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Frequently Asked Questions
Tanzania Introduction:
Tanzania is home to the world
famous Mt. Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park and is recognized
as Africa's Premier Wildlife Safari destination. The wildlife of
Tanzania is truly a treasure that will leave a lifelong imprint on
anyone who visits the country.
Climate:
Tanzania is located just south of
the equator and is blessed with an enjoyable climate year round. The
average temperature during the day is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit
with the nights cooling down to the 50's in much of the
areas that we tour. Rainfall is more common between April - June and
again between November - December.
Language:
Swahili is the official language
of Tanzania but English is widely used through the tourism industry.
Transportation:
East African Expeditions provides
a four wheel drive vehicle and English speaking driver/guide for the
entire duration of your safari, including to and from the airport.
Charter flights are available to many of the lodges that we use,
reducing the travel time by vehicle. All of our safaris commence
upon your arrival at the International Airport in Arusha, Tanzania.
You will be met at the airport by one of our representatives who
will assist you with customs, visas, luggage, etc.
Medical:
Yellow Fever vaccinations are
required as well as Malaria prevention medicines. Please consult
your family doctor for details on Health Certificates and
recommended medical precautions. A flying medical service is
available is case of emergencies, equipped with rescue equipment and
a qualified doctor.
Passports and Visas:
The first thing you will need is
a passport valid for 6 months beyond your planned travel date. Visas
will not be issued otherwise. If you are landing in Nairobi, Kenya
they now require a visa (transit visa for $20 which can be purchased
on arrival and departure) and you can acquire a visa for entry into
Tanzania at the border (Namanga) or when you land (should you be
arriving at Mt. Kilimanjaro). The current fee is $50 US, correct
change is useful there. If you are a US citizen and want to acquire
yours prior to travel, you can reach the Embassy of the United
Republic of Tanzania at: 2139 R Street N.W., Washington D.C.,
telephone (202) 939-6125 or 884-1080, Fax (202) 797-7408. And The
Embassy of The United Republic of Kenya: 2249 R Street N.W.,
Washington D.C., phone: (202) 387-6101 or fax: (202) 462-3829. Forms
are also available online in pdf format at each country's website.
Keep in mind that this can take up to six weeks and is best done via
Federal Express.
There is also a service in Arlington, VA that can handle it for a
fee of approximately $25 plus the cost of the visas:
PSV International
1700 N. Moore St., Suite 310
Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 908-0330, 1(800) 556-9990,
Fax: (703) 908-0332
Your health:
Visit your doctor or country
health department. Each country's health department has a list of
recommended shots to take prior to travel. Yellow fever is a
mandatory vaccination. You will be given an International
Certificate of Vaccination approved by the World Health
Organization, with dates of innoculations. Make sure to attach it or
carry it with your passport. You must also get a prescription for an
anti-malaria drug. They are taken weekly, starting one week prior to
departure, each week while in Africa, and four weeks after your
return. There is a new daily drug Malarone, which has no side
effects. They can prescribe antibiotics to take with you should you
be concerned about flu or flu-like symptoms.
Most of the larger lodges/hotels where we'll be staying have a nurse
on staff or doctor on call. We suggest you subscribe to the flying
medical service (Flying Doctors) in case of emergency. Cost for this
service is an additional $25 per person.
Reference Books:
There are some wonderful travel
guides you should investigate before your travel. Adventuring in
East Africa by Allen Bechky. Bradt Travel Guide: Tanzania, is very
complete and will give you a realistic view of what to expect and
will thoroughly describe our destinations. There are numerous
others. Lonely Planet has an East Africa guide as well as a
Tanzania, Zanzibar & Pemba version. Also study maps of the area.
This will give you an excellent idea of our locations while in
Tanzania. Audubon's Bird Guide to Africa is another excellent
choice. The bird watching is outstanding, and most are ones you have
never seen. I also recommend reading The Tree Where Man Was Born by
Peter Matthiessen, published by Penguin Nature Classics. The
descriptions of the tribes will give you an excellent understanding
of what you will find during your travels.
I can't stress
enough the fact that you should purchase and read A
Rough Guide
Phrasebook: Swahili. In it you will find descriptions on
customs, greeting other people, proper etiquette and words to learn
before your arrival in Tanzania. While most people in Tanzania speak
English, a proper greeting in Swahili goes a very long way, Asante
Sana! It is available from Amazon.com. If
you are unable to find this book, a good option would be Lonely
Planet's Swahili Phrasebook with
two way dictionary.
Weather:
Depending on what time of year
you visit, temperatures can range from the high 50's at night to 90
degrees Fahrenheit during the hottest part of the day. The weather
will be warmer in the flat lands, valleys, and the Ngorongoro
Crater, while it will be cooler and more comfortable in the
mountains. You will be given a temperature forecast before your
departure so you can pack accordingly.
