Travel Tips – 10 important Facts for Tanzania Safari

These are the 10 most valuable 10 Tanzania Travel tips. Are you planning to travel to Tanzania for your safari in Africa?  It is always good to get to know a few things about a destination before travelling and here we have listed a few things that you need to know before travelling.

We have listed 10 important facts that you need to know before packing your bags and travelling to Tanzania for your trip of a lifetime and we hope you will find the information useful.

1. ACCESSIBILITY:

Tanzaniahas three major International Airports through which the country can be accessed; namely Julius Nyerere International Airport, Kisauni Airport Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro International Airport. Several International Airlines in the world operate scheduled flights to Tanzania. This includes Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airways, KLM Royal Dutch, South Africa Airways Fly SAA, Lufthansa Air, Air France, British Airways BA, Swiss Air, and Egypt Air. Many travelers also arrive through the regional hub of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi From here travelers can catch Connection (regional) flights to Kilimanjaro, or transfer by road through Namanga border There are shuttle buses scheduled for morning and afternoon departures everyday in to and from Arusha and Namanga. Please read more on our flights to Tanzania.

2. LANGUAGE :

The National language in Tanzania is Kiswahili. The National languages are both Kiswahili and English. English is widely spoken in major towns as well as in villages. Jambo means how are you?

3. CURRENCY:

The national Currency is the Tanzania Shilling. The most widely accepted currency is the USD. The USD and other major European currencies can be changed in many Forex bureaus in major towns of Tanzania. It is highly recommended that you change money in Forex bureaus and banks and refrain as much as possible from changing money in the streets. There is an increased access to ATM Machines in all major towns.

4. HEALTH :

Yellow vaccination is a requirement in a while the and you can obtain the vaccination from home at least 10 days before arrival into Tanzania. The requirement is not all that strict anymore but it saves time to obtain the vaccination prior to travelling to Tanzania. Malaria prophylactic drugs should be taken before travelling. Sleep under a mosquito net. A sunscreen is good to pack as well as sunglasses. Drink only bottled or Boiled water and try to avoid salads and ice cubes.

5. CLIMATE:

In general; the climate is hot and dry. Long rains arrive mainly in March – May ,with cool nights and mornings June – October, Short rains in November to mid December. Seasons can although vary owing to a variety of factors. The coastal strip is usually hot and humid almost year round. On Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru temperatures can drop to below freezing point.

6. CLOTHES:

On safari please pack light clothes cottons preferably. A jacket or fleece is god to pack for chilly mornings and evenings sometimes and at some high altitude places. At the Coast and at Zanzibar Island; revealing clothing especially in Stonetown is highly discouraged. Please see packing list for Mount Kilimanjaro.

7. PHOTOGRAHY:

Taking photos of government buildings is prohibited and so with taking photos of locals without their permission. Take as much photos as possible responsibly.

8. INSURANCE:

We offer only Air rescue ambulance cover. Please take your travel insurance before traveling.

9. VISAS :

Visas to Tanzania can be obtained from all entry points; airports, borders and port harbor. Currently the Tanzania visa costs some USD 50 per person, and American passport holders pay USD 100 per person.

10. SECURITY:

By far Tanzania is a safe haven for travelers but it is important to be vigilant. Avoid walking at night in the streets unescorted and do not reveal so much jewellery. If you must carry your valuables please deposit them at the Hotels/and lodges.

Travel: 5 Reasons to visit Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Written by Fiona MacKay

You would be forgiven if you have never heard of Ruaha National Park, it seems to be one of the best kept secrets in the safari world. But those that know it and have been fortunate enough to visit it, return again and again to this truly unique and diverse wilderness.

Before you reach for a map and think about planning a trip, let me give you a few reasons why you might want to investigate this amazing place and put it to the top of your 2018 safari wishlist.

1. Predator paradise

Ruaha supports an incredible and globally important predator population. It has the second largest lion population left in the world, supporting almost 10% of Africa’s remaining lions, and is one of only six lion populations in the world numbering over 1000 individuals. It is also a hotspot for Africa’s most elegant felines – providing a home to one of only four east African cheetah populations with over 200 adults.

In case that might not be enough to convince you, Ruaha also supports the third largest population of endangered African wild dogs, an abundance of leopards and both striped and spotted hyena.

2. Outstanding biodiversity

Ruaha was named as a key landscape for conservation by the EU due to its internationally important wildlife populations. It forms an intersection where the eastern and southern African eco-regions converge, resulting in a plethora of rare and diverse species. It is one of just a few places where both greater and lesser kudu can be seen, as well as rare antelopes such as sable and roan, Grant’s gazelle, eland, oribi, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, bushbuck, impala and vast herds of Cape buffalo to name but a few.

