To gain entry into Tanzania, US citizens and most other nationalities will need a passport and visa. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the intended length of stay. Visas can be obtained before departure from the USA (recommended due to long wait times at JRO) or at your point of entry into Tanzania.

There are no specific vaccine requirements needed to enter Tanzania from the United States. However, be aware that the government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever. If you fly directly from the United States to Tanzania (including layovers in which you do not exit the airport) you will not need the yellow fever vaccine. However, if you are arriving from a country listed here, you will need the yellow fever vaccine.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during January, February, June, July, August, September, October, and December. All of the above months tend to be the busiest times in Kilimanjaro. It is the high season for tourism. Because Tanzania lies near the equator, the area does not have four seasons like most other countries. Instead, there are two seasons – wet and dry. The temperature does vary but does not have the large swings that most people are accustomed to.

We recommend bringing approximately $700-800 US dollars. They should be 2009 and newer, undamaged bills. USD is accepted everywhere. They should be an assortment of $100s, $20s, $5s, and at least 40 dollars in $1s. Use the $100s for the tip because the exchange rate for large denominations is better than $1s. You can use your credit cards at a few souvenir shops, but you’ll get hit with International transaction fees.