Tanzania Travel Guide

Tanzania Travel Guide will make your travel to Tanzania easier, a success and more informative. Below are some travel tips that will come in handy whilst preparing your holiday to this area.While we endeavor to update this information as soon as possible, we advice you to consult the nearest embassy or consular office for up to date information as some of this information may change with time. This information helps you prepare for your holiday and be aware of what t expect in landing in Tanzania.

Entering Tanzania

a) Road

The best way to enter Tanzania is overland from Kenya. This can be either through Namanga border or Taveta

b) Air

There are plenty of flights from Europe to Tanzania. Most people fly into Dar-Es-Salaam but there are also international flights to KILIMANJARO.

We have Kenya Airways, Safarilink, and Precision Air are among other airlines that fly from Kenya to Tanzania.Kenya Airways operates a twice-daily flight to Zanzibar with ample connections to Dar-Es-Salaam.

PASSPORT AND VISAS:

Your passport must be valid six months after date of travel. Please check with our Mission Overseas whether you require visas. Where needed, visas are readily obtainable from consulates and diplomatic missions.

Where no diplomatic representation exists, visas may be issued on arrival, however it is best to consult us before making definite departure plans. However, it is standard that 2 passport-sized photographs must accompany your application. An onward ticket and sufficient funds are required when entering Tanzania.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX

Airport tax is supposed to be USD 30.- out of Dar-es-salaam and Arusha and USD 20.- out of Zanzibar. Domestic airport departure taxes are still payable in some airports, but in most cases included in the airfare quoted by the agent or airline.

HEALTH AND IMMUNISATION:

Since rules concerning disease prevention vary from time to time, most current information should be sought from the following authorities; the Tanzanian Embassy / High Commission, Tourist Office or from any airline flying scheduled services into Tanzania from your country of residence prior to traveling.

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all visitors to Tanzania. It is obligatory to buy bottled water. Private health insurance is recommended.

Malaria exists below 1 800 m in malignant falciparum form. It is advisable to take anti malarial precautions under guidance of your medical practitioner before departure. A mosquito repellent is also advisable. If on medication, it is best to take a supply of medicines to last the entire trip.

DRINKING WATER:

Hotels and Game Lodges supply clean drinking water in Thermos Flasks for drinking or brushing; bottled mineral water is available widely everywhere in the country at all supermarkets, lodges and hotels and we highly recommend the use of mineral water.Please do not consume any tap water during your trip.

CURRENCY AND CREDIT CARDS:

Tanzania shilling is the official currency for Tanzania. There is no restriction on the importation of foreign currency. The import or export of the Tanzanian Shilling is prohibited. Payment for safaris must be made in foreign currency. Visitors can change money at the Bureau de Change which can be used for shopping, drinks and other personal expenses. The exchange rates fluctuate from day to day.

For current exchange rates, contact Trails of Africa. Bureau de Change offers favorable exchange rates. Credit cards – ACCES, VISA, MASTERCARD, DINERS are readily accepted at the larger hotels around the country. There is no limit on the importation of foreign currency.

BAGGAGE:

Baggage space on safari is limited to one medium suitcase or hold-all per person, plus hand baggage (private safaris where there are less than 5 people in the vehicle are not subject to this restriction). Visitors to Treetops and the Ark are asked to take overnight bags only.

Suitcases can be left at the base hotels. Hotels will generally store baggage at no extra cost , and baggage may also be stored at the Trails of Africa offices. A baggage weight restriction of 15 kgs per person applies on air safaris, and where very small aircraft are used, this restriction may be reduced to 10 kgs.

INSURANCE:

You are strongly advised to have your own insurance cover to cover baggage, personal accident and medical attention. Upon request we can cover you for flying doctor evacuation at a cost.

CLIMATE

Tanzania and Kenya are at the same altitude as the equator, and as a result, we have a very similar tropical climate.

SEASONS:

The dry season is from July to October, and around November - December it gets short rains. January to March can be quite hot in Tanzania and from April to May the country gets heavy rain. The rain pattern however has been less regular in recent years.

WHAT TO WEAR

Summer clothing is worn throughout the year, although at times a jacket and light raincoat may be necessary.

July through to September are our ‘winter months’ where temperatures at altitude level can drop to 10 C. So carry a pullover/sweater to stay warm. This is especially so in Nairobi and Central Highland areas.

