TRAVEL TIPS.
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.
T 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 ant- 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:
Donít 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, itís 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
r 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