Travel Tips

Money
Major foreign currencies - particularly US$ - and travellers cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureaux de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. 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.

Climate
Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings June-October, short rains November to mid-December; long rains March-May but the seasons can vary. The coastal strip is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing.

Clothes
Pack lightweight, washable clothes plus a sweater for early morning game drives, a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Long sleeves and trousers in light coloured fabrics help discourage insect bites. You can buy clothes in Dar es Salaam and Arusha.

Shorts for women are acceptable (but not too short!). Women should carry a wrap to cover legs in the villages and towns as revealing clothes can cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and Moslem areas. On the beach and within the confines of beach hotels normal swim wear (but not nudity) is acceptable.

For climbing on Kilimanjaro or Meru, take thermal underwear, light layers, sweater, rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots.

For safaris in the north, during the day, light clothing and hats. Sturdy shoes are recommended. At night, casual wear with a light cardigan or a pull over (for altitudes between 1500m in Arusha and 2400m in Ngorongoro). On the coast, summer wear. For Kilimanjaro or other treks, check with a mountain specialist before departure. To bring: sunscreen, lotions, sunglasses, mosquito cream and binoculars.

On safari, avoid brightly coloured clothes, they may alarm the animals, browns, beiges and khaki are preferred. Short-sleeved shirt/blouses and shorts are ideal, but pack a sweater, it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening. Don't forget a swimsuit. Immodest clothing will offend local tradition.

On Safari
Distances in Tanzania are vast and travel by road can be wearing. Plan to spend more time in few parks. You?ll see more and wont return home exhausted.

Keep your distance form animals and be quiet to avoid distressing the wildlife. Follow instructions of rangers or guides. Don?t leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to recognised tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.

Photography
Bring film (especially slide 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, be sure to bring an instant camera with you so that you can leave a picture with the people you photograph.

Tipping
Not obligatory, but a tip for exceptional service (max 10%) will be appreciated. $10-$15 per day for driver or tour guide. An excessive tip can make it difficult for the next customer.

Customs, Duty Free Items
Personal effects, including binoculars, cameras and film, may be brought in free of duty. A custom's bond may be demanded from those bringing in video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit.

Duty free allowances are 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 gram of tobacco plus one litre of spirits, provided the traveller is over 16. Visitors buying local handcraft must keep sales receipts for presentation to customs officials on departure.

Getting Around

• By Air - There are scheduled services to all the major towns of Tanzania. In addition, a number of charter companies based in Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha.
  
  
• By Rail
  There are three main railway lines:
  1. the Northern, running from Tanga to Arusha;
  2. the Central (connecting to the Northem), which runs from Dar es Salaam to Lake Tanganyika to Kigoma and has a northern spur that runs to Lake Victoria at Mwanza; and
  3. TAZARA, the Tanzania-Zambia railway service that runs from Dar es Salaam into central Zambia. Train travel is comfortable and reliable, through not as fast as most bus services.
  
  
• By Water
  There are Indian Ocean ferries connecting Mtwara, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Pemba, and Tanga. Tanzania Railway Corporation operates ferries on the Great Lakes.
  
  
• Car Hire
  There are many car hire companies in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and other major towns. They can be hired with or without drivers. An International Drivers Licence is required, and the driving is on the left hand side of the road.

Care of nature and culture
The protection of nature is everyone's concern. On safari, do not collect or buy bones, skins, horns, teeth, feathers, or shells. Also, guides know the local habits and customs. It is always advisable to ask someone's permission before taking his or her photograph.

Health
Malaria is endemic but is preventable. Use insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and take anti-malaria prophylactics as advised by your doctor.

For recommended precautions see the following:
Royal Perth Hospital
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade

Modern medical services are available in Dar es Salaam and other major centres. Visitors are advised to bring their own medicines with them, but there are major pharmacies in the big cities. Drink only boiled or bottled water, bottled or canned drinks, and avoid ice cubes and salads. HIV/AIDS is widespread, especially in the main tourist areas.

As requirements and regulations are subject to change at short notice, visitors are requested to contact the nearest Tanzanian Diplomatic Mission, or travel agent well in advance of their intended date of departure.