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Documentation
A
valid passport and visa are required for all
visiting Tanzania. Nowadays, it has been make
possible to obtain a visa at any entry point
of country. It costs US$50. However, we still
advise that these arrangements be done well
before your arrival.
Money
The
Tanzania currency unit is called the Tanzanian
Shilling. It is available in both coins and
notes/bills. There are Bureau De Change in various
parts of Arusha and Dar es Salaam where you
can get a better rate. Although the American
dollar is largely acceptable, it is advisable
to pay for drinks and other services in local
currency. The black market has generally disappeared
after the introduction of a liberalized economy
in the region. The use of Credit Cards is still
very minimal and subject to additional charge.
Also, don't expect to find many cash machines!
Climate
Basically,
we can talk two different climatic areas; the
coast and the upcountry. Most of our Safaris
are conducted in the high plains and mountains
of the Great Rift. Here the temperatures are
quite comfortable year round and the humidity
is much lower than in the lowlands or on the
coast. At the Coast, tropical climate is experienced
throughout the year, very warm and humid. The
temperatures range between 27 & 32 degrees
centigrade and humidity is over 75%. There are
two rainy seasons; the short rains from October
to December and the long rains from April to
June. Upcountry, the climate is largely affected
by the altitude. The diurnal temperatures range
between 23 & 27 degrees centigrade. During
the night it is quite cold especially in the
highland areas.
Health
It
is recommended that one takes anti-malaria tabs
before coming to Tanzania. It is advised that
one consults a physician for a prescription
on this treatment well in advance of your departure.
There are hospitals in the big cities of Dar
es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, and Mwanza. With a
small membership fee, the Flying Doctors services
are rendered just in case of an emergency while
anywhere within the National Parks. These doctors
will do an evacuation by flying someone directly
to Nairobi for further medical treatment.
Luggage
Due
to the limited space and ability to take everything
on the go, there is normally a luggage limit.
For the international airlines, the limit is
20kg per person. For the Local flights, the
limit is 10kg per person. Our safari vehicles
also have limited space. Therefore, the smaller
the baggage, the more comfortable it is. Besides
bags, one is normally allowed to take with them
a camera, and a small backpack. It's best to
avoid bringing hard luggage unless you are carrying
sensitive camera equipment.
Clothing
It
is advised that you wear clothing that breathes
easily. For example, a pair of trousers (jeans),
pars of shorts, cotton clothes, or similar are
recommended. T-shirts or light cotton shirts,
a sweater/jacket, two pairs of light shoes,
including . Light boots. A swim suit for those
going to the beaches. In the highland areas
with an altitude of over 1500meters, lie Ngorongoro
Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, etc, temperatures
can be considerably cold, reaching 5 degrees
centigrade at night. For this it is important
that one takes some warm clothing if going on
safari to these areas. By following these guidelines
normally one does his/her safari comfortably
with no fears of excess luggage that could be
left behind in instances if taking a local flight
within the National Parks.
Transport
Our
safaris are normally done in 4x4 safari vehicles.
Transfers are through our own private minibus,
or with leased 25 seat coaches.
Photography
Normal
camera equipment is allowed in without any problem.
When one takes a picture of the people, they
normally will feel offended. So it is extremely
important to ask permission before doing so.
In particular the Massai people can get quite
upset at this offense, so please use your best
judgment.
Electricity
The
electric current is normally 220-240 volts.
Generally all the hotels and lodges will have
sockets that will enable one to use your electric
shaver, or recharge your camera batteries. It
is recommend that you also bring a universal
adapter to avoid problems.
Telephones
and Fax
In
Dar es Salaam an Arusha it is easy to call directly
to your home country or even send a fax. In
the remote area s of the national parks, communication
is done by radio.
Water
& Food
Food
is very good in both lodges and our mobile camping
safaris. A better part of the hotels are mainly
of a standard level, two or three star. We recommend
that you always drink bottled water throughout
your stay. A variety of soft drinks, beer, wine
and sprits are available. During the safari
the accommodation is normally on a Full Board
basis except drinks which one has to pay for
directly.
Meals
in the Camp
Delicious
3 course meals cooked in open air, are served
in a spacious mess tent. Selection of salads
carefully washed with boiled water (and served
with vinegar dressing), soup, meat, fish and
vegetable, pasta or rice, fresh fruits and cakes
for dessert are part of our menus. A selection
of local beers is available as well as mineral
water and soft drinks. It's suggested that clients
bring their favorite hard alcoholic beverage
or purchase in Arusha before beginning the safari.
Shopping
One
stands to buy very good souvenirs whose prices
depend on the quality of a given item and on
the ability of the buyer to bargain. Wooden
carvings, single carvings, precious gemstones
and a variety of handcrafts are all available.
Buying can be done in both Tanzania shilling
or the American Dollar.
Security
Although
the security level is nowhere near that of western
cities, it is advisable to take some precaution.
This is mainly with the big cities. Please avoid
walking in the dark alone. In the parks, hotels,
beaches, basically anywhere out of the larger
cities it is absolutely safe.
Tipping
Tipping
is regarded as a normal and essential part of
the safari for any good service rendered. This
is not different from the American style. This
is with waiters, guides camping staff, porters
etc.
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