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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Tanzania Introduction:
Tanzania is home to the world famous Mt. Kilimanjaro and
Serengeti National Park and is recognized as Africa's
Premier Wildlife Safari destination. The wildlife of
Tanzania is truly a treasure that will leave a lifelong
imprint on anyone who visits the country.
Climate:
Tanzania is
located just south of the equator and is blessed with an
enjoyable climate year round. The average temperature during
the day is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit with the nights
cooling down to the 50's in much of the
areas that we tour. Rainfall is
more common between April - June and again between November
- December.
Language:
Swahili is
the official language of Tanzania but English is widely used
through the tourism industry.
Transportation:
Safari King - Africa
provides a four-wheel drive vehicle and English, French ,
Germany and Spanish speaking driver/guide for the entire
duration of your safari, including to and from the airport.
Charter flights are available to most of the destination we
take our clients, reducing the travel time by vehicle. All
of our safaris commence upon your arrival at the
International Airport in Arusha, Tanzania. You will be met
at the airport by one of our representatives who will assist
you with customs, visas, luggage, etc.
Medical & Your Health
Yellow Fever vaccinations are
required as well as Malaria prevention medicines. Please
consult your family doctor for details on Health
Certificates and recommended medical precautions. A flying
medical service is available is case of emergencies,
equipped with rescue equipment and a qualified doctors.
Visit your doctor or
country health department. Each country's health department
has a list of recommended shots to take prior to travel.
Yellow fever is a mandatory vaccination. You will be given
an International Certificate of Vaccination approved by the
World Health Organization, with dates of inoculations. Make
sure to attach it or carry it with your passport. You must
also get a prescription for an anti-malaria drug. They are
taken weekly, starting one week prior to departure, each
week while in Africa, and four weeks after your return.
There is a new daily drug Malarone, which has no side
effects. They can prescribe antibiotics to take with you
should you be concerned about flu or flu-like symptoms.
Most of the larger
lodges/hotels where we'll be staying have a nurse on staff
or doctor on call. We suggest you subscribe to the flying
medical service (Flying Doctors) in case of emergency. Cost
for this service is an additional $25 per person.
Passports and Visas:
The first
thing you will need is a passport valid for 6 months beyond
your planned travel date. Visas will not be issued
otherwise. If you are landing in Nairobi, Kenya they now
require a visa (transit visa for $20 which can be purchased
on arrival and departure) and you can acquire a visa for
entry into Tanzania at the border (Namanga) or when you land
(should you be arriving at Mt. Kilimanjaro). The current fee
is $50 US, correct change is useful there. If you are a US
citizen and want to acquire yours prior to travel, you can
reach the Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania at:
2139 R Street N.W., Washington D.C., telephone (202)
939-6125 or 884-1080, Fax (202) 797-7408. And The Embassy of
The United Republic of Kenya: 2249 R Street N.W., Washington
D.C., phone: (202) 387-6101 or fax: (202) 462-3829. Forms
are also available online in pdf format at each country's
website. Keep in mind that this can take up to six weeks and
is best done via Federal Express.
Reference Books:
There are some wonderful
travel guides you should investigate before your travel.
Adventuring in East Africa by Allen Bechky. Bradt Travel
Guide: Tanzania, is very complete and will give you a
realistic view of what to expect and will thoroughly
describe our destinations. There are numerous others. Lonely
Planet has an East Africa guide as well as a Tanzania,
Zanzibar & Pemba version. Also study maps of the area. This
will give you an excellent idea of our locations while in
Tanzania. Audubon's Bird Guide to Africa is another
excellent choice. The bird watching is outstanding, and most
are ones you have never seen. I also recommend reading The
Tree Where Man Was Born by Peter Matthiessen, published by
Penguin Nature Classics. The descriptions of the tribes will
give you an excellent understanding of what you will find
during your travels.
I can't stress enough the fact
that you should purchase and read A Rough Guide
Phrasebook: Swahili. In it you will find descriptions on
customs, greeting other people, proper etiquette and words
to learn before your arrival in Tanzania. While most people
in Tanzania speak English, a proper greeting in Swahili goes
a very long way, Asante Sana! It is available from
Amazon.com.
If you are unable to find this book, a good option would be
Lonely Planet's Swahili Phrasebook with two way
dictionary.
Weather:
Depending on what time of year
you visit, temperatures can range from the high 50's at
night to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the hottest part of
the day. The weather will be warmer in the flat lands,
valleys, and the Ngorongoro Crater, while it will be cooler
and more comfortable in the mountains. You will be given a
temperature forecast before your departure so you can pack
accordingly.
