Frequently Asked Questions
There is so much excitement around a trip to our Tortilis Camps and we’re here to answer all your questions. We also have a good idea of what our visitors have on their minds when looking at the details of an upcoming trip so have a look at the below anticipated questions and our already supplied answers so see if we’ve got your query covered.
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Getting there
You can travel by road or by air.
By road: The road from Arusha to Tarangire Tortilis Camp is 172km and this takes about 3 hours. The road to the Tarangire National Park gate is smooth and in great condition.
By Air: There are two flights which land at the Tarangire National Park
Departure at 08:00hrs from Arusha, arrival at 08:20hrs at Kuro Airstrip, or
Departure at 10:00hrs from Arusha, arrival at 11:05hrs at Kuro Airstrip – via Kilimanjaro
You can travel by road or by air.
By Road: The road from Arusha to Manyara Tortilis Camp is 127km long, passes through some villages and everyday life scenery in Northern Tanzania and takes 2.5hrs. The roads to the Lake Manyara National Park gate are smooth and in great condition.
By Air: There are two flights
Departure at 08:00hrs from Arusha, arrival at 08:25hrs at Manyara Airstrip
Departure at 10:00hrs from Arusha, arrival at 11:05hrs at Manyara Airstrip – via Kilimanjaro
You can travel by road or by air.
By road: The drive from Arusha to Serengeti Tortilis Camp is 335km and it takes 7 hours. Guests often like to stay at Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp or Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp for a night en route to Central Serengeti if they are travelling by road.
By Air: There are two flights
Departure at 08:00hrs from Arusha, arrival at 09:30hrs at Seronera Airstrip – via Manyara
Departure at 10:00hrs from Arusha, arrival at 12:30hrs at Seronera Airstrip – Via Kilimanjaro and Manyara
You can travel by road from Arusha to Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp is 205km and it takes about 4 hours. The road is in great condition all the way to our Tortilis Camp.
There is no airstrip in the Ngorongoro Highlands. The nearest option is to fly to the Lake Manyara airstrip, which is 2hours driver away from our Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp.
Flight companies use the trusted 12 seater Caravans
Location
Tarangire Tortilis Camp – Gurusi campsite – GPS Points: -4.068781, 36.007133
Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp – Endala Campsite – GPS Points: -3.47005,35.77808
Serengeti Tortilis Camp – Turner 1A and Turner 4
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp – Landana Campsite – GPS Points: -3.19576,35.35611
About the Parks
Visitors love to be amongst the Baobabs of Tarangire National Park, which are thousands of years old and carry a mysterious power when you’re in their presence. There are guided walking safaris, great birdlife in the lush Tarangire river surroundings, large herds of elephant and incredible numbers of giraffe.
June to October is the dry season when you’ll get the most out of this National Park. November and May are very wet in this region which is a great time to see the many birds around the Tarangire river that has safari jeep tracks crisscrossing the river to get in really close to this rich habitat. Game drives for spotting lion, elephant, giraffe, leopard and a huge variety of game is always a highlight.
Being so close to the equator means the winter and summer weather are not very different and you can visit this national park all year round. The most popular months are June till October but there is never a bad time to visit. Staying overnight in Lake Manyara National Park is a privilege afforded to just three camps, one of which is our Tortilis Camp.
It’s a great place to experience the Soda Lake with thousands of pink flamingos. Over two-thirds of the park is covered by water, so a guided walking tour is a must. Bird watching of over 350 species is a tremendous spectacle and game drives for spotting lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and a huge variety of game is always a highlight. A trip to the banana plantations of Mta wa Mbu gives some great insight into how the locals live in the area.
Being so close to the equator means the winter and summer weather are not very different and you can visit the Central Serengeti all year round. The most popular months are June till October but there is never a bad time to visit. The area is alive with opportunity and the perfect place to get the most from a trip to Northern Tanzania.
