PRE- DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Travelling to Tanzania
To enable you to enjoy your stay to the fullest, we recommend that you review the suggestions and comments below to assist you in preparing for your safari.
Almost everywhere in the travel world nowadays negotiating bureaucratic procedures such as immigration and customs formalities requires one to exercise a measure of patience and humility. It would serve one well to bear in mind that Tanzania is no different in this regard. To ease matters where possible, it would be helpful to have all required documentation ready at hand. Remember that a smile and a relaxed manner can go a long way to ease clearance!
Most roads on your safari, especially in the game parks, will be unpaved, bumpy and dusty or muddy if it has rained. Lack of grading and unforeseen events (animals crossing, flat tyres, accidents) may further slow progress. Your drivers and guides will always appreciate understanding and help in these situations.
Visitors to Tanzania are required to have a valid passport and visa. One should allow adequate time prior to departure for processing this documentation. For citizens of some countries visas are available upon arrival at the port of entry. It is recommended that you should check this with the Tanzanian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in your country when planning your travel.
Ethiopian Air, Qatar, Rwanda Air, Turkish Airlines and KLM (with its affiliated airlines) fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. There are, however, many more that fly into Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. Several local airlines connect from these international airports to smaller airports within the safari circuit.
Kilimanjaro International Airport – JRO
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar Es Salaam) – DAR
- Zanzibar International Airport – ZNZ
- Arusha Airport – ARK
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi, Kenya) – NBO / JKIA
Even though English is widely spoken in Tanzania, Kiswahili is the national language and a few words are always highly appreciated. Kiswahili phase books are readily available in book stores in many countries and in Tanzania.
Tanzania is just south of the equator, which means that the climate is relatively stable throughout the year. Global warming and the changing climate have of course also affected the climate in Tanzania, making the seasons less predictable. Generally, we have two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The ‘short rains’ are usually from November to December and the ‘long rains’ are usually from March to May.
Tanzania is a large country and the weather does vary from region to region. In the coastal areas, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar, the weather is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures on Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru drop to below freezing.
Please find below the average temperature in Arusha.
| Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Celsius | 32 | 32 | 28 | 22 | 20 | 20 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 27 | 22 | 28 |
| Fahrenheit | 89.6 | 89.6 | 82.4 | 71.6 | 68 | 68 | 78.8 | 82.4 | 86 | 80.6 | 71.6 | 82.4 |
Local currency is Tanzanian Shillings. You will be able to exchange all major currencies (US Dollars, Euros and GB Pounds) at banks and exchange bureaus. You will also be able to take out Shillings from ATM’s in larger towns. However, the ATM’s are not always reliable. Credit cards are now more widely accepted in Tanzania. Credit cards do still carry poor exchange rates or additional charges to cover processing fees. For any credit card transaction, surcharges vary between 5 and 7 percent. Payments using traveller’s cheques are accepted but there are also often surcharges.
For cash US Dollars, many places including banks and exchange bureaus do not accept notes before the year 2006. This is due to a suspicion that notes before this time are counterfeit. Denominations smaller than $50 or $100 also have lower exchange rates.
Please change money only in banks and known exchange bureaus, do not change money on the streets.
Depending on the type of safari you are booking, most costs are included in your trip. Below are some of the things that you may need to pay for:
- Drinks and Laundry services while staying at lodges
- Souvenirs and curios
- Books and postcards
- Gratuities
It is recommended to seek guidance from one’s health provider or travel organisation in good time before travelling to any East African country (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zanzibar) about vaccination requirements and other medical recommendations. Currently Tanzania is a yellow fever free zone by WHO declaration. However, if one would be arriving through a country with risk of the fever they'd be required to have the certificate.
One of the most common concerns on travel to East Africa is Malaria prevention. It is advisable to take the following precautions against this:
- Use insect repellent
- Have adequate dress cover at dusk and dawn (the most vulnerable times)
- Sleep under mosquito net (especially babies and infants)
- Take anti-malarial prophylaxis as prescribed by your health provider for pre- and post- safari.
Other matters of health concern are exercising caution over eating uncooked food and drinking unsafe water (boiled or bottled is best). Basic first aid kids are available, at most of the lodges and camps, but you should always have one on you should an emergency arise. Your first aid kid should include mosquito repellent and malaria prophylactics, as well as your SPF preferred sunscreen, antihistamine and over the counter pain relieving medication, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Tylenol. You may need to weatherproof and protect your valuable’s while out on game drives and other activities, and a few zip-lock bags can be included in your first aid kit for this purpose. Bring larger zip-locks for protecting your camera and lenses too from dust. Other items for your first aid kit are antiseptic cream, anti-diarrhoea medication, and antacid tablets.
Make wise choices in what types of clothing you bring. Bringing the right clothing and personal items on your safari not only keeps you safe and comfortable but also increases your enjoyment of the many adventurous activities available during your travels. As a general rule you should pack lightweight, washable clothes, plus a sweater for early morning game drives. Avoid bright, dark and white colours and instead bring clothes of neutral colours, such as khaki, beige, mid tone brown, green and olive, the typical colours used for safari. Because your safari activities vary in intensity and terrain, appropriate waterproof shoes are recommended dependent on your itinerary such as hiking boots or walking safari shoes for game walks; waterproof sneakers are most appropriate for game drives only itineraries but we generally recommend walking shoes for utmost comfort due to the rugged ground exposure and sandals for the beach extensions. It is advisable to bring a raincoat. Incidence of rain is unpredictable and it is best to come prepared. In the evening it is advisable to wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and trousers to discourage mosquitoes.