Emergencies:
10 to 14
days prior to departure, you will receive your final details
of travel and a list of hotels with dates of when you'll be
there, along with their phone numbers, fax numbers and
e-mail addresses if available. You should leave this
information with anyone who might need to contact you while
you're away. You should also bring a copy with you, just in
case you are traveling alone and need this information. Many
of the hotels have offices in Arusha, and can contact their
respective hotels via mobile radio with messages. Our
vehicles also have a mobile radio for calling out in an
emergency, as well as a satellite telephone that accompanies
each group. If you are a US citizen and concerned about
someone finding you, you might want to consider faxing your
itinerary and which group you are with to the United States
consulate in Dar es Salaam. Their fax numbers is
+255-22-2662701.
Luggage:
When checking in for your initial flight, feel confident in
checking your locked luggage through to your final
destination. You are allowed two bags checked and one carry
on. However, because of the amount of travel in Safari
vehicles, please keep your luggage allowance to two pieces,
your main suitcase and one carry-on. Large duffle bags are
strongly recommended, due to storage space in the vehicles.
Also plan to carry a backpack or daypack when you go out on
game drives. In it you can carry your camera and film,
snacks, tissues and whatever else you need for the day. Be
sure to have all necessary prescriptions filled and carried
with you in your carry-on luggage. If you wear glasses,
back-ups should be in your carry-on as well.
What to pack:
Dress comfortably, but remember that the dress in Tanzania
(and Africa in general) is very conservative. Pack lightly
and in a "mix and match" variety. Clothing in colors such as
Khaki and olive green will serve you well, white is not
recommended. 2 to 3 pair of slacks is sufficient. The
"zip-off to shorts/cargo pants" can save space in your
luggage. Several short-sleeved shirts and long-sleeved
shirts should be of 100% cotton or nylon for quick drying.
Tops with roll-up sleeves are also recommended. For women,
skirts can be a welcome addition on the hottest days. As can
jumpers coupled with a t-shirt. While you don't need
"dinner" clothing, it is refreshing to shower and change
clothing after a game drive and in preparation for dinner.
Most of the larger hotels have nice swimming pools so bring
your suit if you enjoy a relaxing swim. Women: even if you
don't normally wear a bra, you should consider wearing a bra
as roads are rough in some areas.
Many of the hotels and
lodges where we'll be staying do have laundry service and it
is very affordable. So consider that as an alternative to
bringing too many clothes.
Shoes:
One or two pair of closed-toe shoes (one of which should be
tennis shoes) are sufficient. Comfortable sandals such as
Teva or Merrell are recommended. There will be several
opportunities for hiking, so your tennis shoes can double as
hiking boots. If you plan to hike or have weak ankles,
consider purchasing high top tennis shoes.
Other necessary items include:
a flashlight, heavy-duty zip
lock plastic bags, luggage locks, shoe bags, a small amount
of liquid detergent for hand washing delicate items, a small
sewing kit for quick repairs, bug repellent (the more Deet
the better), a small tube of Neosporin antibacterial
ointment, and antibacterial hand sanitizer such as Purely in
liquid form, a small Swiss Army knife with scissors, nail
clippers, a sun hat and sunscreen, eye drops for dry eyes,
washcloth (they are not provided at the hotels), voltage
converters for 230V, and plug converter for the United
Kingdom. This is, of course, only if you use a hair dryer,
or have camera equipment that needs recharging. Many of the
hotels/lodges operate on generators and turn them off at
night - hence the need for the flashlight. If you are not
used to heat and humidity, bring several cotton bandanas.
Nothing cools you down quicker than a wet bandana wrapped
around the neck. There is an emergency first aid kit in the
vehicle.
Your
camera:
Please be sure to bring
plenty of film. Consider 3 to 4 rolls per day. While you may
find film for sale in gift shops, it's generally out of date
and too expensive. You can always use leftover film when you
return. For safety sake, you should purchase x-ray
protective bags to carry your film in when going through
security check points. Also bring extra batteries for your
camera; they are non-existent in Tanzania. Because of the
possible level of dust, you may want to consider a
heavy-duty plastic bag to keep your camera in when on game
drives. You can cut a window in it for the lens. A
polarizing filter is also useful. Optional items include
inexpensive binoculars and a video camera. If you choose to
carry a video camera, remember that recharging the battery
will require a voltage converter.
Under no circumstances are
you to photograph people without their permission. If you
see someone you want to take a photograph of, ask your
guides to negotiate a price for you - the Masai are
especially touchy about obtaining money for their likeness.