Safari drives to a Savannah filled with large cats. Early morning hot air balloon-ride safari. Mud pools filled with wide-mouthed, water splashing hippos. Observing the many thousands of game moving through various parts of Central Serengeti as part of the great migration. Dramatic landscapes of open Savannah and art worthy Acacia trees and game drives for spotting lion, cheetah, hyena, elephant, hippo, buffalo, leopard, migrating wildebeest and zebra, and a huge variety of game is always a highlight.
Being so close to the equator means the winter and summer weather are not very different and you can visit this high altitude National Park all year round. The high altitude means the weather is much cooler here than the other regions of Northern Tanzania. There is so much to do up in the thin air though and our Tortilis Camp location is uniquely positioned to place all these activities at your fingertips.
A must when in Ngorongoro is an all-day Safari drive with our driver-guide to the Ngorongoro Crater with a picnic lunch at a watering hole. Walking around our Acacia canopied Tortilis Camp is an adventure in itself. The half-day hike of Mount Makarot right from camp delivers spectacular views. A sundowner with the view of Lake Eyasi. And the close proximity of a local Maasai tribe means you can even have a Maasai wedding with all the festive singing and colourful tradition to create the most unique memories of all.
Camp
All our Tortilis Camps are appointed in beautiful settings overlooking incredible landscapes and at least as clean and neat as any other camps you will find in Northern Tanzania. As you arrive you will notice the staff’s love of their own surroundings as the red stone paths guide you up to the mess tents for a Tortilis Camp Briefing. The mess tent includes the dining room, lounge and watering hole.
At right angles the red stone paths lead left and right from the mess tents to 5 tents on either side. The areas around the tents are immaculately tendered so there is no high grass or bush too close by. Each tent has its own efficient water supply, plumbing and enough distance between neighbouring tents to provide privacy and the African feeling of spacious freedom.
You can enter the National Parks with your own car, but will be subject to the tariffs applied by the Park itself. Not all vehicles are suited to the National Parks roads though so it is far better to be driven by us in our sturdy Landcruiser’s built specifically for your comfort or with any local Tour Operator
There is always staff discreetly nearby so you need never feel vulnerable at all. Each tent also has a small radio for you to ask for a staff member to come to your tent – like a hotel telephone. Tents are just a few meters away from the main mess tent.
No weapons are allowed in the National Parks.
No pets are allowed into the National Parks.
Yes, we can arrange to book groups into tents close to each other upon request and subject to availability
At Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp you can do a run on the camp road with a Maasai staff member. At the other Tortilis Camps you can do laps on the path in front of the tent during the day.
The camps are serene spaces with no loud music or parties. It’s generally very calm at night with just the vibrant sounds of nature outside. You can often hear hyenas ‘laughing’ and sometimes a lions roar.
Yes. We have some beautifully created spaces in the camp. Our fire pit has comfortable chairs around it with blankets for extra coziness and tables for drinks and snacks. We also have clearings with beautiful views to do yoga or meditation and spaces to enjoy private meals under the stars or at sunrise.
Tents
Our tents are large – 5m wide by 14m long, and have been well thought out and designed to give you the best view of the site right from inside your tent, while relaxing, or in bed. The entrance to the tent has a flap covering the dedicated front room with a sofa, chair and relaxing set up that looks directly out into uninterrupted views of the beautiful landscape.
Passing from the front room into the main room is through another flap, which acts as the perfect adaptable partition from the outside world but still keeps the all around views. All the sides of the tent are able to be adjusted by lifting the many side flaps to let in as much light as you like and to allow air to flow through the tent to keep it cool.
Behind the main room is a separate extra bed and small partitioned space for a child or third person to sleep. Behind this useful extra space in the bathroom with enclosed shower, private toilet and the main area of the bathroom with a basin, luggage stand, towel rack and wooden box safe.
Currently our Tortilis Camps have 10 tents, two of which are 5 sleeper family tents.
Hairdryers are designed to pull too much power unfortunately so there is no option to use a hairdryer.
Yes, we have very eloquently designed comprehensive mosquito nets for each bed. The nets add to the quintessential East African charm in the way they are incorporated into the interior design look and feel.
