Updates will be posted here in chronological order

Be sure to check out the FAQ’s all the way at the bottom of this page for fast reference.

Read about Africa’s Dos and Donts HERE

To follow are a few videos from the Balloon Safari – Video 1, Video 2, Video 3

VISA INFORMATION:

You will get off on the plane on the tarmac and from there walk into the only lounge they have for arrivals. From there you need to line up for your VISA. Once you have that you will pick up your bags and exit the lounge to meet transportation. Please WATCH this quick video so you may see the process.

Balloon Safari Participants:

Jean Biancone

Please remember, if you are coming in early our guides will be picking you up and taking you directly to your hotel. From there they will give you information on pick up time to begin our adventure as a group.

Please use the hotel information you are staying for your first night. You can put down Belle Safaris as the company name.

Contact # +255 786 819 543 – Hamadi

Our hotel is:

PO Box 91, Kivulini Estate, Olmoti, Arusha, Tanzania

Roommate Information–

If you have someone attending that you would like to room with please email Tiffani. 

PICK UP INFORMATION:

Our guides will be at the airport to pick you up for the Planet Lodge as well as the next day. It easier for them to make sure everyone has arrived when we start. You will need a visa before you leave the airport. Our guides will be there to pick you all up upon arrival.

The airport process is pretty smooth for Visa’s

1. Get off plane
2 . Walk into lounge (there is only 1 lounge for arrivals to walk into)
3 . Line up
– get finger prints
– photo taken
– pay
– get stamp

4 . Pick up bags

5. Exit the lounge and meet them outside .Even if you are staying somewhere else, they will pick you up. They want to make sure everyone is okay with visas and to make sure there are no flight delays and so forth. We normally do not offer transportation earlier or later than our adventure but this one is a bit special

We are going back! After selling out so quickly we added another trip for 2024! 

We have seen first hand the need for travel insurance. Whether it be flight cancellations, theft, sickness, or pandemic issues, we now require each guest to purchase this. It is a very affordable and could save you a lot of headaches! My1FitLife uses InsureMyTrip, however, please use which ever company you are comfortable with. Please make sure you fully understand your coverage to ensure all aspects are covered. Our guides will need this information for confirming your hotel accommodation. 

Please be sure to inquire and fully understand about the coverage your policy includes in the case of COVID. 

This is a general packing list. As we get closer we will be sending out more specific specific information. 

Comfortable walking shoes, and flip-flops for pool 

Comfortable clothes for the trip’s activities, be sure to bring plenty fitness-appropriate clothing so you’ll be prepared – No black clothing please- attracts flies

T-Shirts and shorts/Sun Dresses (optional)

Bathing Suit / Sun protection / Sunglasses / Hat

Light rain repellent jacket (no rain pants needed)

Personal toiletries / medications / supplements / sunscreen

Medications, probiotics and anything your doctor suggests

Eye Pillow / ear plugs (especially if you are a light sleeper)

Digital camera to capture the amazing scenery and our memories

Health insurance card

Travel insurance emergency numbers

Hiking/walking shoes (Don’t need boots just a shoe with a good traction).

Be sure to update all your information in We Travel- please try not to email any small changes as we want to keep all details in one place. If you have issues in We Travel please contact us.

If you are arriving earlier please indicate so in We Travel. Our guides will organize to pick you up.

Once you retrieve your luggage and visa you will head to the exit (small airport) where you will see your name and My1FitLife  (ie- Tiffani Johansen  – My1FitLife Adventures)

This adventure does not require any training to attend.

Feb 17 – Day 1

This trip includes:

Airport transportation – Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro Airport.

Well-maintained 4×4 vehicles fitted with 2 way high frequency radio communicating system, fridge cooler and charging ports for phone charging or camera batteries.

Unlimited bottled water in vehicle

7 nights accommodations – Accommodations with shower/toilet facilities

All meals provided during safari

All adventures and related equipment as indicated on itinerary

Park entrance fees for vehicle, driver, and guests, concession fees for lodge.

Fuel for unlimited game driving

NOT INCLUDED:

Airfare

Additional tips and gratuities

any additional meals/snacks not included above

Travel Insurance – REQUIRED ITEM. Your policy number will need to be submitted

Alcoholic Beverages

• Multiple Entry Visa can be a bit difficult to get online prior to arrival. We suggest getting it in Africa. Please have $100 in USD available for this.
• Once you retrieve your luggage and visa you will proceed outside. Look for your name and My1FitLife Adventures (ie- Tiffani Johansen- My1FitLife Adventure)
• Bring USD with you, our dollar goes further than theirs. There will be opportunities to change currency throughout.
• Once we leave on safari you will only have access to a day pack and duffel bag or other collapsable bag. Hard suitcases will be stored in locked guide offices and will be retrieved after our adventure.
• School supplies, small toys, balls, clothes, and candy are suggested for giving to local children. If you prefer to give a donation, please wait until we get to an orphanage only.
• If you need to wash clothes, access to laundry will be at lodges
• Do not bring black clothing, this attracts flies. Nude, beige, camo, light colors are preferred.
• Yes bring sun screen, however, during the safari it will be shaded in the vehicle. Sun exposure will take place when outside of vehicle.  (rest stops, lunch, shopping, etc)
• Each lodge has mosquito nets
• If you are feeling unwell, some lodges have doctors on call. Guides can also take you to pharmacies if needed. Additional fees would apply
• Do bring hate scarf, light rain coat (no pants needed), if room- waterproof hiking boots if needed (sneakers will be just fine)
• Our accommodations during safari are just like hotel room, but walls are canvas. You have your own bathroom and will be doubled up with a roommate.
• WiFi is available everywhere. We will NOT be contacting your emergency contacts each day as we have done with some adventures.
• Guides will be with you at ALL times.
• We are staying on main roads in the safari. Guides are aware of animal behaviors and know what it safe and not.
• Feel free to negotiate when buying an item, locals do not take offense and is normal
• Cholera- you can get a shot for this, however, you will have access to clean drinking water everywhere we go as well on safari.
• You do not need Yellow Fever vaccination
• Bring convert for electronics. Vehicles have USB ports at each seat. You may want to get an external charger just as backup.

DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:

• Do NOT give money to locals- it will instantly attract a huge crowd
• Do NOT take photos of locals or kids – they will ask you for money after
• Do NOT wear black clothing- it attracts flies and will be very uncomfortable
• Do NOT bring any single use grocery bags. They are not allowed. Zip Lock bags are fine.
• Do NOT purchase street food. All your food will be prepared for you by our chefs and hotels
• Do NOT walk alone. Guides will be with us at all times. The guides are  experts in the area and know where/when it is safe to walk especially at night with the animals.

If you must cancel your reservation, your cancellation fee will be determined accordingly:

For US Retreats:

• A $499 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot for domestic adventures

For International Retreats:

• A $699 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot.

Cancellation :Please understand that the Non-Refundable deposit  CANNOT be refunded due to the upfront costs we have to pay.

•  If the cancellation occurs 176 days or more prior to trip start date, a refund will be issued in the way the funds were originally received, less the non refundable deposit.
•  If the cancellation occurs 175 days or less prior to retreat start date, a credit to a future trip will be issued less the non-refundable deposit and $150 admin fee.
• If a cancellation occurs within 90 days of adventure start date, a credit will be issued for 50% of the funds received, less non-refundable deposit and $150 Admin fee.
•  If a cancellation occurs 89-30 days of an adventure, a 25% credit will be given to a future adventure.
•  Less than 30 days prior to retreat start date funds are forfeited. No credits issued. Please let us know what your travel insurance company requires for reimbursement.