Tanzania safaris Travel Tips, Tanzania Travel Tips, Tanzania Travel Guide

TRAVEL TIPS

PASSPORTS/VISAS

Most visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain commonwealth countries. It is advisable to obtain them in advance from embassies and high commissions as several airlines insist on them prior to departure. They can also be obtained on arrival at Dar Es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports and at the Namanga gate on the Tanzania/Kenya border.

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 passport/visas are required even on a day visit.

GEOGRAPHICALLY

Tanzania covers 937,062 sq km to make it the larger country in Eastern Africa. Just south of the Equator, it borders Kenya and Uganda in the North, Zaire and Rwanda and Burundi in the West and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique in the South, making it a splendid country to explore Eastern, Central and Southern Africa.

Through the interior runs the great rift valley, that vast fault line down the spine of Africa, that in Tanzania, was created many fascinating topographical features, such as the Ngorongoro crater and Lake Tanganyika. The central plateau (1200 above sea level) is a nudge expanse of savannah and sparse woodland to the North, the 5,895 m (19,540 feet) mount Kilimanjaro rises, the highest mountain in Africa.

While the interior is lareely arid, the 800 km coastune is lush and palm fring as are the Islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.

CLIMATE

The coastal areas are not and humid with an average day time temperature of 30⁰C. Sea breezes make the climate very pleasant. The ocean temperature is between 24⁰C and 28⁰C

The highland has a pleasant climate with temperatures averaging around 20⁰C. Temperature vary around Kilimanjaro according the season registering a low 15⁰C during may to august rising to 22⁰C during December to March.

HEALTH / IMMUNIZATION

Modern medical services are available in Dar Es Salaam and other major centres. There are limited number of chemists in the country, so visitors are advised to bring their own medicines with them.

Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce International Certificate of Vaccinations, this is particularly relevant for those traveling from neighboring countries. If visiting Zanzibar from Tanzania a yellow fever certificate must be produced.

The UK department of health recommends vaccination against hepatitis, polio and typhoid. It is essential for visitors to take a course of anti-malaria tablets, commencing two weeks before travel.

CUSTOMS

Personal effects, including binoculars, cameras and film may be brought in free of duty.

A custom’s bond may be demanded from those bringing in video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Fire arms require a special permit.

Duty free allowances are 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco plus one pint of spirits, provides the traveller is over 16 years.

Visitors buying local handicraft must keep sales receipt for presentation to custom officials on departure.

CURRENCY

The currency is the Tanzania Shilling (Tshs) which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors can take in any amount of foreign currency and no currency declaration is required. But import and export of Tanzania currency is illegal. Foreign currency in cash or travellers cheques may be exchanged at any branch of Commercial Banks or through authorized dealers and at the Bureau de Change (Forex Bureaux) at the international airports, major towns and border ports.

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 groups take sun-glasses, hat, sun lotion, up bacon and some insect repellent, it is better to not get stung even if you take anti- malaria tablets.

It ‘s best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit, a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also an good idea. Take plenty of film, it is difficult to obtain outside the main centres. While travellers cheques can be changed in cities and towns, banking facilities in remote areas are restricted to take plenty of cash.

WHAT TO WEAR

It never gets really cold in Tanzania so light weight clothing is the normal on safari avoid bright coloured clothes, they might alarm the animals. Brown, beige and khaki are preferred. Short sleeve shirts/blouses and shorts are ideals but pack a sweater, it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening. Wear a hat to avoid sunstroke and don't forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible walking through the bush is not like strolling through hyde park. Immodest clothing will offend the local tradition.