FAQs

Guests should be sure-footed and able to walk safely over uneven and slippery ground without assistance, transport luggage a short distance, get in and out of a 4x4 vehicle, and physically tolerate vehicle motion on sometimes bumpy roads. The highest elevation for the main tour is 5,500 feet.

For the optional pre-tour, guests should be in very good physical condition with the ability to walk up and down hills in tropical forests on uneven and sometimes rocky, steep and/or slippery terrain. The forest can be humid and paths may have heavy vegetation. A degree of physical fitness is necessary as you may need to pull yourself up steep slopes by grasping onto branches or bushes, or even get a boost. Porters can be hired at Volcanoes National Park to assist you with trekking and to carry your equipment. Trekking can take anywhere from 1-5 hours, depending on wildlife sightings. Guests will experience varying altitudes to which they may not be accustomed. The maximum elevation is 5,100 feet in Kigali and between 7,000-9,000 feet while trekking.

Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.

All U.S. citizens require a passport and visa to enter Tanzania. You will go through the e-visa process to secure a visa ahead of time.

Apply for your visa between 30 and 60 days before your departure. Do not apply prior to 90 days before your departure.

Apply using this link: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

Have the following items ready to complete the application process:

• A passport sized photo
• Photo of passport ID page
• Flight itinerary
• Visa fee
• Host / address / travel details (this information is departure-specific and will be provided by Orbridge in your Program Documents)

Your visa application will take about one week to process. The visa will be valid for a year from the date of issue.

Once you receive your visa, double check the expiration to ensure it is valid for your travel dates.

To avoid delays with processing and/or mistakes that can lead to an invalid visa or one not being processed in time for your departure, you may utilize a service called Passport Visa Express for assistance. Visit https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/ if you would like assistance with your visa application. Orbridge Guest Services cannot assist with individual visa questions and can only speak broadly about the visa process.

For the optional pre-tour, a passport and a separate tourist visa are required to enter Rwanda.

The Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh) is Tanzania's legal currency, however, U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

We recommend you carry U.S. cash in small denominations to cover your expected expenses, plus a small reserve. Depending upon your spending habits, we suggest carrying between $500-$700 per person for expenses (souvenirs, laundry, beverages, etc). U.S. dollars must be dated 2006 or newer and in good condition. Torn bills are unexchangeable.

ATMs are not widely available in Tanzania, and foreign bank fees can be shockingly high. Check with your bank to ensure you can use your ATM card in a foreign country.

Visa and MasterCard are accepted at hotels, as well as at some stores and restaurants. American Express is rarely accepted in Tanzania. When using a major credit card, you may be charged a higher exchange rate than if you use cash. Be aware that credit cards might not be accepted for small purchase amounts, and merchants may require a minimum purchase.

Inform your bank or credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country to avoid security blocks. Your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for international transactions.

Keep all receipts in case you have questions about the conversion rate and as proof of purchase for any items to be shipped.

For the optional pre-tour, the Rwandan Franc (RWF) is Rwanda's legal currency, however U.S. dollars are legal and widely accepted. Very few places in Rwanda accept credit cards, and visitors are encouraged not to depend on them for making purchases. ATMs are located in the airport and near the hotel, however, they can be unreliable. We recommend you carry U.S. dollars (about $200 per person) in small denominations for personal expenses and gratuities. While on safari, only cash can be used for currency conversion.

Tanzania weather is typically warm with low humidity. High temperatures reach low- to mid-80s ºF, and low temperatures are in the low- to mid-60s ºF. 

Check the predicted forecast for your travel dates on weather.com to help you prepare.

For the optional pre-tour, Rwanda's climate is pleasant year-round with minor temperature variations. High temperatures range between 75°F to 85°F. Low temperatures range between 50°F to 60°F. It can be cooler at higher altitudes.

Tanzania has two types of outlets that will require the use of an adapter:

• Type G—three rectangular prongs that form a triangular pattern
• Type D—three large, round pins that form a triangular pattern

On this tour, you will only need an adapter for Type G outlets. If you are traveling independently in Tanzania outside of this tour, you may need a Type D adapter.

Converter Requirements: North American 110V or 120V appliances will require a converter to operate on a 220-240V system. The need for a converter also depends on your electrical device. Many newer devices are equipped to handle dual voltages. Before using a converter, check the power label on your device. If it shows "110V AC or 120V AC," it requires a converter (curling irons and flat irons will likely need one). If the label shows "110-240V," it is dual voltage and only requires an adapter plug. Some devices have a switch to go back and forth between voltages.