Along the way:
One important thing to remember.
If your flights are delayed or cancelled, do not turn back, but take
the next flight out. The airlines will help you with rescheduling.
We will await your arrival. Please let Philip Masonda know you are
delayed by calling his cell phone at 255-744-480594. He will be your
central contact while en route.
For the sake of emergencies, be sure to pack a change of clothes in
your carry-on along with toiletries and any other items you deem
necessary for delays or stopovers. Keep all valuables with you in
your carry-on or on your person.
Emergencies:
10 to 14 days prior to departure,
you will receive your final details of travel and a list of hotels
with dates of when you'll be there, along with their phone numbers,
fax numbers and e-mail addresses if available. You should leave this
information with anyone who might need to contact you while you're
away. You should also bring a copy with you, just in case you are
traveling alone and need this information. Many of the hotels have
offices in Arusha, and can contact their respective hotels via
mobile radio with messages. Our vehicles also have a mobile radio
for calling out in an emergency, as well as a satellite telephone
that accompanies each group. If you are a US citizen and concerned
about someone finding you, you might want to consider faxing your
itinerary and which group you are with to the United States
consulate in Dar es Salaam. Their fax numbers is +255-22-2662701.
Luggage:
When checking in for your initial
flight, feel confident in checking your locked luggage through to
your final destination. You are allowed two bags checked and one
carry on. However, because of the amount of travel in Safari
vehicles, please keep your luggage allowance to two pieces, your
main suitcase and one carry-on. Large duffle bags are strongly
recommended, due to storage space in the vehicles. Also plan to
carry a backpack or daypack when you go out on game drives. In it
you can carry your camera and film, snacks, tissues and whatever
else you need for the day. Be sure to have all necessary
prescriptions filled and carried with you in your carry-on luggage.
If you wear glasses, back-ups should be in your carry-on as well.
What to pack:
Dress comfortably, but remember
that the dress in Tanzania (and Africa in general) is very
conservative. Pack lightly and in a "mix and match" variety.
Clothing in colors such as Khaki and olive green will serve you
well, white is not recommended. 2 to 3 pair of slacks is sufficient.
The "zip-off to shorts/cargo pants" can save space in your luggage.
Several short-sleeved shirts and long-sleeved shirts should be of
100% cotton or nylon for quick drying. Tops with roll-up sleeves are
also recommended. For women, skirts can be a welcome addition on the
hottest days. As can jumpers coupled with a t-shirt. While you don't
need "dinner" clothing, it is refreshing to shower and change
clothing after a game drive and in preparation for dinner. Most of
the larger hotels have nice swimming pools so bring your suit if you
enjoy a relaxing swim. Women: even if you don't normally wear a bra,
you should consider wearing a bra as roads are rough in some areas.
Many of the hotels and lodges where we'll be staying do have laundry
service and it is very affordable. So consider that as an
alternative to bringing too many clothes.
Shoes:
One or two pair of closed-toe
shoes (one of which should be tennis shoes) are sufficient.
Comfortable sandals such as Teva or Merrell are recommended. There
will be several opportunities for hiking, so your tennis shoes can
double as hiking boots. If you plan to hike or have weak ankles,
consider purchasing high top tennis shoes.
Other necessary items include: a
flashlight, heavy-duty ziplock plastic bags, luggage locks, shoe
bags, a small amount of liquid detergent for hand washing delicate
items, a small sewing kit for quick repairs, bug repellent (the more
Deet the better), a small tube of Neosporin antibacterial ointment,
and antibacterial hand sanitizer such as Purely in liquid form, a
small Swiss Army knife with scissors, nail clippers, a sun hat and
sunscreen, eye drops for dry eyes, washcloth (they are not provided
at the hotels), voltage converters for 230V, and plug converter for
the United Kingdom. This is, of course, only if you use a hair
dryer, or have camera equipment that needs recharging. Many of the
hotels/lodges operate on generators and turn them off at night -
hence the need for the flashlight. If you are not used to heat and
humidity, bring several cotton bandanas. Nothing cools you down
quicker than a wet bandana wrapped around the neck.
There is an emergency first aid kit in the vehicle.
Your camera:
Please be sure to bring plenty of
film. Consider 3 to 4 rolls per day. While you may find film for
sale in gift shops, it's generally out of date and too expensive.
You can always use leftover film when you return. For safety sake,
you should purchase x-ray protective bags to carry your film in when
going through security check points. Also bring extra batteries for
your camera; they are non-existent in Tanzania. Because of the
possible level of dust, you may want to consider a heavy-duty
plastic bag to keep your camera in when on game drives. You can cut
a window in it for the lens. A polarizing filter is also useful.
Optional items include inexpensive binoculars and a video camera. If
you choose to carry a video camera, remember that recharging the
battery will require a voltage converter.
