Travel Tips: Tanzania

BORDERS                 :    Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
CAPITAL                   :    Dodoma
LANGUAGES             :    Swahili and English
CURRENCY               :    Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh)
COUNTRY CODE       :    +255
                                      Dar es Salaam +022
NETWORKS              :    Vodacom, Tigo and Airtel
MUST TO SEE & DO  :    Serengetti National Park
                                      Zanzibar
                                      Mount Kilimanjaro
                                      Mahake Mountains National Park
CLIMATE                   :    Wet  (mid March – May), (November – December)
                                      Dry (June - August)
ELECTRICITY            :    East Africa has a standard electricity voltage of 230/240 with 3 pin square sockets, (British standard).

GETTING THERE
There are many airlines flying into Tanzania.
If you're going to climb Kilimanjaro or go on safari in Northern Tanzania, the most suitable airport to arrive at is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). KLM has daily flights, Ethiopian and Kenya Airways also fly into KIA.
If you're going to visit the Zanzibar archipelago, or go on safari in southern or Western Tanzania it is better to fly to Dar es Salaam. British Airways, KLM, South African and Swissair are the major carriers.
Regional flights to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and parts of northern Tanzania regularly fly from Kigali (Rwanda Air), Nairobi (Kenya Airways, Air Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines).

By bus:
From Kenya: there are several bus services available between Tanzania and Kenya. Buses go from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam (about 12 hours), Nairobi to Dar es Salaam (about 13 hours), Nairobi to Arusha (about 5 hours). Moshi is also on the drop route for drop offs.
From Malawi: the crossing between Tanzania and Malawi is at the Songwe River Bridge. Direct buses between Dar es Salaam and Lilongwe depart several times a week and take about 27 hours. The alternative is to get to the border crossing and take a minibus (dalladalla in Swahili) to the closest town -- Mbeya in Tanzania. Spend the night there and continue on the next day. Both towns have regular bus services to the rest of the country.
From Mozambique: The main border post is at Kilambo (Tanzania)from which you can get a minibus to Mtwara. To cross the border requires a trip across the Ruvuma River and depending on the tides and the season, this could be a simple quick canoe trip or an hour long ferry ride.
From Uganda: Daily buses travel from Kampala on to Dar (via Nairobi -- so you need to get a visa for Kenya). The bus trip takes at least 25 hours. Another option is  crossing from Kampala to Bukoba (on the shores of Lake Victoria) which gets you to Tanzania in about 7 hours. Akamba and Kampala Coach also run buses from Kampala to Moshi (via Nairobi).
From Rwanda: Akamba bus services run from Kigali to Dar es Salaam at least once a week, the trip takes about 36 hours and crosses into Uganda first. Shorter trips between the Tanzania/Rwanda border at Rusumo Falls are possible but the security situation fluctuates so inquire locally in Benako (Rwanda) or Mwanza (Tanzania).
From Zambia: Buses run a several times a week from Lusaka to Dar es Salaam (approx 30 hours) and from Lusaka to Mbeya (approx 16 hours).

By Train
From Zambia: A TAZARA runs from KapiriMposhi (Zambia) to Dar es Salaam. It takes two nights if you are lucky.

By Boat
From Malawi: The Ilala sometimes travels from Lake Malawi to Tanzania (Mbamba Bay) but schedules vary.
From Kenya (Mombasa): A ferry runs once a week from Mombasa, Kenya to Tanga. Fares are around $40.
From Zambia: A regular ferry connects Kigoma (Tanzania) with Mpulungu (Zambia). This ferry was the inspiration for the ' African Queen'. You can get off at smaller stops along the way, for example Lagosa, where you can stop to visit Mahale Mountains National Park.

VISAS
Residents of Commonwealth countries (except India, Nigeria, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK) do not require visa to Tanzania. Neither do Namibians, Irish, Romanians and Rwandese.  If coming from a country where there’s no Tanzanian Mission, visas can be obtained at points of entry. The same visa allows you to enter Zanzibar. Visa fees vary. For example: Canada $50US, Belgium $40US, Mexico $35US, Austria $30US, South Africa $51US and UK $50US. Transit visas last a maximum of 2 weeks.

CURRENCY
Tanzanian currency is liberated therefore money is freely changed at banks, forex bureau, and at the Hotels. It is advised that you check exchange rates regularly, and that you exchange your currency at banks or licensed foreign exchange bureaus – avoid street dealers altogether. Major Credit Cards arewidely accepted and Banks at international airports operate 24-hour service.

HEALTH
No immunizations are required by law to enter Tanzania if you are travelling directly from Europe or the US. If you are travelling from a country where Yellow Fever is present you will need to prove you have had the inoculation.
Several vaccinations are highly recommended when traveling to Tanzania, they include:

• Yellow Fever
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Diptheria

It is also recommended that you are up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccinations. Rabies is also prevalent and if you're planning to spend a lot of time in Tanzania, it may be worth getting the rabies shots before you go.
There's a risk of catching malaria pretty much everywhere you travel in Tanzania. While it's true that areas of high altitude like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are relatively malaria-free, you will usually be passing through areas where malaria is prevalent in order to get there.
Tanzania is home to the chloroquine-resistant strain of malaria as well as several others. Make sure your doctor or travel clinic knows you are traveling to Tanzania (don't just say Africa) so s/he can prescribe the right anti-malarial medication.

