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Visas and requirement
All visitors require a passport, valid for the duration of their stay. 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 but a few words of Swahili can be useful and will be appreciated by the people you meet. Kiswahili phrase books are readily available in book stores in many countries and in Tanzania
Money
Major foreign currencies Euros, Pounds, Australian and US dollars may be exchanged at local banks and bureau de change in the main towns and tourist areas. US Dollars are accepted at more banks, bureau de change, restaurants and lodges. Exchange rates for US notes less than 50 receive lower rates and travelers cheques are exchanged at even lower rates, and recently, at fewer places. At many places US bank notes printed before 2000 are not accepted. This is due to a suspicion that notes before this time are counterfeit. Credit cards are not widely accepted at safari companies, lodges and restaurants and carry poor exchange rates or additional charges to cover processing fees. Some banks in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Moshi offer ATM facilities against international credit cards (VISA and Mastercard only), but ATMs are not available elsewhere and are those available are occasionally unreliable. Don’t change money in the street.
Health
All visitors traveling to Tanzania should have a valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever. Malaria is endemic but is preventable; use insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and take anti-malaria prophylactics as advised by your doctor. Bring all prescription medicines, spare glasses, contact lenses and solution, sunscreen and a small first aid kit. Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Climate
Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings June to October; short rains November to mid December; long rains March to May but the seasons may vary. The coastal strip is hot and humid all year around
Safari Safety
National Parks and Conservation Areas are home to the beautiful wildlife of Tanzania
Please feel comfortable in these areas but respect the temperaments of the wildlife. Some of the wildlife is timid and some can be aggressive. Please read the Nation Parks Rules attached to this document and follow the rules. The rules were written by people who understand the wildlife and wish only to protect them and you.
When in doubt ask questions and be sure to follow the instructions of rangers and guides.
Do not get out of your vehicle when in a wilderness area except in designated areas such as picnic areas, camp grounds or lodges.
Read and follow signs posted in the parks, campsites and lodges. Follow the suggestions of park and lodge employees who have experience in the areas where you are visiting.
Clothing
Pack lightweight, washable clothes plus a sweater for early morning game drives, a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Long sleeves and trousers in light-colored 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.
Photography
Bring an adequate supply of film and batteries for your camera with you. Purchasing film and batteries here can be costly and inconvenient. Protect your cameras from dust and keep equipment and film cool. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing local people. We discourage you from paying for pictures of local people.
Contributions and Begging
In cities, towns and the rural areas you will witness areas of extreme poverty. There are many government, church and non-governmental programs addressing the needs of people of need. Please do not handout gifts to children on the streets this encourages them to leave school and beg in areas common for tourists to pass. Beware of official looking papers to sponsor people for school fees or medical expenses. If you would like a list of area projects that are in need of donations please contact your agent.
Insurance
It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance to cover baggage or valuables in the case of loss or theft. It is recommended to purchase emergency medical evacuation insurance in the case of an accident or medical emergency. There are many affordable and reputable companies available on the internet that can provide coverage
Tipping
Not obligatory, but a tip of $20 per day for short safaris and $10 per day for long safaris shall be appreciated
Electricity
Power for charging batteries and other electronic equipment is available in most lodges. Tanzania’s power voltage is 240 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 jeweler at home.
Click here for - TANZANIA NATIONAL PARKS RULES AND REGULATIONS.
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