International Flights
British Airways fly direct to Dar es Salaam from Heathrow three times weekly. Other carriers operate to Tanzania via Europe. KLM Royal Dutch from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro International Airport and to Dar es Salaam International Airport. Air India flies to Dar es Salaam via Mumbai, Emirates via Dubai and Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa. Gulf Air/Oman Air fly to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar via Muscat.
Regional carriers into Tanzania include Air Tanzania, Air Kenya, Kenya Airways, Precision Air and South African Airways.
Domestic Carriers
Air Tanzania, Coastal Aviation, Precision Air, Regional Air Services and Zan Air, all these link the major cities, tourists attractions and game parks in Tanzania.
International Airports
Dar es Salaam International Airport (DIA), 8 miles from the city centre and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 31 miles from Arusha town, Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ), 5 miles from Kisauni.
Passport and visas
Most visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain them in advance from Embassies and High Commissions as several airlines insist on them prior to departure. They can also be obtained on arrival at Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam International Airports and at the Namanga gate or Isibania gate, on the Tanzania/Kenya border.
Requirements may change, so you are advised to contact the appropriate Diplomatic or Consular Authority before finalizing your travel arrangements.
Immunisation and Health
Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce international certificates of vaccination; this is particularly relevant for those travelling from neighbouring African countries. The UK Department of health recommends vaccinations against Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. It is essential for visitors to take a course of anti-malaria tablets commencing two weeks before travel. Modern medical services are available in Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi – Kenya.
What to take
Don’t forget the camera, binoculars and take a torch for finding your way around your camp at night. Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods. Take sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm and some insect repellant.
It is better not to get stung even if you are taking anti-malaria tablets. Its best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit.
Travel Light
Some safari/air charters limit baggage to a 10 – 15 kilos.
Language
English is widely spoken, but few words of Swahili are appreciated.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors can take in any amount of foreign currency, no currency declaration is required, but import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal. Most major currencies particularly US Dollars/Euros and travelers’ cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureau de change in the main towns and tourist areas.
Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates.
On Safari
Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road can be tiring. It is wise to take a flight if you plan to visit all safari circuits. You will see more and you won’t return home exhausted. Keep a distance from animals and be quiet to avoid distressing them. Always follow the instructions of you ranger or guide. Don’t leave your vehicle in the parks except in the designated places. Keep the recognized tracks to avoid damaging the vegetation.
What to wear
It never gets really cold in Tanzania so light weight clothing is the norm. On safari avoid brightly coloured clothes as they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and khaki are preferred. Short sleeves shirts/blouses and bermudas are ideal, but pack a sweater; it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening. Wear a hat to avoid sunstroke and don’t forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible – walking through the bush is not like strolling through Hyde Park and for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru take thermal underwear, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots. Shorts for women are acceptable but not too short. Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages as revealing clothes can cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas.
On the beach, and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimmer is acceptable but nudity certainly is not.
