ABOUT TANZANIA

 

12 Things you should know before traveling to Tanzania
1: How to get into Tanzania

Several major airlines fly into Tanzania- KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines), Condor Airlines and Ethiopian Airways fly into lands at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA/JRO) and Dar es salaam International Airport (DIA) daily. British Airways and Swiss Airlines lands at DIA at least twice a week. Other airlines operating flights to Tanzania are South African Airlines (SAA), Emirates, Ethihad, Egypt Air, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, and Kenya Airways.

2: Immigration Requirements
An onward ticket and sufficient funds are required when entering Tanzania. Visas are required for all visitors except citizens of the Commonwealth, Scandinavian countries and the Republic of Ireland. Visas are easy to obtain at any Tanzanian embassy abroad, the Visa fee is dependent on the type of passport held. A visitor’s pass which can be obtained free from any Tanzanian diplomatic mission or point of entry is required for all travelers. It is advisable to get one before you leave home.

 3: Health
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is essential if arriving from yellow fever infected areas and anti-malaria tablets are also recommended.Travelers are advised to take their prescribed drugs a few days prior to arrival, during their stay, and for a short period after returning. It is also necessary to boil or sterilize all local drinking water and milk and cook or peel vegetables.

4: To tip or not to tip, that is the question
Tipping is not obligatory, instead it is left to the discretion of the visitor.

5: You get what you pay for 
Beware of the ‘dodgy’ tour operators who advertise unbelievably cheap prices as you may be disappointed by sub-standard services, poor accommodation and inadequate tour vehicles. Accept the standard prices and research different companies to find a reputable tour operator. .

6: Insurance
You are strongly advised to have your own insurance cover to cover baggage, personal accident and medical expenses.

7: Take a walk on the Wild Side
Tanzania offers travelers a number of adventure activities including:

• Safaris, wildlife safaris, night game drive safaris and canoeing safaris
• Climbing, trekking, and mountaineering: Channel you inner explorer by conquering Mountains Kilimanjaro, Meru and Oldonyo Lengai
• Walking Safaris and bird watching
• Beach holidays: Tours to Zanzibar island, Mafia island, Dare salaam and Pangani Tanga coast offer a number of beach activities including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, dolphin watching, fishing and water sports.
• Cultural Tourism: Learn the customs and traditions of the local people in Maasai in Ngorongoro Crater and Chagga near Mount Kilimanjaro.

8: BARGAIN, BARGAIN, BARGAIN
When shopping in streets bazaars, travelers should always bargain. However some prices e.g in restaurants are fixed and you could be mistaken for a miser if you start haggling.

9: 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 sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm and some insect repellant. It is better not to get stung even if you are taking ant- 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 enough of memory cards; it is difficult to obtain outside the main centres. ATM is available for VISA/ MASTER cards in most of the Town places. However, please ensure your bank is aware that you will be travelling abroad so that you do not get any difficulties while using the ATM. Travellers cheques are not encouraged here, so better bring either USD or Credit/ debit cards.