FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions

FAQ - Frequently asked questions & answers for Africa Travel

 

Arrival

Upon arrival in Tanzania you will be picked up by our driver at the airport / port / bus station and brought to your accommodation. Should your flight be delayed, you driver will wait for you.

 

Climate

From June until October, the days are generally dry and hot, whereas the nights and mornings are quite cool; from November until mid-December there is a small rainy season and a big one from March until May (although this data is only reliable in a limited way). Coastal areas feature heat and high air humidity during the entire year. On the Kilimanjaro and Meru, temperatures can drop below the freezing point.

Child exploitation

We understand that child exploitation is a global concern. At Africa Safari Experts, we strongly condemn any form of sexual exploitation of children, wherever it occurs.

Clothing

Pack light, washable clothing, a pullover and a light windbreaker for safari trips in the early morning, as well as a sun hat, sun glasses and sunscreen. Long sleeves and light trousers prevent insect bites. Clothing can also be purchased in Arusha and Dar es Salaam. Women can wear shorts (although not too short!); in villages and towns, women should wear a scarf around their legs as they otherwise might irritate local people especially on Zanzibar and in Muslim regions. At the beach and on the site of beach hotels, regular swimwear is accepted (no nudism).

For tours on the Kilimanjaro and Meru, you should bring warm underwear, multiple layers of light clothing, a pullover, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy hiking boots.

 

Electricity

230 V; you always have to anticipate power breakdowns, too much or too little tension. Bring a universal adapter or an adapter suitable for outlets in Great Britain, as well as a torch or headlight.

 

Gifts

Please do not randomly give away pens, money or sweets. This encourages begging especially by children. Gifts are – in Tanzania as well – an expression of friendship, appreciation or gratitude.

 

Health

A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entries from yellow fever regions, as well as for entries from Nairobi and Addis Ababa. Malaria is relatively common in Tanzania but you can protect yourself: Use insect repellents, wear preferably light-coloured and closed clothing after sunset, sleep under a mosquito net and undergo malaria prophylaxis recommended by your doctor.

From home, you should bring prescription medication, replacement glasses, contact lenses with solution, sunscreen, dressing material/bandages, ointment for insect bites and medication against diarrhoea.

Only drink boiled or bottled water and drinks from a can. Renounce ice cubes and salad. Please also consider the fact that Aids represents a big problem, especially in important tourist areas.

 

Illegal Souvenirs

Please stay informed about products that may involve child labor and adhere to local laws concerning the purchase and export of antiquities when you're on an Africa Safari Experts journey. It's essential to refrain from acquiring items originating from endangered or delicate species, both flora and fauna. Be mindful of goods derived from prohibited animals or plants, as it's strictly prohibited to bring such souvenirs to Europe, and you could face significant fines. Here's a list of examples of products and materials that fall into this category:

  1. Any type of coral and coral-based products.
  2. All large shells.
  3. Ivory and ivory-based products.
  4. Cactuses or orchids (e.g., rain sticks made from cactuses are prohibited).
  5. Chinese medicines and plasters.
  6. Any products made from the skins of tortoises, crocodiles, snakes, big cats, butterflies, and parrots.

Your awareness and compliance with these guidelines are vital to ensuring responsible and ethical travel practices during your safari adventures.

Insurance

We recommend a travel cancellation insurance as well as an insurance for the loss of baggage and valuables and an overseas health insurance.

 

Language

Many locals, especially in tourist centres, speak English. Yet, a few Swahili words can be useful and are much appreciated by the locals.

Some important words:
Pole pole: slowly
Asante: thank you
Karibu: please, welcome
Kwa heri: goodbye
Jambo or Habari: hello
Answer to Habari: nzuri (pronounced: nsuri)

 

Money

Common currencies such as US Dollar and Euro are accepted in tourism centres and in hotels and lodges. Credit cards are only partially accepted, with unfavourable courses and high fees (up to 5% service charge). At the ATMs of some banks in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar you can withdraw Tanzanian Shilling with your Maestro card and your credit card. We recommend to take enough cash with you, as ATMs and credit card machines are not reliable and might not work during your stay.

 

Mountain sickness

In order to prevent mountain sickness, hike slowly. Give your body time to adapt to the changing conditions. Plan at least 5 or more overnight stays for the climb. Take your time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.

 

On safari

The distances in Tanzania are long and travelling via car or bus is relatively fatiguing, so plan longer stays in less places. This way, you will see more and not return home exhausted. Do not get too close to the animals and don’t bother them with unnecessary noise. Follow the instructions of the park rangers and guides. Park your vehicle only at designated areas. Keep to official routes in order to avoid damages on plants.

 

Safari vehicles

During our safaris, you will drive with 4-wheel Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers. All of them have convertible roofs, making sure you can observe the animals very well. Mini busses are less common in Tanzania.

Hint:
The road conditions in Tanzania can’t be compared to those within Europe. That is why sometimes smaller breakdowns such as a flat tyre or a damaged wire might occur, which are mostly repaired quickly by the experienced drivers.

 

Safety

Tanzania is generally a safe country. However, don’t tempt fate. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings. Do not walk around the cities at night – take a cab. Refrain from carrying around your camera too openly or higher amounts of cash, beware of pickpockets. Use hotel safes in order to store your valuables and ask for a receipt. You should leave expensive jewellery at home.

 

Shopping

In the tourist regions and hotels you can find a wide range of offers. Before you start your safari or drive to the Kilimanjaro, our driver stops at a supermarket where you can buy some things you might need during the trip.

 

Taking pictures

You should bring enough film material / chip cards and batteries. Please mind protecting your camera from dust and cold temperatures. In case you would like to take pictures of local people, please ask them for their permission.

 

Tips

The escort team during your trip is always trying to make your stay unforgettable. A tip for good service is much appreciated and not included in the travel costs.

Our recommendations are (per day, per group):

 

On Safari:
Driver/guide: 15-20 US$
Cook: 10-15 US$

Kilimanjaro:
Main guide: 15-20 US$
Assistant guide/cook: 10-15 US$
Carrier: 5-10 US$

Meru:
Ranger: 15-20 US$
Assistant guide/cook: 10-15 US$
Carrier: 5-10 US$

On Zanzibar:
Drivers for transfers: 10 US$

 

Travelling with children

Tanzanians like children and are especially helpful towards mothers. However, special baby food (cans, powdered milk etc.) as well as Pampers (attention: imported scented from Saudi Arabia!) are hard to find outside of the more important cities.

 

Visa

Upon entry to Tanzania, you can acquire a tourist visa at the border crossing (e.g. Namanga) and airports (Kilimanjaro Airport, Dar es Salaam). This currently costs 50 US$ for Germans, Austrians, Swiss, the Dutch and is valid for 3 months. The passport has to be valid for at least 6 months after departure.