Travel Tips For Tanzania Trip

Language:

English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili will always be appreciated. Most people in the tourism industry speak English plus one other foreign language.

Health:

If you are planning a high altitude climb you are well advised to consult your doctor to ensure you are fully informed of the inherent risks of high altitude climbing.

It is advisable to take anti malaria precautions and yellow fever Vaccination before departure and, if possible, bring antibiotics with you as a precaution. Remember a change of food and altitude may cause diarrhea or headache or loss of appetite so consult your doctor or travel clinic before you plan your journey to East Africa. It is easy to get advice from websites like this, you can quickly search for them when you are online writing emails or playing about at somewhere like MySpace.com It is better to have too much knowledge than none at all.

Note: While your ability to withstand high altitudes during long treks is not directly related to your level of physical fitness, a good level of fitness will certainly assist in your general stamina.

Baggage:

Baggage on safari is limited to one soft sided bag plus one small piece of hand luggage per person (excluding a camera bag). Ideally the total weight should not exceed 15 to 20kgs. You are welcome to store any excess suitcases and other heavier items in the city hotels while on safari. Of course if the number of people traveling together with you is minimal you can choose to keep your luggage the number of people traveling together with you is minimal you can choose to keep your luggage with you. In case you lost your bags on arrival please leave this number to the airline +255 27 2506714 this will help them to send your bag to us and we will keep it or bring to your camera at a hotel or in the car if you have the necessary accessories.

Tipping:

Tipping is not obligatory but a customary tip of 10% of the package price for your support staff is always highly appreciated. MICATZ neither limits nor obliges its clients in regard to tips. Needless to say the services and friend ship you receive will influence your decision at the end.

Electricity:

230v. Power failures surges and troughs are common so a torch (flashlight) or headlamp can prove your most useful travel accessory.

Visas:

Check current requirements with nearest Tanzania high commission embassy or consulate your country. It can be acquired at embarking point. Currently 50$ make sure you have legal passport.

Security:

Tanzania is generally a safe stable and friendly country but don’t invite temptation. Keep your eye on your belongs. Don’t walk in the towns or cites at night - take a taxi. Don’t carry cameras or large amounts of cash and beware of pickpockets and hawkers especially at Namanga border or at the bus stations. Use the hotel safety deposit box to safeguard valuables and obtain a receipt. Leave valuable jewellery at home.

Shopping:

The tourist areas and hotels sell a wide range of souvenirs jewellery and trinkets. Don’t be afraid to haggle at roadside stalls (your driver/guide will you where to shop and advise you on the best prices). The most sought after souvenirs are wood carvings curios and the famous love stone which is a well known “Tanzanite” gem stone available widely at souvenirs shops.

Money:

Major foreign currencies – particularly US dollars and the Euro- and travelers cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureau de change in the main town and tourist areas. Euros are now widely used and generally have good exchange rates. Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. Some banks offer ATM facilities such as NBC bank CRDB bank standard chartered bank and Barclays Banks in the major town and cities. A most of banks only VISA is accepted in order to withdraw cash. Don’t change money with unlawful currency traders in the street.

Camping:

On camping safari we use public camping sites of these are set in the wilderness and are supported with basic necessities only. During this safari we use light tent for camping and we provide all other camping gears like mattresses, chars tables etc. Our cook travels with you and he takes care of all camping chores like cooking washing dishes etc. You can give a helping hand.

Safari Lodges / Tended Camps:

These are permanent structures, provide comfortable accommodation in specious rooms or big tents (Hemingway style) with private showers and toilets. Most of the lodges have modern amenities, e,g swimming pools etc. There are now about two levels of luxury lodges in the national parks – that is standard lodges and Middle class lodges.

Transport:

On this Safari we’ll provide 1 special sarari jeep – Land rover 110 Tdi 4WD or land cruiser 4 WD. The vehicle is fitted with a pop – up roof game viewing and photographing. The vehicles carry 4person comfortably excluding the driver/guide and cook.

Suggested Parking List:

Non – synthetic comfortable fitting clothes (neutral colors and wrinkle free proffered); 2 - 3 long sleeves shirts and 2 short sleeves shirts shorts and long trousers 1 safari vest with several pockets 1 safari hat – pack able (wide rimmed for sun protection) jersey or safari jacket for evenings several pairs of socks.

Others:

Safari binoculars (kindly bring your own) Sleeping bag, light weight safari shoes or trainers sandals sunglasses sun creams insect repellent creams a light weight first aid kit day pack for your cameras rucksack for your safari gears and clothes.

Suggested Personal First Aid Kit List:

(a) 1 – roll” cloth tape (b) 4 – 4”, or 3” x 3” general gauze pads (c) 2 – non – adherent gauze pads (d) 1 - 8” x 7” combine (bulk) dressing (e) 8 - band – aid – bandages (f) 2 – 3” or 4” occlusive dressings (h) 2 – triangular bandages (i) 1 – 4” ace wrap (j) 1 – sam splint or airways nasal (k) 4pr – vingyl exam gloves(i) 1 – CPR pocket mask w/ 1 way valve or shield (m) 1 – airways nasal and /or always(n) 1 – blister kit – personal preference. (o) 5 providing iodine packets (p) 1 – trauma scissors (q) 1 – splinter tweezers (r) 1 – thermometer (s) 1 – med (personal preference. (t) 1 – banket pin (u) 2 – safet pins (v) 1 – 12 to 60cc syringe (w) 1 – 20 30’ duct tape.

Pre-departure Advice:

All volunteers and travelers receive a pre-departure information pack to help with their preparation. This contains information on how to prepare for the expedition, health advice, kit lists, fundraising advice and letter of support, traveling tips, and emergency contact details.

Visa information:

FIA’s uses Travcour for staff visas (www.travcour.com)

Insurance:

It is a prerequisite that all volunteers and travelers take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers them for all eventualities.

Crisis Management Response:

FIA has a full crisis management response strategy for a host of potential scenarios which our overseas crew and USA staff are trained to manage.

Emergency Contact:

Full contact details are passed on to next of kin in the US or other country as well as the travelers themselves. In case of an emergency our USA staff are trained to assist and manage.

Overseas staff:

FIA employs full-time and seasonal crew to lead our projects. The crew meets the team off the plane and will remain with them for the entire project. The crews are trained and are all recently certified in first-aid.

Risk Assessment:

All projects and adventures are risk assessed by crew on a daily basis. This means that any new potential dangers can be avoided.

Orientation:

Once you arrive overseas a full orientation meeting will be given by our crew. The crew has a good knowledge of the country and the communities which the team will spend their time in. The meeting will give the team a chance to learn about and discuss the cultural differences they will encounter, as well as any potential risks.

What If you get ill?

Health facilities are available locally in all our destinations. Your crew is on hand to get you to a hospital, if needed. We also have contacts with private Doctors in all destinations should you need a consultation.

 

back to the top^

Search FIA