TRAVEL TIPS

 

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

British Airways fly three times a week direct from London to Dar es Salaam with a total flying time of 9 hours 40 minutes.
Other carriers operate to Tanzania via Europe KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (from Amsterdam) to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro; Swiss (from Zurich) to Dar es Salaam. Gulf Air serves Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar via Muscat or Abu Dhabi.
Tanzania can also be reached via African gateways served by Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and South African Airways.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

International flights serve Dar es Salaam, eight miles from the city centre and Kilimanjaro, 31 miles from Arusha. Zanzibar airport is 5 miles from Stone Town.

PASSPORTS/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 of them prior to departure. They can also be obtained on arrival at 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 finalising travel arrangements.

IMMUNISATION/HEATLH

Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce international certificates of vaccination. This is particularly relevant for those travelling from other African countries.
The UK Department of Health recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. It is essential for visitors to take a course of malaria prophylaxis.
Modern medical services are available in Dar es Salaam and other major centres. There are only a limited number of chemists in the country, so visitors are advised to bring their own medicines with them.

CLIMATE

Coastal areas are hot and humid with an average daytime temperature of 30ºC. Sea breezes make the climate very pleasant from June to September. The central plateau experiences hot days and cool nights. The hilly country between the coast and the northern highlands has a pleasant climate from January to September, with temperatures averaging around 20ºC. Temperatures vary around Kilimanjaro according to the season, registering a low 15ºC during May - August rising to 22ºC during December - March.
For the whole country, the hottest months are from October to February. The main, long rainy season is from mid-March to May.

WHAT TO TAKE

Don't forget the camera, camcorder and binoculars, and take a torch for finding your way around the camp at night. Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods. The main electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz. Plugs are usually the 13-amp 3-pin square (British) type.
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.
A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea.
Take plenty of film, it can be difficult to obtain outside the main centres.
While traveller's cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns, banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, so cash is useful too.

TRAVEL LIGHT

Some safaris / air charters limit baggage to a 10 - 15 kg maximum.

LANGUAGE

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

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TShs), which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors can take any amount of foreign currency, no currency declaration is required, but import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal.
Most major currencies, particularly US Dollars, and traveller's cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureaux de change in the main towns and tourist areas. Credit cards, mainly visa and mastercard, are generally only accepted in larger establishments.

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 won't return home exhausted. Keep your distance from animals and be quiet to avoid distressing them. Always follow the instructions of your ranger or guide. Don't leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to recognised tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.

WHAT TO WEAR

It never gets really cold in Tanzania, so lightweight clothing is the norm. 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 as it can be a bit 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, 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. Tip US$15 per day for drivers or tour guides but remember that an excessive tip can make it difficult for the next customer.

AIRPORT TAX

An international airport tax of US$30 is levied, which may be included in the price of an air ticket. Airport tax for domestic flights is 5,000 TShs (approximately US$5).