Tanzania Cultural and Wildlife Experience

Cancellations and Refunds any cancellation of a reservation must be in writing, either by e-mail or fax, and shall only be effective upon its receipt and acknowledgment. The following cancellation fees will be made for cancellations: More than 45 days prior to trip commencement 30% of tour price. 45 to 30 days prior to trip commencement 50% of tour price. 30 days prior to trip commencement or no show 100% of the total tour price.

First Aid:

Sun block and after sun or sun screen lotion, Towel - travel towel is light and takes very little space, Skin cream, Insect repellent, Anti-malaria medication, non water/antibacterial soap - very handy in the Land rover etc. Book to read between game viewing and other leisure time, Cold/flu tablets, Allergy remedy, Some people take a basic antibiotic in case, Prescribed medicine (enough to last your trip) If you have specific medicine requirements then take it with as it might not be available in the areas you are going on safari in.

General:

Binoculars (essential safari gear), Camera and film (can be expensive and/or difficult to obtain), lens cleaner If taking a digital camera: memory stick(s)/data card(s), charger and extra batteries

The recommended camera for a safari is a 35mm camera with automatic exposure and  interchangeable Lenses. For the best results in photographing wildlife and birds, you should have a zoom lens. Remember to bring extra batteries for every camera and flash unit.

Clothes:

Bright colors are definitely to be avoided Clothing in neutral colors: khaki, light brown/green, tan. Avoid bright colors and white for improved game viewing. Comfortable non-synthetic short- and long sleeved safari shirts, Comfortable non-synthetic shorts and long trousers. Sweaters for the cold nights and mornings.

Health:

Vaccination against cholera and malaria is recommended. Yellow fever vaccination is required for ALL persons from yellow fever endemic countries/regions. Please bring proof of your vaccination in the form of a stamped health card/certificate from your health center in your country of origin. It is advisable to bring anti-malaria pills, better still, to start taking the pills two weeks before arrival, during your stay, and after departure.

Medical Facilities:

Arusha,  Dar es Salaam,have excellent medical facilities. Most camps and lodgeshave a doctor on call who is experienced common travel related ailments.

Insurance:

Travelers should have medical insurance, as they will be responsible for all medical expenses they may incur.  Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised.  The cost of your safari is an investment which you will want to protect.

Food and water:

It’s best to drink bottled water when travelling through Tanzania/Kenya – numerous brands are widely available and served in all restaurants and lodges. Steer clear of ice, raw vegetables, and salads when eating at street restaurants. High-end lodges and restaurants will clean their produce in antiseptic solution, but should you feel wary about anything on your plate, leave it. Try to avoid eating in empty restaurants – the food may have been sitting out for some time – and order your meat well done. On the coast, seafood and fish are usually fresh, but again, make sure everything is well cooked. While on holiday, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Money:

The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling/(Tsh) and there are no smaller denominations. It’s best to carry as little cash as possible when travelling to avoid further inconvenience if anything should be lost or stolen. That said, major currencies (like the US Dollar, the English Pound, and the Euro) are easily changed in large towns, although US Dollars are sometimes preferred. Forex bureaux offer faster service than banks and although the exchange rates are only nominally different, the bureaux usually offer a better rate. Standard Chartered banks around the country have ATM machines that allow you to withdraw cash from your VISA card and Barclay’s Bank ATMs allow you to withdraw on both VISA and MasterCard accounts. Credit cards are accepted only at major lodges and hotels.

Security:

Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people and are eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay. Tanzania is a true example of tolerance and cooperation in our modern world, with an evidenced multicultural diversity that has co-existed for centuries and has a lot to offer the world by its example.

As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe, which frees your mind to absorb the natural beauty and incredible sights that will stay with you forever.

Language:

Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken.

Transportation:     

As much of the journey involves exciting, and sometimes long days on the trail of wildlife, the quality of the ground vehicle is of the utmost importance.  Each comfortable Seven-passenger safari Land Cruiser is limited to 7 guests, thus affording everyone a window seat and access to the roof hatch. In case of  internal air travel we also utilize the best airlines, those that employ the use of  twin-engine aircraft for travels over the more distant terrain, taking in panoramic views of the African terrain.

Safari Drivers:

The Safari Drivers is an agent of  our Company - Arusha or of our Partners in Uganda, Rwanda,  Kenya or Zanzibar. He will be your guide, companion and teacher, giving briefings, answering questions, and providing insights that will help make your journey even more memorable.  Each one is a seasoned professional, speaking several languages including local dialects, with an in depth knowledge of the cultural and natural environments you will see along your way.

National Parks Rules:

Please observe rules of various parks for your own safety. These rules include discouraging you from feeding the wildlife, potentially interfering with the natural habitat that exits and making noise.

Time Zone 3hrs + GMT:

East Africa is eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, and 8 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time

Electricity 220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz:

The voltage is 220 as in Europe; however, the plugs are different than those in North  America, parts of Europe and the rest of the world.  As outlets may vary, we suggest you travel with a variety of international adapter plugs as well as a voltage converter,  which may be purchased as a set.  The most commonly used adapter plug has 3 square prongs.

It is important to note that lodges in the game parks may turn off their generators during the day and late at night, meaning that no electricity is available.  Plan ahead to re-charge video camera batteries at applicable times of the day, or carry extra batteries.

International Dialing Code + 255 for Tanzania followed by the city code, followed by local number.

Safari Checklist

The following is a checklist of useful items you might want to bring along on your safari: Some are not necessary.

• Alarm Clock – travel size
• Converter/Adapter- electricity is 220V.  As outlets vary you should travel with a set of international adapters
• Batteries – extras, for all of your appliances and cameras
• Calculator – pocket size for currency conversions
• Camera equipment and film
• Moisturizing cream
• Correspondence address list
• Hat, visor or scarf
• Insect repellent with DEET (20%)
• Keys – extra set of luggage keys
• Laundry soap
• Medication – over-the-counter or prescription medicine you take on a regular basis
• Passport, traveler’s cheques, credit cards, driver’s license, a copy of your passport
• Pen and paper for notes
• Prescription glasses if you wear them (and a copy of your prescription)
• Reading materials
• Sunglasses (two pairs in case one is lost or misplaced)
• Sunscreen
• Tissues and moist towels
• Toiletries and cosmetics