Ruaha is also an important habitat for elephants and despite previously suffering heavily from extensive poaching, today it still boasts a healthy population numbering in excess of 10,000. The area is one of outstanding biodiversity and species endemism, that should be enjoyed with an extended stay to really appreciate all it has to offer.

3. Birding bonanza

Again, like the mammal species Ruaha’s position on the convergence zone of south and east benefits its bird list too. Ruaha’s birdlife is endearingly colourful, with a sensational mix of southern and northern species. More than half of Tanzania’s bird species can be seen in this region. An incredible 580 bird varieties have been sighted and recorded in Ruaha including fish eagles, Eleanora’s falcon, goliath herons, crested barbets and black-collared lovebirds.

Ruaha also boasts endemic species such as the Tanzanian red-billed hornbill and serves as an important habitat for several critically endangered vulture populations.

4. Breathtaking landscapes

From the mighty Ruaha River, the rolling hills, rocky escarpments and the vast uninhabited open plains dotted with the iconic silhouettes of African Baobab trees, Ruaha offers something for everyone. Nowhere will you be more spoilt for choice when it comes to a spectacular setting to enjoy some of the finest sunsets and sunrises Africa has to offer.

Ruaha really is an untouched wilderness just waiting to be explored and admired.

5. Complete isolation

Well almost – because if the idea of breathtaking landscapes, all that wildlife and extensive birding aren’t enough to tempt you, Ruaha can offer you a sense of isolation like few places left on Earth. Arriving in Ruaha you would be forgiven for feeling like you’ve stepped back in time and discovered a world far removed from modern civilisation and the stress and strains of our busy world. A wild and remote wilderness.

Whilst Ruaha is Tanzania’s largest national park, it’s inaccessible location has meant it has remained one of the least explored. Year round visitor numbers are always low but out of season the place has an almost deserted feel to it. Perfect if you truly want to escape and let Ruaha guide you back to the quieter pace of life dictated by nature.

Best three Tanzania attrations 2017

1. Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak, which is 5896 metres high. The snow-capped mountain can be adventurous to hiking lovers. The views from Uhuru Peak are also spectacular. In 2017 the history was made when women football players from all over the world played 90 minutes' football at the peak of mount Kilimanjaro.

2. Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks, are the largest national park in Tanzania. The are famous for the great migration of animals such as Wildebeest, Zebra, Antelope, lion, cheetah, and hyena's roaming in the wilderness. By the year 2017 the world icon vistors includes the former Israel Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, football superstars such as David Beckham, Morgan Schneiderlin, Mamadou Sakho, Victor Wanyama, Christian Erikssen, Wayne Rooney and Everton Football Club. Others who fall under the category of Musician and Actors includes Will Smith, Usher Raymond, Harrison Ford and Sanjay Dutt of India.

3. Zanzibar is a major holiday destination famous for its beautiful beaches. The island has some of the best beaches in the world with stunning white sandy beaches and surrounded by the clear turquoise waters of the Indian ocean. In the year 2017 hosted  marvelous International festivals  like Sauti za Busara,  Festival of the dhow countries and other events.

Safari tips: Tipping while on safari

The simple act of tipping can be an anxious moment for many people while on safari, and the subject of much discussion and seeking of advice. 

We like to reward excellent service, but hate being worked over for a tip. There is nothing worse than lodge staff hovering expectantly near you while checking out – which we are sure does happen every now and then. And we object to a tip being expected or automatically included in the bill.

Based on the many queries our team has fielded, we realise we are not alone in this.

So, here then are a few ‘tips’ from some of our travel team members about this prickly issue:

• I tip only when I receive good service, and when I feel that the person has worked hard, going beyond the call of their job. And a happy smile also works for me. This firm line helps me avoid the stress of being undecided;

• I tip lodge/hotel staff at the end of my stay, to a communal tip box which many lodges have, or in an envelope handed to the manager. I always ask about tipping, so that I follow the correct procedure for that lodge. I do not tip porters and waiters for ongoing chores like carrying bags and serving drinks;

• For group safaris, it’s often a good idea to pool tips. I have seen some groups arranging a fun presentation at the end of their stay – which is a great idea. Some people in groups prefer to tip directly, and that’s also fine;

• I usually tip about US$5 – $10 per day of my stay to lodge staff, and an additional US$5 – $10 per day to my guide and tracker, if relevant. Sometimes I also give my bird book to my guide – if he is interested in birds, and if he does not have the latest version;

• One golden rule: Never tell your guide/tracker that the tip is dependent on him/her finding certain animals. This is unfair and may encourage bad behaviour and damage to the environment and wildlife;

• And lastly, remember that tipping is entirely at your discretion. There are no rules, only guidelines.