General Information:

Tanzania is the biggest of the East Africa countries (i.e. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania). It has a spectacular landscape of mainly three physiographic regions namely the Islands and the coastal plains to the east; the inland saucer-shaped plateau; and the highlands.

Climate:
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. There is much more variation between the coastal and low lying regions and the high plains and mountain regions. 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.

For up to date weather reports, please visit the following website:
http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/TZ_cc.php

Entry Requirements:

Passports:

To travel internationally you must be in possession of a passport. To obtain a passport please visit www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.php for instructions and an application form. Alternatively contact your local post office and they will advise you of your nearest passport issuing office.

Visas:

The current cost of a visa is $50. These are available at the point of entry but must be paid for in U.S. dollar cash. Visas are also available from Tanzanian Embassies and consulates in many countries. If you are entering Tanzania through Nairobi you are also required to have a visa for Kenya, which may be purchased, on arrival or in advance from embassies. There is a concessional rate for passengers simply transiting through Kenya.

Customs/Duty Free:
Traveling into Tanzania you are allowed to bring Tobacco - 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, Liquor - 500ml of spirits or 500ml of wine, Perfume - 250ml, Currency - Must be declared on arrival (Import or export of local currency is prohibited), Agriculture Items - Refer to Consulate.

Departure Tax:
There is a departure tax on International flights of $20 this will generally have been included and already paid in the price of your ticket. There is a small local departure tax payable in cash at the airport/ airstrip for local flights.

If your final departure is from Zanzibar, you will have to pay in U.S.$ cash on departure.

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. There are numerous banks and bureau de change in towns, and most lodges and hotels will exchange currency or travelers checks at reasonable rates. The present rate is $1=Shs.1000.

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 travelers checks. Further to the use of credit cards, we advise that before you depart the US, call your credit card company to advise them you will be traveling and to expect to see charges from the destination/s in which you will be using your credit card.

Vaccinations and Health:

YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION

International Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required upon arrival if traveling from an INFECTED AREA and the traveler is more than 1 year of age.

** Further information regarding Yellow Fever Vaccination, may be obtained by calling 1-800-VACCINE or the U.S. Department of Health Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) International Traveler's Hotline at (404) 332-4559 or the CDC Fax Information Service at (888) 232-3299. Information may also be obtained from travel medicine specialists and/or a local or state Department of Health clinic.

MALARIA

Malaria exists throughout the year in all areas including urban areas. Resistance to Chloroquine is confirmed.

CHOLERA

Cholera is reported in areas of the country

You can check with your local doctor for recommended precautions for travel into Tanzania, or the Center For Disease Control - CDC for up to date information on health concerns in countries you are traveling to.
Phone: 1-800-311-3435
Website: http://www.gov/healthservices/immunize

Time Zone:
Tanzania is eight standard time zones ahead of Eastern Standard Time and does not observe daylight-saving time.

Language:
The official language of Tanzania is Kiswahili. This is spoken and understood by the great majority of the population, many of whom also speak a tribal language. There is a wide usage and understanding of English, and virtually everyone the average tourist is likely to meet in the course of their safari will be fluent.

Tipping:

Service is not usually included in the bill. It is usual to tip hotel and railway porters, waiters, taxi drivers, room attendants, golf caddies, game rangers, tour guides and trackers. Generally speaking, gratuities should amount to around 10-15% of the cost of the service. Parking and petrol station attendants should be given whatever small change you have available. This is always appreciated, even though it may seem a small amount.

Telecommunications:

Direct-dial telephone and cable services are available to the United Kingdom, United States, and other parts of the world. Direct dialing to and from Tanzania is very easy, though rates can be expensive. To access Tanzania, dial 011 (the International Access Code), plus 255 (Country Code) followed by the local city code and phone number.

Internet:

Internet cafés are to be found in most major cities and towns in South Africa. Major hotels have a fax and Internet service.You may wish to set up a net-based (free) email account such as Hotmail or Yahoo so you can receive email from any computer.

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 converter as well as a plug converter. 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.

Business Hours:
As a general rule of thumb, business hours in most major shopping centers and banks operate 7 days a week, but you will find that in the smaller towns and rural areas that shops are closed on a Sunday.

Monday - Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00

Sunday: 09:00 - 14:00

Travel Insurance:

We highly recommend travel insurance to protect you and your travel investment if you need to cancel your trip for covered reasons prior to departure, or if other covered unforeseen circumstances arise during your trip. Medical care is available in Tanzania, but the cost of transportation from a remote area to a local hospital, or in extreme cases, repatriation, is high and generally not covered by your regular medical insurance.

Clothing/Packing List:

Depending on the area you are traveling and the activities you are planning. Jeans and shorts are accepted everywhere but in fine dining restaurants and at some formal lodges, where trousers and a button down shirt or sweater would suffice. If you use the layering system (several layers that can be worn alone or in combination, rather than taking one heavy jacket for cold weather) you’ll be ready for any conditions and won’t have to over-pack.

Clothing:

Neutral colors are more suitable for safari, white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing

T-shirts; Shorts or a light skirt

Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days

Blouses with long sleeves (even in summer; they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)

Bring an elegantly casual outfit for dinner at the smarter hotels.

Swimsuit, as most hotels/lodges have swimming pools
Comfortable walking shoes

Layers:

Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives (necessary, even in summer)

Light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer

Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day and night temperatures: warm-up suit/sweats— good for sleeping in during winter months

General Items:

Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent - essentials!

Binoculars and a camera are a must

Towel, flashlight and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping bags can be hired from most safari operators)

Important:

Packing space is limited on all modes of safari transport so you will need to restrict your baggage to 12-15kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment. All else is optional, and most of it is superfluous!

Language

The official language of Tanzania is Kiswahili. This is spoken and understood by the great majority of the population, many of whom also speak a tribal language. There is a wide usage and understanding of English, and virtually everyone the average tourist is likely to meet in the course of their safari will be fluent.

Food And 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 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.

Indigenous People:

Tanzanian culture is a product of African, Arab, European, and Indian influences. Traditional African values are being consciously adapted to modern life.Interaction with locals can lend much to your trip, but in your enthusiasm to learn, please be sensitive to local customs. If you are asked to dress or behave in a particular way to attend an event hosted by indigenous people, please abide by the request.As a general rule, discussing indigenous politics is a tricky thing even for residents of the country; travelers do so at their own risk!

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