Your international flights will be booked into and out of Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO).

Entry into Tanzania requires a passport and visa. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay. Visas can be obtained in advance at any Tanzanian embassy or may be purchased upon arrival at all international airports and border crossings in Tanzania. The cost is $100 for U.S. citizens and must be paid in USD cash only.  

International Yoga strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance. A personal, political, environmental, health, or weather-related incident may arise that can prevent or interrupt your travels. Note that if you elect to not purchase travel insurance you will be assuming 100% of any costs associated with the cancellation/ interruption of your retreat.

As International Yoga cannot advise on specific travel insurance plans, we recommend the reputable travel insurance aggregator InsureMyTrip. They will provide personalized support in selecting a travel insurance provider and policy that works best for your specific needs. Note that most travel insurance providers require that you purchase coverage within 7 to 10 days of your initial booking.

No immunizations are required to enter Tanzania, except proof of yellow fever vaccination for those travelers entering Tanzania from a country that is yellow fever endemic. We advise you to consult with your primary care physician or a travel health specialist about recommended immunizations. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control website includes Tanzania-specific information. 

Malaria is endemic to Tanzania at elevations below 5,500ft (1700m). Mbahe Village and all of Kilimanjaro National Park are above this elevation. No malaria immunization currently exists. Consult your physician or a travel health specialist to learn about malaria prophylaxes options. Insect repellant and long sleeves and trousers in the evening (when mosquitoes are most active) provide additional protection. All tourist accommodations within malarial zones will either have bed nets or be impenetrable tents.

Dry seasons are January through March and mid-June through October, although it can rain any time of year. Days will be warm with highs in the low 80s F (26-28°C). Nights are cool, particularly around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Even with open windows and sun shade the safari vehicle may get hot mid-day. 

You will be accompanied by a trained wildlife guide and expert in Tanzania ecology, who will be with you throughout the safari portion of your trip. All of our guides are fluent in English, have many years experience on safari, have taken several wildlife courses, and are superior drivers. You will discuss  and be briefed on each day's plans by your guide. 

We get hundreds of travelers each year who go on retreat alone. If you are traveling without a friend or partner, but prefer to share your room, we will do our best to match you with another traveler of the same gender. If for some reason, we are not able to match you with a roommate 50% of the supplement will be applied to your final invoice.

If you prefer to have your own private room (note: these are extremely limited), a single supplement will apply.

We get hundreds of travelers each year who go on retreat alone. If you are traveling without a friend or partner, but prefer to share your room, we will do our best to match you with another traveler of the same gender. If for some reason, we are not able to match you with a roommate 50% of the supplement will be applied to your final invoice.

If you prefer to have your own private room (note: these are extremely limited), a single supplement will apply.

Tanzania has an extensive cellular phone network, but coverage is unavailable on parts of Kilimanjaro and large swaths of the safari parks. You will need international roaming or an unlocked phone with a Tanzania SIM card.

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and lodges and some permanent tented camps. It is also available at SENE’s Mbahe Village cottages – in the central dining area only and dependent on connectivity through the local power grid.

Yes, private airport transfers are included in the price of your trip whenever you arrive, day or night. Note if you arrive early and decide to stay at an alternate location other than our group hotel, you will be responsible for coordinating and paying for your own transportation directly with the hotel where you will be staying.

The Tanzania Shilling (TZS) exchanges at approximately US $1=2300 TZS and €1=2650 TZS (July 2020). Tourist establishments accept both US dollars and Tanzanian shillings, but local shops and restaurants take only shillings. ATMs are available in all large towns and offer the best exchange rate when withdrawing Tanzanian shillings from your home account. Currency exchange can be done at international airports, major hotels, local banks and bureau de change, found in all major cities. Travelers Checks are no longer accepted in Tanzania. Credit cards are rarely accepted and may be used at only the large tourist hotels and bureau de change; they incur a high fee. Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel plans.