SAFARI TRAVEL TIPS

African safaris and tours Visa requirements
All safari travellers to Africa require a passport, valid for the duration of their tour or vacation in Tanzania. Entry points in Tanzania currently offering visa services on entry, are Dar Es Salaam port and airport and Kilimanjaro International airport, and Namanga entry post on the road border between Tanzania and Kenya. Some nationalities do not require visas, so it is advisable to check with your local Tanzanian Embassy.

Language
English is widely spoken in Africa, but a few basic words of Swahili is always greatly appreciated in Tanzania.

Money
Major foreign currencies - particularly US$ and Euros - and travellers cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. Banks seldom offer ATM facilities. Visitors may be expected to pay in foreign currency at game parks. Don't change money in the street.

Health
All visitors and travellers are required to present an International Yellow Fever Immunization Certificate upon arrival. It is also advisable to take anti malarial precautions before departure or consult your doctor or Travel clinic before you plan your African safari adventure tour.

Climate
Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings from June-October, short rains from November to mid-December, long rains March-May but the seasons can vary.

Vacation Clothing
Pack lightweight, washable clothes plus a sweater for early morning wildlife game drives, a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Long sleeves and trousers in light-coloured fabrics help discourage insect bites. Shorts for women are acceptable (but not too short). Women should carry a wrap to cover legs in the village and towns as revealing clothes can cause offence. Staying at a Lodge, bring your swimsuit along.

Baggage
Baggage on safari is limited to one bag, plus one small piece of hand baggage per person (excluding a camera bag). In total this should not weight more then 20kg. Suitcases and other heavier items can be stored in town hotels whilst clients are on safari.

Safari and Wildlife Photography
Bring film and batteries for your camera with you. Protect your camera from dust and keep equipment and film spools cool. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing the local Tanzanian people. If you intend to take a lot of people pictures, be sure to bring an instant camera with you so that you can leave a picture with people you photograph.

Tipping
Not obligatory, but a tip for exceptional service (max 10%) will be appreciated, $20-$25 per day for driver or tour guide. Electricity230v, but power failures, surges and troughs are common. Bring a universal adaptor and a torch (flashlight) or headlamp.

Security
Tanzania is a generally safe country but don't invite temptation. Keep your eyes on your belongings. Don't walk in the towns or cities at night - take a taxi. Don't carry cameras or large amounts of cash, beware of pickpockets and hawkers. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to safeguard valuables and obtain a receipt. Leave valuable jewellery at home.

Shopping
The Tourist areas and wildlife lodges sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewellery and trinkets. Don't be afraid to haggle at roadside stalls (Your driver/ guide will advise you where to shop and on a reasonable price). The most popular souvenirs are wooden carvings, curios, and a famous love stone which is the well known gem stone "Tanzanite" which are all widely sold at souvenir shops.

Public Holidays
1 Jan - New Year's Day
12 Jan - Zanzibar Revolution Day
5 Feb - CCM Foundation Day
26 Apr - Union Day
01 May - Worker's Day
07 Jul - Peasant's Day (also called Saba Saba, which mean 7-7)
09 Dec - Tanganyika Independence Day


Muslim Festivals, including Ramadan, and Prophet's birthday, account for four days of public holiday, and their precise dates depend on the lunar calendar.
Good Friday and Easter Monday are also observed

HAVE A GREAT SAFARI VACATION!

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