Wilderness
areas
There are 36 wilderness areas classified as national parks or game reserves.
The most famous of these include the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mt Kilimanjaro,
Tarangire, Selous, Ruaha and Mahale
Access
By road transfer or short scheduled flight from Nairobi to Arusha. KLM and
Ethiopian Airways service Kilimanjaro airport near Arusha. BA, Air France,
KLM, Swiss Air, Ethiopian Airways, Egypt Air, Alitalia and other airlines
service Dar es Salaam.
Public
Transportation
There are some long distance coaches which are suitable for use by visitors,
such as the daily Nairobi to Arusha shuttle bus. Local bus and minibus services
are likely to be uncomfortable, overcrowded and potentially dangerous.
There
is a railway network, but at best the passenger services can be unreliable
and uncomfortable. The whole network ceased operating as a consequence of
the " El Nino" rains at the end of 1997, and subsequent flooding
and many services have still not been restored.
Taxis
are available everywhere in urban areas, but the condition of these can be
very poor. The better hotels generally have a superior selection of taxis
available, and it is suggested that you obtain one of these, particularly
for longer journeys.
It
is difficult to hire a car or other vehicle in Tanzania without a driver-
it is also inadvisable since the poor state of many of the roads in both town
and on safari plus erratic driving by other road users makes driving on most
routes tiring and unsafe.
Currency
The local
unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling which these days is freely convertible
within Tanzania for the U.S.$ and other currencies, the current exchange rate
being approximately £1 = Tsh 1,500 and $1 = Tsh 1,000 There are numerous
banks and bureau de change in towns, and most lodges and hotels will exchange
currency or travellers cheques at reasonable rates.
It
is not possible to obtain Tanzanian Shillings outside the country, and it
is illegal to export more than a small amount. Many items or services are
priced and paid for in U.S.$, so do not convert more funds into the local
currency than you need for incidental expenses.
Credit
cards are accepted at an increasing number of establishments in Tanzania but
by no means everywhere. It is not generally possible to obtain cash on a credit
card in Tanzania, so it is recommended that visitors carry sufficient funds
in the form of travellers cheques.
Shopping
Most hotels and lodges have gift shops with a selection of local crafts and
souvenirs. There are also a few roadside stalls and shops that you will pass
en route. You will find some interesting woodcarvings, paintings and batiks.
Precious stones and jewellery are also a speciality.
Spending
Money
As regards money, US $ cash is accepted just about everywhere and you can
easily change $ into local currency as needed in the lodges and at the banks
and at bureau de change.
The
banks and bureaux do, in general, offer a better exchange rate than the lodges.
It is also worth noting that they give a higher rate for larger denominations
US bank notes than for the smaller ones.
Apart
from US$, all other major foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and
bureaux, but the US$ is the only foreign currency generally accepted in payment
at lodges and shops etc. The US$ is effectively a parallel currency in Tanzania
and Kenya and visitors get a comparatively better rate when exchanging $ than
any other currency.
Traveller's
cheques can be exchanged at any bank or bureau, but they are converted at
a lower exchange rate than cash currency.
The
lodges and some shops will take credit cards, but the shops often charge an
extra percentage for taking them (up to 10%). Not all places take credit cards
and you won't be able to get cash on a card, so travellers cheques are a good
idea.
You
can't obtain Tanzanian shillings out of the country and you are not permitted
to take more than about $15 worth out when you leave, but you can of course
change any surplus back into $.
Tips
& Gratuities
The average range for tips to your driver/guide is $5-$10 per day per person.
This can be paid at the end of your trip in one lump sum. You can tip in the
local currency or in US$, both are equally welcome.
On
Kilimanjaro mountain climbs also the average range for tips to is $5-$10 per
day on the mountain per person. This should be given all together to the head
guide at the end of the climb, he will share this with the assistant guides
and mountain porters.
For
other small services on safari such as to baggage porters, waiters, room service
etc., a dollar or two or the local equivalent is usually sufficient. Do not
feel obliged to tip on every possible occasion and there is a staff gratuity
box in all lodges where you can leave a general gratuity rather than distributing
individual ones
Visas
Arrival / Visas / Visitors' pass
Everyone entering Tanzania is required to be in possession of a valid passport.