Under no circumstances are you to photograph people without their
permission. If you see someone you want to take a photograph of, ask
your guides to negotiate a price for you - the Masai are especially
touchy about obtaining money for their likeness.
Food:
Meals are almost always served
buffet style. Breakfasts are large English style meals and times
will be posted at your hotel. Lunch is generally at 1 or 2 pm and
dinner begins at 7:30 pm. As the saying goes, if you don't peel it
or wash it yourself, do not eat it! However, many of the hotels
where we'll be staying not only boil their water, they also filter
it prior to cooking. You'll be apprised by your guide at locations
where you CAN eat the fresh fruit and salads. Let caution be your
guide.
Every hotel has a bar and Tanzania offers some excellent beers - Mt.
Kilimanjaro, Safari Lager, to name a few. There is also a local
"brew" called Konyagi or Local Gin, which is actually a combination
of gin and vodka. Mixed with tonic water, it's very refreshing.
Snacks are not provided and if you are used to having them, please
feel free to bring as many as you like. Cliff Bars and Luna Bars are
tasty and provide quick energy when needed. Lifesavers and chewing
gum are also handy for a dry, dusty mouth.
Water:
Do NOT drink or use water from a
faucet. Drink only bottled water, and that includes brushing your
teeth. Hotels have inexpensive 2 liter bottles of water available
for sale. There will also be water in the vehicles that you can
carry with you to your rooms.
Souvenirs:
Most of the gift shops on the way
have excellent locally made items. If you see something you like and
want, buy it. Chances are it is only available there and you won't
see it again. Also be aware that larger items are hard to carry
while out on safari and may get broken. If you feel you have to have
it, consider shipping it back to the US. Most of the stores will
ship them for a fee.
Some favorite items are kangas (native wraparound skirts), mahogany
and ebony wood carvings, coffee, tea, (chai), masks, beaded jewelry,
sisal products and the like. Tanzanite is a local gemstone mined in
Tanzania. It will be much more affordable here than in the USA.
Please tell your guide if you are interested in shopping for it and
he will take you to reputable dealers. Post cards and stamps for
mailing are readily available in the gift shops.
You might want to consider leaving American Souvenirs there -
paperback books, pens, pencils, bandanas and t-shirts are welcome
items. As is anything with a "Made in the USA" tag.
Money:
Carry your money in small
denominations. The newer and crisper the money looks, the better. I
would recommend having at least 50 - $1 bills for tipping and having
correct change. Most facilities seldom have change for denominations
larger than $20. Keep your money with you at all times. A money belt
under your clothing is a convenient choice. Never leave cash in
hotel rooms.
You can bring
travelers cheque's but I don't recommend carrying many. You will not
be in major cities that have change bureaus. Hotels can change small
denomination traveler's cheque, but the better exchange rate comes
with larger denominations. Credit cards are accepted in most gift
shops for purchases. Master Card and Visa are more widely accepted
than American Express. There are change bureaus in Arusha at the
beginning of your trip. Most places will accept American money, but
it is good to have American and Tanzanian money. A rule of thumb for
Tanzania money is 900 Tshs (Tanzanian shillings) per $1. If you want
to keep up with the exchange rate prior to your trip - it's posted
daily at www.africaonline.com.
Tipping:
Hotel personnel, drivers and
guides have low base salaries. They therefore count on tips for
their living. While they will not be upset over not getting a tip,
you will find much better service if you do. But also don't feel
that 15% is mandatory for everyone. In locations where you will be
staying more than one night, leave tips at the end of the stay. It
is not necessary to tip more than once. Driver/Guide should be
tipped at the end of your trip. Use your discretion in this area,
but base it on their performance.
A typical day:
After an early breakfast, you
will leave for a morning game drive arriving back at the hotel for
lunch and an afternoon rest. You will take a late afternoon game
drive as well. The animals are moving in the early morning and late
afternoon, snoozing and resting during the hottest part of the day.
If you are tired or want to stay behind to swim or enjoy some time
off, feel free to do so. And don't push yourself too hard, this is
also a vacation.
Insurance:
Travel protection is highly
recommended. And while some is very expensive, there are some
reliable, affordable plans available. Access America is backed by
AAA and can be reached at 1-800-374-9886. Some others to contact for
pricing include: Travel Guard (1-800-826-4919), Universal Travel
Protection (1-800-695-0962), Travel Safe (1-888-885-7223), and World
Medical Plan Protection (1-800-601-5433). These numbers are given
based on travel agent's recommendations.
BE ADVISED:
Most of the hotels have guards
that carry guns, and walk the perimeters of the properties both day
and night. They are there to protect you from straying animals. If
they tell you NOT to do something, please heed their warnings. Not
doing so is at your own risk.
Any changes in important information will come with your final
itinerary, emergency telephone list, and airline ticket (if we are
booking for you), or by telephone.
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