INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
British Airways fly directly to Dar es Salaam from Heathrow three times weekly, flying time is 9 hours 40minutes. Other carriers operate to Tanzania via Europe. KLM from Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro, Swiss Air from Zurich to Dar es Salaam, Air India flies to Dar es Salaam via Mumbai, Emirates via Dubai and Ethiopian Airline via Addis Ababa. Gulf Air/Oman Air fly to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar via Muscat.
Regional carriers into Tanzania include Air Tanzania, Air Kenya, Kenya Airways, Precision Air and South African Airways. Domestic carriers: Air Tanzania, Coastal Aviation, Precision Air, Regional Air services and Zan Air fly between the mainland and Zanzibar.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
International flights serve Dar es Salaam (Dar) 13km from the city center and Kilimanjaro (JRO) 50km from Arusha. Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) airport is 8km from Kisauni.
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 on them prior to departure.
They can also be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro 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 passports/Tanzania visas are required even on a day’s visit.
INSURANCE
Take your travel insurance to cover loss of baggage or valuables, personal, accident and medical expenses
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. The UK Department of health recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. It is essential for visitors to take a course of anti-malaria tablets commencing two weeks before travel.
Modern medical services are available in Dar es Salaam and other major centers. There are only a limited number of chemists in the country, so visitors are advised to bring their own medicines with them.
WHAT TO TAKE
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 goods. Take sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm and some insect repellant. It is better not to get slung even if you are taking 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 a good idea. Take plenty of films, It’s difficult to obtain outside the main centers, while traveler’s cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns. Banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, So take plenty of cash.
TRAVEL LIGHT
Some safari/Air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kilo maximum.
LANGUAGE
English is widely spoken but few words of Swahili are 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 declarations required, but import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal. Most major currencies particularly the US dollar and travellers’ cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureaux de change in the main towns and tourist areas.
Credits cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. Visitors will probably be expected to pay park entrance fees in foreign currency. DO NOT change the money in the street however favorable the rate appears.
ON SAFARIS
Distances in Tanzania are vast and travel by road can be tiresome. It is wise to spend more time in few 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 recognized tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.
CLIMATE
The climate is tropical on the coast, on the Islands and in Selous. It is temperate in the other parks. .October to mid-march is the hottest period and from June to September, the coolest .However, the range of temperature is fairly limited and it is always hot (between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius on the coast and between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius in the north). There is light rainfall in November and the rainy season is from mid-march to the end of May. Ocean temperature is between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius.
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. Shot 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 sunstroke and don’t forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible- walking through the bush is not like strolling through Hyde park and climbing Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru; take thermal underwear, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots. Short 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 swimmer is acceptable but nudity certainly not.
SECURITY
Tanzania generally is a safe country, but do not invite temptations. Keep your eye on your belongings. Don’t walk at night in the town or cities, take a taxi, don’t walk with cameras or a large amount of cash, beware of pickpockets. Use Hotel safety deposits boxes to safeguard valuables and obtain a receipt. Leave your jewelry at home.
TIPPING
Not normally obligatory but a tip for exceptional service – a maximum of 10%- will be appreciated. Tip US $10 – US$15 per day for drivers or tour guides is appreciated but if you have enjoyed you can give more.