The passport should not only be valid for the intended duration of your visit
but for six months beyond it. If your passport is due to expire within six
months, we'd recommend renewing it before travelling. A valid Visa is also
required unless you are visiting from an exempt country. Some Commonwealth
and Scandinavian countries, and the Republic of Ireland are exempt and require
only presentation of a passport which will be stamped upon arrival with a
temporary visitors' visa. In all cases, it is best to check with the Tanzanian
Embassy or High Commission in your country for the latest regulations. Only
Diplomats are exempt visa/visitors' pass requirements but for visitors from
'most countries, the visitors' pass is available on arrival. A valid return
ticket (this is likely to be checked) and sufficient funds for your stay (this
is unlikely to be checked, but may be) are also, of course, required.
British and US passport holders require a visa that currently costs US$50
(this includes Zanzibar).
Health
& Medical
You should take some anti-malaria pills. There is a new pill on the market,
Malarone, which has a simple one pill a day regime which offers a high level
of protection. This is much less complicated than the two a day, plus two
a week type, and avoids the possible side effects of Larium. Malarone only
needs to be started one day in advance of your trip and continued for one
week afterwards (as opposed to the one week in advance and one month afterwards
for the other types).
You
should consult your doctor or a travel clinic as to other sensible precautions.
Most people would have tetanus, typhoid, polio and maybe hepatitis shots.
Yellow
fever certificates are not strictly necessary if arriving direct from a country
in which it is not endemic, such as the USA or Europe. However a certificate
can, in theory, be required crossing from Kenya to Tanzania or vice versa,
and Zanzibar has always required these certificates in the past. The position
on Zanzibar has now been changed to bring it into line with mainland Tanzania,
but there still appears to be some confusion on this issue.
A
small first aid kit and some basics from your bathroom cabinet is a good idea.
Something to sooth insect stings and combat diarrhoea are worth including.
Imodium is very effective but some travellers have reported adverse effects
from taking this at the same time as the new anti malaria pill, Malarone so
it may be wise to avoid this combination.
Although
the Kilimanjaro climb is often described as available to any reasonably fit
person, the combination of strenuous exercise, cold and high altitude can
have adverse effects. If in doubt please consult your doctor in advance.
Food
& Drink
It is generally recommended to drink only bottled mineral water, which is
readily available everywhere.
There
are no restrictions on the sale or consumption of alcoholic drinks in Tanzania.
A good selection of local beers and soft drinks are available everywhere,
and you will find a range of imported wines, beers and spirits in many places,
although these can be expensive.
The
quality and value of food in Tanzania is highly variable, and in general,
the more expensive the lodge, hotel or restaurant the better and "safer"
the food will be. Eat sensibly, be wary of cold buffets and salads- particularly
in the first few days of your visit.
Clothing
& Equipment
Clothes for safari should be light, comfortable and not too brightly coloured.
There is little or no requirement for anything formal. A light jacket or sweater
may be needed in the evenings at higher altitudes, comfortable walking shoes
are an essential, as is a hat to keep off the sun, and sunglasses. Don't forget
a swimming costume for use at the lodge pools.
Most people bring binoculars and/ or cameras and video equipment with plenty
of tape or film. Zoom or telephoto lenses are likely to be useful.
Most
of the better hotels and lodges will spray rooms and provide mosquito nets,
but do bring your own insect repellent sprays.
A
flashlight is always useful.
There
will be no television or radio in most places, so you might want to bring
a little shortwave radio or Walkman if you want to keep up with world events
or listen to some music.
Remember
that safari vehicles and light aircraft have tight limits on the size and
weight of luggage carried. Depending on your itinerary it may be possible
to leave some luggage in Arusha for the duration of your safari.
Packing
Your packing and baggage will be affected by the itinerary of your trip. Clearly,
if you are climbing Kilimanjaro, you will require supplies of warm clothing
etc., which would not be required on safari. Remember that if you are staying
in, or passing through Arusha more than once, you will be able to leave some
baggage in store to be collected on your return. We do request all clients
to take the minimum amount on safari and to avoid large rigid suitcases. Safari
vehicles have limited luggage space and small soft bags are much easier to
pack. If you are on a custom safari, you will have your own vehicle and if
there are two of you, have ample luggage space, but it is still a good idea
to keep your baggage to a minimum.