Use a high quality electric current converter to avoid risk of burning out your device. We recommend purchasing an international adapter/converter set so that your two-or three-prong plug can connect to the electrical outlets and convert the voltage, if necessary.

Some areas in Tanzania can experience occasional power outages. The hotels and tented camps visited during this tour are equipped with back-up generators that activate in these instances, but guests may experience several minutes without electricity.

Many areas of Tanzania are remote, and cell phone or internet access may not always be available. Though individual accommodations have internet access, service can be intermittent.

Your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.

Listen carefully to your guides throughout this tour. They are the ultimate judges of the distance that needs to be maintained from wildlife. Your guide will position the safari vehicle for optimal wildlife viewing and photography.

At the properties, there may be free-roaming wildlife. Never attempt to feed or approach wildlife. At times, it may be necessary for a guide or staff member to accompany you on the walk from the main lodge to your accommodations.

Facilities for proper trash disposal exist at all locations visited.

Due to limited space on the safari vehicles, luggage is limited to one medium soft-sided luggage or duffle bag and one carry-on. Internal flights have a strict 44-pound weight limit per person that includes both your checked and carry-on luggage. Luggage that cannot fit in the overhead bin or under your seat must be checked and additional fees may apply.

Plastic bags are illegal in Tanzania, so avoid using plastic bags while packing. Possession of plastic bags can result in significant fines and/or imprisonment. Items purchased at airports prior to boarding any aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Check all hand luggage before disembarking in Kenya, and leave any plastic bags aboard the plane.

Ziploc bags are acceptable for carrying toiletries, but should not be discarded in the country. We suggest using reusable TSA-approved clear storage pouches for toiletries and liquids transported in carry-on luggage.

Make sure to attach the supplied red Orbridge luggage tags (found in your welcome box sent three weeks prior to departure) to your luggage and carry-on bag so that transfer and porter staff can easily identify them.

We recommend packing so you can layer for varying temperatures. During the day, most guests wear shorts, light pants or light jeans, T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts, and sport socks that cover ankles. Consider swimwear, as some properties have swimming pools.

Recommended safari attire is functional, casual, and comfortable—and choice of color is important. During game drives, dress in subdued colors to avoid alerting animals. Earth tones (khaki, brown, beige) allow you to blend into the scenery. Avoid white and bright colors, as these can be a dangererous alert for many species. Avoid wearing dark blue or black, as these colors tend to show dust. Camouflage and military-type clothing also are not recommended.

Also consider packing:

• Lightweight jacket or fleece and a scarf
• Rain jacket and/or windbreaker
• Comfortable, lightweight walking shoes
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Long-sleeve UV-blocking shirt
• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or stronger)
• Sun-blocking lip balm
• Moisturizer
• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer
• Travel clock with an alarm
• Small flashlight and extra batteries
• Collapsible hiking poles

Laundry service is available at most hotels, lodges, and tented camps. The average cost is $5 to $7 per item.

Binoculars are essential for observing wildlife, and selecting versatile binoculars is important. Small compact binoculars have a very narrow field of view, making it difficult to locate objects. Smaller binoculars also restrict light and have very limited use in low-light conditions. We recommend a pair labeled 7X35 or 8X40 (a binocular 7X or 8X power range is adequate, and an exit ocular at 35 or 40 is good).

Insects, including mosquitoes or tsetse flies, may be present during your safari. They are attracted to bright colors, very dark colors, metallic fabric, and all shades of blue.

If you are sensitive to insect bites, consider bringing long-sleeve shirts or long pants that are pre-treated with insect-repellent (available from REI, ExOfficio, and Orvis). You could also pre-treat your clothing with permethrin. Do not spray permethrin on your skin.

A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.

For the optional pre-tour, we recommend:

• Muted clothing colors
• Long-sleeved shirt and tall socks
• Waterproof, lightweight hiking or walking boots with ankle support
• Waterproof clothing and a light jacket or fleece
• Hat
• Gortex trousers or moisture-wicking pants
• Light gloves

Gators (boot covers) can be rented at Volcanoes National Park for trekking.

Click here to view comprehensive wellness protocols for this tour.

The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.

To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.

Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.

Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.

To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:

Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370

To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.

To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.

Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.