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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.
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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.
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Language:
Swahili
is the official language of Tanzania but English is widely used through
the tourism industry.
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Transportation:
Safari King - Africa
provides a four-wheel drive vehicle and English, French , Germany and
Spanish speaking driver/guide for the entire duration of your safari,
including to and from the airport. Charter flights are available to
most of the destination we take our clients, 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.
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Medical
& Your Health
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 doctors.
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 inoculations.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 +255-744-480 594/+255
748 480 953/ Tel/Fax +255 27 250 5684. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 zip lock 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.
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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 - Kilimanjaro beers, Serengeti Lager, Safari
Lager, Castle 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
provided but you can, 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.
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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.
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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 woodcarvings,
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.
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Money:
Carry
your money in small denominations. The newer and crisper the money
looks, the better. I would recommend having at least 100 - $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.
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Money:
Carry
your money in small denominations. The newer and crisper the money
looks, the better. I would recommend having at least 100 - $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 cheques. 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, Euro and Tanzanian money. A rule
of thumb for Tanzania money is 1,000 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 hear 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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