Banking and Currency
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.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Most camps, lodges or hotels cater specifically to tourists and serve Western-style food of an excellent quiality. Please advise us if you have any dietary requirements so we can ensure the camps can cater to your needs.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Just a reminder - no whites or brights for walking in the bush! Pack light, laundry can be done where you have time.
Comfortable, casual clothing that is lightweight is the best bet while on safari. It can be quite cool in the early mornings, so you'll want to dress warmly in layers, until the sun has a chance to warm up the air. "Safari Convertibles", khaki pants with zip-off legs, are perfect for cool early morning game drives that turn warm before you're back in camp. Walking shorts, long pants, cotton shirts and tees are just right. A cotton bush jacket or wind-breaker will be useful along with a warm sweater or fleece jacket for the cool nights and a hat is a must. A comfortable pair of walking shoes or tennis shoes and a pair of sandals should be adequate.
In Tanzania's major cities the dress code is conservative but not overly formal – jeans and decent tops for women are fine. Swimsuits are acceptable on the beach but you’ll need to cover up in public places.
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.
General Guidance
Tipping Guidelines:
Please note that tipping is not included in the price of your safari. We offer some guidelines as follows:
Tanzania (USD is accepted)
· Arusha - Your transfer drivers in Arusha need to be taken care of. If you have a driver for the day, it would be appreciated if you invite him to join you for meals where appropriate. A tip of $20 for an entire day is a general guideline. Tipping for transfers between the hotel and airport is at your discretion.
· Tanzania Safari - Please check with your host for advice on tipping. A general guideline would be $20 - $25 per person in your party, per night. These tips are distributed amongst the staff: $12 - $15 per person per day for “behind the scenes” help such as laundry, cooks, game drivers, horse handlers, and portage. You will want to tip your guide separately - I suggest $8 - $10 per person in your party per day, and $2 per person per day for your spotter if you have one.
· Tips and gratuities to airport and hotel/lodge porters are at your discretion.
This unique, peanut-shaped country, once known as Northern Rhodesia, offers visitors an authentic African experience complete with adrenalin pumping adventure sports, a variety of fascinating cultural activities, and an abundance of indigenous wildlife, which finds refuge in Zambia’s vast national parks. Spend your evenings enjoying the spectacular site of the world’s largest waterfall, the Victoria Falls, while sipping on sundowners after an exhilarating day of whitewater rafting down the rapids of the mighty Zambezi River. If that sounds a little too adventurous for your taste, take a houseboat cruise along the exquisite Lake Kariba while watching wild elephants drink at the riverbank as you try your hand at catching the elusive tiger fish. However you choose to spend your time in this unique country, you are bound to leave with a heavy heart and a desire to return again soon to this exceptionally beautiful Southern African country.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Zambian Kwacha
Symbol: ZK
ISO code: ZMW
Subunit: Ngwee
Banknotes: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 kwacha
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50 ngwee, 1 kwacha
Banking
Card Transactions: Limited
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: Limited acceptance
Diner’s club: Limited acceptance
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Weekends: Limited hours in some locations
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours)
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Zambia Airways
International Airports: Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN)
Domestic Airports: Yes
Road:
Driving on the: Left
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
E-hailing services: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes
Local city bus networks: Yes
Rail:
Railway system: Limited
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes
Ice: No
Meat: Yes
Street food: Yes
Local cuisine: Zambian cuisine features a variety of dishes, including Nshima (maize porridge), which is often served with meat, vegetables, or fish. Other popular dishes include Ifisashi (vegetables cooked in peanut sauce) and Biltong (dried meat).
Drinks: Mosquito (fermented maize), Chibwantu (traditional beer), and Munkoyo (fermented drink made from maize or millet).
Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: Varies
Average temperature: 25°C
Summer:
Average highs: 30°C
Average lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average highs: 25°C
Average lows: 15°C
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Zambia is during the dry season from June to August when wildlife viewing is at its best. However, the wet season from November to April offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: No
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: No
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Limited
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Limited
Public parks: Limited
Libraries: Limited
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type C, Type D, Type G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
General Guidance
Tipping Guidelines:
Please note that tipping is not included in the price of your safari. We offer some guidelines as follows, but please check with each camp as guidelines vary and our recommendations tend to err on the higher end to ensure you carry enough cash, please note that tipping is at your discretion:
• Porterage – We recommend about $1 per bag per movement.
• Guides, Specialist Guides, and Butlers – We recommend $15 - $20 per guest per day.
• Mokoro Paddlers and Trackers – We recommend that each paddler receive $5.00 per guest per trip and that trackers receive $5.00 per guest per day.
• The general safari camp, lodge, or hotel staff – We recommend about $15.00 per guest per day for staff. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.