Information and Guide for Safari Travel to Tanzania
Major Airports in Tanzania
There are 3 main airports in Tanzania, namely
Dar es Salaam International Airport - DAR
Kilimanjaro International Airport - JRO
Zanzibar International Airport – ZNZ Safaris in Tanzania Hotels in Tanzania
Airport Departure Tax in Tanzania
Tanzania airport authorities charge some taxes for travelers going through the airport. The departure tax, which is charged per person, may already be included in your ticket. The smaller local airports and airstrips may also charge a service that applies to the domestic local routes in Tanzania. Please check the amounts at the time of booking.
Banking in Tanzania
Tanzania has a modern banking system, especially in the major towns. Some of the international banks that are found in Tanzania include Barclays Bank and Standard Chartered Bank. Most banks open from 0830 hours till 1500 hours from Monday to Friday and from 0830 hours to 1300 hours on Saturdays.
Visa and Mastercard holders can access money through the major banks and their Automatic Teller Machines.
Climate in Tanzania
The climate of Tanzania varies depending on the altitude. The lower areas along the coast, the Islands and the Selous region enjoy a tropical climate. The other areas enjoy temperate climates.
Temperatures range from 20 degrees C and 30 degrees C for the lower areas and 22 degrees C to 27 degrees C for the higher. Generally, the hottest months in Tanzania is March and the coolest month is June to September.
The climate is tropical on the coast, on the islands and in Selous. It is temperate in the other national parks. The hottest period is October to mid-March while the coolest is June to September. However, it is generally always hot and the range of temperatures is fairly limited. Temperatures are between 25 0C and 30 0C on the coast and between 22 0C and 27 0C in the north. The heavy rains fall from March till May and there are lighter rains around November.
Clothing for Safari Travel to Tanzania
Travelers to Tanzania who are on a safari going to different regions of the country are advised to pack clothing that will allow them dress in layers. This is an effective way of handling the varied temperatures in the different regions.
For travel to Tanzania, some of the clothing items to consider packing include casual, light cotton cloths, comfortable walking shoes, swimming suites and T-shirts. Some safari lodges like Mount Kenya Safari club and even some restaurants prescribe a dressing code for dinner, requiring diners to wear formal - gentlemen to wear Jacket. Jeans, T-shirts and sports shoes may not be allowed.
Tanzania has a large population of Muslims, especially along the coastal towns and even inland. Travelers are advise to show respect to the locals by wearing conservative clothing. Ladies should not wear clothes that are too revealing or too tight.
Use of Credit Cards While in Tanzania
Credit cards are slowly gaining acceptance in Tanzania though they are not widely accepted beyond the major towns and large hotels and lodge. Establishment s that accept cards will clearly display signs of the cards they accept.
Currency of Tanzania
The official currency is the Tanzania Shilling (Tshs) which is divided into 100 cents.
Bank notes currently available are Tshs10,000, Tshs5,000, Tshs1,000, Tshs500, and Tshs200.
Visa and Passport Requirements for Tanzania Travel
For travel into Tanzania, your passport must be valid until 3 months after your anticipated travel in Tanzania. You must have a blank page for each country you will visit. Most visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain visas 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 and at the Namanga Gate on the Tanzania/Kenya border.
These regulations may vary depending on nationality and country of origin, and requirements may change. Contact the appropriate Tanzanian diplomatic or consular authority or tourist office before finalising your travel arrangements.
Although Zanzibar is part of the union of Tanzania, the country remains independent, so passports and visas are required even on a day’s visit to Zanzibar.
Customs and Excise regulations in Tanzania
Travelers are allowed to import, on a temporary basis, personal effects like camera, film and laptop. However, professional photography and video equipment, musical instruments, video and tape recorders will require a custom bond to ensure they are re-exported after the trip.
Customs officials at the entry point – airport or border point, will inspect baggage both on arrival and departure. To bring along fireman, a special permit, which must be processed and obtained in advance, is mandarory.
Drinking Water While Visiting Tanzania
Do not drink direct from the tap. Bottled water is always available for purchase in most parts of Tanzania. If you travel on a safari, the hotels and lodges will normally provide bottled water in the rooms. You can always purchase additional water from the shops.
Driving/ Road Travel in Tanzania
Driving in Tanzania is on the LEFT side. Always give way to vehicles approaching from the right. You must always wear your seat-belt, whether you are driving or just a passenger in the vehicle. It is illegal to use the cellular phone while the vehicle is in motion.
Electricity in Tanzania
The voltage is 240 volts AC and plugs used are three square pins. It might be a good idea to travel with an adaptor although some hotels and lodges will provide if you ask.
For safari travelers in Tanzania, take note that most lodges use generators and this means electricity may be switched off at night. You are expected to use flashlights or candles then.
