When planning to visit Tanzania here is the basic information on the travel information that you need to plan your journey.
British Airways fly direct to Dar es Salaam, from Heath row, three times weekly. Flying time is 9hours 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 fly to Dar es Salaam via Mumbai; Emirates via Dubai and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa.
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 ZanAir 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 (DAR), eight miles from the city centre and Kilimanjaro (JRO), 31 miles from Arusha. Zanzibar (ZNZ) airport is five miles from Kisauni.
PASSPORTS AND 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 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 border.
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.
IMMUNIZATION AND HEALTH
Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce international certificates of vaccination, this is particularly relevant for those traveling 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 cities but tourists are likely to find themselves in remote locations far from these major centres. Cover for medical evacuation is therefore recommended in case of a medical emergency. This is especially relevant to those climbing Kilimanjaro. There are only a limited number of chemists in the country so visitors
are advised to bring their own medicine with them.
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 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 plenty of film, it is difficult to obtain outside the main centres. 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
Some safaris/air charters 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. Visitors can take in any amount of foreign currency. No currency declaration is required, but import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal. Most major currencies – particularly US dollars – and travelers’ cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureau de change in the main towns and tourist areas.
Do NOT change money in the street however favourable the rate appears. Credit cards are not always accepted and carry poor exchange rates. Visitors will probably be expected to pay park entrance fees in foreign currency.
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 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
It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing is the norm. 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, 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.
AIRPORT TAX
An airport tax of US$30 is levied, which may be included in the price of an air ticket.