TANZANIA TRAVEL TIPS

On Safari

Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road can be wearing. Keep your distance from the animals and quiet from distressing the wildlife. Follow instructions from your guide. Don’t your vehicle in the park except in designated places. Keep to recognized tracks to avoid damaging the vegetation.  

Personal Expenses

As noted in your contract drinks with meals, gratuities, laundry, select meal (where noted) and other personal expenses are not included in your package. A good starting point to calculate your cash needs is $30-$50 per person per day. Costs are average. Safari Guide tips are preferred in USD. Tanzania shillings are preferable for workers who live a distance from the town (such as those in lodges and camps).

Photography

Bring film and batteries for your camera with you. Protect your cameras from dust and keep equipment and film cool. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing local people. If you intend to take a lot of people pictures, it can be nice to bring an instant camera with you so that you can leave a picture with the people you photograph. Excellent binoculars are a must. If you do not have binoculars, African Savannah Holidays can supply your car with a pair upon request and free of charge.

Zanzibar

Starting October 1, 2024, all foreign visitors must have valid Inbound Travel Insurance to enter Zanzibar issued by the government as below:

• Insurance Requirement: All travelers must obtain Inbound Travel Insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation.
• Coverage: The policy will cover a range of emergencies, including repatriation and evacuation, for up to 92 days.
• Cost: The insurance policy costs $44.

There is also an infrastructure fee of $5 per person per night payable at the hotel.

Note: Many beaches are shared with local Tanzanians who are using the beach for fishing or farming seaweed for a living. At times this activity is heavier than at other times. If you plan to swim in the ocean a lot then you should consider whether this type of activity would make it harder for you to enjoy the ocean. Note that the tides can also impact your ability to enjoy the ocean. Sometimes, a low tide can mean a long walk to the ocean. Other times, a high tide can mean there may not be any room for walking along the beach. Tide cards can easily be found online to help you plan your trip.

Binoculars

We provide at least 2 pairs of binoculars in each vehicle. We predominantly have Eagle Optics Rangers (or Ranger ED) 8×42 binoculars. We replace and repair binoculars once or twice per year. We depend on you, our guests, to handle the binoculars with care for your safari and for the benefit of future guests. The conditions on safari are dusty. Please do not clean lenses with fingers or rough clothes. Binoculars look durable but actually they are fragile. When using the binoculars, please wear the straps around your neck, to avoid dropping or misplacing them. Your consideration on this topic is very much appreciated. If you are a serious birder, you should bring your own personal pair of binoculars with you.

Climate

Climate generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings Jun- October and mid- December -March; short rains November to mid-December; long rains April-May; but the seasons can vary. The Coastal strip is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing.

Money

Major foreign currencies – particularly USD and EUROS are acceptable and convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. In general, credit cards are of little use in Tanzania. Credit cards are not widely accepted and when they are accepted, they carry poor exchange rate and are subject to processing fee (between 5-10%). Some banks in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Moshi offer ATM facilities against international credit cards, but again the rates are typically poor and the amount that can be withdrawn is limited. ATMs are not available at all elsewhere.

Exchanging money

The best exchange rate is obtained at one of the several Bureau de Change in the city – especially Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Hotels will exchange currency for you, but these are rarely the best rates. Do NOT exchange on the street. Just find a nice-looking Bureau de Change (your guide can take you to a reputable exchange) and most will have similar rates. Do be conscious of your surrounding when exchanging the money and when leaving the Bureau de Change. At the Bureau de Change you will see exchange rates posted. The best rate is for new version (2006 or new) $100 USD bills. Bills smaller than $50 USD get a worse rate and older bill (2006 or older) will generally NOT be accepted. We recommend using Tanzania money for small tips like a potter and a waiter, but USD for your safari guides.

Society and Social Obligation

In Tanzania, social obligations are stronger than individualism. Greetings and spending time socializing are valued in Tanzania. Tanzanians are generally accommodating and helpful to outsider. Friends, local family, and local co-workers will often accompany you and want to help you in way possible. As a guest, some people may want to serve you. Be aware that this may make you uncomfortable, but their goal is to make you as comfortable as possible.