Yes. Staff check your schedule and make sure there is hot water for morning or evening showering.
Babies from 3 years old are allowed to be part of the guest party and we do have cots upon request.
Our beds are robust metal framed beds of standard height off the ground and enticingly comfortable enough for you to be tempted to stay in bed all day. We use a great quality mattress, clean soft linen and many pillows for your own choice of sleeping preferences.
Soaps, shampoo, body wash lotion, bug sprays and air fresheners are all available for your use in the bathroom.
Your tent has a dedicated sofa and chair to sit and read or relax. It’s right at the entrance to the tent and an amazing place to just sit and enjoy the view of the bush. The mess tent also has a communal lounge space with sofas and chairs and supplies books and board games.
Tents are extremely comfortable with ample room to feel like you are in your very own little home. The roof is pitched and so high you won’t even notice it, the width is 5m wide and the length is 14m long!
Safety
Yes, we have very few safety concerns at the Tortilis Camps due to implementing measures from our experience to prevent incidents. When you arrive you can lock away valuables in a box with a strong padlock provided in every tent. We’ve designed this for you to be able to lock away a whole bag, a large camera lens or other large items. You will then be able to keep the key for the padlock for your own use when needed
It is safe to walk around the camp during the day, however, it is an unfenced area so visitors need to still be vigilant. At night, we have escorts available constantly to walk you from your tent to the mess tent. Our Maasai staff carry out this function and are able to walk with you anytime you feel the need for some local assurance. All the paths are lit when it gets dark and each tent has a powerful torch for your own use.
The Tortilis Camps are completely unfenced so wildlife does come into the camps. At this point visitors need to stay inside their tents and are not allowed out until staff have made sure it is clear to do so. Wildlife will not come into the tents.
Health
Like most East African countries you will need to show you have had yellow fever vaccinations.
Yes, we have constant power availability for CPA machines used for breathing.
Yes, our camps are well equipped to store any medicine that needs cooling
Tarangire Tortilis Camp is a 3 hour drive to Fame Hospital in Karatu
Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp is a 1.5 hour drive to Fame Hospital in Karatu
Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp is a 1.5 hour drive to Fame Hospital in Karatu
Serengeti Tortilis Camp is a 45 minute drive to Seronera Dispensary or 4 Hours drive to Fame Hospital in Karatu
Water
We provide 500ml of bottled water per person per night in each tent for teeth brushing. Water and other drinks are always available to purchase from our watering hole/bar in the mess tents. We regret no drinks are allowed to be brought into the camp from outside.
Gratuities
The culture of tipping is a big part of the system for the staff in the camps of Northern Tanzania. Our staff work extremely efficiently, honestly and lovingly to give you an authentic East African experience and are very grateful for your tips. We collect all the tips in a Tip box in the mess tents (please just ask staff to show you where the Tip box is) where the total is then divided amongst all the staff so as to be as fair as possible. 100% of the tips will go to the staff.
Passport & Visa Requirements
Lions, elephants, honey badgers and zebras don’t need visas to visit our Tortilis Camps, but you might. It’s not the most exciting part about planning your trip, but we’ve done all the research to be able to gently help you do this part of your planning as efficiently as possible so you can get back to figuring out how to pack that wide brim hat in your luggage.
Firstly we need to direct you to the official website for visa applications, which is www.immigration.go.tz Tanzanian immigration does not recognize nor accept any other website or agent that claims to be a Tanzanian Visa application centre.