Food:
Meals are almost always
served buffet style. Breakfasts are large English style
meals and times will be posted at your hotel. Lunch is
generally at 1 or 2 pm and dinner begins at 7:30 pm. As the
saying goes, if you don't peel it or wash it yourself, do
not eat it! However, many of the hotels where we'll be
staying not only boil their water, they also filter it prior
to cooking. You'll be apprised by your guide at locations
where you CAN eat the fresh fruit and salads. Let caution be
your guide. Every hotel has a bar and Tanzania offers some
excellent beers - Kilimanjaro beers, Serengeti Lager, Safari
Lager, Castle Lager to name a few. There is also a local
"brew" called Konyagi or Local Gin, which is actually a
combination of gin and vodka. Mixed with tonic water, it's
very refreshing.
Snacks are provided but you
can, please feel free to bring as many as you like. Cliff
Bars and Luna Bars are tasty and provide quick energy when
needed. Lifesavers and chewing gum are also handy for a dry,
dusty mouth.
Water:
Do NOT drink or use water from a faucet. Drink only bottled
water, and that includes brushing your teeth. Hotels have
inexpensive 2 liter bottles of water available for sale.
There will also be water in the vehicles that you can carry
with you to your rooms.
Souvenirs:
Most of the
gift shops on the way have excellent locally made items. If
you see something you like and want, buy it. Chances are it
is only available there and you won't see it again. Also be
aware that larger items are hard to carry while out on
safari and may get broken. If you feel you have to have it,
consider shipping it back to the US. Most of the stores will
ship them for a fee.
Some favorite items are
kangas (native wraparound skirts), mahogany and ebony
woodcarvings, coffee, tea, (chai), masks, beaded jewelry,
sisal products and the like. Tanzanite is a local gemstone
mined in Tanzania. It will be much more affordable here than
in the USA. Please tell your guide if you are interested in
shopping for it and he will take you to reputable dealers.
Post cards and stamps for mailing are readily available in
the gift shops.
You might
want to consider leaving American Souvenirs there -
paperback books, pens, pencils, bandanas and t-shirts are
welcome items. As is anything with a "Made in the USA" tag.
Money:
Carry your money in small denominations. The newer and
crisper the money looks, the better. I would recommend
having at least 100 - $1 bills for tipping and having
correct change. Most facilities seldom have change for
denominations larger than $20. Keep your money with you at
all times. A money belt under your clothing is a convenient
choice. Never leave cash in hotel rooms.
Money:
Carry your money in small denominations. The newer and
crisper the money looks, the better. I would recommend
having at least 100 - $1 bills for tipping and having
correct change. Most facilities seldom have change for
denominations larger than $20. Keep your money with you at
all times. A money belt under your clothing is a convenient
choice. Never leave cash in hotel rooms.
You can bring travelers cheques.
Hotels can change small denomination traveler's cheque, but
the better exchange rate comes with larger denominations.
Credit cards are accepted in most gift shops for purchases.
Master Card and Visa are more widely accepted than American
Express. There are change bureaus in Arusha at the beginning
of your trip. Most places will accept American money, but it
is good to have American, Euro and Tanzanian money. A rule
of thumb for Tanzania money is 1,000 Tshs (Tanzanian
shillings) per $1. If you want to keep up with the exchange
rate prior to your trip - it's posted daily at
www.africaonline.com.
Tipping:
Hotel
personnel, drivers and guides have low base salaries. They
therefore count on tips for their living. While they will
not be upset over not getting a tip, you will find much
better service if you do. But also don't feel that 15% is
mandatory for everyone. In locations where you will be
staying more than one night, leave tips at the end of the
stay. It is not necessary to tip more than once.
Driver/Guide should be tipped at the end of your trip. Use
your discretion in this area, but base it on their
performance.
A typical day:
After an early breakfast, you
will leave for a morning game drive arriving back at the
hotel for lunch and an afternoon rest. You will take a late
afternoon game drive as well. The animals are moving in the
early morning and late afternoon, snoozing and resting
during the hottest part of the day. If you are tired or want
to stay behind to swim or enjoy some time off, feel free to
do so. And don't push yourself too hard, this is also a
vacation.
Insurance:
Travel
protection is highly recommended. And while some is very
expensive, there are some reliable, affordable plans
available. Access America is backed by AAA and can be
reached at 1-800-374-9886. Some others to contact for
pricing include: Travel Guard (1-800-826-4919), Universal
Travel Protection (1-800-695-0962), Travel Safe
(1-888-885-7223), and World Medical Plan Protection
(1-800-601-5433). These numbers are given based on travel
agent's recommendations.
BE
ADVISED:
Most of the hotels have guards
that carry guns, and walk the perimeters of the properties
both day and night. They are there to protect you from
straying animals. If they tell you NOT to do something,
please hear their warnings. Not doing so is at your own
risk.
Any changes in important
information will come with your final itinerary, emergency
telephone list, and airline ticket (if we are booking for
you), or by telephone.
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