Travel Tips

TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRAVELLERS

Preparing for your trip to Tanzania

• necessary vaccinations for travel to Tanzania
• Take out travel insurance to cover loss of baggage or valuables, personal accident and medical expenses.

In Tanzania

Electricity

A 3 rectangular pin UK plug adapter is required to use electrical appliances including video cameras and digital cameras. The plug adapter is placed onto your appliance plug so that it will fit into the 3 rectangular pin electrical sockets. Tanzania electrical sockets are identical to those found in the United Kingdom.
The electrical voltage in Tanzania is 220V while the electrical voltage in the United States is 120V. If you have a dual voltage appliance or a universal power supply capable of operating safely with either 120V or 220V, all you will need is the plug adapter mentioned above. Most newer laptops, digital cameras and video cameras come equipped with a dual voltage power supply. Check to make sure that the input reads 100V – 240V or 120V – 240V.

If you do not have a dual voltage power supply, then in addition to the plug adapter, you will need to purchase a transformer/converter.

For more information, please visit http://www.kropla.com/electric.htm

 
Please be aware that many of the lodges in Tanzania do not operate their electricity generators 24 hours a day. Some lodges turn off their generators after dinner until just before dawn. Please inquire upon arrival at each lodge as policies differ widely. It is always a good idea to be prepared with one or two extra batteries for digital cameras, camcorders and laptops.

Money

Major foreign currencies – particularly USD ­and traveller’s checks are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. In general, credit cards are of little use in Tanzania. Credit cards are not widely accepted and when they are accepted, they carry poor exchange rates and are subject to substantial fees. Some banks in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Moshi offer ATM facilities against international credit cards, but again the rates are typically poor and the amount that can be withdrawn is limited. ATMs are not available at all elsewhere. Don’t change money in the street.

While climbing Kilimanjaro / Meru

Kilimanjaro Tips

After the Trek:

Gifts: Guides and porters also appreciate your warm clothing, shoes, and packs. You may want to bring some older clothing items just for this purpose.

Celebration: You are also welcome to invite your guides back to your hotel for dinner (on you) as a thank-you in addition to their tip.

While on safari

While in Zanzibar

Cultural Tips

African cultures are nearly opposite to Western cultures in many ways. When in a rural village, it is important to respect the local culture so we will always be welcome. Most of the Tanzanians you will encounter in a village have had little exposure to foreigners. In all cases, communication is a great path to mutual understanding and if you should get into any misunderstandings or run into any problems, feels free to talk with your guide.

Photography

Bring film and batteries for your camera with you. Protect your cameras 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, it can be nice to bring an instant camera with you so that you can leave a picture with the people you photograph. Excellent binoculars are a must. If you do not have binoculars, Africa Serendipity Safaris can supply your car with a pair upon request and free of charge.

Shopping

The tourist areas and hotels sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewellery, Gem Stone, and trinkets. Don’t be afraid to haggle at roadside stalls.

Personal Expenses

As noted in your contract drinks with meals, gratuities, laundry, select meals (where noted) and other personal expenses are not included in your package. A good starting point to calculate your cash needs is $20 per person per day. We have compiled this list of expenses so that you can better budget your incidental costs. Costs are average.

Tipping can be done either in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings. Tanzania shillings are preferable for workers who live a distance from town. US dollars or Tanzanian Shillings are fine for your guide since they live in Arusha.

Privacy

Gender Relations

Gifts

Don’t indiscriminately hand out pens, money and sweets– it just encourages begging. As anywhere, gifts should be given as a true expression of friendship, appreciation or thanks.

Language

English is widely spoken in the cities, but not spoken much in the villages. A few words of Swahili can be useful and will be appreciated greatly by locals.