Travel Tips

Languages:
English is widely spoken in Tanzania, but it will be appreciated if you could speak some Swahili words. Most of the people working in the tourism industry are fluent in English and very often they speak another foreign language.

Health:
If you are planning a climb to high altitude we advise you to contact your doctor in advance. Just to make you aware of any risks related to your health.
We also advise you to prevent yourself against malaria and to vaccinate against tropical illnesses. Change of food and high altitude can cause diarhea, headache or loss of appetite. More information you can request at your nearest travel clinic.

Baggage:
Baggage on safari is limited to one soft-sided bag, plus one small piece of hand luggage per person (excluding a camera bag). The total weight should not exceed 15-20 kilos. If you would like to bring more baggage, for example because you are planning an extended holiday on Zanzibar/Pemba, you are welcome to store this baggage at your hotel/lodge in Arusha.

Photography:
Bring plenty of film and camera batteries with you and while on safari, you are strongly advised to keep your camera free from dust and all your equipment and film cool. You can recharge your batteries in our 4 wheel drives or at your hotel/lodge. If you would like to take a picture of the local people, please ask first for permission. It will be appreciated.

Travel insurance:
We advise you to take a travel insurance during your stay in Tanzania which shall cover cases such as injury/sickness/loss/theft/damage.
Tips:
Tipping is not obligatory, but a customary tip of 10% of the package price is always highly appreciated.

Security:
Tanzania is a safe, stable and friendly country, but don’t invite temptation. Keep your eye on your belongings. Leave valuable jewelry at home. We advise you to take a taxi at night time in the villages or cities.

Clothing:
Pack lightweight, washable clothes plus a sweater since it can be a little bit cold in the morning. To protect yourself against the sun we advise you to pack a sunhat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Long sleeved shirts and light coloured cloths will protect you against possible insect bites. Shorts for women are acceptable, but not too short. Women are advised to cover their legs while visiting local villages. If you stay at a hotel/lodge we also advise you to bring your swimsuit along. A (head) torch is also recommended.

Money:
Major foreign currencies, particularly Euros and US Dollars, are accepted and are convertable to Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) at banks and bureaus de change. Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. In the larger cities there are good ATM facilities.

Electricity:
Electricity in Tanzania is 230v. Power failures can occur. We advise you to take a universal adapter in order to be able to use your electrical appliances.

Shopping:
The tourist areas and hotels/lodges sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewelry and drinks. Don’t be afraid to haggle (your driver/guide will be more than glad to help you obtaining the right price).

Calling:
Tanzania has  a very good cell phone coverage. The international code for Tanzania is 00255 or +255. It is far more cheaper to call from abroad to Tanzania than the other way around. Therefore we lend all our clients a cell phone during their stay on the mainland of Tanzania included a first voucher. You will receive a reserved telephone number after confirmed booking so you can give it to the ones who stay at home.