Tanzania General Information
Tanzania is situated on the East Coast of Africa, covering 937,062 sq. kms. It lies between 1 degree to 11 degrees south of the equator. The country embraces the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. Zanzibar and Pemba occupies 2614 sq. kms, in the Indian Ocean. Population of over 30 millions. For the protection of wildlife the Government has reserved a total of 247,537 sq. kms.

Climate
The climate is tropical on the coast, on the Islands and in Selous. It is temperate in the other parks. .October to mid-march is the hottest period and from June to September, the coolest .However, the range of temperature is fairly limited and it is always hot (between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius on the coast and between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius in the north). There is light rainfall in November and the rainy season is from mid-march to the end of May. Ocean temperature is between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius.

Visas
Visas are required for all, except citizens of the commonwealth, Scandinavian countries and the Republic of Ireland. Before departure, you can obtain a visa from the Tanzanian Embassy. You can also get your visa at our major entry points such as: Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar International Airports, Namanga, Tunduma, Holili, Taveta, Sirari and Horohoro.

Health
Yellow fever vaccination: recommended on the mainland and compulsory in Zanzibar. Visitors are advised to take anti-malaria tablets for beach holidays. Contact your doctor before departure. Personal insurance is advised. "Flying doctors" facilities are also available.

Official Language
Kiswahili and English.

Local Time - GMT + 3.

Electricity 230 Volts Ac, 50 hz.

Airports
Three international airports: Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Several international airlines connect Tanzania with the rest of the world.

Currency
Tanzanian shilling. It is advisable to carry American dollars. Money changers also accept the major convertible currencies including the yen. Traveler’s cheques are exchangeable in some places. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels but it is advisable to carry cash or traveler's cheques.

Clothing
For safaris in the north, during the day, light clothing. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Canvas hats. At night casual wear with a light cardigan or a pull over (for altitudes between 1500 m in Arusha and 2400 m in Ngorongoro). On the coast summer wear. For Kilimanjaro or other treks, check with a mountain specialist before departure. Place like Zanzibar and Moslem areas women should wear acceptable clothes, as revealing clothes can cause offence.

Cuisine
There is a variety of food. You'll find international cuisine in the hotels, restaurants and lodges. On the coast, fish and lobsters with local dishes such as biryanis and meat or fish curries. Specialties: spiced tea or coffee and "halua", a sweet desert with almonds. Drink safe bottled mineral water.

Behavior
The protection of nature is everyone's concern. On safari, do not collect or buy bones, skins, horns teeth, feathers or shells. And on the coast do not bring back coral, shells or starfish which play an important role in the fragile ecosystem. Do no litter where others are expected to visit. The protection of cultures is also everyone's concern. The guides know the local habits and customs. It is always advisable to ask someone's permission before taking his/her photograph.

Shopping
Locally made products are available at good prices. On the mainland, you can find batiks, the Tingatinga paintings, objects in ebony (cutlery, bracelets, sculptures, and furniture), basket ware (baskets, hats, and rugs), beaded Maasai necklaces, precious jewels (gold, diamonds, tanzanite and other stones). In Zanzibar, you can find textiles (wrap-around - kikoi for men and khanga for women), carved chests, perfumes, natural lotions and spices. The tourist areas and Hotels sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewellery.

Tipping
Not obligatory, but it is recommended for exceptional services. U. S. $ 10 TO 15 per day will be appreciated for a driver/guide. An excessive tip can make it difficult for the next customer.

Security
Tanzania generally is a safe country, but do not invite temptations. Keep your eye on your belongings. Don't walk at night in the town or cities, take a taxi, don't walk with cameras or large amount of cash, beware of pickpockets. Use Hotel safety deposits boxes to safeguard valuables and obtain a receipt. Leave your jewelry at home.

On Safari
Distances in Tanzania are vast and travel by road can be wearing. Plan to spend more time in Parks. You will see more and won't return home exhausted. Bring with you binoculars and keep your distance from animals and be quit to avoid distressing the wildlife, follow instructions of Rangers or Driver/ guides. Don't leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to recognized tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.

Travel With Children
Tanzanians love children and are especially helpful to mothers. However canned baby foods, powdered milk and disposable nappies may not be available outside major towns

Photography
You can buy here or bring films with you and batteries for your camera. Protect it 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 wild life pictures keep your equipment ready you might get a surprise and quick action.

Insurance
Take your travel insurance to cover loss of baggage or valuables, personal, accident and medical expenses

Transport
Self drive vehicles are available mainly for local running or tarmac use. 4 X 4 vehicles for safaris usually have to be hired with a driver. Driving on the left. An international driving license is required for self drive. All of our vehicles are fully equipped with pop up roof hatches for game viewing and photography fitted with two spare tires, an operational 'Simba' jack, H. F. Radio communication system and other accessories.