NTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

British Airways fly direct to Dar es Salaam from Heathrow three times weekly. Flying time is 9 hours, 40 minutes. Other carriers operate to Tanzania via Europe. KLM from Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro, Swiss Air from Zurich to Dar es Salaam, Air India flies to Dar es Salaam via Mumbal, Emirates via Dubai and Ethiopian
Airline via Addis Ababa. Gulf Air/Oman Air fly to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar via Muscat.

Regional carriers into Tanzania include Air Tanzania, Air Kenya, Kenya Airways, Precision Air and South African Airways. Domestic carriers; Air Tanzania, Coastal Aviation, Precision Air, Regional Air Services and Zan Air link the major cities, tourist
attractions and game parks in Tanzania. Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Coastal Aviation
and Zan Air fly between the mainland and Zanzibar.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

International flights serve Dar es Salaam 8 miles from the City Centre and Kilimanjaro (JRO) 31 miles from Arusha. Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) airport is 5 miles from Kisauni, Mwanza in western (Lake Victoria) and Dodoma, the capital city of Tanzania.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Most visitors require visa with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain them in advance from Embassies and High Commissions as several airlines insist on them prior to departure. They can also be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports and at the Namanga Gate on the Tanzania/Kenya boarder, Requirements may change, so you are advised to contact the appropriate Diplomatic or Consular Authority before finalizing your travel arrangements. Although part of the Union of Tanzania, Zanzibar remains independent, so passports & Tanzania visas are required even on a day’s visit.

IMMUNISATION AND HEALTH

Visitors from countries infected with Cholera and Yellow fever must produce international certificates of vaccination; this is particularly relevant for those travelling from neighbouring African countries.

The UK Department of Health recommends vaccinations against Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. It is essential for visitors to take a course of anti-malaria tablets commencing two weeks before travel, Modern medical services are available in Dar es Salaam and other major centres. There are only a limited number of chemists in the country, so visitors are advised to bring their own medicines with them.

WHAT TO TAKE

Don’t forget the camera and binoculars and take a torch for finding your way around your camp at night. Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods. Take sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm and some insect repellant. It is better not to get stung even if you are taking anti-malaria tablets. It’s best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit. A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea. Take extra memory cards if possible, it is difficult to obtain outside the main centres, while traveller's cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns. Banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, so take plenty of cash.

TRAVEL LIGHT

Some safari/air charters limit baggage to a 10- 15 kilo maximum.

LANGUAGE

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

CURRENCY

The unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors can take in some amount of foreign currency, but Import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal. Most major currencies particularly US Dollars and travellers’ cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureaux de Change in the main towns and tourist areas.

Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. DO NOT change money in the Street however favourable the rate appears. 

ON SAFARI

Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road can be tiring, It is wise to spend more time in few parks. You will see more and won’t return home exhausted, Keep your distance from animals and be quiet to avoid distressing them.

Always follow the instructions of your ranger or guide. Don’t leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to recognized tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.

WHAT TO WEAR

On safari avoid brightly coloured clothes; they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and khaki are preferred. Short sleeve shirts/blouses and shorts are ideal, but pack a sweater: it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening.

Wear a hat to avoid sunstroke and don’t forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible - walking through the bush is not like strolling through Hyde Park and for climbing Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru 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, a normal swimming suit is acceptable but nudity certainly is not.

TIPPING

Not normally obligatory but a tip for exceptional service will be highly appreciated. Tip US $25 – US $30 per day per group for drivers or tour guides and US $2 – US $5 for porters and camp crew. But remember: an excessive tip can make ii difficult for the next customer.

AIRPORT TAX

An airport tax of US $30 is levied, which may be included in the price of an air ticket.

Travel with children

Tanzanians love children and are especially helpful to mothers. However, canned baby food, powdered milk and disposable nappies may not be available outside major towns or at the National Parks hotels & Lodges.

Electricity

The electricity current is normally 220-240 Volts. Generally all the hotels and lodges will have sockets that will enable you to use your electric shaver, recharge your camera batteries or mobile phone or use any other electrical equipment. It is recommended that you also bring a universal adapter to avoid problems. Bear in mind that power cuts are not unusual, but most places have generators in case this happens.

Communications

Almost all places in Tanzania have facilities to make telephone calls or send faxes to countries all over the world. In a lot of bigger cities there are internet facilities where you can read and write e-mails. Some lodges and Camps got WiFi.

Time

Tanzanian time is GMT/UCT plus three hours. There is no daylight saving.

Booking

It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability of rooms and other services, especially during the peak season (June to February, and Christmas time). Simba Spedizioni ltd reserves the right to substitute the hotels named in the itineraries when absolutely necessary. To avoid unexpected accommodation changes early booking will guarantee your first choice.