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Planning your Safari
The current visa price for US citizens is USD $100 per person, and USD $50 for most of other nationalities.Your visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport or at any entry point into Tanzania such as at Dar-es-salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport, Namanga (Tanzania - Kenya Border Post to the North).You must have a valid passport at least six months from your date on arrival.The fees must be paid in cash in US dollars.
HEALTH
Check with your doctor travel center in your country for current recommendations and advice earlier before planning your trip.
The yellow fever vaccine is required upon entering Tanzania and Zanzibar. It should be taken at least 14 days before arrival. Visitors are advised to take anti malaria tablets, consult your doctor or center for disease control in good time before departure.
Common diseases in Tanzania: amoeba dysentery, bacteria dysentery, typhoid, cholera, malaria, yellow fever, hepatitis A, bilharzia and AIDS. These are all preventable, and in some instances, a vaccine can be given before departing. Note that some vaccines need to be taken six months before arrival.
Although Kilimanjaro climb is described as available to anyone who is reasonably fit, the strenous exercise,cold and high altitude may have adverse effects.If in doubt please consult your doctor in time.
Taylor Safaris requires that all clients arrange their own personal travel insurance to cover their medical, property and other personal risks for the duration of their trip.
Temporary one month membership to AMREF's Flying Doctors' Society may be purchased with your safari arrangements. The coverage provides services of a light aircraft and skilled doctors for emergency treatment and evacuation to Nairobi,Kenya during incidents resulting fom accidents or medical emergencies during your safari.
This is only supplemental to and not to be a replacement for standard travel insurance policy.
All our clients are covered by AAR Emergency Rescue and Evacuation insurance, but we recommend clients to get international health insurance.
Please visit htt://www.internationalinsurance.com for more info.
WATER
Do not drink the water from the tap, nor brush you teeth with it. Use bottled mineral water, which is easily available. Do not share eating utensils or drink from the same glass/bottle. Salads, fruits and vegetables should be rinsed thoroughly in boiled or purified water. Meat must be thoroughly cooked.
WEATHER
January is very hot in East Africa.December to March is the summer with rain showers.During DAYTIME you may wear casual clothing,t-shirts and shorts.At EVENING it may get very colder, wear warm clothes or trousers and long sleeves, and sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquito repellents should not contain more than 30% Deet, as it can harm your skin. Do not swim in lakes, which causes a high risk of contracting bilharzia.
CURRENCY
Tanzania uses Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).Many banks operating hours are between 9am and 4pm weekdays.But there are many Foregin-Exchange shops in urban centers that operate from 8am to 5pm daily except sundays.
CREDIT CARDS
Most hotels and lodges including shops and restaurants accept major credits cards,currently VISA and MASTERCARDS. Also ATM points are availbale in urband centers.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Generally, photography is allowed in Tanzania. However do not take pictures of Government personnel,buildings including banks. Most people are offended if taken pictures without permission,please ask your driver/guide for assitance before taking pictures.Otherwise please take as many pictures as you want of the wildlife.
TIPPING
As a sign of appreciation you may tip those who offer you services at hotels and porters. However, tipping remains entirely up to you, and we recommend not les than $5 tip.
POWER VOLTAGE
Tanzania power supply is 220-240 VOLTS. The power outlets are usually wide, three pronged rectangular outlets.Most hotels and lodges provide adapters. You may also purchase adapters at city centers should you need one.Please ask the driver/guide for more information.
WHAT TO BRING
Clothes for safari should be light, comfortable and not too brightly colored. There is little to no requirement for anything formal. A light jacket or sweater may be needed in the evenings at higher altitudes such as Ngorongoro crater rim.For Kilimanjaro climbs, heavy and proper mountain gear should be a necessary.
Comfortable walking shoes are an essential, as is a hat.Sunglasses and a spare pair of prescription glasses are also suggested.Don't forget a swimming costume for use at the lodge pools.
Most people bring binoculars and/or cameras and video equipment with plenty of tape or film. Zoom or telephoto lenses are likely to be useful. Film is also available at most lodges/camps but can be expensive. Almost all lodges/camps including our private and shared luxury tented camps have power points to facilitate charging of digital cameras and laptops.
Most of the hotels and lodges will spray rooms and provide mosquito nets, but do bring your own insect repellent sprays.
A flashlight is always useful.
There will be no television or radio in most places, so you might want to bring an iPod, little short-wave radio or Walkman if you want to keep up with world events or listen to some music.
Remember that safari vehicles and light aircraft have tight limits on the size and weight of luggage carried. Depending on your itinerary, it may be possible to leave some luggage in your hotel in Arusha or at the Taylor Safaris office for the duration of your safari.
For ease in loading luggage in both the safari vehicle and any light aircraft, soft sided bags are strongly suggested. For participants in scheduled departures, soft sided bags are required.
DO'S AND DON'TS IN THE NATIONAL PARKS AND GAME RESERVES
* Do not feed the animals.
* Do give animals the right of way and do not disturb wildlife.
* Do not leave your vehicle except for designated viewing points.
* Do not make noise or play your music too loud, as it may chase away animamls.
* Do not litter.There are litter bins in designated places or you may leave it in your vehicle for later disposal.
* Do not throw out cigarettes or start fires.
* Do not take any plant or animals,dead or alive.
* DO NOT FORGET TO ENJOY YOUR SAFARI.
