TRAVEL TIPS
Swahili is the National Language, originating from Arab and Bantu (an indigenous tribal language) and it is spoken by over 95% of the Tanzanians. English is widely spoken but a few Swahili words will even be more appreciated. Most people in the tourism industry speak English, Other can speak other languages like French, Spanish, Germany and Italian.
Luckily UK and USA citizens can get it at point of entry (at the international airports at Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam). It will cost you 50 USD. Citizens of other countries may have to get the visa prior to departure – but it isn’t usually a problem. Check with your country’s authorities. In order to get your visa you will need an International Health Card with Yellow fever vaccination noted on it. That is rarely looked at. You will need sufficient funds to be in the country (rarely asked of Westerners) and you will need a return ticket to country of origin (also rarely requested).
American Dollars and Euros are widely accepted in Tanzania. There are also ATMs where you can get Tanzanian money.
Be sensible and practical. Would you do this back in your own country? Tanzania is for the most part safe and enjoyable. But while in the lodges don’t leave temptation for the staff, Keep your valuable in a safe box provided in your room or keep them with you.
There are precautions to take before you arrive here and some things to do after you get here. Bring mosquito repellent (also good for Teztze flies). We recommend Deet. Also make sure you have vaccination for Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Polio and Yellow Fever before you come
240 volts is the voltage in Tanzania and you will need a UK plug. You can buy a converter plug that will make your appliance fit locally.
What should I pack for my Safari in Tanzania?
If this is your first time in Tanzania or your first time on Safari, Enticing journeys has put together a suggested packing list below to ensure that you will be comfortable during your adventure. If you do forget a few things, don’t worry, you can pick some items in Arusha town before you leave for your safari.
- Valid passport
- Yellow fever vaccination records/ certificate
- Tanzania visa, available at airport upon arrival, USD $100 payable in cash only for US citizens or USD $50 for residents of UK/European Union and most other countries
- Copy of flight itinerary
- Copy of travel and/or medical evacuation insurance
- Personal medical/dental insurance cards
- Credit card (Visa and MasterCard are most widely accepted)
- Cash in U.S. Dollars (Bills MUST have been issued in 2004 or later)
Remember, it’s not a fashion show out there, and the elephants are not going to mind if you’re not sporting the latest trends, so be a bit more practical when choosing your safari wardrobe. Try to stay away from bright colours – Khaki and other neutral colours tend to work well.
- Sweater or fleece pullover to keep warm
- Sturdy shoes or boots
- Sandals
- Sun hat
- Sun glasses
- T-shirts or polo shirts (2-5 depending on how often you want to change)
- Long sleeve shirts (light weight)
- Shorts
- Long trousers
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- Travel towel
- Thermal underwear, gloves and warm hat (during May – Sept)
- Raincoat and rain trousers (During rainy season Mar – May and Oct – Dec)
- Camera and memory cards
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Hand Sanitizer and wet wipes
- Insect Repellent
- Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, eye drops etc)
- Malaria tablets
- Basic first aid kit and prescription medicines
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Chargers and extra batteries for your camera, phone etc
- Power adapter to fit the UK style electrical socket
- Bring soft luggage such as a duffel bag, hiking pack or sports bag. These are ideal for packing into a safari vehicle. Hard suitcases can often be difficult to fit into the vehicles.
- Bring a back pack to carry all of your important items including travel documents, money, camera, medication etc. You should keep this back pack with you at all times.
- Keep luxury items such as hair dryers/ straighteners, expensive jewelry, make up and bulky toiletries to an absolute minimum.