East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar's Beaches - 16 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Spot the legendary Big Five on thrilling safaris through Kenya and Tanzania, Watch the drama of the wild unfold in the Masai Mara’s protected plains, Learn about culture and conservation in Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, Descend into Ngorongoro Crater and come face-to-face with its unique wildlife, Discover Tarangire’s baobabs and elephants on a quieter less-travelled safari, Kick back on Zanzibar’s sugar-white beaches with turquoise waters at your toes.

• What types of transportation will we use on this trip?

  The safari part of this trip is done in private, 7-seat 4x4 Land cruiser vehicles with sliding windows and large pop-up roofs for wildlife viewing. If there is a large group, 2 or more vehicles will be used. The journey from Arusha to Zanzibar will be by plane. Travel can involve long drives and rough road conditions at times.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  15 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 9 dinners are included. Many included meals are prepared from fresh local produce. When a meal is not included, it's to give you the opportunity to explore local cuisine, and your CEO will suggest local restaurants. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements must be specified prior to arrival. Bottled drinking water is at your own expense.

• What kind of accommodation will we have?

  Accommodation includes Hotels (8 nights), Safari Camp Cottages (4 nights), and Lodges (3 nights).

• How large will the group be?

  The maximum group size is 14 travellers, with an average of 10.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travellers or can I get my own room?

  The group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement for solo travellers, who are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Ensure you are covered for all included adventure activities.

• Are there any health considerations or vaccinations I should know about?

  It is recommended to contact your family physician or local travel clinic at least one month before departure for up-to-date health information and recommended inoculations. A basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers are advisable. Medical facilities are basic. A valid Yellow Fever Certificate is compulsory if travelling from a Yellow Fever endemic country to Kenya or Tanzania. Malaria is present in some regions, and preventative medication combined with insect repellent is recommended.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include: Lake Nakuru Afternoon Safari Drive, Masai Mara Balloon Safari (480USD per person) or Morning Masai Mara Wildlife Safari Drive, Lake Manyara Safari Drive, Serengeti Balloon Safari, Zanzibar Snorkelling, Jozani Forest Tour (36-160USD per person), and Swimming in Jambiani.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money?

  The local currency is Kenyan Shilling (KES/KSH) in Kenya and Tanzanian Shilling (TSH) in Tanzania. USD is the easiest foreign currency to exchange, but British Pounds and Euros may also be exchanged. USD notes older than 2006 are not accepted. Large notes (USD50, USD100) offer the best exchange rate. Travellers' cheques are not recommended. Visa/Plus system cards are most widely accepted debit cards; Mastercard/Cirrus are harder to find. Credit cards can be used in major cities only, often with a 5-10% fee. Do not rely solely on cards due to potential power outages or ATMs running out of cash. A combination of foreign currency cash and debit/credit cards is best. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 (or equivalent) is also recommended.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, part of your tour program and is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Suggested guidelines (per person): CEO: $5 USD per day, Driver: $5 USD per day, Supply crew: $2-5 USD per day, Local guides: $1 USD per couple of hours, Local guides (Zanzibar): $2 per day, Hotel porters (Zanzibar): $1 USD, Restaurant/café servers: 10% of the bill.

• Who will be leading the group?

  You will be accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), certified safari guides/drivers, and local guides. The CEO will act as the group leader, providing information and suggestions. Expert driver/guides are skilled mechanics and familiar with routes. Camp cooks will prepare meals. On Zanzibar, a CEO will provide general knowledge, suggestions, and recommendations.

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, as they contravene local laws and endanger the group. Smoking marijuana and opium, even if part of local culture, is not acceptable for travellers. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is against the tour operator's philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or utilizing paid sex workers.

• What safety and security considerations should I be aware of?

  Always keep valuables in hotel safes (photocopies of passport are better to carry). Do not leave bags unattended or flaunt valuables. Avoid wandering at night and take taxis after sundown in cities like Nairobi and Arusha. Be wary of con artists or persistent street sellers. In Zanzibar, avoid 'hawks' or touts; be polite but firm. Do not walk alone at night in Stone Town or on beaches. Dress modestly in Zanzibar as it is predominantly Muslim. Exercise extreme caution regarding prostitution due to high HIV prevalence. Do not take photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, border crossings, army barracks, personnel, or any government building, as it is illegal and can lead to confiscation of equipment. Travel insurance is compulsory and includes emergency evacuation. CEOs can amend itineraries for safety. Optional activities undertaken in free time are at your own judgment and risk. Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Kenya and Tanzania?

  All countries require a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity). For Kenya, as of January 1st, 2024, all travellers must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), as visitor visas are no longer required. For Tanzania, border crossing from Kenya is through Namanga Border Post; host information for online visa application is provided. For Zanzibar, as of October 1st, 2024, mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) is required for the duration of stay. It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever certificate if travelling from a Yellow Fever endemic country.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. There will be times you may need to do your own laundry, so bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses (empowering women, youth, protecting the environment) and integrate these projects into tour itineraries. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of donations go directly to Planeterra projects. Travellers can donate $1/day to support these initiatives.