Remember
that light aircraft have tight limits on the size and weight of luggage carried-
this is 20 kilos including hand baggage on the flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
and is 15 kilos on light aircraft transfers to and between the parks.
IMPORTANT
NOTE:
Please remember that the airlines' record with baggage is not exactly 100%
and whilst bags are rarely lost forever, they can take days to catch up with
you on a safari. Please carry all medical supplies, particularly prescribed
drugs and anti malaria tablets in your hand baggage, together with other essentials.
Insurance
Ranger Safaris require that all clients arrange personal travel insurance
to cover their medical, property and other personal risks for the duration
of their safari. Advice on policies or actual cover can be arranged if required.
Temporary membership of the Flying Doctor Service, based in Nairobi and providing
emergency evacuation cover in Northern Tanzania and Kenya can also be arranged
at a cost of £20 ($30 US) per person.
Language
KiSwahili and English are the official languages, however English is widely
spoken. Arabic is also encountered, especially in Zanzibar with its' strong
Arabic influence / history. It's worth noting that many phrase books concentrate
on Kenyan Swahili which is quite different from Tanzanian Swahili. The two
are similar enough that Kenyans and Tanzanians understand one another with
no difficulty but with a foreign accent AND Kenyan Swahili you may not be
understood too easily! They're much harder to find but try to find a phrase
book which covers coastal, Tanzanian Swahili rather than Kenyan Swahili.
Religion
Muslim, Hindu and Christian beliefs cover most of Tanzania, whilst in rural
areas it is not uncommon to also encounter traditional, local beliefs. It
is worth noting that Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, and common sense should
be applied, especially by women, when sunbathing etc. Generally, foreigners
are tolerated to a great extent vis-a-vis wearing of a bikini on the beach,
etc, although thoughtful respectfulness for the Muslim faith is highly appreciated
and considered the ultimate in politeness, especially during religious periods
such as Ramadhan. If in doubt, ask!
Children
Most accommodation on safari accepts children, however some of the smaller
and more remote camps and lodges may not.
Climate
Tanzania is a tropical climate with several regional variations. The coastal
belt is hot and humid all year round, whereas the interior is generally seasonal.
October to April is marginally hotter than May to September. Tanzania lies
just South of the equator so there is little seasonal variation in temperature,
but it is slightly cooler in June/ July and warmer in January/ February.
The
Northern game parks lie at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,000 feet and have a pleasant
climate with warm days and cooler evenings year round.
There
are two rainy seasons- the long rains during April and May and the short rains
in November. The rest of the year is classified as dry season. In practice
the rainfall pattern is neither regular nor predictable. In the rainy seasons
the rain often falls in heavy but brief tropical downpours during the evening
or night, with pleasant sunny days in between. The effects of the rain can
cause some animals to disperse and may produce a few local problems with flooding
of roads and bridges. On the other hand, rain makes the atmosphere clean and
dust free and the vegetation beautifully lush and green.
Whilst
the rainy seasons are suitable for safaris, it is not the best time to climb
Kilimanjaro, it is less than pleasant climbing and camping in the rain and
visibility will also be poor.
Similarly the long rainy season is not the best time to visit Zanzibar and
several of the beach hotels are closed during this period.
Time
Tanzania is three hours ahead of GMT and there is no seasonal hour change.
Electricity
The power supply is at the UK/ European standard voltage of 220/240 , and
power sockets are the U.K. square pin type. Remember if you want to use U.S.
appliances you will need a voltage convertor as well as a plug convertor.
Mains power supply is subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation. On safari most
lodges power supplies are from generators, and these are often turned off
during parts of the day and night to reduce noise and fuel consumption.
Communications
Ranger Safaris equips all its safari vehicles with two-way radios so that
drivers can communicate with their base, each other and the lodges. Most lodges
and hotels also have a telephone, but the service, particularly for overseas
calls, is both erratic and expensive (a $50 minimum is not uncommon). More
remote lodges and camps are likely to rely on radio for communications. Game
parks are not within cell phone range, but satellite telephones work just
about anywhere.
