FACTS ABOUT TANZANIA

Habari! Tanzania is a country known for its warm and open people, and its spectacular wealth of natural beauty. The following information will be useful as you prepare for your trip to northern Tanzania to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and travel across the Serengeti. Read this info carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for choosing World Tours and Safaris Tanzania!

Passport & Visa: Visas are required for U.S. citizens travelling in Tanzania. The visa application form and specific instructions for submission can be obtained by going to the following web site http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/. The application form must be submitted to the Tanzanian Embassy in Washington DC along with a valid passport at least six months before expiry, a recent passport-size photo and stamped, self-addressed envelope. The cost of a single entry, 3-month visa is $50USD payable in cash or money order. Your visa will be valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.

Please note the following when filling out your form.
10. Name of Travel Agent/Tour Operator: WORLD TOURS AND SAFARIS TANZANIA
11. Contact Person(s) in Tanzania: MR RICHARD R. KILONZO Address: PO Box 7402, ARUSHA, TANZANIA
13. Type of Visa applied: X Tourist
14. Category of Visa applied: X Single

Map of Tanzania

• Population estimated at 35 to 40 million, with over 3 million living in Dar es Salaam, the biggest city (2002 census). Tanzania is a union of Zanzibar and Tanganyika. For further information see Zanzibar History.

• Dodoma is the capital city. President JAKAYA MRISHO KIKWETE is the leader of the current ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) .

• The Tanzanian Shilling is the unit of currency. It is possible to change traveler’s cheques in the main tourist areas, namely Dar, Arusha, Moshi and Zanzibar - but we don't recommend it due to bad rates and high commission fees. Major banks and hotels in other locations may also accept or change travelers cheques although the latter are often more trouble than they are worth. Credit cards are accepted in some major hotels and restaurants, and there are now many ATM machines in Dar es Salaam, several in Arusha and on Zanzibar.

• There are two official languages: Kiswahili and English, and more than 100 different tribal languages.

• Christianity and Muslim are the main religions, with the coastal areas, especially the islands, being predominantly Muslim.

• Tanzania is 945,166 sq km in size, which equates to approximately 4 times the size of Great Britain. It shares its borders with eight other African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

• Tanzania's time zone is GMT + 3 hours. Due to the proximity to the equator the hours of daylight and darkness are fairly even.

• Most visitors to Tanzania will need a valid Tourist Visa. These can be issued on entry and recently Dar es Salaam International Airport has modernized its visa processing; however it takes time on arrival, and there is always a queue, so we recommend for ease and convenience arriving with your visa already in your passport. Check with the Tanzanian Embassy in your country of origin before departure.

The Weather
Tanzania has a pleasant tropical climate. Hot and humid along the coast (expect daytime temperatures of about 30'c), it becomes more comfortable as you move inland. Some areas lying at altitudes above 1000m are quite cool, and even surprisingly chilly at night, so a warm fleece or jacket may be needed. July, August and September tend to be the cooler months, with February usually being the hottest.

Most of the rainfall occurs between November and May, split into two rainy seasons. The short rains start in November and last 4 to 6 weeks. Long rains usually begin around March and continue through until the end of May. However the rains have been somewhat erratic in the past couple of years and it is hard to predict exactly when they will begin.

National Parks and other Protected Areas
Tanzania is one of the most spectacular and captivating countries in Africa, with scenery of unimaginable beauty and a high cultural diversity. Although more than 25% of the land is afforded with some form of protection, (more than any other African country), it is an unfortunate reality that many of the remaining wildernesses, particularly in the southern regions, do not receive an adequate level of protection and may soon cease to exist. It is our aim to draw attention to these areas and provide an economic reason for their protection.

Tanzania has 14 National Parks and numerous other conservation areas, ranging from the world famous Serengeti National Park and Selous Game Reserve to the more obscure Amani Nature Reserve and recently gazette Kitulo Plateau National Park.

Tanzania is home to more than 80 large mammals, including the famous Big Five, and over a thousand species of birds!

What to Pack
There are several types of holiday options in Tanzania, ranging from a week or two relaxing on the idyllic beaches to the adventurous treks up Mount Kilimanjaro. Basic items of clothing (such as t-shirts) can be bought in even the most remote villages, so you can afford to pack light. Below is a brief list of a few essential items: What to Bring.