Some hotels do not have sockets in the rooms. The guide or the hotel can arrange for the charging of your video batteries or mobile phones.
Foreign Exchange in Tanzania
It is illegal to export or import Tanzania currency. For travelers, it is important to note that the major world currencies – the US dollar and the Euro are accepted and can be easily converted at banks and foreign exchange bureaus that are mostly found in the major towns.
Medical Facilities in Tanzania
Tanzania’s medical facilities do not measure up to most western world standards. By regional standards, the medical facilities fare well. The better medical facilities are found in the major towns. Malaria is endemic in certain areas of Tanzania and anti-malaria protection should be taken before travel.
Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow-fever must produce international certificates of vaccination. This is particularly relevant to those travelling from, or passing through, other neighbouring countries - including the other members of the East African Community (Kenya and Uganda).
Also note that travellers from the Tanzanian mainland to the island of Zanzibar need to have a yellow-fever certificate. Remember that the yellow-fever certificate only becomes valid 10 days after the jab. Inoculation centres in the country of origin will provide updated information and advice on health regulations and recommendations.
Note: Travellers who proceed to Tanzania directly, i.e. non-stop, from un-infected areas are still advised, but are not compelled, to get immunized against yellow-fever.
Visitors to Tanzania who require special medication are advised to pack sufficient supplies in their hand luggage.
Travel Insurance in Tanzania
Travelers to Tanzania are strongly advised to consider buying temporary membership of the Flying Doctor’s Society of Africa in case they are not covered by another insurance. In case of an emergency, Flying Doctors will air-lift the person to the nearest hospital for treatment. The membership is only for the air transportation and does not cover any cost of treatment and medication.
Languages in Tanzania
The official language for Tanzania is Kiswahili. It is the language of instruction in schools and is widely spoken throughout the country. English is the second official language as well as the commercial language. It is also the main teaching language in secondary schools and higher education institutions.
Mountain Climbing in Tanzania
No special mountaineering skills are necessary for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro but, due to the high altitudes involved, the climb should not be undertaken unless climbers are fit and well-exercised. Climbers should have a physical check-up and start a fitness training programme at least 1 month before the safari
Park Entrance Fees in Tanzania
Entrance fees to Tanzania’s national parks is determined by the Tanzanian authority known as Tanzania National Parks … The fees vary from park to park ranging from US$30 to US$60. There are different rates for residents and non-residents.
Photography in Tanzania
The usual camera films are readily available in most places throughout Tanzania. However, they may be a bit expensive in some places outside the major cities. It my be wiser to bring along supplies. You may also consider bringing along extra batteries and even a back up camera in case the first one fails you. Carry a dust-proof case for camera equipment. Some safari organizations provide bean bags as camera rests.
While traveling in Tanzania you may NOT take photos of the following places; airports, military or police installations, policemen and military personnel in uniform, the President or government minister and their entourage, the national flag, the State house/state lodges, prisons, prisoners etc. As your guide for guidance.
Safety and Security in Tanzania
Tanzania is a relatively safe country in comparison with the other countries in the east African region. However travelers should still take the normal precautions that would apply to them when they travel anywhere. Keep a close watch of personal items like wallets, cameras, handbags. Avoid narrow, isolated alleys and use taxis between places you are not familiar with.
All valuables should be placed in the hotel safety deposit box and only carry small amounts of cash.
Do not wear flashy jewellery or valuables that bring attention to yourself. Do not leave valuables on show in an unattended car or tour bus. Do not leave your vehicle unlocked.
Shopping in Tanzania
Most of the times you will visit in Tanzania and while on your safari, will have shops where you can by traditional and modern jewellery. Travelers will also find wood carvings, sculptures, baskets and bags, safari attire, Khangas and kikois, among many other items.
Precious stones like Tanzanite and Tsavorite can be found in stalls and in the gift shops that are found also in the lodges. You can buy T-shirts.
Telecommunications in Tanzania
The international country code for Tanzania is +255, followed by the area code prefix. If you are calling from Tanzania to the rest of the world, the access code is 11.
Most of the major towns in Tanzania have direct dialing facilities even though connection may be unreliable in some cases. Several public call boxes can be found in the main towns.
If traveling the countryside, you will only be able to make international calls through the operator.
Cellular phone covering is widespread and covers most of the country. Most of the hotels and lodges in Tanzania have either a conventional telephone or a satellite phone and it is possible to make international calls while on safari. Major towns in Tanzania also have business centres offering email and Internet access.
Timezone in Tanzania
Tanzania time is GMT + 3 hours.
Guideline for Tipping in Tanzania
Guides and waiters will appreciate a tip for good service. It is however at the discretion of the traveler.
A guideline for each traveller would be as follows:
Porters at the airports, hotels, lodges, etc. - US$ 1 per porter;
In restaurants - approximately 10% of your bill;
Safari drivers and guides US$5 per person per day.