On dawn and dusk safaris, a sweater is needed. In fact most national parks are at an altitude of over 1500m above sea level, so early mornings and evenings are quite cool.

In safari, wear neutral colours, such as brown, beige and khaki - bright colours may alarm the animals. Casual wear is the norm during the day, a short-sleeved shirt for men, light cotton dresses, or a skirt and top for women. In the evening, in some hotels and restaurants, particularly in the cities, men may be required to wear a jacket and tie, while women will feel more comfortable in a cocktail dress.

Sunglasses and a hat for protection against the sun are recommended and swimsuits should be packed for the swimming pool or beach. Topless sunbathing is not permitted.

LANGUAGE:

Kiswahili is the official language. All the people you will interact with in hotels, lodges, airport and your driver guides are fluent in English while some are multi-lingua; speaking fluent Spanish, French, German, Italian and Mandarin among other languages.

WHAT TO BRING

A pair of binoculars will greatly enhance game viewing while a torch to find your way around camp after dark is a good idea. Don’t forget the camera, camcorder and a plentiful supply of film and spare batteries.

Books, pencils, crayons and candy are very welcome as gifts to the children of local villages that you would pass (or visit) whilst on safari.

TRAVEL LIGHT

Some safaris / air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kilos maximum. Baggage space in minibuses is limited too and we therefore recommend use soft bags and/or soft suitcases.

TIPPING & GRATUITIES

Tipping is customary in Tanzania but not mandatory. Whilst the actual amount of money to tip is left at your discretion, we would like to recommend (US $ 2 - 5 per service rendered is acceptable) for porters and waiters and safari drivers / guides (US $ 8 - 15 per person per day is acceptable).

SEASONS

January to March can be quite hot in Tanzania and from April to May the country gets heavy rain. The dry season is from July to October, and around November - December it gets short rains. The rain pattern however has been less regular in recent years.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

1 January, 12 January, 26 April, 1 May, , 7 July, 10 September, 9 December, 25 December, 26 December, Start of Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Haj and Easter.

SHOPPING / SOUVENIRS

There is a big variety of souvenirs to take home. Most hotels have licensed souvenir shops and there are a large number of such outlets in the main towns. Tanzania offers the visitor a treasure trove of art, handicraft, spices, furniture and other collectibles. Curios are sold in markets and in city and town center.

VOLTAGE:

Both mains electricity and generated supply in lodges and hotels provide 240 volts AC 50 cycles. Most large hotels and some game lodges provide shaving points with 110v 50 cycles. Sockets are usually 3 pin and are of the "square" variety.

DRESSING

In wildlife lodge the emphasis is on comfort and informality. Light cotton clothing for the day and long sleeved shirts / trousers for the evenings is ideal. Bright colors should be avoided for wildlife viewing. Ngorongoro can get quite cold at night so it is advisable to have a warm sweater.

A safari hat is a must and you will find the following items useful: Sunglasses, suntan lotion, insect repellent cream or spray, flash light, binoculars, swimming costume, a good book and "wet ones".

SECURITY:

Normal precautions as in any other destination should be taken. Visitors should never carry large sums in cash and women should keep a tight grip on their handbags in crowded or busy streets.

You are advised not to leave cash and valuables in your hotel rooms, but to use safe deposit boxes which are available at a minimal cost at all hotels and lodges.

Jewelry snatching is quite common in crowded city streets, and as such very noticeable adornments should be avoided. As in all major cities, walking alone or in small groups at night could be considered dangerous, and should be avoided. Reliable taxis are available (your reception desk will assist you with this), and should be made use of.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

While we encourage you to carry your camera and camcorder, taking photographs at airports, parliament, some government offices, near military installations, of policemen, the president, the national flag, the State House, state properties and prisoners, is completely prohibited.

Prior to taking photographs of local people, permission should be obtained and a fixed price agreed upon. Please seek the assistance of your driver / guide regarding this matter.

BEHAVIOUR IN PARKS

The animals are at home, do not disturb their daily life, do not throw litter and do not encourage your driver to drive off the track. Don’t be disappointed if you have not seen all the species on your list, consider on the contrary that you have been lucky to see what you have seen and enjoy the landscape and the immensity

ZANZIBAR

Yellow fever certificates are essential for entry into Tanzania and in particular, Zanzibar.