Tanzania Travel Tips

SAFARI ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations on safari are usually a combination of lodges and permanent or mobile tented camps. “In the bush”, and miles from civilization, these luxury camp’s and lodges are all unique and in amazing settings. Lodge rooms have complete bathroom amenities as do most permanent tented camps. Mobile camps, can have either private en-suite facilities or shared bathroom and shower tents. Unless you are in a major city, there will be no TV’s or phones with outside lines. Electric lights, running on generators, are generally lit for a few hours in the early morning and from dark until 10 or 11 PM.

FOOD ON SAFARI

The food on safari is delicious and ranges from simple to gourmet. You can expect lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and wonderful homemade soups. Chicken, lamb, beef or pork are usually served at lunch and dinner as well fish and vegetarian dishes. Breakfast is a buffet with lots of tropical fruits, hot and cold cereals, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, breads and pastries and eggs to order. Lunch can be either buffet or served at the table and always starts with soup. Dinner is usually a 4 or 5-course sit-down affair, although there is no need to dress up. Often your safari guide will join you at meals as you recall your days events.

CLIMATE IN TANZANIA

Northern Tanzania enjoys one of the world’s most pleasant climates year round. With an elevation of 5000 ft. in Arusha and even higher atop the plateau of the Great Rift Valley. The daytime temperatures are normally in the high 70’s to mid 80’s and from the mid 50’s to low 60’s in the evenings and mornings. Southern and coastal Tanzania tend to get much warmer, and can be very humid depending on the season. There are two rainy seasons but the sun shines throughout the year. Travel can sometimes be difficult during the long rainy season of April and May, but the short rains of November and December are fine for traveling, with short showers usually in the late evening.

THE BEST TIME TO GO

The better times for a safari to Tanzania, are any months but April and early May, during the “big rains”. If you want to see the “great migration”, then November through March and June through July is excellent. This is when the herds are in the Serengeti. By August they have usually moved up into Kenya’s Maasai Mara, coming back down in early November. Patterns will fluctuate in most parks depending on the season and where the “food” is. For example in the dry season during July – October, large concentrations of up over 6,000 el.ephants, and a variety of other animals, migrate to Tarangire National Park to the banks of the Tarangire River.

BOTTLED AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Diet sodas are seldom available in Tanzania. Wine, beer, extra bottled water, sodas and alcoholic beverages are available at all camps and lodges and are usually not included in the trip price. Beer and sodas are inexpensive but premium spirits can be pricey so you may want to bring your favorite with you.

CLOTHING ON SAFARI

Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight and easy to care for is the best bet while on safari. It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you’ll want to dress warmly in layers, until the sun has a chance to warm up the air. “Kenya Convertibles”, khaki pants with zip-off legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you’re back in camp. Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. For ladies, shorts are not generally accepted on streets in Africa. A cotton bush jacket or wind-breaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for the cool nights. And, a hat that ties on is a must. There is not a good deal of long walking or hiking on most safaris, so a comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate. You will need thorn-proof soles.

EXERCISE

Generally, there is no much time for exercise, although we do try to include some walking where it is safe and legal. It is possible to do some walking and exercising within the lodge or campgrounds but because the wildlife is “wild” it is not safe to venture away from the grounds. Also, walking in not allowed in the national parks without permission and is usually escorted by an armed guard.

MONEY AND CASH

The local currency in Tanzania is the shilling. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels and most lodges and camps “in the bush”. However – don’t even think about finding an ATM machine! US dollars, Euros and travelers checks are readily accepted, but small denominations are recommended for cashing at lodges and camps. Changing money at banks can be very time consuming and it is never wise to change money on the street.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND MALARIA

HEALTH: Food and sanitary conditions while on safari are of the highest standard, however some precautions are recommended. There are no vaccinations required at this time to enter Tanzania. Remember to bring supplies of prescription medicines, spare glasses, contact lenses and sunscreen.

MALARIA : Malaria is transmitted by some female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are active in the early evening and throughout the night. Malaria is not a serious problem if people are sensible and take basic precautions from being bitten by using mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants in the evenings. Safari camps and lodges at not located in any densely populated areas, and many are at high altitude. This greatly reduces the risk of becoming infected. Consult your physician, for recommended malaria prophylactics.

SHOPPING

If you don’t like to bargain, there are many nice shops and galleries in the main cities that carry nice crafts, including basketry, batiks, beadwork, masks and woodcarvings. Gift shops in hotels, safari lodges and some camps are also excellent places to buy quality souvenirs. If you like to bargain, you may want to explore the local markets. However – do not ship goods home ! Shipping rates are not guaranteed and can be exorbitant. Plan to carry your purchases home or pay the surcharge from the airline.

WATER

To keep from getting dehydrated, you will need to drink plenty of fluids. Liter’s of bottled water are supplied daily in your room or tent and also in the vehicles for game-drives.

LANGUAGE

Kiswahili is the national language of Tanzania. While on safari you will pick up such phrases as Habari Gana (How are you?) and Twiga (Giraffe). However English is official and widely spoken but do not expect everyone to speak English. However all our guides are fluent.

CHILDREN ON SAFARI

Children are welcome in Tanzania, including mobile camps and most lodges. We will advise you of any restrictions should you wish delight your children by bringing them on safari. Many families travel with children as young as 5 years old. On game drives if you have more than one child you may be required to have a separate vehicle.

TIPPING AND GRATUITIES

As a custom, tipping is not compulsory, but is usually expected as a sign of appreciation of good service in lodges, bars and restaurants and permanent tented camps. Safari guides depend on tipping for a large part of their income, so be sure to bring extra cash for tipping your guide at the end of your safari.

ELECTRICITY

Electricity is delivered at 220 Volts, but varies on the connections, so be sure to bring a Universal Adapter. Also, if outlets are not available in your permanent tented camp, the main building or bar area will have outlets so you can recharge your camera. You can also bring a cigarette lighter adapter to charge your camera while traveling in your vehicle.

GIFTS

Tanzania, like most of the developing world, has many people who are in need. However, begging is not generally prevalent, though your safari vehicle may sometimes be surrounded by curious children. Tanzanian’s prefer that you not hand out money or sweets, as this encourages begging. However, like anywhere, gifts can be given as a true expression of friendship, appreciation or thanks. And trading T-shirts, hats, or offering magazines to locals not uncommon. Tourism brings needed money to the local economy and many of our ground operators work to support local schools and other improvement projects. Please contact us about how you can support these efforts by offering supplies, money and your expertise.

TRAVELING ON YOUR OWN

Tanzania is a vast and wild country with a regulated tourism industry. Unlike some areas of South America, South Africa and other wild places, tourists can not go it alone, as a 4×4 vehicle is usually needed, along with park permits, camp permits, lodging reservations, and dangers from wild animals.