CLOTHING
2 LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS
2 COTTON T-SHIRTS
1 BREATHABLE TREKKING SHIRT
1 PAIR WALKING SHORTS/TROUSERS (lightweight, zip-off combo works well)
1 SKIRT (women)
1 VERY WARM WINDPROOF, WATERPROOF JACKET with HOOD
1 PAIR WARM TROUSERS (silhouettes or fleece)
1 PAIR GAITERS or WATERPROOF OVER-TROUSERS
1 WOOL SWEATER or FLEECE
1 PAIR COMFORTABLE HIKING BOOTS
1 PAIR SNEAKERS or SANDALS
3 PAIR WARM WALKING SOCKS (e.g., wool)
2 PAIR SOCK LINERS (thin, polypropylene)
2 PAIR NORMAL SOCKS
1 PAIR LONG UNDERWEAR (top & bottom)
1 PAIR WARM GLOVES
1 PAIR WARM MITTENS
1 HANDKERCHIEF, BANDANA or SCARF
1 SUN HAT
1 WOOL or FLEECE HAT or BALACLAVA

*Plan to wear neutral colors (khaki, green or brown) on safari.

EQUIPMENT
1 MEDIUM-LARGE DUFFLE
1 DAY PACK (at least 40 liter capacity)
1 PLASTIC COVER FOR EACH PACK
1 4-SEASON SLEEPING BAG & INSULATED MAT
1 PAIR GOOD SUNGLASSES or GLACIER GLASSES
1 HEADLAMP (4.5 volts with SPARE BATTERIES/BULBS)
1 FLASHLIGHT (with SPARE BATTERIES/BULBS)
1 SM. ROLL DUCT TAPE
2 1-liter WATER BOTTLES (e.g., Anlagen type)
1 MONEY BELT or EQUIVALENT
TOILETRIES/ PERSONAL FIRST AID (see below)
EXTRA SHOELACES
WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS OR FILTER
GAS LIGHTER (BIC)
POCKET KNIFE (MULTI-PURPOSE)
SEVERAL LARGE HEAVY DUTY PLASTIC BAGS
PASSPORT/IMMUNIZATION DOCUMENTS (& PHOTOCOPIES)

Optional equipment
DOWN JACKET
TREKKING POLE(s) - telescopic
BINOCULARS or MONOCULAR
CAMERA, LENS & FILM (LOTS!)
UMBRELLA
SLEEPING CLOTHES
WATCH/ALARM CLOCK
JOURNAL/DIARY, PENS, BOOK(S)
CASSETTE/CD PLAYER & TAPES/CDs (R)
CANDLE, MATCHES
BIODEGRADABLE LAUNDRY DETERGENT
PEE BOTTLE
NUTRITIONAL SNACKS (e.g., food bars, beef jerky, etc.)
SMALL GIFTS (e.g., pens, key chains, nail clippers, etc.)

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
The following is a checklist to help in planning what to take. Please consult with your physician.

Over the Counter (Conservative quantities, please.)
DRESSINGS, BANDAIDS, MOLESKIN &/or MOLEFOAM
GUAZE & TAPE BANDAGES FOR SPRAINS
ANTISEPTIC (iodine or Beta dyne)
ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT
ANTACID/PEPTO-BISMOL (tabs)
HYDROCORTISONE CREAM
CALAMINE LOTION
ASPIRIN or ACETAMINOPHEN / IBUPROFEN
ANTIHISTAMINE (decongestant, insect bites)
ANTI-DIARRHEA MEDICATION (Imodium)
REHYDRATION SALTS
COLD & FLU TABLETS
THROAT LOZENGES SUNSCREEN (strong)
LIP BALM (containing sunscreen)
INSECT REPELLENT (DEET-based, scent-free)
Rx Medications
BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTIC
TINIDAZOLE or FASIGYM (for Guardia)
ANTI-DIARRHEA MEDICATION (e.g., Copra)
PAIN MEDICATION (e.g., codeine)