Tanzanians are incredibly friendly and welcoming people and do not be surprised to get invited frequently to peoples’ homes’’ for chai’’(tea). They will offer you drinks or food. You may be considered rude if you refuse but of course do not consume things that you are uncomfortable with. Also understand that it is generally culturally unacceptable to refuse a gift. Whoever invites people for drinks or a meal, generally pays for everything instead of splitting the bill. If other pays for your drinks or meals, do not be surprised.

It is believed that resources should be shared between friends and family, and that property is ours rather than yours or mine. This is in sharp contrast to Western value of me and mine. Be prepared that w people will ask you to give them things, pay for thing or buy things. Western people often interpret this as people trying to take advantage of them. There is simply a cultural difference of sharing whatever you have coupled with an assumption that you have a lot to give. This is opposite to Western culture where we value independence and often do not like asking for help or things especially from others. It is best to say ‘no’ if that is how you feel. Realize, too, that Tanzanians often say ‘’no’ to each other as well. When they ask for something, such as for help sending them to school, your camera, or for you to buy something for them, they are not really expecting you to say ‘yes’, they are just trying their chances. Feel free to say ‘no’ without an explanation.

Due to poverty, many people genuinely need help, but you should talk to your guide before providing assistance to someone. It is your choice to help an individual, but keep in mind that it can create jealousies and set precedents for future expectations. Try to be sensitive to the economic disparities and try to keep symbols of wealth such as cameras, jewelry, or large amount of local currency of public view.

Time

While in Western societies time makes things happen, in Tanzania people generally make things happen. This means meetings which are scheduled at 10am often do not start until everybody gets there at 11:30am. Small buses leave when all the seats are full, rather than on set schedule. There is an increasing effort to try to be on time, but be aware that people may interpret time differently than you. Right now does not necessarily mean right away. People are not trying to be disrespectful; time just has a different meaning.

Privacy

While privacy is very important in Western culture, it is practically nonexistent in Tanzania. This means that people may openly stare at you, and may ask you questions that seem personal, such as ‘‘are you married, any children, what religion are you’’?

Gender

Men and women are generally not friends in Tanzania society. You may of course become friends with people of different genders, but be aware that if you spend a lot of time with an individual of the opposite sex, the community will assume you are having an affair. Public display of affection between members of opposite sex will be very offensive to the rural community. On the other hand, do not be surprised to see men holding hands in friendship. Women in particular may experience badgering from men including frequent marriage proposals. Wearing a wedding ring and telling people you are married goes a long way.

Clothing

Tanzanians have a very different dress code than westerners, which we need to respect. In urban areas western dress is appropriate, although generally throughout Tanzania shorts are worn by primary schoolaged boys. For an adult, wearing shorts is culturally equivalent to walking around in underwear. In villages, men should wear long pants and shirts with colors and women should either wear skirts, lightweight dress or pants that cover below the knee and shirts that cover shoulders. Depending upon the nature and location of your village visit, your choice shoes can vary. I f walking around a village area wear a sturdy pair of walking shoes. If you are doing formal meetings (at a school for example) then a nicer pair of closed-toed shoes would be preferable. If in doubt, choose the culturally sensitive, conservative approach. If you dress shabbily, it may be interpreted, as a lack of respect for the community.

Polite Behavior

Aside from general polite behaviors such as not swearing, smoking, or using other drugs considered offensive in many societies, there are special behaviors that deemed respectful in Tanzania society. Greetings are very important. A good start is: ‘‘Habari yako?” (How are you?), or ‘‘Hujambo’’and answer ‘‘nzuri’’(fine/good). Give and take things and eat with your right hand only ever possible. If you are a woman and choose to wear a kanga over a skirt as local women do, the local community will be very happy. Also be aware that sniffing food is considered rude. Feel free to try a taste of something, and press fruit to see if it is ripe rather than smelling it. Be prepared that many people may call you ‘‘mzungu’’ (westerner) if your skin is white, may not believe that you come from India or Asia if your features suggest such an ancestry, or may believe you know Swahili if your skin is black. They are not trying to insult you and racial terms do not have the same connotations in Tanzania as they do in the west.

Electricity

A 3 rectangular pin UK plug adapter is required to use electrical appliances including video cameras and digital cameras. The plug adapter is placed onto your appliance plug so that it will fit into the 3 rectangular pin electrical socket. Tanzania electrical sockets are identical to those found in United Kingdom.

