Travellers Tips

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
International flights serve Dar es Salaam – The Chief seaport and formally the Tanzanian Capital and Kilimanjaro Airport the main gateway to the Northern Tourist circuit and recently Zanzibar.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
British Airways fly three times a week, from Heathrow to Dar es Salaam, via Nairobi.
Other carriers who operate to Tanzania via Europe:-
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, ( From Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro).
Swissair – From Zurich to Dares Salaam.
Gulf Air – Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar via Muscat.
Emirates – Dar es Salaam via Dubai.
Tanzania can also be reached via African gateways saved by Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways.

PASSPORT/VISA
Most visitors require visas with an exception certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is highly advisable to obtain them in advance from Embassies and high commissions as several airlines insists on them prior to departure. They can also be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports and at Namanga/Holili on the Tanzania/Kenya border posts. Requirement may change so you are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic or counselor authority before finalizing you travel arrangements. Although part of the Union of Tanzania, Zanzibar remain independent so passport/Tanzania visas are required even on a dayís visit.

IMMUNIZATION/HEALTH
Visitors from Countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce international certificates of vaccination, this is particularly relevant for those traveling from neighboring African countries. UK Department of Health recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. It is essential for visitors to take a course of Anti- Malaria tablets, commencing two weeks before travel. Modern Medical services are available in Dar es Salaam and other major centers. Visitors are advised to bring their own medicines with them.

WHAT TO TAKE
Don’t forget the camera, cam corder 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 lotion, lip balm – and some insects 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 the main centers. While travelers 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 kilo maximum.

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

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors can take in any amount of foreign currency, no currency declaration of is required but import and export of Tanzania currency is illegal. Most major currencies- particularly US $ – and travelers cheques are accepted and are convert able at banks and bureau de changes in the main town and tourist ares. Credit cards are not widely accepted and can carry poor exchange rates.Visitors will widely be expected to to pay park entry fees in foreign currency. DO NOT change money in the street however favourable the rate appears.

ON SAFARI
Distances in Tanzania are vast and traveling by road can be tiring. It is wise to spend more time in fewer parks. You will see more and wonít return home exhausted. Keep your distance from animals and be quiet to avoid distressing them. Always follow the instruction of your ranger or guide. Donít leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to recognized tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.

WHAT TO WEAR
It never gets realy cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing is norm. On safari avoid brightly colored 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 donít forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible – walking through the bushes not like strolling through Hyde Park- and for climbing Mount 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 offense especially in Zanzibar and other Muslims 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. Tip $10 – 15 per day for drivers or tour guides but remember an excessive tip can make it difficult for the next customer.

AIRPORT TAX
An Airport tax of US $ 30 is levied, which may be included in the price of an air ticket.

RELIGION: Christian, Indigenous Beliefs, Muslim

CURRENCY: Tanzania Shilling (TSh)

TIME: GMT+3 International

DIALING CODE: 255 International

Radios: BBC KHz: (daytime) 17885,11940,9770, (evening) 21470,11940,6005

BUSINESS HOURS: Government offices are open from 07:30 – 15:30 Monday to Friday. Banks open from 09:00 – 16:00

WEEKLY DAYS OFF: Saturday and Sunday.