You probably do need a visa, yes, unless you hold a passport from one of the countries listed below. Only if your country is on this list are you exempt from needing a visa. If your country is not on this list, you must apply for a visa.The list is updated frequently, so please check before applying.
| Antigua & Barbuda | Malaysia |
| Anguilla | Madagascar |
| Ashmore & Certie Island | Malta |
| Bahamas | Mauritius |
| Barbados | Macao |
| Bermuda | Mozambique |
| Belize | Nauru |
| Brunei | Naue Island |
| British Virgin Island | Norfolk Island |
| British Indian Ocean Territory | Namibia |
| Botswana | Papua New Guinea |
| Cyprus | Rwanda |
| Cayman Island | Romania |
| Channel Island | Ross Dependency |
| Cocoas Island | Samoa |
| Cook Island | Seychelles |
| Christmas Island | Singapore |
| Dominica | Solomon Island |
| Falkland Island | South Sudan |
| Gambia | Swaziland |
| Ghana | St. Kitts & Navis |
| Gibraltar | St. Lucia |
| Grenada | St. Vicent |
| Guernsey | St. Helana |
| Guyana | South African Republic |
| Heard Island | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Hong Kong | Turks & Caicos |
| Isle of Man | Tokelan |
| Jamaica | Tonga |
| Jersey | Tuvalu |
| Kenya | Vanuatu |
| Kiribati | Uganda |
| Lesotho | Zambia |
| Malawi | Zimbabwe |
| Montserrat |
As with most countries in the world, the possession of a valid Visa for the United Republic of Tanzania does not provide automatic right of entry into the country. The Immigration Officer at the port of entry may refuse entry to any person, if he is satisfied that such a person is unable to fulfil the immigration requirements or that such person’s presence in the United Republic of Tanzania would be contrary to national interests or security.
Although it is still possible to obtain a visa on arrival, we strongly recommend that visitors should apply for and obtain their visas using the on-line process via the official website www.immigration.go.tz. Please note that, once you have applied on-line, it can take up to three weeks for the visa to be issued, so please apply well in advance.
Recent changes have meant that obtaining a visa on arrival in Tanzania can now result in lengthy delays as visitors have to queue three separate times to:
- Obtain a Government Control Number, then
- Pay for the Government Control Number, then
- Be checked by Tanzanian Immigration and have the visa issued
We urge everyone entering Tanzania through the five entry points listed below to apply on-line, to avoid having to join these three queues, which can take up to two hours.
Note, however, that currently only five entry points are fully equipped to accept the on-line visa. If you are entering Tanzania via any other entry point, you should still obtain your visa on arrival. At those other entry points (for example, Tarime Isebania), the on-line visa will still be accepted, but it will take longer to validate and will result in delays.
Entry points where the on-line visa should be presented:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
- Namanga (road border between Arusha & Nairobi)
- Tunduma (road border between Tanzania & Zambia)
Entry points where it is preferable to obtain your visa on arrival:
- Isebania Border
Nearly all those booking safaris or mountain climbs with us will need to apply for an ‘Ordinary’ single-entry visa. However, if you are intending to make multiple entries into the country, or are travelling for any purpose other than tourism, or are intending to stay in Tanzania for more than 90 days you should read the guidelines on the website carefully to ensure that you apply for the correct type of visa. All US citizens, please see ‘How much does a visa cost?’ below
During the online application process, you may pay for your visa by use of a credit card (Visa or Mastercard.) We at Easy Travel do not advise paying for your Visa by the ‘SWIFT transfer’ option offered on the Government website, as it can be difficult to trace payment and this may delay the granting of the visa and prevent your entry to Tanzania.
Currently, a single-entry ordinary (tourist) visa costs $50 USD and a multiple-entry visa costs $100 USD. Note that US Citizens must apply for the multiple-entry visa, and pay $100 USD, even if they are only making a single trip. Prices for any other types of visa are detailed on the website.
You will be notified by e-mail. Before receiving approval, you will be able to check the status of your application online.
An ordinary single-entry visa will last for 90 days.
You will need to be able to upload a passport-size photo of yourself, the biographic data page of your passport, and a copy of your return flight ticket. Passport size photograph usually has dimensions of 4.5mm X 3.5mm.Your passport-size photo and biographic data page of the passport needs to be saved in Jpg/png formats separately with maximum size of 300kb each, see below picture for better understanding.
Please note that your passport must have validity for at least six months after the date of your departure from Tanzania, and also have at least one full unused/unstamped visa page.
