1:INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
British Airways flies direct to Dar es Salaam, from Heathrow, three times weekly, with a flying time of 9 hours 40 minutes. Other carriers operate to Tanzania via Europe are:
- KLM from Amsterdam to Dar es salaam and Kilimanjaro.
- Air India flies to Dar es Salaam via Mumbai
- Emirates via Dubai
- Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa.
- Gulf Air/Oman Air flies to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar via Muscart.
- Regional carrier flights into Tanzania include Air Tanzania, Air Kenya, Kenya Airways, Precision Air and South African Airways.
For clients who land in Kilimanjaro from the United States, it is best to take North West Airlines, www.nwa.com
2:INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
International flights serve Dar es Salaam (DAR), eight miles from the city center and Kilimanjaro(JRO), 31 miles from Arusha. Zanzibar (ZNZ) airport is five miles from Kisauni.
3:PASSPORTS 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 Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro international airports and at the Namanga 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. Although part of the Union of Tanzania visas are required even on a day visit. Help link http://tanzania-un.org/index.asp?pgid=74
4:IMMUNIZATION AND HEALTH
Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce international certificates of vaccination this is particularly relevant for those traveling from neighboring African countries. The UK department of health recommended 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 Dar es salaam and other major centers. There are only a limited numbers of chemists in the country, so visitors are advised to bring their own medicine with them.Help link http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationTanzania.aspx
5:WHAT TO TAKE
Don't forget the camera, camcorder and binoculars and take a flash light for finding your way around your camp at night. Stock up with the replacement batteries for all these goods. Take sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm and some insect repellent, it is better not to get stung even if you taking anti-malaria tablets. It's best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit. A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea. Take a plenty of film, it is difficult to obtain outside the main centers. While traveler's checks can be exchanged in cities and towns, banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, so take plenty of cash.
6:TRAVEL LIGHT
Some safaris/ air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kg maximum.
7:LANGUAGE
English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili are always appreciated, such as Jambo (hello).
8:CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Tanzania 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 and travelers) checks are accepted and are convertible at the banks and bureau change in the main towns and tourist areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted and have poor exchange rates. Do not change money in the street, however favorable the rate appears.
9:ON SAFARI
Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road can be tiring, so it is wise to spend more time in fewer parks. You will see more and won't return home exhausted. Keep your distance from the animals and be quiet to avoid distressing them. Always follow the instruction of your Ranger or guide. Don't leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to established tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.
10:WHAT TO WEAR
It never gets really cold in Tanzania so light weight clothing is the norm. On safari avoid brightly colored clothes as they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and khaki are preferred. Short sleeved shirts/ blouses and shorts are ideal, but pack a sweater, it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening. Wear a hat to avoid sun-stroke and don?t forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible-walking through the bush is not like strolling through Hyde Park-and for climbing 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 the towns or villages as revealing clothes can cause offense, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas. On the beach, and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity certainly is not.
11:AIRPORT TAX
An airport tax of US$30is levied, which may be included in the price of an air ticket.