WHEN TO TRAVEL
Tanzania has a tropical climate with no real winter. On the coast the climate is hot and sometimes unpleasantly humid. Inland the temperatures are fairly high, although cooler from May to October. Two periods of monsoon winds bring rain: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December. It’s best to avoid them.

LANGUAGE
The official languages are Kiswahili and English.

CURRENCY
There is no restriction on the importation of foreign currency. The import or the export of Tanzania shillings is prohibited. Visitors can change their foreign currency at the Bureax de Change which gives a better rate than the banks, and at certain hotels. Change enough money for personal expenses such as shopping, meals and drinks in town restaurants or safari lodges. Note the USD notes prior to 1990 are often not accepted.

We recommend a combination of cash (USD) and traveller's cheques, preferably in small domination notes - otherwise you will end up carrying large wadges of Shillings around.

CREDIT CARDS
Some of the major lodges and hotels are now accepting credit cards on the mainland Tanzania - we do suggest that you take sufficient cash / traveller's cheques and use a credit card as a back-up only. In some cases a surcharge will be added to credit card payments.

INSURANCE
You are strongly advised to have your own insurance cover, including personal accident and medical attention. South Africans - minimum R 200 000 medical and related expenses cover.

Evacuation insurance is also recommended.

CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION
All visitors to Tanzania must have a passport valid for travel to Tanzania. All visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania. Visas may be obtained from your closest Tanzania High Commission.

Please remember it is illegal to import or export Tanzanian Shillings. If you are travelling by car to Tanzania you will be required to get third party insurance and pay toll fees at entrance. We suggest you get a temporary import permit from the AA before you depart for Tanzania. You will also need to show your yellow fever certificate.

Herewith 8 "EASY" steps you need to complete at the border if you drive in.

1. Yellow fever certificate inspection

2. Immigration - show your passport with valid visa and complete arrival forms

3. Third party insurance (remember your trailer, as well)

4. Customs (Temporary import permit from the AA will help)

5. Registration of vehicle details at customs

6. Toll fees (trailer as well)

7. Register the vehicle details at the police office at the border

8. Register the vehicle again at the gate

GOOD LUCK!! PLEASE NOTE THIS VARIES FROM BORDER TO BORDER.

HEALTH
Visitors should have an International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever (These must be issued at least 10 days before departure. Anti-malaria tablets are recommended to be taken a few days prior to arrival, during your stay and for a period after returning. In the national parks you are advised to use insect repellent.

Malaria is caused by a parasite carried by the female Anopheles mosquito. It is a serious disease which can be fatal if not treated. Please take precautions against being bitten and take your prescribed medication. It is recommended to get specialist advise before you travel. Your local doctor or travel clinic will be able to assist you.

MOTOR VEHICLES AND ROAD CONDITIONS
It is compulsory to have an international driving licence. While travelling in Tanzania most of the time will be spent on dirt roads - they are extremely rough and dusty and cannot be avoided. The two major routes (Malawi to Dar and Dar to Arusha) are however tarred and in a good condition compared to other African roads. If you are self-driving it is suggested to use either a Toyota 4x4 or Landrover 4x4 as these are the only parts you will find in the country.

AIRPORT TAX
There is an airport departure tax of USD 20 per person, normally included in the tariff of your air ticket Kilimanjaro & Dar departures, for Zanzibar - payable in cash at the airport). If applicable, a domestic departure tax of USD 3.00 is payable in cash at the airports.

FLIGHTS
It is imperative that you reconfirm your flights from within Tanzania a minimum of 72 hours prior to departure. Failure to do so will result in your seat being cancelled. Also note that it is a free seating system on the return flight - even if you have a seat number that does not confirm your seat. It is first come first served! When baggage is checked onto the flight, you are often required to confirm your ‘hold’ luggage on the tarmac before embarking - it is a final security check. Make sure you do this, or your baggage could be left behind.

PERSONAL SAFETY
Tanzania is a friendly country. However, as with any city/town, please be very careful when shopping, do not wander around at night in towns (use taxis), and do not leave valuables in hotel rooms etc. Use lock-up safes where available.

TIPPING
Tipping is at the discretion of the visitor and the following should only be used as a guideline. For outstanding personal service, you may decide to give a higher tip.

Mountain Guides & Porters USD 70 per person
Porterage USD 1 per bag
Dining room staff USD 1 per person
Crater tour driver USD 15 per landrover
Your driver / guide USD 15 per vehicle per day
Your camp driver USD 15 per day
Camp cook USD 15 per day
Camp helper USD 10 per day

BAGGAGE
When on safari, we strongly suggest luggage to be kept to a reasonable minimum, (i.e. one main bag and one camera bag or personal bag), otherwise conditions in the vehicle can become cramped. Soft barrel bags are preferred to suitcases or rucksacks as they are more flexible for packing. If you are flying on a domestic flight remember to keep your baggage to maximum 12 kg total. If you have any small charter flights you must use soft bags.

DRINKS AND PURCHASE ITEMS ETC...
On most safaris drinks are excluded. A few tips - wine in East Africa is extremely expensive, and often not that great. If you enjoy wine and you are staying at camps or lodges then take your own bottles along. Local spirits eg. gin are reasonably priced and acceptable, however imported spirits are expensive. Always specify. Cool drinks and beers are freely available at normal lodge prices.

Curios can be found throughout Tanzania - on the roadside, as well as at markets and most lodges. Prices vary considerably - and it is best to negotiate when purchasing on the roadside etc. Discuss with your guide the best places to purchase whichever curios you are looking for.

DRESS FOR LODGE SAFARIS
In wildlife lodges and country hotels the emphasis is on comfort and informality. For ladies light, easy to wash, blouses, shorts, skirts, dresses, light khaki trousers and bush jackets go well. For evenings, light dresses or trousers are suitable. For men casual shirts, shorts and bush jackets are ideal. Evening attire in towns can consist of lights suits with long-sleeved shirt and tie. Visitors to Ngorogoro are advised to carry a pullover as it can get chilly after sunset. A bush hat or a scarf for protection against the sun and dust is a must. You will find it very useful to carry with you on safari a pair of sunglasses, insect repellent, sun tan lotion and a flashlight. We suggest a lightweight rain jacket.

FACILITIES - CAMPING TRIPS
Camping equipment is provided, stretcher beds, mattresses and sleeping bags with inner sheets or sheets and blankets. Walk-in dome style tents are used, and fold up camp chairs and tables, a portable shower is also supplied. A camp hand cook as well as your driver/guide will do everything to ensure your personal comfort and well being, however minimal participation is requested. Campsite facilities are very basic and in some places non-existent. Campsites that do have showers will only have cold water and toilets will be long drops. In some places showers are not available at all, which is why we carry a portable shower.

DRESS ON A CAMPING SAFARI
When on a camping safari, please note that the emphasis is on comfort and durability of gear. Shorts, T-shirts, good hat, walking shoes and slops / sandals. Towel and toiletries must be taken as none of these are supplied. On safari we do supply bedding or sleeping bags, please check. A small first aid kit is handy including insect repellent. Always make sure you have something warm for night-time and early morning game drives, plus a lightweight rain jacket, just in case!