Unless you have a special event to attend, formal clothing is not necessary. Loose fitting garments that can be worn in layers will ensure your comfort day and night, and you should bring clothing that you do not mind getting soiled. Some lodges offer next day laundry generally at a cost. Also important are a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
It is recommended that every member of the safari group have a pair of binoculars. A good pair of binoculars will be well worth the investment.
Tanzania is a religiously diverse country, and in respect to the people of this country we would advise on dressing accordingly. There are many Islamic people in Tanzania and very revealing clothing is offensive, it is advisable especially for women to carry a wrap that can be used to cover up if necessary. On the beach and within the confines of beach hotels normal swimwear (but not nudity) is acceptable.
If you are climbing Mt Kilimanjaro or Mt Meru, you should also contact the company who you are climbing with. If they are any good they will be able to advise you specific clothing required for a climb. It is important to climb with a recognized company; as your safety is important and you have a better chance of summiting. There are several companies we would recommend.
Protect your camera from dust and keep the film equipment cool. It is courteous to ask people for permission before you take their photo. We discourage you from paying to take pictures of people.
National parks and Conservation Areas are home to the beautiful wildlife of Tanzania. Please feel comfortable in these areas but respect the temperaments of the wildlife. Some of the wildlife is timid and some can be aggressive. Please read the TANAPA Rules and Regulations and follow the rules. The rules were written by people who understand the wildlife and wish only to protect them and you.
Do not get out of your vehicle when you are in any wilderness area except designated areas such as picnic areas, camp grounds or lodges. Read and follow signs posted in parks, campsites and lodges. Follow the suggestions of park and lodge employees who have experience in the areas where you are visiting. When in doubt ask questions and be sure to follow the instructions of rangers and guides.
Pack lightweight, washable clothes plus a sweater for early morning game drives, a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Long sleeves and trousers in light-coloured fabrics help discourage insect bites. Staying at a lodge, bring your swimsuit along.
Baggage on safari is limited to one bag, plus one small piece of hand baggage per person (excluding a camera bag). In total this should not weight more than 20kg. Suitcases and other heavier items can be stored in town hotels whilst clients are on safari.
It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance to cover baggage or valuables in event of loss or theft. It is recommended to purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance in the event of an accident or medical emergency. There are many affordable and reputable companies available on the internet that can provide coverage. Trip cancellation insurance is essential in the event that you are unable to travel due to illness. Most policies also provide cancellation in the event of illness of a family member.
In addition, Flying Doctor membership (AMREF) is included in every quotation for a safari and self drive; this is non-negotiable, even if the client has adequate coverage. In our experience this is the most efficient and quickest way to get to a reliable medical facility in the unforeseen event of emergency.
Tanzania is a generally safe and friendly country, but don’t invite temptation. Do not walk at night, order a taxi from your hotel or lodge. Do not carry valuables, cameras or large amounts of cash. Ask at the reception of hotels and lodges whether they have safety deposit boxes and ask for a receipt. Keep your eye on your belongings, and beware of pickpockets. Leave any valuable items at home.
Tipping is not obligatory but a tip of $25 per day for short safaris and $20 per day for long safaris shall be appreciated if you have had satisfactory services.
In cities, towns and rural areas you will witness areas of extreme poverty. There are many government, church and non-government programmes addressing the needs of people in need. Please do not hand out gifts to children on the streets this encourages them to leave school and beg in areas common for tourists to pass. Beware of official looking papers to sponsor people for school fees or medical expenses. If you would like a list of area projects that are in need of donations please contact us. As anywhere, gifts should be given as a true expression of friendship, appreciation of thanks.
Tanzania’s power voltage is 240 with British style plugs (square 3 pin). Power failures, surges, and troughs are still very common in Tanzania. It is recommended to bring a universal adapter, and a torch (flashlight) or headlamp. Power for charging batteries and other electronic equipment is available in most lodges.
Tanzania is + 3 GMT
This means the local time is three hours ahead of GMT, six hours ahead of New York and eleven hours ahead of Los Angeles. Tanzania does not observe daylight saving time, so the difference changes by one hour in the European and North American Summer.
The tourist areas and hotels will sell a large variety of souvenirs and jewellery. Do not be afraid to haggle at roadside stalls (if you have one - your driver/ guide will be able to advise you where to shop and reasonable prices).
Be careful when buying gemstones such as Tanzanite. They are widely available at souvenir shops, but be sure to buy gemstones with a recognized dealer. There are several shops we would recommend.
WHAT’S THE COASTAL LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE? Passengers are permitted a maximum baggage allowance of 15kgs (33lbs) per person and 5kgs (11lbs) per person hand baggage. Soft bags are strongly recommended, but doesn’t need to be a must.
The carriage of excess baggage is at the sole discretion of the Company after taking into consideration the aircraft being used and the admissible maximum load. In particular we point out that bags are not tagged and checked-in like in large airlines: they remain always under the control of the customer who must not lose sight of them. When excess baggage is carried it will be charged at the prevailing freight rate. Final decision on load allowable or any flight condition is solely up to the pilot in command.
DOES YOUR LUGGAGE FIT? The cargo pod door measurements are: 36cm x 68cm (14.5” x 27”). If your bag is larger it will not go through the door of the cargo pod. Maximum weight: 15kgs (33lbs) the pilot has a pocket size scale to check.
ADDITIONAL LUGGAGE? More Luggage, No Problem! We have an XL seat class available, if guests need to take more luggage they can book a premium class seat, slightly more expensive, but it allows them to take 30kg (66lbs) of luggage. These seats are subject to availability. We may be able to accommodate even more weight if informed well ahead of time, however we will have to charge an additional seat on the plane. Or we could suggest to book the entire aircraft for sole use on private charter basis. If you arrive in Tanzania without prior baggage reservation, your extra luggage may be re-routed in a later flight.