GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON ENTERING THE COUNTRY.

Visas obtained from Tanzania are required for all visitors except members of the Commonwealth or Scandinavians. The government will very soon implement a flexible system of granting visas at points of entry. When entering Zanzibar even from the mainland you will be required to pass brief customs and immigration formalities.

HEALTH

Check with your local consular authorities as to which vaccinations are required (normally just yellow fever). Prevention against malaria is highly recommended and should not be taken lightly.

Malaria can be dangerous under certain forms and when back in your country, if you feel ill at any later time and the diagnosis is uncertain, remember to inform your doctor that you spent sometime in a malaria-endemic region; it may help ti identify the cause of your condition. Before departure ask which medication is best suited for you, it is always better to go to a hospital familiar with tropical conditions.

Medicine are available but may not be of the same kind you are used to. Drinking non-bottled water invite possibly unpleasant experiences. Hospitals do not have proper equipment to treat major case.

SECURITY

There is no reason to be overly anxious about security. Disregard for elementary common-sense precautions may cause merely the same inconveniences you might incur anywhere else. Police stations are numerous and you will probably receive better attention than you would at home.

MONEY

You can bring in any amount of currency but import or export of Tz. Shs. is prohibited. Change is available in banks and Bureaux de Change. Most major currencies particularly US Dollars, Pounds, Euro’s; cash or travellers cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureau de change in the main towns and tourist areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. Do NOT change money in the street how ever favourable the rates appear. Working hours in banks and government offices are from 08h00 to 15h00 and private shops stay until 19h00.

pix_currency-min

LOCAL CUSTOMS AND TIMING

Respect religious beliefs and traditions when taking photographs. Also dress appropriately as a neglected and indecent attire is definitely offensive, in Zanzibar particularly.

Time (GMT+3) is very often a flexible notion and misunderstanding can be avoided when knowing that the “Swahili” day starts at sunrise.

DRIVING

Driving is to the left and requires a valid international licence. Distribution of petrol stations throughout the country is adequate and good planning should see you to your next destination. On long wilder life Safaris make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and equipped with spare wheels, jacks etc-and it may be wise to take some water along.

HOLIDAYS

Holidays fall on 12 January (Zanzibar Revolution day), 26 April (Union day between Tanganyika and Zanzibar hence TANZANIA),7 July (Sabasaba for farmers and Workers with an important trade and commercial fair in Dar-es-salaam), 9 December (Independence day).

pix_airliner

International Flights

There are several airlines that fly from US, Europe, Middle East, Asia to Tanzania;

To Kilimanjaro International Airport – KLM, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines To Dar es salaam Airport – British Airways, Swiss Air, Emirates, Gulf Air KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ( Northwest Airlines ) fly from major cities in the United States via Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro. Whilst South African Airlines fly from the US via Johannesburg to DAR Tanzania can also be reached via African Regional Cities, served by Air Tanzania, Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Air Lines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Air Kenya and Nationwide Airlines

International Airports

There are 4 major International Airports in Tanzania; Kilimanjaro (JRO) – 45min drive to Arusha Dar es salaam (DAR) – 10 minutes drive to city Mwanza (MWZ) – 10 minutes from City Zanzibar (ZNZ) – 10 minutes from Stone town.

Climate

Tanzania is a land without winter. Temperatures in Northern Tanzania range from 60-75 Degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 40-50 Degrees Fahrenheit at night from May to October. From November to March, the day time temperature varies from 70-90 Degrees Fahrenheit and 60-75 Degrees Fahrenheit at Night. Please note that weather is highly unpredictable.

What to take

Don’t forget the camera, camcorder and binoculars and take a torch for finding your way around your camp at night. Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods. Take sunglasses, hat, sun

pix_tanzaniamap

lotion, lip balm and some insect repellent, it is better not to get stung even if you are taking anti-malaria tablets. It is best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit. A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea. Take plenty of film it is difficult to obtain outside centres. While travellers cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns, banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, so take plenty of cash.

Travel Light

Some Safaris/ Air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kg maximum, so try to travel light. Bring along a extra bag incase you have extra items to be stored whilst on a scheduled trip.

Language
English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili are always appreciated.

On Safari

Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road can be tiring. It is wise to spend more time in fewer parks. You will see more and wont return home exhausted. Keep your distance from animals and be quiet to avoid distressing them.

Always follow the instructions of your ranger or guide. Don’t leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to recognised tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.

What to wear

It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing is the normal. Avoid brightly coloured cloths on safari, they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and khaki are preferred. Short-sleeve shirts / blouses and shorts are ideal, but pack a sweater, it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening.

Wear a hat to avoid sun-stroke and don’t forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible – walking through the dust is not like strolling through Hide Park.

For climbing Kilimanjaro or Mt Meru take thermal underwear, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots. Shorts for women are acceptable – but not too short. Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages as revealing cloths can cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas. On the beach and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity certainly in not.

Tipping

Not normally obligatory but a tip for exceptional service – a maximum of 10% – will be appreciated. Tip $10-15 per day for drivers or tour guides but remember an excessive tip can make it difficult for the next customer.

Insurance

You are strongly advised to have your own insurance to cover travel, baggage, personal injury or accident and medical attention.

Pictures/ Photography

It is prohibited to take pictures of State house, airports, military installations, police stations, government facilities, any border post, soldiers or police or any person.

Please always seek advice from your driver guide before taking pictures. While on safari, make sure you have some way of protecting your camera from dust. As most of the safari game viewing takes place in the early morning and late afternoon.