Tanzania Travel Tips

INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

BRITISH AIRWAYS

AIR FRANCE

NORTHWEST AIRLINES

ROYAL DUTCH KLM

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES

JAPAN AIRLINES

AIR CANADA

AIR LUFTHANSA

SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES (SAS)

SWISS AIR

EMIRATES

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES

QATAR AIRWAYS

TURKEY AIRLINES

SOUTH AFRICA AIRWAYS

AIR CONDOR

KENYA AIRWAYS

RWANDA AIR

AIR UGANDA

EGTYPT AIR

ZAMBIA

AIR ZIMBABWE

REGIONAL AIR SERVICES

ZAN AIR

COASTAL AVIATION

AIR TANZANIA

PRECISION AIR

FASTJET

AURIC AIR

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Most visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain them in advance from Embassies and High Commissions as several airlines insist on them prior to departure. They can however also be obtained, on arrival, at all points of entry. Requirements may change so you are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalizing your travel arrangements. Although part of the Union of Tanzania, Zanzibar remains independent so, passports/Tanzania visas are required even on a day’s visit.

IMMUNISATION AND HEALTH

It is essential that all visitors take a course of anti-malaria tablets commencing two weeks before departure. The International Departments of Health also recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Personal insurance is advised. Travellers arriving from, or via countries where yellow fever is endemic will need a Certificate of Vaccination although vaccination is available on arrival. Hospitals provide good medical care in cities and towns. Flying Doctors facilities are also available.

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

TRAVEL FLIGHT

Some safaris/air charters limit baggage to a 10 – 15kg maximum. For extra weight there will be extra payments for each kilogram.

LANGUAGE

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

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Tanzania shilling which is divided into 100 cents. Most major currencies, particularly US dollars,Euros and travelers’ cheques are accepted and may be converted at banks and bureaux de change in the main towns and tourist areas. Do NOT change money in the street however favourable the rate appears. It should be noted that not all establishments accept credit cards and certain cards, particularly Diners and American Express, are frequently refused even by major hotels. Master card and Visa are preferred.

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 don’t return home exhausted. Keep your distance from animals to avoid distressing them. Always follow the instructions of your ranger or guide. Don’t leave your vehicle in the parks except is designated places. Keep to recognized tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.

WHAT TO WEAR

It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing is the normal. On safari avoid brightly coloured clothes, 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 bush is not like strolling through Hyde Park and for climbing Kilimanjaro or Mount 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 clothes 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 is not.

TIPPING

Not normally obligatory but a tip for exceptional service, a maximum of 10% will be appreciated.

ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS

Baloon safaris, budget camping safaris, camel safaris, canoeing, caving, deep sea fishing, diving, fishing, golf, horseriding, jet skiing, mountain biking, mountain climbing, sailing, sea kayaking, swimming with Dolphins, trekking and walking, cultural trips, water sports, archaeology, bird-watchers, butterflies, dolphin tracking, flower lovers, Train enthusiasts, turtles, whale watching.