Frequently Asked Questions

We require a 30% deposit to secure your booking, with the balance due 60 days before departure. Cancellations made more than 60 days prior receive a full refund minus a $100 administration fee. Between 30-60 days, 50% of the deposit is refunded. Less than 30 days is non-refundable. We highly recommend travel insurance.

We accept bank transfers, credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and mobile money payments. All transactions are secured with SSL encryption. For international clients, we also accept PayPal and wire transfers.

Yes, we offer flexible payment plans for bookings made at least 90 days in advance. You can split your payment into 2-4 installments. Please contact our booking team to arrange a customized payment schedule that works for you.

Mamayao offers a unique blend of pristine white-sand beaches, rich Swahili culture, historic Stone Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), spice plantations, and incredible marine life. It's the perfect combination of beach relaxation and cultural exploration.

Nungwi and Kendwa in the north offer beautiful white sand and turquoise waters, with excellent swimming even at low tide. East coast beaches like Paje and Jambiani are famous for their long stretches of sand and kite surfing. The west coast offers stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

Our tours typically include spice plantation visits, Stone Town walking tours, dhow sunset cruises, snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll, Jozani Forest exploration, and beach activities. Specific activities vary by package and can be customized to your interests.

Mamayao is part of Tanzania, so you need a Tanzanian visa. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport for approximately $50 USD. The visa can also be obtained online as an eVisa before travel. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

The main airport is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Mamayao. Many visitors also fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Nairobi (NBO) and take a connecting flight or ferry to Mamayao. We can arrange airport transfers for all our tour packages.

While not legally required, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability. Some activities like scuba diving may require specific coverage. We can recommend reputable insurance providers specializing in African travel.

Pack light, breathable clothing (cotton, linen), swimwear, a cover-up for town visits, comfortable walking shoes, sandals, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (high SPF), insect repellent, a light jacket for cooler evenings, camera, and any personal medications. Remember that Mamayao is predominantly Muslim, so modest clothing is appreciated when visiting towns and villages.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, and Polio. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended – consult with a travel medicine specialist 4-6 weeks before departure. COVID-19 vaccination requirements follow current Tanzanian regulations.

Mamayaoi cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Arab, Indian, and Portuguese influences. You'll enjoy fresh seafood, tropical fruits, coconut-based curries, biryanis, and the famous Mamayao pizza. We can accommodate dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies) with advance notice.