should have a rain cover because the porter will most likely wear it as a backpack as he carries it.

Do I need any vaccinations to get into Tanzania?

There are no specific vaccine requirements needed to enter Tanzania from the United States.  However, be aware that the government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. This is due upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever. If you fly directly from the United States to Tanzania (including layovers in which you do not exit the airport) you will not need the yellow fever vaccine. However, if you are arriving from a country listed here, you will need the yellow fever vaccine.

Do I need a Passport and/or Visa to get into Tanzania?

To gain entry into Tanzania, US citizens, and most other nationalities will need a passport and visa. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the intended length of stay.

Visas can be obtained prior to departure from the USA (recommended due to long wait times at JRO) or at your point of entry into Tanzania. The visa cost for US citizens is $100. More information can be found here: http://tanzaniaembassy-us.org/?page_id=76#visaForms
?page_id=76#visaForms

Visa at JRO

JRO Visa Windows

Obtaining a Visa at JRO airport for citizens of most countries is a relatively simple process. When you arrive at JRO, there will be two lines. The line on the right is for people purchasing a visa. The line straight ahead is for people who have a visa.

To get your visa you fill out the required form and get in line for the first window. Give them the form and show them your passport. Go to the line for window two. Pay for the visa and get your photo taken. Go to the line for the third window and receive your visa.

How many days ahead of time should I arrive?

Our climbs have an arrival and departure day built in. We recommend arriving at least one day early. This will give your body time to adjust to the time change and also recuperate from the long flight. It also gives you a cushion in case your flight is canceled or delayed, or if your bags are lost or delayed.

My flight lands in the evening the night before the climb. Is this okay?

Many of our clients will take the Delta/ KLM flight from Amsterdam. It arrives around 8 PM. By the time you go through customs and take the 45-minute drive to the lodge, you will arrive around 10 PM or later.

If you arrive at 10:00 PM the night before the climb, you will miss our pre-climb briefing. We can give you an abbreviated briefing the next morning.

Our suggestion is that you arrive one day early if possible. This way you will get one day to relax and recuperate for your climb. This will also allow us to track down any missing or delayed luggage and accommodate any flight delays.