Unfortunately, fees paid for a visa application cannot be refunded.
Although the government website indicated that a visa application takes 10 days to process, we advise that you should apply for your visa as soon as you are able and recommended not less than 30 days before your departure for Tanzania.
We advise any visitors in this category to apply for their visas at least 90 days before their proposed arrival in Tanzania and to obtain visa approval before booking any flights or incurring other costs (such as non-refundable hotel bookings). Visitors from these countries will need to have a referral letter from Easy Travel: we can write this once we have received the deposit for their booking. Countries in this category are listed below, but as the list is updated frequently, please check immediately before applying.
| Afghanistan | Niger |
| Azerbaijan | Nigeria |
| Bangladesh | Pakistan |
| Chad | Palestine |
| Djibouti | Senegal |
| Ethiopia | Somalia |
| Eritrea | Sri Lanka |
| Equatorial Guinea | Somali land |
| Iran | Sierra Leone |
| Iraq | Syria |
| Kazakhstan Republic | Tajikistan |
| Kyigten Republic | Turkmenistan |
| Lebanon | Uzbekistan |
| Mali | Yemen and |
| Mauritania | Stateless persons or persons with refugee status. |
No, we strongly advise you to use only the official government website, www.immigration.go.tz Other rogue sites may cost more and will not be able to fast-track applications; they may also be ‘scam’ sites, taking your money without actually providing a visa.
Yes – if you are arriving from, or transiting through, certain countries. The grant of a visa is entirely separate from any requirements with respect to yellow fever. Please see www.moh.go.tz and ensure that you comply with the requirements. Entry to Tanzania may be denied if you do not comply with these, even if you possess a valid visa.
Applicants who have a visa can enter Tanzania through any of the following five entry points:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA)
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA)
- Namanga border
- Tunduma border
- Isebania Border
Children
Children from 3 years old and upward are welcome to our Tortilis Camps. Children need to be under parents supervision the full duration of the visit. And remember each tent has a dedicated extra bed and space for a child to sleep in.
Packing
Loose, light clothing is best so you can sit comfortably for long game drives and be able to move freely on walking safaris and hikes. Any hat or cap to shade your face is a good idea. We have umbrellas in the tents, but pack a light rain jacket if you like. Comfortable walking shoes or boots. Bring your own phone charging cables and UK plugs for the power supply.
Bring your own sunblock preference. Your tent bathroom has all the relevant soaps, lotions and bug sprays. We supply a flashlight and blankets to keep you warm for early game drives and sundowners around the fire. Warm clothing options is a good idea, but don’t expect extremely low temperatures. Regrettably you may not bring your own drinks into the Tortilis Camps.
Your baggage should be one soft compact suitcase, sports bag, or backpack, no larger than 30cm(height) x 30cm(width) x 60cm(length), maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Our staff will manage all your luggage from arrival, to your rooms and again at departure.
Food
Breakfasts are worth getting up for and are enjoyed from the mess tent as the buzzing world comes alive around you. The sumptuous array available for breakfast includes colorful platters of fresh fruit, yoghurts, cereals, cold meats and cheese platters with crackers and biscuits, croissants, cakes, pastries, toast and spreads. Coffee and teas of the world are of course an essential to compliment the first meal of the day and then to really get the best start to the morning, order your favorite choice of eggs or omelettes from the chef.
Packed lunch served to you by the Tortilis driver guides at the perfect location in the bush will be just the unique meal you may have imagined it to be. These meals include some extra tasty spices and vivacious Tanzanian infusions. Lunch back at the Tortilis Camps are also an option every day if you are not away on a game drive or activity.
All our visitors should try the Tortilis Camps bush dinner at least once. An incredibly free-spirited way to enjoy a meal under the sparkling stars with a loved one and all the ingredients to create a memory to cherish.
Dining in the mess tent is a social affair with a wide variety of tasty, creative and uncomplicated yet stimulating meals. Hot meals with local specialities, along with pastas, fish, chicken, vegetable bakes, and salads are all available. Our much-complimented chefs enjoy rounding off each days dining with desserts to make you smile.
