
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The entry requirements can be found on the relevant website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Federal Foreign Office. Excerpt:
Austria: https://www.bmeia.gv.at/reise-urlaub/ travel information/country/tanzania/
Germany: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/tanzaniaSicherheit/208662
Switzerland: https://www.eda .admin.ch/eda/de/home/ agencys-and-travel-notes/tanzania/travel-notes-fuertansania.html UK: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/tanzania/entry-requirements
An online visa can be applied for in advance at: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/
You can also get a visa at Kilimanjaro Airport for $50/€50. To speed up entry, this document can be filled out in advance and handed in at the counter: https://de. tzembassy.go.tz/uploads/VISA_FORM.pdf
Qatar, Ethiopian, KLM, Turkish Airlines and Condor all fly to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).
There are detailed descriptions on the respective accommodation pages. The Original Maasai Lodge is in a different location than the Hillside Retreat. Our drivers will be happy to take you to the accommodation. The travel time is approx. 1.5 hours.
For a time, the lodge was the only one in Tanzania where travelers from all over the world had the opportunity to experience Maasai life up close. Meanwhile, there are imitators offering similar experiences, which is why we chose the name ' Original Maasai Lodge '. However, the social aspect is unique to us, and we can assure you that every cent goes directly to the Africa Amini Alama project.
The ' Maasai Sacred Site ' is located in a special place, Mount Mukuru – the sacred mountain of the Maasai. The landscape is dotted with countless caves, which the Maasai use for healing. Inspired by this, we have built caves that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings and offer a unique overnight accommodation option.
The ' Hillside Retreat ' sits atop a small hill offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and borders directly on Arusha National Park. Guests frequently spot giraffes and monkeys, especially from the terrace. A variety of apartments with full board are available, each with its own private terrace.
The ' Amini Homes' are houses located amidst the Afrika Amini Alama projects, hence their name. The restaurant under the Afrika Amini tree offers full board, and you are immersed in the life of the Afrika Amini projects from the very first minute.
The tropical climate in Tanzania means warm to hot temperatures during the day; cooler in the evenings and early morning. The summer months are December-March and the winter lasts from June to September. During the European summer holidays, temperatures are likely to be similar to those seen in spring in Europe.
Apart from the rainy season in May, any month is recommended. Depending on the travel time, we recommend different national parks because of the animal migrations.
We recommend: Hepatitis A + B / Tetanus (lockjaw) / Diphtheria / Whooping cough / Polio.
Yellow fever vaccination is only necessary on the island of Zanzibar or when traveling onward to Kenya.
tap water The water is not drinkable, however, you will receive free filtered water in all lodges/hotels.
Our accommodations are located in a malaria-free area , as we are situated at an altitude of over 1550 meters.
We recommend you bring dollars or euros with you. In Arusha, the nearest major city, foreign currency can be exchanged for Tanzanian Shillings (TSH, local currency). There are now ATMs in Tanzania; however you can only withdraw money in Shillings (TZH)
Exchange rate as a guide 1 € = approx. 2,500 Tsh
Big bills (50,100, 200, 500 bills) have a better exchange rate. In Tanzania it is still uncommon to pay by credit card and you need to be prepared for that eventuality.
Knowledge of Swahili is not a requirement; knowledge of English is an advantage, but not a must!
Most of the people you deal with in and around Africa Amini Alama will speak English. Volunteers on site or the project managers Christine and Cornelia speak German. In larger towns and cities in Tanzania, English is generally spoken, less so in rural areas. The official language in Tanzania is Kiswahili.
If you have concerns, we can pick you up directly from Kilimanjaro airport. Everyone from your driver/guide to the security guards on the gate,, all the staff take care of you so you don't have to worry. In the event of a medical problem, our medical team will be happy to help you.
All our activities and buildings are compliant with practices brought in to manage the COVID 19 virus. If you need detailed information, you can find it under the item "COVID-19 PROACTIVE AND PREVENTATIVE MEASURES" or contact us directly.
Plastic bags may no longer be imported, exported, manufactured, sold or used in Tanzania. Private users of plastic bags could be fined 30,000 shillings (about 12 euros/dollars) or two weeks in prison. The use of plastic in medicine, in agriculture or in the construction industry is exempt from the ban.
To ensure you can enjoy your trip in a relaxed manner, we have compiled the most important things for your holiday in Tanzania:
👕 Clothing
Softshell jacket and rain gear
Sweater or fleece
Shirts and T-shirts
Short and long trousers / skirts / dresses
Underwear and socks
Head covering (hat, cap or cap)
Swimwear for our pools 💡 Note: Laundry service is available at all our accommodations for an extra charge – so you can travel light!
👟 Shoes
Sturdy hiking or athletic shoes (they get dusty from the sand)
Flip-flops, sandals
🎒 Equipment & Accessories
Camera and charger
flashlight or headlamp
Binoculars for wildlife observation
sunglasses
Contact lenses and sufficient lens solution
diary or writing materials
favorite book or travel games
🧴 Health & Care
Travel pharmacy
Insect repellent
sunscreen
Yes, Wi-Fi is available in all our accommodations. The speed isn't always high, as this also depends on the current weather conditions. However, as long as no large files/attachments are being sent or downloaded, it's perfectly adequate.

