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Tanzania Travel Tips

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Travel Tips

Tanzania Travel Tips

GETTING THERE

A wide number of international airlines which fly directly to Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar includes KLM, Swiss Air, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, Oman Air, Kenya Airways, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines.
Numerous regional carriers fly into Tanzania from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Domes tic carriers such as Air Tanzania, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, FastJet, Flightlink, Precision Air, Regional Air Services, Safari Air Link and ZanAir link the major cities with the tourist attractions and game parks.

AIRPORTS

International flights services Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) which is 15km from Dar Es Salaam City center and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which is 42km from Arusha. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) is 8km from Stone Town and Songwe International Airport is 20km from Mbeya City.

VISAS

Most visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain them in advance from Embassies and High Commissions or through the Tanzania e-visa portal. Visas can also be obtained on arrival at all points of entry for some citizens of certain countries (Please check in advance if you are eligible to apply for a visa at the point of entry before your travel). Requirements may change so you are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalizing your travel arrangements. Tanzania visa is applicable to both the mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar archipelago.

HEALTH

It is essential that all visitors take a course of anti-malaria tablets commencing two weeks before their arrival to Tanzania. The UK Department of Health also recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Travelers arriving from, or via yellow fever endemic countries will need a Certificate of Vaccination. Personal insurance is advisable when planning your travel. Flying Doctors evacuation facilities are available. COVID-19 Travel Requirements. Please follow the below links for the updates
- CHECK ON THE LATEST RULES AND REGULATIONS BASED ON YOUR SAFARI
- TZ HEALTH SURVEILLANCE FORM

WHAT TO TAKE

Don’t forget the camera, camcorder and binoculars and take a flashlight for finding your way around your camp at night and stock up with replacement batteries. Take sun-glasses, hats, sun-cream, lip balm and insect repellent. Pack enough medications required for the duration of your travel.

TRAVEL LIGHT

Check your baggage allowance and the recommended bags/suitcases. Some safaris/air charters limit baggage allowance to 10 – 15 kilos.

LANGUAGE

English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili are always appreciated.

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Tanzania Shilling (Tsh). Most major currencies, particularly US Dollars are accepted and may be converted at banks and Bureau de Change in the main towns and tourist areas. DO NOT change money in the streets however favorable the rate appears. Most major hotels and Tour Operators accept credit cards. However, it should be noted that many hotels, excursion companies and Tour Operators do not accept credit card payments. Mastercard and Visa Card are the preferred. Certain cards, particularly Diners and American Express, are not widely accepted even by major hotels. ATM machines are easy to find in all the major towns.

ON SAFARI

Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road can be tiring. It is wise to spend more time in fewer parks. Always follow the instructions of your guide or ranger. Don’t leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to the designated tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.

WHAT TO WEAR

Browns, beige and khaki are preferred. Short-sleeve shirts/blouses and shorts are ideal, however, pack a light fleece for the chilly mornings and evenings. Wear a hat to avoid sun-stroke and remember to pack a swimsuit. Should be sensible, light walking boots, sneakers or trainers. And for climbing Kilimanjaro, take thermal underwear, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots. Shorts for women are acceptable but not too short. Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages as revealing clothes can cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas. On the beach, and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity is not.

TIPPING

Not normally obligatory but a tip for exceptional service. The usual tips for Drivers and guides are $10 -$15 per day

SECURITY

Don’t walk in the towns or cities at night – take a taxi instead. Do not wear any valuable jewelry. Do not carry cameras or large amounts of cash – and beware of pickpockets. Use the hotel's safety deposit boxes to safeguard your valuables.