Optional
DIAMOX
MULTI-VITAMINS
MALARIA MEDICATION

TOILETRIES (Conservative quantities, please.)
SOAP, DEODORANT & SHAMPOO (Biodegradable)
MOISTURIZER
TOWELETTES (regular &/or anti-bacterial)
TALCUM POWDER
FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS
SPARE GLASSES & CONTACT LENSES (with solution)
CONTRACEPTIVES
WASH CLOTH & SMALL CAMPING TOWEL
TOILET PAPER
MIRROR (small)

IMMUNIZATIONS (consult with your physician.)
YELLOW FEVER (Required)
TETANUS & DIPHTHERIA
POLIO
TYPHOID FEVER
HEPATITIS A & B
MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS
CHOLERA

The clothes you need depend on what you intend to do. For hiking activities you'll need good quality trousers, a shirt or t-shirt and maybe even a jumper or fleece if you are heading up where it may be cold. Shorts are not always practical for hiking as there may be rough grasses which can irritate your skin. You will need specialist gear if you intend to climb Kilimanjaro, which can be hired for the trip.

On game drives you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. It is best to stick to subtle lighter colures. If you have fair skin it is a good idea to always have a long sleeved shirt at hand for sun protection. It can be surprisingly cool on the mornings, especially when you are perched on top of your safari vehicle moving through the bush, so a light windbreak jacket or fleece will be useful.

If you are venturing out on an extended camping safari then you will need to bring along several changes of clothes. It will usually be possible to get laundry done along the way, but it helps if your clothes are made from quick drying fabrics - denim should be avoided. Camping shops are now full of hi-spec gear that is designed to keep you cool and dries in minutes. In some locations long sleeves and trousers are recommended for evening wear to avoid insect bites.

World Tours & Safaris Tanzania will supply all camping equipment. You may want to bring your own sleeping bag or sheet.

Be Respectful
Tanzania's large Muslim population mainly live around the coastal regions and on the islands. However it is still important to dress decently when in any town or village, even inland. Women should cover their knees and shoulders and avoid low revealing tops. Skirts are considered more conventional than trousers.

It is also more respectable for a man to wear trousers rather than shorts, and it is not acceptable to walk around in public without a shirt. When staying in a National Park or Reserve, at a lodge or campsite, it is acceptable to wear shorts and sleeveless tops.

Ladies
To avoid any extra attention dress sensibly, following the guidelines above. This cannot be stressed enough for places like Zanzibar and Pemba. You will notice that many of the women in Tanzania secure a Kanga (sarong) over whatever they are wearing. This usually serves to keep their clothes clean but you may find a Kanga very useful, and easier than changing from shorts to long skirt all the time. You can also throw a light scarf around your shoulders when walking around town.

On the beaches topless or nude sunbathing is prohibited, and ignoring this rule could find you being harassed by the authorities. Bikinis are OK, but avoid the tiny string bikinis, and again keep a sarong to hand.

Sanitary supplies are usually available in bigger towns, but you should bring enough with you. You may also find a travel pack of baby wipes very useful on camping trips and game drives.

Health/Medical Precautions
Is it safe to drink the water?
Botswana: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places. Remember water is a scarce resource, especially in this drought-stricken country, so please be respectful and help to conserve water.

Kenya: While mains water in major towns is chlorinated and relatively safe to drink, it is safer to stick to sealed bottled water, available from most hotels and lodges.

Mozambique: It is safer to stick to bottled water.

Namibia: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places. Remember water is as precious as diamonds in this drought-stricken land.

South Africa: The tap water in South Africa is safe to drink. If you prefer, bottled water is available.

Tanzania: It is advisable to drink boiled or bottled water, bottled or canned drinks. If camping - bring drinking water and all other camping provisions.

Zambia: Tap water is usually safe to drink, but bottled water can be purchased if preferred.

Zimbabwe: Tap water is purified and safe to drink at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places.

Are there any medical precautions?
As vaccination requirements change from time to time, we suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for prophylactics and the latest health precautions. Some countries require advance inoculations (and certificates thereof) - The Safari Company will advise you of these. Most lodges have qualified emergency first-aid staff members.

Malaria is present in many parts of Africa - we will advise you if you will be visiting a malaria area. Anti-malarial precautions are essential when travelling to Africa with exception to some parts of South Africa.

If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).