Walking in the Serengeti (Low Season - Mar, Jun, Nov-19 Dec)

Tanzania is Africa’s safari diversity hotspot, and connoisseurs keep coming back year after year, each time discovering more delights. You could spend the rest of your safaris in Tanzania and never run out of options!

The bucket list Great Wildebeest Migration spends more time in Tanzania’s Serengeti than in Kenya’s Maasai Mara (indeed Serengeti is many times the size of the Maasai Mara), and if you’re looking for something more off the beaten track, how about the best chimp viewing on the planet at Mahale, the vast Selous, extremely remote Katavi or the less visited Ruaha, Tarangire and Manyara reserves? Kilimanjaro is an iconic snowy peak, famously viewed from many parts of both Kenya and Tanzania and Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique slant on game viewing – inside a volcano crater. And of course, after your safari what could be better than a spot of tropical island bliss on the Spice Islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia? Never forget of course that for humans it all began in the fascinating Oldupai area. So, whether you after bush, beach or culture, Tanzania has it all in spades.

Or even be a bit more adventurous and speak to us about adding to your Tanzanian safari a gorilla trek in nearby Uganda / Rwanda or a hop across the border to Kenya for more safari options.

Accommodation in Tanzania ranges from luxury lodges to city hotels, historic guesthouses, mobile safari camping and just about everything in-between.

Please ensure you are in possession of a valid passport with Six Months to run and any visas that may be necessary. Check that your passport is valid and that it does not expire before your return to your country of origin.

You will be required to produce your passport at a number of checkpoints, hotels and banks, keep it handy and bring along a photocopy of it and the visa pages.

Citizens of SA, Europe, US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most other countries require a visa to visit Tanzania. But some of these countries may acquire their Visa on arrival in Kilimanjaro Airport. Give yourself ample time to organize a visa should you require one. A single or multiple-entry visa can be applied for from any Tanzanian Embassy.

Please note that these regulations may change at short notice and it is advised that you check with your local consulate/embassy to ensure the status remains as such.

Currency

In Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100 and 200 Shillings.

Banking

Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24 hour ATM machines. 

Credit cards and travellers checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted can high service fees and poor exchange rates be expected. Major foreign currencies - particularly US $ - are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US $, please make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage and are not older than 2006. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $ 100 / US $ 50 bank notes compared to US $ 20 / US $ 10 or US $ 5 bank notes.

If you are visiting a number of parks and reserves in Tanzania, you can either drive or fly between them. Roads in most of the wilderness areas are in poor condition and unmarked, and self-driving is not recommended. Operators will supply you with a driver who doubles as an informal guide; alternatively, you can arrange to fly to your destination and utilize a car and driver supplied by the lodgings. Elsewhere in Tanzania, towns and cities are linked by a steady stream of buses and dala-dalas (minibuses), and in the cities, there is public transport in the way of buses, dala-dalas, taxis, and, in some places, bicycles or tuk-tuks.

Precision Air run regular services, mostly via Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar, to all main towns and other destinations in East Africa and beyond. All national parks and some of the top-end luxury lodges have airstrips and Coastal Air operates between these and the main airports on the mainland and the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. ZanAir has frequent connections between Zanzibar, Pemba and the mainland.

Driving is on the left hand side of the road

Preparations to ensure a safe trip in Tanzania require checks on your immunization status. It is essential to take precautions against YELLOW FEVER and MALARIA and wise to be up-to-date on TYPHOID, DIPHTHERIA, HEPATITIS A, TETANUS, and POLIO.

Also consider immunizations against meningococcal, tuberculosis, and rabies.

A Yellow Fever vaccination card is required.

For the latest detailed advice we recommend that you contact one of the specialist travel clinics, as they are often more up to date than local GPs.

Please let us know of any allergies and/or medical details concerning your health and treatment from the onset of the tour.

There will be fresh bottled water available throughout the trip, please refrain from drinking any other water. Likewise we have ensured that all our meals and packed meals provided will be fresh and prepared as hygienically as possible.

Malaria: Malaria is present in Tanzania and, like in many other countries, it is fast evolving a resistance to conventional prophylaxis. Malaria is indeed the most dangerous disease in Africa, and the greatest risk to the traveller. It occurs throughout Tanzania, so it is essential that you take all possible precautions against it.

Normally it is better to obtain this from a specialist malaria laboratory or travel clinic that from your local doctor, who may not be up-to-date with the latest drugs and developments. They will also be able to best advise you on which medications are currently the best.

