How to travel in style and enjoyment in Tanzania (Tanzania travel tips).

'Beautiful Country, Feel the Friendship'.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

British Airways fly to Dar es salaam, from Heathrow, three times weekly. Flying times is approximately 9 hours 40 minutes.
Other carriers operate to Tanzania via Europe. KLM, from Armsterdam, to Dar es salaam and Kilimanjaro daily and Swiss, from Zurich, to Dar es salaam five times a week.
In addition, Emirates fly to Dar es salaam via Dubai; Egyptair via Cairo; Ethiopian via Addis Ababa; Oman Air Muscat; Qatar Airways via Doha; and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.
Regional carriers into Tanzania include Air Malawi, Air Uganda, Fly 540, Kenya Airways, SouthAfrican Airways and Zambezi Airlines.


Domestic carriers such as Air Tanzania, Coastal Aviation, Flightlink, Precision Air, Regional Air Services, Safari Airlink, Safari Plus and ZanAir link, the major cities, with tourist attractions and game parks.
Air Tanzania, Coastal Aviation, Precision Air and ZanAir fly between the mainland and Zanzibar.

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS.
International flights serve Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), 15 km from Dar es salaam city centre and Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), 42 km from Arusha and 40 km from Moshi. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) airport is 8 km from Stone Town.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS.

Most visitors require exception of citizens of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain in advance from Embassies and High Commissions as several airlines insist on them prior to departure. They can however also be obtained, on arrival, at all points of entry. 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, passport/Tanzania visas are required even on a day's visit.

IMMUNIZATION AND HEALTH

It is essential that all visitors take a course of anti-malaria tablets commencing two weeks before departure. The  UK Department of Health also recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Personal insurance is advised.

Travelers arriving from, or via, countries where yellow fever is endemic will need a Certificate of Vaccination although vaccination is available on arrival.

Hospitals provide good medical care in cities and towns. Flying Doctors facilitates are also available.

WHAT TO TAKE.

Don't forget the camera, camcorder 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 sun-glasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm - and some insect repellent, it is better not to get stung even if your 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 plenty of film, it is difficult to obtain outside the main centers.

While traveler's cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns, banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, so take plenty of cash.

TRAVEL LIGHT.

Same safaris/air chaters limit baggage to a 10-15 kilo maximum.

LANGUAGE.

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

CURRENCY.

The unit of currency is the Tanzania shilling which is divided into 100 cents.

Most major currencies- particularly US dollars - and travelers' cheque are accepted and may be converted at banks and bureaux de change in the main towns and tourist areas. Do NOT change money in the street however favorable the rate appears.

It should be noted that not all establishments accept credit cards and certain cards, particularly Diners and American Express, are frequently refused even by major hotels. Mastercard and visa are preferred.

ON SAFARI.

Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road can be tiring. It is wise to spend more time in fewer parks.    

You will see more and won't return home exhausted. Keep your distance from animals 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.

It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing is the norm. O n safari avoid brightly colored clothes, they may alarm the animals. Browns beige and khaki are preferred. Short-sleeves shirts/blouses and shorts are ideal, but pack a sweater, it can be chilly in the morning and in the evening. Wear a hat to avoid sun-stroke and forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible-walking through the bush is not like strolling through Hyde Park and for climbing mount 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 for Zanzibar and other Muslim areas. On the beach, and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity certainly is not.

TIPPING.

Not normally obligatory but a tip for exceptional service - a maximum of 10% - will be appreciated. Tip $10 - $ 15 per day for drivers or tour guides but remember an excessive tip can make it difficult for the next customer.