Before You Go

Before you travel to the Serengeti

 What to Expect in Grumeti Private Reserve ?

Nestled in the heart of the Grumeti Reserve, A destination perfect for travellers yearning for an African safari infused with the continent’s contemporary energy and enveloped in unrivalled levels of comfort. It features mindfully created interiors with a rich combination of textures, forward-thinking and functional aesthetics, and a modern interpretation of the quintessential elements of a romantic tented safari.

Passport Requirements:

• All travellers require a valid passport to travel to Tanzania, which must be valid for at least 6 months from your travel date.
• In order to enter Tanzania, you will need to have at least two blank passport pages for each country that you plan on visiting to allow for entry and exit stamps.
• Some passport holders will require a visa before departing for Tanzania while others will be issued a visa on arrival. Check with your local consulate about current visa requirements well before travel.
• Health Vaccinations and Precautions:
• Make an appointment to see your doctor well before departing for Tanzania to discuss any necessary vaccinations or health precautions you need to take, as well as organizing prescription medications.
• Those who are traveling from countries affected by yellow fever will need to show proof of having a yellow fever vaccine at least 10 days prior to arrival. This is a mandatory government requirement and you will be required to show it upon arrival in Tanzania.

Talk with your doctor about anti-malaria precautions and the best option for your travel plans and individual health requirements.

Your doctor may also recommend a rabies vaccination in case of the highly unlikely case of being bitten by wildlife or other animals during your visit. While a rabies vaccine is expensive, if left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

Buy Travel Insurance:

It’s strongly recommended that you buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover you in case of unexpected situations that may arise outside of your control. Look for policies that cover everything from travel cancellations to loss of possessions and emergency medical costs, including evacuation.

What to Pack and Bring?

• Casual, comfortable and easy to wash clothing
• Opt for neutral-coloured clothing, such as beige, khaki or green
• Avoid wearing dark clothing as it attracts mosquitoes and tsetse flies
• T-shirts and long sleeves shirts to protect against the sun
• Cotton shorts, safari trousers and lightweight pants
• A jacket and sweater for chilly early mornings and evenings
• A waterproof jacket
• Comfortable shoes with a good grip
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• Insect repellent
• Lip balm, moisturiser and eye drops
• Camera and binoculars
• AC/DC converter for your electronic devices
• Medication (malaria, anti-diarrheal, rehydration, painkillers, anti-allergies, motion sickness)
• First-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic cream and prescription medications

The Serengeti Climate

Serengeti usually experiences a moderate year-round climate, with warm and humid days interspersed with cool mornings and nights. Temperatures generally range from 15ºC and 26ºC, although it can rise above 30ºC during the warmer months.

June to October – Dry season

November and March – Short rains

March to May – Long rains

 Currency:

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), with 1 USD equal to around 2,000 TZS. Banks and foreign exchange counters can be found at all of Tanzania’s international airports, as well as in most major towns. U.S. dollars are generally accepted throughout the Serengeti National Park, but it’s recommended that you carry small denominations or some Tanzanian Shillings when travelling.

Banks operate Monday to Friday (8:30 am to 12:30 pm) and Saturdays until 1:00 pm. Most of the major credit cards are accepted at camps and lodges, but will incur a surcharge of between 3 and 5% of your purchase price.