Tips and recommendations for travelers

Preparing for trip to Tanzania

– Prepare copies and electronic versions of all essential documents, including your passport, driving licenses, and yellow fever vaccination certificate.
– Ensure you’ve received all necessary vaccinations for travel to Tanzania.
– Verify that your credit card and bank cards are enabled for international use. Inform your bank of your travel plans in advance and keep contact numbers handy in case of card loss or blockage.
– Pack your essentials in your carry-on luggage and avoid including prohibited items.
– While rare, luggage delays can happen. If your checked luggage is delayed, don’t worry.

In Tanzania

Tanzania is renowned for its safety and tranquility, but it’s wise to adhere to common travel safety practices, as you would anywhere:

– Avoid flaunting large sums of money. When exchanging currency or using ATMs, ensure to count your money in a secure and private location, away from public view.
– If carrying valuable equipment like a camera or laptop, consider utilizing a taxi for transportation, particularly during nighttime outings. Many hotels provide safe boxes or offer the option to store expensive items at the reception desk for added security.
– Opt for registered taxis over private vehicles. Official taxis bear white license plates with clear registration numbers, typically seen on each door. In cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, official taxis are usually white cars with green lettering. Should you need transportation, don’t hesitate to request assistance from  your hotel.
– In Arusha and Zanzibar, specialized Tourism Police Forces are dedicated to supporting and assisting tourists. If encountered with any issues, we can facilitate communication with the Tourism Police Force.
– Refrain from exchanging currency on the street. Tanzanian laws now mandate currency exchange solely at authorized bureaus or banks.
– Insist on receiving a receipt for every transaction. Legitimate businesses in Tanzania provide official receipts bearing a tax number. When shopping, always request an official receipt. While some local craft markets may operate differently, it’s advisable to purchase handmade items and gifts from locations recommended by your tour guide. Your driver-guide can even arrange a dedicated day for souvenir shopping, ensuring access to authentic goods at reputable craft markets.

While Climbing Kilimanjaro / Meru

Here are some refined suggestions:

– Avoid bringing valuables such as laptops and smartphones on your mountain trek, as they are prone to damage in extreme weather conditions. Additionally, charging electronics can be challenging during the trek, but rest assured, all guides carry phones and radios for communication.

– Stay hydrated by aiming to drink 3-4 liters of water daily. Proper hydration expedites the process of high-altitude adaptation and minimizes unpleasant symptoms.

– Take advantage of the free time in the afternoons during your mountain trek by engaging in leisure activities like reading, listening to music on an MP3 player, playing cards, or other enjoyable pastimes.

– Consider tipping your climbing team to show appreciation for their hard work. You can conveniently leave a tip at the office upon your return, ensuring fair distribution among the guides, cook, and porters. While the recommended amount for an expedition is $200-250 per person, adjustments can be made based on your preferences for distribution.

While on Safari

Consider these refined suggestions:

– As Ngorongoro can be chilly in the early morning and at night, ensure to pack warm layers such as trousers and a fleece jacket if you plan to visit this renowned site.

– Don’t forget to bring wet wipes, especially during high season when the area tends to be dusty. These wipes offer a convenient and travel-friendly solution to keep clean.

– Pack a change of clothes for each day of your journey to stay fresh and comfortable throughout your safari experience.

– Opt for earthy tones like khaki, dark green, and neutrals for your safari attire to blend in with nature during walking safaris and bush drives. Bright colors like white, yellow, and blue jeans not only fail to camouflage you but also easily show dust.

– Equip yourself with a high-quality camera complete with special lens attachments to capture stunning wildlife photographs. The investment in additional camera equipment will undoubtedly pay off in capturing memorable moments.

– In line with customary practices, tipping is appreciated in Tanzania’s hospitality industry. For safari guides, the recommended amount is $40-60 per day per vehicle. In hotels, tipping $1-2 for baggage assistance and offering small tips to restaurant waitstaff are common gestures of gratitude.

In Zanzibar

Here are some polished suggestions:

– While Zanzibar is a popular tourist destination, it’s important to respect the conservative Muslim culture of the majority of the population. When exploring areas like Stonetown or leaving your hotel, opt for modest attire. At the hotel pool or private beach, bathing suits are acceptable, but men should wear shirts and women should choose dresses that cover their knees when dining out or shopping. Public displays of affection, such as kissing, should be avoided, though hand-holding is acceptable.

– Beware of individuals known as “Beach Boys” who may offer services directly from the beach in front of your accommodation. Often, these individuals lack official offices or boats, and tourists may end up spending more money than intended. For safer and more reliable tour or excursion bookings, seek recommendations from your hotel for reputable companies instead of booking with unknown individuals.

– In encounters with persistent sellers who refuse to accept “No” for an answer, it’s essential to maintain firm but polite boundaries. It’s considered impolite, even in Tanzania, to pressure someone after they’ve declined. You can assertively refuse, ignore them and walk away, or politely ask them to respect your decision and leave you alone.