Before you travel

Travel advice

What to sort out before you fly to the Serengeti, and what to expect when you reach camp.

Official rules checked in October 2026. They change, so confirm them with the linked sources before you book flights.

The short version

Seven things to sort out before you fly. The details for each are further down the page.

  • Apply for your Tanzanian e-visa online.
  • Check your passport: valid for 6 months after you arrive, with at least one blank page.
  • Book a travel clinic visit at least 8 weeks before you leave.
  • Carry a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk.
  • Leave plastic carrier bags at home.
  • Flying a drone? Get both permits 3 to 4 weeks ahead, or leave it behind.
  • Bring the cash you need before you head into the park.

When to come

Pick the camp for the month.

Getting to camp

Kogatende Airstrip is 3 km from Olmorijo Kogatende, so you are at camp within minutes of landing.

[NEEDS: nearest airstrip and road transfer time for Olmorijo Ndutu and Olmorijo Central Serengeti]

Flights, transfers and park fees are not in our rate. Your tour operator or guide arranges game drives, and guides stay and eat at camp free of charge.

Visas and passports

  • Apply for your Tanzanian e-visa online before you travel, on the official e-visa portal. Visas on arrival are also issued at the main ports of entry.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you arrive and have at least one blank page.

Source: UK Foreign Office, Tanzania entry requirements

Health

See a travel clinic or your doctor at least 8 weeks before you travel.

  • Malaria: there is a risk in all areas of Tanzania below 1,800 m. Ask about antimalarial tablets; some courses start days before you leave.
  • Yellow fever: you need a certificate if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk, or after a transit of more than 12 hours in one. Flying direct from Europe or North America, you do not.
  • Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date.

Sources: US CDC Travelers' Health, UK Foreign Office, health

Plastic bags

Plastic carrier bags have been banned in mainland Tanzania since 1 June 2019, and you will be asked to hand them over when you land. Pack in cloth bags or hard luggage.

Source: UK Foreign Office, safety and security

Drones

Every drone flight in Tanzania needs a permit from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, and national parks need a separate permit on top. Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead. Please do not bring a drone to camp without both.

Source: Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority

Money

The currency is the Tanzanian shilling, and US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Travellers' cheques are not. City ATMs take foreign cards but sometimes run out of cash, so bring what you need before you head into the park. Drinks with alcohol are not in our rate.

Source: UK Foreign Office, safety and security

In the park

Stay with your guide and follow the park rules. Never feed or touch the animals.

At camp

  • Your rate covers your en-suite tent, breakfast, lunch and dinner, drinking water, tea, coffee and hot showers.
  • Every tent runs on solar power and has hot water 24 hours a day.
  • Special diets: send full details when you book, and the chef will send you a menu to approve before you arrive.
  • Children up to 5 stay free. From 5 to 12 they pay half the adult rate, and from 13 the adult rate.

Before you fly

Check your own government's travel advice a few days before you leave. Entry and health screening rules can change at short notice.

Questions about your trip

Tell reservations your dates and who is coming. They will help with the rest.

Send an enquiry