TANZANIA
Tanzania lies on the East Coast of Africa, between 1 and 11
degrees south of Equator, covering 937,062 sq. kms. The country embraces the
islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia in the Indian Ocean. Population is
around 35 million. For the protection of wildlife the Government has
reserved a total of 247,537 sq. kms., more than 25%.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE, LOCAL TIME, ELECTRICITY
Kiswahili and English, GMT +3, 250 volts AC, 50 Hz
CLIMATE
The climate is tropical on the coast, and temperate elsewhere. October to
mid-March is the hottest period and from June to September, the coolest.
However, the range of temperature is fairly limited and it is always hot.
There is light rainfall in November and the rainy season is from mid-march
to the end of May. The Ocean water is always warm.
VISAS
Visas are required for everyone except citizens of the Commonwealth,
Scandinavia and Ireland. Before departure, you can obtain a visa from the
Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate; any reputable passport service will
facilitate this. You can also get your visa at the major entry points of Dar
es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar International Airports, but it's easiest
to have it beforehand (and for Kenya, too, if you're transiting Nairobi).
Your passport must be valid for at least six months past your departure
date.
HEALTH
Yellow fever vaccination: recommended on the mainland and compulsory in
Zanzibar. Visitors are advised to take anti-malaria tablets for beach
holidays. Personal insurance is advised. "Flying doctors" facilities are
also available. We strongly advise all of our clients to see their doctor
well before departure; dentist, too.
AIRPORTS
Three international airports: Dar es Salaam (DAR), Kilimanjaro (JRO) and
Zanzibar (ZNZ). Several international airlines operate to Tanzania: KLM
Royal Dutch Airlines, daily from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam
British Airways, three times a week from Heathrow to Dar es Salaam, via
Nairobi.
Swissair - From Zurich to Dar es Salaam Gulf Air -Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar
via Muscat. Emirates - Dar es Salaam via Dubai. Tanzania can also be reached
via African gateways served by Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airways,
Kenya Airways, and South African Airways. For most of our clients, the
direct KLM flight from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro (JRO) is the most
convenient. But please be aware that it is always full, so prior booking
well in advance is required.
Note that a tax is levied on all passengers taking flights within (and
leaving) Tanzania. Departure Tax by air from Tanzania is presently US$30.
CURRENCY
The Tanzanian shilling is the official local currency but the US Dollar is
most welcome. All major currencies can be converted at hotels and banks in
the cities. Traveler’s checks are exchangeable in some places. Major credit
cards are accepted in the larger hotels and stores but it is advisable to
carry cash or traveler's checks.
CLOTHING
For safaris in the north, during the day, light clothing. Sturdy shoes are
required (please, no high heels), and wide-brimmed hats. At night casual
wear with a light cardigan or a pullover (the savannah is 5,000 feet above
sea level and the rim of Ngorongoro is 8,000). The Kilimanjaro climb has
special requirements that we will advise you on separately.
The eastern coast and islands are Moslem and women should
wear modest clothes and scarves, as revealing clothes can cause offence. For
safaris and climbs originating and ending at JRO, Kilimanjaro International
Airport, this is not a consideration.
CUISINE
There is a variety of food. You'll find international cuisine in the hotels,
restaurants and lodges. On the coast, fish and lobsters with local dishes
such as birianis and meat or fish curries. Specialties: spiced tea or coffee
and "Halua", a sweet desert with almonds. Drink only bottled mineral water.
WHAT TO TAKE FOR SAFARI
Don't forget the camera, camcorder and binoculars and take a flashlight for
finding your way around at night. Stock up with replacement batteries. Take
sunglasses, hat, sun lotion (30 SPF at least), lip balm and some insect
repellent -30% DEET- it is better not to get bitten 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's difficult to obtain in the bush. While
travelers checks can be exchanged in cities and towns, banking facilities in
remote areas are restricted so take plenty of cash if you expect to go
shopping.
ENVIRONMENT
The protection of nature is everyone's concern. On safari, do not collect or
buy bones, skins, horns, teeth, feathers or shells. And on the coast do not
bring back coral, shells or starfish, which play an important role in the
fragile ecosystem. Do not litter; we always carry out all of our trash. The
protection of culture is also everyone's concern. The guides know the local
habits and customs. It is always advisable to ask permission before taking
someone's picture.
SECURITY
Tanzania generally is a safe country but do not invite temptation. Keep your
eye on your belongings. Don't walk at night in the town or cities, take a
taxi. Don't walk with cameras or large amount of cash, and beware of
pickpockets. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to safeguard valuables and
obtain a receipt. Leave your jewelry and expensive watches at home. Do not
feed or otherwise approach the animals except under our supervision. They
are called wild for good reason; they are not tame, no matter how cute or
friendly they appear, and you are intruding upon their turf.
PHOTOGRAPHY
You can buy here or bring film and batteries with you for your camera.
Protect it from dust and keep equipment and film cool. It is courteous to
ask permission before photographing local people. If you intend to take a
lot of wildlife pictures keep your equipment ready ... the animals don't
pose and you often need to be quick. A waterproof, protective case is
important on the climb. TRIP
CANCELLATION INSURANCE
We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and
interruption, travel delays, loss of baggage and travel documents, baggage
delay, medical expenses and emergency assistance. An insurance application
is provided with all trip confirmations.
TRANSPORT
Rental cars are available for use on the paved roads but 4 X 4 vehicles for
safaris usually have to be hired with a driver. Driving is on the left,
British-style. An international driving license is required for self drive.
All of our vehicles are fully equipped with pop up roof hatches for game
viewing and photography, and are fitted with two spare tires, an operational
'Simba' jack, H. F. Radio communication system and other accessories. Once
out of town, the driving is unlike any you're likely to have seen before and
you are well advised to leave the driving to us. You're on vacation, anyway,
so relax; we'll take you anywhere you want to go.