General Information & Fact File
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About your Safari
Only popular safari programmes have been listed. All programmes featured in this brochure may be booked as a private tour with exclusive use of safari vehicle and driver/guide.
Alternatively an itinerary can be specially designed or 'tailor made' to any destination within Tanzania to your specific requirements with the guidance of our experienced tour consultants. All tours guarantee a window seat. A safari briefing is given prior to commencement to all our programmes. Unless otherwise stated in the safari programmes transfers to and from the airports are not included but can be added on as an optional extra. Itineraries are subject to change depending on local conditions
Budget Camping Safaris
These are identified as STC in our northern circuit safari programmes.
Accommodation is in tents at private or designated camp sites. "A" shaped tents with bedrolls and sleeping bags are used. All food supplies, water and equipment is carried in the same vehicle. Clients are required to assist in setting up of the tents. A cook who is provided also travels with the group.
VEHICLES & DRIVER GUIDES
Transport used on safari will be a 9 seater safari bus or a 5 seater 4 wheel drive vehicle, all safari conditioned and with pop up roof hatches for ease of game viewing. In order to maximize comfort and guarantee a window seat for all passengers, only 7 seats are used in our safari buses.
Our driver/guides are fully trained and competent people conversant in all aspects of wildlife. Their immense knowledge and experience of land will ensure a successful safari and wonderful memories to take home.
International Flights
British Airways fly three times weekly direct from Heathrow to Dar-Es-Salaam. Total flying time is 9 hours 40 minutes. Other carriers operate to Tanzania via Europe: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (from Amsterdam) to Dar-Es-Salaam and Kilimanjaro; Swissair (from Zurich) to Dar-Es-Salaam. Gulf Air serves Dar- Es- Salaam and Zanzibar via Muscat or Abu Dhabi. Emirates serves Dar-Es-Salaam via Dubai. Tanzania can also be reached via African gateways served by Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and South African Airways. Regional carriers into Tanzania include Air Tanzania with frequent services to Dar-Es-Salaam and Kilimanjaro International from Johannesburg, Nairobi and Entebbe in Uganda; and to Zanzibar from Johannesburg and Mombasa. Precision Air, operate from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, in Nairobi, to Kilimanjaro; and Air Kenya, operate from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Domestic carriers Air Tanzania, Precision Air and Regional Air Services link major cities, tourist attractions and game parks in Tanzania.
International Airports
International flights serve Dar-Es-Salaam (DAR), eight miles from the city centre and Kilimanjaro (JRO), 31 miles from Arusha, which now boasts a new, air-conditioned,Hotel. Zanzibar (ZNZ) airport is five miles from Kisauni.
Passports & 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.
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.
What To Wear
It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing is the norm. On safari avoid brightly colored 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 sun-stroke 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.
Immunisation & Health
Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce international Certificates of vaccination, this is particularly relevant for those traveling from neighboring 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 centers there are only a limited number of chemists in the country, so visitors are advised to bring they own medicines with them.
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 travellers' cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureaux de change in the main towns and tourist areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. Visitors will probably be expected to pay parks entrance fees in foreign currency. DO NOT change the money in the street no mater how favorable the rate appears.
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 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 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 plenty of film, it is difficult to obtain outside the main canters. While traveler's cheques can be exchanged in the cities and towns, banking facilities in remote ares are restricted, so take plenty of cash.
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 tours guides but remember an excessive tip can make it difficult for the next customer.
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