SECURITY
Tanzanians are well known for their friendly, laid-back attitude. In most cases you will be humbled by their hospitality despite the fact that most people are a lot poorer than you. As you travel in the touristy areas, you will probably attract your fair share of souvenir hawkers and beggars. Remember that these are poor people who are trying to earn money to feed their families. If you aren't interested then say so, but try and remain polite.

Basic Safety Rules for Travelers to Tanzania

• Make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.
• Don't walk on your own at night in the major cities or on empty beaches especially in Pemba and Zanzibar.
• Don't wear jewelry.
• Don't carry too much cash with you.
• Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
• Don't carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities.
• Beware of thieves posing as police officers.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
If you need to contact the police, fire brigade or ambulance service in an emergency dial 112.

HOSPITALS& CLINICS
DAR ES SALAAM
AAR Health Services
Ali HasanMwinyi Road, Chato Street, Block One Regent Estate
Tel: 075-476-0790 (Emergency) 255-22-213-3582/6 City Centre
Website: http://www.aarhealth.com
Email: info@aar.co.tz

Aga Khan Hospital
Tel: 255-22-211-5151-4, Mobile: 075-430-9876

IST Medical Clinic.
Upper School, Ruvu Street, and International School of Tanganyika Campus, Masaki
Tel: 255-22-260-1307 or 22-260-1308,
Fax: 255-22-260-127,
Mobile: Emergency 24 hrs. 078-478-3393 (Dr. on call)
E-mail: istclinic@istclinic.com

ARUSHA
Arusha Medical Center (AAR)
P.O. Box 12877
Tel: 255-27-250-1594/250-6849
http://www.aarhealth.com

Ithasharia Charitable Hospital,
P.O. Box 475
Tel: 255-27-250-2320, 254-3787
Mobile: 078-445-9600

ZANZIBAR
Al Rahma Hospital
Kilimani Road, Zanzibar
Tel: 255-24- 223-6715

DODOMA
Aga Khan Health Services
Tel: 255-26-232-1789
Village of Hope Laboratory Services
Tel: 255 075-446-4660, 0756-555-084

BUSINESS HOURS
Business hours are generally from 8.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. from Monday through Friday, and some on Saturday mornings. Some small businesses are open on Sundays too.

Bank have different hours, and are generally from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and some on Saturday mornings. Banks at some airports are open for longer hours

PHOTOGRAPHY
Restrain from taking photos of people without permission and government installations filming is prohibited. You may bring any reasonable amount of personal effects together with cameras and any amount of film duty free. Film is usually available at most game lodges but stocks are usually few and of the common sizes and brands. Ensure you have a good supply of batteries for your camera, as these are seldom available when on safari.

TIPPING
A service charge is usually included in all tariffs, however tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated and is largely at your discretion. Customary tips for bar service and room porters are 10% whereas restaurant tariffs that exclude service charge will anticipate a 5-10% tip.

TELECOMMUNICATION & ELECTRICITY
East Africa has a standard electricity voltage of 230/240 with 3 pin square sockets, (British standard). Telephone and faxes services are available at the hotel rooms. Charges can be exorbitant. To contact telephone customer service helpline please dial 980, local operator assistance at 900 and international operator assistance at 0195

CLOTHING
Dress decently to keep up with African culture and traditions, dress warmly for cold weather and light at the coast.

CODE OF CONDUCT
Feeding and smoking
Never feed animals at your place of stay or in the wild since it upsets their diet and leads to unnecessary dependence on people. Smoking while on a game drive is highly discouraged and always dispose of cigarettes carefully while at camp. Careless disposal of a burning cigarette can start a wildfire that will cause damage to vegetation and suffering to wildlife and people.

Litter
Litter and garbage in nature-viewing areas is unsightly, affects your enjoyment and threatens the survival of wildlife. It can also cause accidents to people and marine life.

Corals
These are fragile living organism, they being destroyed by careless recreational activities, to avoid damage-use the established mooring points. Coral reefs provide essential feeding grounds for many species of marine life. When diving or swimming, avoid kicking up sand or stepping on coral, as it suffocates and kills coral polyps.

Water sports
Enjoy water sports at designated points. Please practice water safety at all times. If you are not a strong swimmer then keep close to shore.

Fishing
Fishing is prohibited in marine parks. It is only permitted in the ocean and some Marine Reserves. Spear guns are banned in both Parks and Reserves.

Souvenirs
It’s illegal to collect or buy souvenirs such as coral, shells and starfish, as it contributes to the degradation of the reef and marine life. All environmentally conscious visitors can participate in, or help to organize environmental awareness campaigns e.g. beach cleaning, tree planting, conservation publications and also contribute financially to local .Products made from any part of the Elephant, Rhino, Sea Turtle as well as Ostrich Eggs (unless you have certificates from registered farmers) are also illegal.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS& BUSINESS HOURS
This is only a guide, as some dates change from year to year.
New Year’s Day                             1st January
Zanzibar Revolution Day                12th January
Birth of the Prophet                       **
Good Friday                                 **
Easter Monday                              **
Union Day                                     26th April
International Labour Day                1st May
Saba Saba (Industry’s Day)           7th July
NaneNane (Farmer’s Day)              8th August
Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan)                     **
Nyerere Day                                  14th October
Eid al-Adha                                   **
Independence & Republic Day       9th December
Christmas Day                              25th December
Boxing Day                                   26th December
** Months and dates change from year to year

*please note all information in travel tips is only a guide, we advise that you also do your own research as dates and information changes without warning.