- International flights;
There are several international flights that operate to Tanzania via Europe. KLM, from Amsterdam, to Dar es- Salaam and Kilimanjaro daily and Swiss, from Zurich, to Dar es Salaam five times a week. Emirates fly to Dar es- Salaam via Dubai; Egypt air via Cairo; Ethiopian via Addis Ababa; Oman Air via Muscat; Qatar Airways via Doha; and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Numerous regional carriers fly into Tanzania from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
- Domestic Airlines;
There are several domestic flights that operate in Tanzania, including Air Tanzania, Coastal aviation, Flight link, Precision Air, Regional Air services, Safaris Air link, Zan Air and other domestic carriers that link the major cities, with tourist attractions and game parks. Air Tanzania, Coastal aviation, flight link, precision Air and ZanAir fly between the Mainland and Zanzibar. (Further details can be obtained in our section of the travel company website titled “TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT”
- International Airports;
International flights serve Mwalimu Julius KambarageNyerere international Airport (Dares- Salaam), 15km from Dares- Salaam city centre and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 42 km from Arusha and 40km from Moshi, Zanzibar International Airport (znz) airport is 8km from stone Town.
- Passports and Visas
Most visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the common wealth. It is advisable to obtain them in advance from Embassies and High commissions as several airlines insist on them prior to departure. They can however also be obtained on arrival, at all points of entry. Requirements may change so you are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalizing your travel arrangements. Although part of the union of Tanzania, Zanzibar remains independent so, passports/Tanzania visas are required even on a day’s visit.
- Immunization and Health;
It is essential that all visitors take a course of anti-malaria tablets commencing two weeks before departure. Personal insurance is advised. Travelers arriving from, or via, countries where yellow fever is endemic will need a certificate of vaccination although vaccination is available on arrival.
Hospitals provide good medical care in cities and towns. Flying Doctors facilities are also available.
- What to take
Don’t forget the camera, camcorder and binoculars and take a torch for finding your way around your camp at night. Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods. Take sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm- and some insect repellent, it is better not to get stung even if you are taking anti-malaria tablets.
Its best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit. A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea. Take plenty of film; it is difficult to obtain outside the main centers. While traveler’s cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns, banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, so take plenty of cash.
- Travel Lights;
Some safaris / air chapters limit baggage to a 10-15kilo maximum.
Language;
English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili are always appreciated.
- Currency;
The unit of currency is the Tanzania shilling which is divided into 100cents. Most major currencies – particularly US dollars- and Travelers cheques are accepted and may be converted at banks and bureaux de change in the main towns and tourist areas. Do not change money in the street however favorable the rate appears. It should be noted that not all establishments accept credit cards and certain cards, particularly Dinners and American Express, are frequently refused even by major hotels. Master card and Visa are preferred.
- On Safari
Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road can be tiring. It is wise to spend more time in fewer parks. You will see more and won’t return home exhausted. Keep your distance from animals to avoid distressing them. Always follow the instructions of your ranger or guide. Don’t leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to recognized tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.
- What to wear;
Light weight clothing is the norm. On safari avoid brightly colored clothes, they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and Khaki are preferred. Short-sleeve shirts/ blouses and shorts are ideal, but pack a sweater, it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening. Wear a hat to avoid sun-stroke and don’t forget a swim-suit . Shoes should be sensible- walking through the bush is not like strolling through Hyde park and for climbing Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru take thermal under wear, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots. Shorts for women are acceptable – but not too short.
Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages as revealing clothes can cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas.
