| Language
& Cultures: |
|
| The
official language is Swahili (Kiswahili), which is generally spoken,
and various local languages abound. Kiswahili is the language the
primary schools teach in. English is the second official language
and the country's commercial language as well as the main teaching
language for all the scientific subjects in secondary schools and
higher education institutions. |
Money: |
|
Major
foreign currencies - particularly US$- and travelers cheques are
accepted and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the
main town and tourist areas. The local currency is Tanzania Shillings'
available at fluctuating exchange rate of between Tshs. 850/= to
Tshs. l,000/= per one US Dollar. All convertible currencies are
widely acceptable. Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry
poor exchange rates. Banks usually don't offer ATM facilities. Visitors
may be expected to pay in foreign currency for game parks. Don't
change money in the street. |
| Health:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please
check with your doctor to ensure you are fully aware of the dangers
of climbing mountain at higher altitude. It is also advisable to
take anti malarial precautions before departure or consult your
doctor or Travel clinic before you plan your journey to East Africa.
|
| Climate: |
|
Top |
Generally
dry and hot with cool nights/mornings June-October, short rains
November to mid-December, long rains March-May but the season can
vary. The coastal strip is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures
on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing. |
| Cloths: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pack
lightweight, washable cloths plus a sweater for early morning game
drives, a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Long sleeves and trousers
in light-colored fabrics help discourage insect bites. Shorts for
women are acceptable (but not too short). Women should carry a wrap
to cover legs in the village and towns as revealing cloths can cause
offence, especially in Zanzibar and Muslim areas. On the beach and
within the confines of beach hotels normal swim wear (but not nudity)
is acceptable. For climbing on Kilimanjaro and Meru, take thermal
underwear, light layers, sweater, rain jacket, good socks and sturdy
boots. |
| Baggage: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Baggage
on safari is limited to one soft sided bag, plus one small piece
of hang baggage per person (excluding a camera bag). In total this
should not weight more than 15kg. Suitcases and other heavier items
can be stored in city hotels whilst clients are on safari. |
| Photography: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top |
Bring
film and batteries for your camera with you. Protect your camera
from dust and keep equipment and film cool. It is courteous to ask
permission before photographing local people. If you intend to take
a lot of people pictures, be sure to bring an instant camera with
you so that you can leave a picture with people you photograph.
|
| Liabilities
and Insurance: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
company accepts no responsibility for any personal illness, injury,
accident, death, delay, any kind of loss, damage or irregularity
of any kind, which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission
beyond its control, including without limitation, any act of negligence
or breach of contract of any third party such as a hotel or airline,
who is to, or does supply, any goods or services for Business etc.
Take out fully comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for loss
of baggage or valuables, personnel accident and medical expenses
or and kind of loss. |
| Tipping: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Not
obligatory, but a tip for exceptional service maximum $25 and above
per day for driver guide, and atleast $10 and above for camp crew
will be appreciated. |
| Electricity: |
|
230/240
volts AC, Plugs are square 3-pin, fused or unfused. British plugs
are used. |
| Travel
With Children: |
|
Top |
Tanzanians
love children and are especially helpful to mothers. However, canned
baby foods, powered milk and disposable nappies may not be available
outside major towns or to the parks hotel. |
| Visas: |
|
Check
current requirements with nearest Tanzanian High Commission, embassy
or consulate. |
| Security:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tanzania
is a generally safe country but don't invite temptation. Keep your
eye on your belongings. Don't walk in the towns or cites at night
- take a taxi. Don't carry cameras or large amounts of cash, beware
of pickpockets and hawkers. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to safeguard
valuables and obtain a receipt. Leave valuable jeweler at home.
|
| Shopping: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top |
The Tourist areas and hotels sell a wide range of souvenirs, jeweler
and trinkets. Don't be afraid to haggle at roadside stalls( Your
driver/ guide will guide you were to shop and advice you on the
right price) the best known souvenirs are wood carvings, curios,
and famous love stove which is a well known gem stone Tanzanite
available widely at souvenirs shops.
|
|