The electrical voltage in Tanzania is 220V while the electrical voltage in United States is 120V. If you have a dual voltage appliance or a universal power supply capable of operating safely either with 120V or 220V, all you need is to plug adapter mentioned above. Most new laptops, digital cameras and video cameras come equipped with a dual voltage power supply. Check to make sure the input reads 100V-140V or 120V-240V.

Please be aware that many of the lodges in Tanzania do not operate their electricity generators 24hours a day. Some lodges turn off their generators after dinner until just before dawn. Please inquire upon arrival at each lodge as policies differ widely. It is always a good idea to be prepared with one or two extra batteries for digital cameras, camcorders and laptops.

Flights

As with all air travel, and perhaps more especially with small airlines that have less-sophisticated logistical planning systems and fewer backup airplanes, there are sometimes flight delay or cancellation that can cause disruption to your travel plans. While we will do everything, we can to get you on the right flight at the right time, sometimes flight changes happen that are outside your control. A good majority of the time, flights will happen without problem, but every now and then, there is a problem. As soon as we are informed of any such issue, we will do everything we can to solve the problem.

Gifts

Don’t indiscriminately hand out pens, money and sweets – it just encourages begging. As anywhere, gifts should be given as a true expression of friendship, appreciation or thanks.

Immigration

Visas are required. Visas cost $50 USD per person ($100 USD per person for USA citizens) and can be obtained on arrival but you may wish to get them in advance.

Language

English is widely spoken in the cities, but not spoken much in the villages. A few words of Swahili can be helpful and will be appreciated greatly by locals.

PACKING LIST

General packing list

• In general, pack lightly. Leave rooms for gifts and souvenirs. Soft side luggage packs more easily into the safari vehicles.
• Always carry passport, airline tickets and money on your person. A fanny pack or moneybag that hang around the neck work well.
• In case money doesn’t arrive the same day, you do, put enough clothing and supplies for the first day in your carryon luggage.
• If taking a domestic flight luggage weight restrictions range between 15 – 20kgs (33-44Ibs) total per person.

Footwear

• Sturdy, comfortable shoes, preferably water resistant. They will get dirty.
• Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening.
• Comfortable, breathable socks.

Clothing

• Shorts, mid-thing or longer (not advisable for village visit)
• Lightweight, breathable pants.
• Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable (neutral colors are best, avoid black, dark blue and bright red.
• Bathing suit if staying at the lodge with a swimming or if visiting Zanzibar.
• Long sleeved fleece or sweater for evening and/or early mornings.
• Rain jackets or rain poncho.
• Women: pants (capri-length or longer) and shirts that cover the shoulders are advisable for village visits. Lightweight dresses or skirts that cover the knees are optional depending on how rural your village visit is but can also be worn for evening dining at the accommodation.
• Men: short-sleeve shirts with collars (for visiting villages or evening dining at the accommodation).
• Keep valuable jewelry to a minimum.

Note: Laundry service is available at most lodges at cost or free of charge in some areas.

Baggage

• Day pack, for you to carry
• Large duffel bags or soft sided suitcases

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is recommended that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment.

Consider travel protection for:

• Trip Cancellation
• Trip Interruption
• Emergency Medical Expenses
• Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation
• Trip Delay
• Baggage & Personal Effects
• Baggage Delay & More

MEDICAL TIPS

We have compiled this information for you from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website (www.cdc.gov/travel) for easy reference as a traveler planning to visit Tanzania/East Africa.

Food and waterborne disease are the number one cause of illness for travelers. Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, which are found throughout the region and can contaminate food or water. Infection may cause diarrhea and vomiting (E. coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis). Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.

Malaria is preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated. Prevent infection by taking prescription anti-malarial drugs and protecting yourself against mosquito bites. Travelers to East Africa should take should take one of the following anti-malarial drugs: mefloquine, doxycycline, or malarone ™.

Your risk of malaria may be high in these countries, including cities.

The CDC recommends the following vaccines (as appropriate for age). See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect.

• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin (IG).
• Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, healthcare workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or exposed through medical treatment.
• Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
• Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region.
• Yellow fever, if you travel anywhere outside urban areas.
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus, diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults. Hepatitis B is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.