Yes we do cater for requests and our chefs are tremendously creative and will adapt to your needs within the range of what is available. Being deep in the natural environments obviously means we can’t fulfil every meal request
Yes we have a wide choice at all meals and guests regularly comment about how much they enjoyed the Tortilis Camp meals
Yes it is Halal
All meals are prepared by our dedicated chef and kitchen staff with no facilities for visitors to make their own meals. But we have a wide range of choices and you can speak to the chef if you have any special requests.
Special Requirements
The camp does not have wheelchair ramps or infrastructure created for physically challenged visitors. If guests have a dedicated helper of their own, then the beds, access to the tents and bathrooms are still an option. The distances from the car to the tents, and tents to mess tent, are relatively short and flat with no steps or terraced levels, but with gravel pathways.
The Tortilis Camps have put many a smile on honeymooners faces with staff who are understanding and happy to create special touches and opportunities. Private outdoor dinners under the stars, romantic settings and special requests are all something our staff relish making a reality.
Our chefs loves to bake a cakes, and our staff, you will find, are incredible singers dancers and performers given even the smallest opportunity. The festivities around special occasions always bring out something extra to add to the ambiance and unique experience of celebrating these special occasions at a Tortilis Camp.
Electric
In Tanzania, we use type D and G sockets – just like in the UK. Each tent has outlets at the bedside tables, a special writing desk and in the bathroom. From here you can plug in USB, phone, laptop, tablets, electric razors or other devices for charging.
Our electricity is created from solar and stored in batteries, so you have access to power supply and lights in your tents at all times
Wifi
We know how important being connected to WiFi can be for some of our guests so we have made a big effort to install WiFi and to make it available to you at any time of the day.
Yes. Just ask the staff for a piece of paper with the password on for your WiFi session. One session will last 24 hours whereupon you need simply ask staff for a fresh password. There are boosters outside the tents to enhance the WiFi signal for those a little further away from the router in the main mess tent.
Although we supply WiFi, there is also connectivity to the telecoms networks in Tanzania. This means you can set your mobile phone to roaming and have the choice to make use of your own paid-for WiFi access from the Tanzanian data supplying networks. This is something we have no control of.
Laundry
Yes. It is only recommended to use the laundry service if you are staying more than one night and the weather is sunny as the clothes are sun dried We don’t recommend using the laundry service at Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp as we cannot guarantee the clothes will dry in time for departure.
Our staff wash clothes in warm water and soap by hand. There are no tumble dryers so the clothes are hung up to be sun dried.
Game drives
Our game drives are probably the highlight of your visit to Northern Tanzania. Our driver-guides take you on the most incredible drives through areas home to the worlds most majestic African wildlife. Our vehicles are extended Landcruisers with a roof that can be raised so you can get the best view and pictures of the incredible sightings. Driver-guides will also share insight and knowledge from their extensive experience with you for a greater understanding of the rick environment you find yourself. Our cars have small fridges to cool drinks and USB ports to charge phones. All-day drives are possible during which we can set up a fantastic lunch to enjoy at a great midday location.
Visitors are only allowed outside the car at ablution facilities and picnic spots and are absolutely safe from all wild life while in the vehicle.
Our driver-guides know where to drive to avoid getting stuck in mud and we are able to still drive in wet conditions.
Animals
Game often wonders very close by to the camps and at night you will hear a lot of game close by.
The beauty of Northern Tanzania National Parks is that there are no partitioning fences allowed. The camps therefore are unfenced but although the animals are close by at times, guests are not in danger as staff are experienced, vigilant and communicative over any gamer close by Each tent has a whistle and easy to use two-way radio to use to talk to staff about any concerns.
Animals
Our driver-guides will focus on the incredibly impressive great migration as it moves through Central Serengeti. The most intense movement of the Wildebeest migration through this area of the Serengeti is in November, April and May and all happens within than an hours drive from our Tortilis Camp.
