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

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.

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.

For a long time, what is now the Original Maasai Lodge, was the only place in Tanzania where international travellers had the opportunity to genuinely experience Maasai life up close. Now there are few people trying to imitate our offer, which is why we decided on the name 'Original Maasai Lodge'.

The contribution you make to our social projects however is unique to us. We can assure you that every dollar spent goes directly to the Africa Amini Alama projects.

The 'Hillisde Retreat' stands on a small hill which offers a magnificent view of the countryside. The guests keep seeing giraffes - especially from the terrace.

Qatar, Ethiopian, KLM, Turkish Airlines and Condor all fly to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).

The accommodation is located in a malaria-free area as we are over 1550 meters above sea level. We recommend: hepatitis A + B / tetanus (lockjaw) / diphtheria / whooping cough / polio. Yellow fever is only necessary on the island of Zanzibar.

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.

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.

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

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.

Yes, internet (WLAN) is available both in the Maasai Lodge and in Momella. The speed is not always high, this also depends on the current weather conditions. However, as long as no large files/attachments are sent or downloaded, it is perfectly adequate.

We recommend that you travel with minimal, light luggage. A soft travel bag and a daypack as hand luggage are usually sufficient. The light aircraft have strict weight restrictions (12kg - 23kg) that should be strictly adhered to.

This limitation may seem daunting at first, but you need a lot less for your safari than you think. Rest assured, a free laundry service is offered in most lodges and camps.

Basically, make sure you pack only durable and natural-colored clothing. Avoid blue-toned clothing as it attracts the unpopular tsetse flies. The sting [cw1] goes through clothing and can be quite uncomfortable.

A brief overview of essentials

Clothes

• Light wind/waterproof jacket

• Warm field sweater for cool nights and mornings

• Shirts and T-Shirts

• Short and long pants

• Warm underwear and socks

• Headwear

• Swim trunks and bikini for days at the beach
  

Shoes

• Sturdy walking shoes or sneakers

• Flip flops, sandals or airy summer shoes
  

Equipment

• Camera (SLR or digital) with a good lens, plus at least 2 memory chips and 2 batteries per camera

• Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries

• 1 pair of binoculars per person! (Our recommendation: Swarovski or the cheaper alternatives from Eschenbach)

• Sunglasses with good UV protection and spare glasses

• Contact lenses and enough lens fluid

• First aid kit (Imodium, painkillers, if necessary malaria prophylaxis, insect spray, bandage kit, Leukoplast, disinfectant, life-sustaining medication)

• Sunscreen (protection factor 50)

• Diary and stationery

• Games and books (see Literature) ​

Please do not pack anything edible in your luggage! Monkeys will smell it and be rummaging in through your luggage before you know it, in search of the coveted snacks.