When in Arusha, Dar and Zanzibar take care to cover up in the evening (long shirt, trousers) and take insect repellent with you.

Yellow Fever: Dengue and Yellow fever are also present and you will need to get immunized for it. Far more important than the actual vaccine is to have issued and carry WITH YOU the International Vaccine Certificate. Possession of this document is vital to enter and exit Tanzania but more importantly ...it may be demanded from you to enter any other transit destinations or your own home country on your return.

Rabies: Vaccination against rabies is unnecessary for most visitors, but would be wise for those who travel for extended periods, or plan to stay in rural areas mingling with the local canine population.

If you are bitten or scratched by any animal whilst abroad, you should wash the wound immediately and go to the nearest doctor or hospital. Report the incident to the local police, and tell your doctor as soon as you get home. If there is any rabies risk, then treatment is still possible days and even weeks after any bite.

AIDS: AIDS is known to exist in almost every country in the world and we suggest that you follow the recommendations made in the leaflet on AIDS produced by your Department of Health. There is clear evidence that mosquitoes and other insects do not transmit the virus.

Sun & Sunstroke: The strong, intensive UV rays of the African sun can cause severe burns in a matter of hours. Take all the necessary precautions – “slip on light clothes, slap on a hat and slop on the sun-block”.

Travellers’ Diarrhoea: Prophylactic treatment is not generally advised unless there is an underlying bowel disorder, immune-suppression, diabetes mellitus or long- term antacid therapy. Consult your doctor for advice. It is worthwhile to bring a treatment course such as a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin and loperamide - Imodium®.

Regular Medications: Bring enough to cover the entire trip.

Other challenges: For minor upsets, local chemists can be very helpful, but no one knows their own body better than oneself and we strongly suggest bringing a basic holiday first aid kit of items you think you may need. Items might include travel sickness pills, plasters, upset stomach tablets, aspirin/paracetamol, antiseptic cream, a sterile syringe pack, insect repellent, sunblock, pain killer, diarrhoea medicine, and anything you are currently taking on prescription (this should be carried in your hand luggage). Please inform your guide of any allergies and/or medical details concerning your health and treatment.

Personal Medical Kit:

There will be a first aid kit for emergencies at the lodge and the vehicles, but you should still bring your own personal first aid supplies. The following items should be in your personal medical kit:

1. Malaria prophylaxis tablets

2. Traveller’s diarrhoea medication

3. Band Aids/Moleskin for blisters

4. Simple analgesic (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen)

5. Sunscreen: SPF 30 or above

6. Insect repellent

7. Lip Balm (Chapstick®)

8. Travel Sickness Pills

Contact Lenses: In the Serengeti some parts could be very dusty and extremely dry. If you wear contact lenses, plan to bring along a pair of prescription glasses to use in case of eye irritation.

Africa is no different to the rest of the world. If you plan to spend time in a city, take precautions as you would in your home country. Petty theft is common in cities, but physical attacks on tourists are very rare.

Safety tips for cities:

* Don't wander around the streets after dark.

* Ask your hotel about unsafe areas if any and avoid them.

* Leave very expensive jewellery at home and wear a cheap plastic watch.

* Don't carry cameras and video cameras when unnecessary

* Keep your money and passport in a money belt and out of sight or in a safe at your hotel.

* Dress like a local or at least dress casually.

* Use your cell phone discreetly

Our final comment regarding crime and safety: you will spend most of your African holiday in a relatively remote and wild area where crime of any sort is extremely rare, if not non-existent.

Most camps, lodges or hotels cater specifically to tourists and serve Western-style food, ranging in standard, but generally are excellent. Game lodges tend to offer a daily set menu with a limited selection, so it is advisable to have your tour operator specify in advance if you are a vegetarian or have other specific dietary requirements. First-time visitors to Africa might take note that most game lodges in and around the national parks have isolated locations, and driving within the parks is neither permitted nor advisable after dark, so that there is no realistic alternative to eating at your lodge. 

Tap water in Tanzania is generally not safe to drink, and most travellers try to stick to mineral water. Filtered and bottled water can be difficult to find you are travelling outside of main town and so it is advisable to stock up. Most camps, lodges and hotels have bottled water readily available.

Please note that, as of 2016, Tanzania has banned the use of plastic bags in a bid to tackle pollution and protect the environment. Travellers' to Tanzania will no longer be allowed to bring plastic carrier bags into the country. This ban targets all plastic bags that are imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used. 

Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. However, generally the main rainy season, or the 'long rains', lasts during about March, April and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm – which are heavier and more predictable beside the coast and on the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30°s.

The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October is when rainfall is unusual, even on the islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it's usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it's a great time to visit Tanzania. During November and December there's another rainy season: the 'short rains'. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable.

If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzania's 'short dry season', before starting to rain again in earnest in March.

It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing, preferably cotton or linen, is recommended. While on a game viewing safari, avoid brightly coloured clothing, stick to whites, beiges, khakis and browns. There may be long days sitting in safari vehicles, so it is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing such as short sleeved shirts and cotton/linen trousers or shorts. Denim will become too hot and extremely uncomfortable. Walking shoes and socks will be required.

The evenings will be chilly, so long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn. A sweater may be needed. These will also prevent you being bitten by insects. A hat should be worn at all times outside. The sun may sometimes not feel hot, but it can still easily burn, especially if it is cloudy and overcast.

If visiting Zanzibar or any coastal town don't forget to take a swimsuit, as it is invariably warm. Ladies are recommended to take cotton skirts, blouses and dresses. Sandals are a must for this environment! On the beaches and within the confines of hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity is not.

As over a third of the population in Tanzania is Muslim, it is therefore not etiquette for ladies to walk around in public displaying their legs and shoulders. Remember to dress modestly as short shorts, miniskirts, vests and tank tops will be frowned upon.

Tanzania has good Internet Service Providers with email and internet services offered by many hotels and lodges (free / paid). In most towns there are plenty of private business centres and cyber cafes offering email and internet access, although the speeds might be somewhat slower than what you are used to. 

Electrical sockets in Tanzania are one of three: Type G (BS-1363) and Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type D (BS-546) electrical socket types: If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in Tanzania usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.

Travel Insurance: It is vital that you acquire adequate travel insurance. We strongly suggest you purchase one whenever traveling anywhere in East Africa, as medical services are basic even in the capitals and one should think about returning home if serious medical assistance is required. Should you be uninsured at present, please make sure that you have proper cover before you travel. This can be arranged easily through your travel agent, your insurance broker or your bank. The policy should have provision for emergency repatriation to your country of residence (by air ambulance if necessary), and a 24-hour emergency telephone number should be provided; make sure your guide has such numbers too.

Should you want to make a claim on your insurance, you will need documentation with which to substantiate it. Generally, the more documentation you have, the faster your claim will be processed. All claims should be notified to the insurance company as soon as possible after your return.

Travel insurance can be very handy to avert a number of potentially threatening scenarios to the smooth and enjoyable course of your trip. As the ditty goes...nothing beats expecting the unexpected.

Make sure you read and understand your insurance policy carefully to determine the exact extent of cover provided. In the event of a claim being filed make sure you retain all original and relevant documents and send copies of statements, affidavits, etc. with the completed claims form.

Keep photocopies of all your important documents and pack them in different places; preferably carry a set of these on you at all times.

In case of any of the following events happening, you will need to notify your travel insurer as follows:

For lost, damaged or delayed baggage: a copy of your notification in writing to the carrier concerned (the form should be completed by you before leaving the airport) together with a copy of their written report. Additionally, the loss or damage should be notified (again in writing) to the airline’s main office.

For loss of money, travellers’ cheques and items of value: You should report all missing items to the police within 24 hours of discovery of loss, and obtain a written police report. Keep all evidence of money changed either in Europe or in Tanzania and a separate note of any travellers’ cheques numbers (travellers’ cheques are usually refundable by the company which issued them). Please note that even the best travel insurance policies will cover a cash loss of only $1000 or less. Items of particular value, such as jewellery, more expensive cameras, video equipment etc. should be separately insured before you go. Your household contents insurance can often be extended to cover these items.

For medical expenses: Any doctor’s, dentist’s or hospital prescriptions, bills, receipts or receipted accounts, and a certificate showing the nature of the illness or sickness. If possible, a written report from the doctor, dentist or hospital involved.

For travel delay: A written report from the airline stating length of delay and its cause. For interruption of travel services: A written report from the carrier concerned.

Credit Card Insurance: Some credit card companies give you automatic travel accident insurance free of charge if you have used their card to pay for part or all of your holiday cost.

In many cases the cover provided is not as comprehensive in terms of medical expenses, loss of baggage, money, or cancellation charges etc., as policies that you can buy separately. Should you have no travel insurance, we strongly advise you to check with your credit card company as to the exact extent of the cover that they provide.