Travel and Tourism helpful tips for people going to Tanzania

[AfricanTraveltips]

Exclusive, new dimension helpful info-travel tips for tourists moving to Tanzania.

Currently many people from abroad/overseas are seeking information about Tanzania.
These people are Tourists/Travelers, Investors, Business people, Researchers, Students, and other group of people.
Luckily, there is National Website which is; http://www.tanzania.go.tz

How to get in to Tanzania;

Several major Airlines get into Tanzania;
KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines) get into lands at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA/JRO) and Dar es salaam International Airport (DIA) daily.

British Airways and Swiss Airlines lands at DIA at least twice a week.

Other Airlines are South African Airlines (SAA), Emirates, Oman Air, Ethiopian Airways, and Kenya Airways.

We have domestic flights network covering all tourists’ destinations in East Africa.
Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Zan Air, Coastal Aviation, Regional Air and other small charters.

Hint: Have you heard of Tanzanite Gemstone/jewel? Undoubtfully you have heard. Tanzanite is a famous and most beautiful blue gemstone found in one place and only in Tanzania. Tanzanite jewel is found sold many places in most countries in the World. When a Traveler get chance to visit Tanzania is high time you have a good luck to purchase Tanzanite in relatively low prices. Just consult your Tour Operator to help you find registered Gemstone Dealers or Jewel Agents.

Immigration: An onward ticket and sufficient funds are required when entering Tanzania. Visas required by all visitors except citizens of the Commonwealth, Scandinavian countries and the Republic of Ireland. It is very easy to get a visa at any Tanzanian embassy abroad. The visa fee depends on the type of passport held. A visitor’s pass is required for all travelers. This can be obtained free from any Tanzanian diplomatic mission or point of entry. It is advisable to get one before you leave home.

When to Visit; Tanzania has a Tropical climate. The central plateau is dry and arid with hot days and cool nights, while the north-west highlands are cool and temperate. June to September is the cooler season. There is no winter here. Temperatures in northern Tanzania range between 60 – 70 degree Fahrenheit during the day and 40 -50 degree Fahrenheit at night from May to October. From November to March, the day –time temperatures varies from70-90 degree Fahrenheit and from 60 – 75 degree Fahrenheit at night.

The ‘long rains’ are from March to May and the ‘short rains’ are between October and December. The hottest months are between October and February. On the coast, it rains in November and December. From March to May, Coastal areas are hot and humid although sea breezes cool the area pleasantly between June and September.

Safari Dress; in wildlife lodges and country hotels, the emphasis is on comfort and informality. For ladies light, easy to wash, drip –dry blouses, skirts dresses, light khaki trousers and bush jackets go well. For evenings, light dresses or trouser suits are suitable. For men, drip –dry casual shirts, short khaki trousers and bush jackets are ideal. Evening attire in towns can consist of light suits or long sleeved shirt and tie.

Bright colours should be avoided while viewing wildlife. Visitors to Ngorongoro are advised to carry a pullover as it can be chilly after sunset. A bush hat or a scarf for protection against the sun and dust is a must. It is very useful to carry a pair of sunglasses, insect repellent, suntan lotion and a flashlight.

Photographing; It is advisable to ask a permission before photographic any event relating to certain tribes like Maasai, Hadzables, Datoga. These tribes are very conservative and have maintained their original traditional customs. They still do primitive pastoralism, wild fruits gathering and wearing local made materials covering part or half of body.

Some Government Institutions and Organizations don’t allow any photographic action to them or near to them. These are Military Camps and Bank of Tanzania just for security purpose.
When on the road and hear traffic hail don’t continue driving or walking, if you have the car park aside or if walking step aside. This is the signal that the top Government Leader is passing like President, Vice President and Prime Minister.
Mountain Climbing-Kilimanjaro, Meru and Africa safari packages- Price fluctuations;

Park fees entrance to National Parks and Ngorongoro Crater fees has increased but still there is only slight change of price for Travel Packages. I hope most of you is aware of this price changes. CHECK TANZANIA NATIONAL PARKS WEBSITE;
http://www.tanzaniaparks.com and Ngorongoro conservation area (Ngorongoro Crater) http://www.ngorongoro-crater-africa.org

Some of the greatest tourist destinations in East Africa;
Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, the highest free standing mountain in the World, One of the Largest Volcano on Earth and much more characteristics…

Ngorongoro Crater is a pioneering experiment in multiple land use where pastoralism, conservation and tourism co exist. It is an International Biosphere Reserve and much more characteristics.

Selous Game Reserve, Spice Island of Zanzibar, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro are some of World Heritage Sites in Tanzania.
These are some of stunning and fascinating Tourist destinations of high aesthetic and intrinsic value to both indigenous people and Visitors from outside Tanzania

Mombasa beach, Amboseli, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Aberdare, National Parks in Kenya.

Kampala, Jinja cities, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Ruwenzori National Park in Uganda.



Below are common Budget prices mostly used by most Tour Operators and widely accepted by those Tourists seeking quality standard Safaris.
Many Tourists have the behaviour to pop into Tanzania without any prior booking for their Safaris. I have the common prices which are relatively cheap and is a good price standard for Safari. if some one is looking extra comfort or Luxury Safari just enquiry to the Tour operator. How ever the difference in price shouldn’t be very higher between Budget and Luxury safaris.
Budget prices are; Mount Kilimanjaro climbing is 960 US $ per person for 6 days.
Price inclusive of transfer to the Kilimanjaro gate, park entrance fees, rescue fees, accommodation in the mountain, all food, guide and porters salaries, clean and safe water, first aid, certificate, transfer back to town.

The price for Wildlife safaris mid range is 195 US $ per person per day -Lodge Safari.

The Budget objective viewing safari price is 165 US $ per person per day -Lodge Safari.

The Basic camping Safari is 135 US $ per person per day.

Budget camping Safari is 115 US $ per person per day.

The Transfer from Airport Or arrival point but is about 20 US or less per person.

The Hotel Accommodation is about 25 US $ per person per day.

The above prices are applicable for minimum 3 people who are traveling. If you are alone, seek to join a group so that the cheap prices above can be possible. Normally if you book directly from your country is more convenient as the Tour Company will find a group for you automatically. You don’t have to worry as you have given enough time to schedule your travel plans and at the same time get real cheap price.

.This is approximate prices and it depends on how many people are you. If you are more than five people, price can be less.

Health: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is essential if arriving from yellow fever infected areas. Anti-malaria tablets are recommended. Take prescribed drugs a few days prior to arrival, during your stay, and for a short period after returning. Boil or sterilize drinking water and milk. Cook or peel vegetables. Private health insurance is recommended.

Currency; There is no restriction on the importation of foreign currency. Foreign currency can be changed at the bureau de change which offer better rate than the banks.

Insurance; you are strongly advised to have your own insurance cover to cover baggage, personal accident and medical expenses.

Tipping; Tipping is not obligatory. Tipping is at the discretion of the visitor and the following should only be used a guideline.

PORTERAGE: US $ 1.00 per bag.

DINING ROOM STAFF: US $ 1.00 per person.

Driver Guide; US $ 15.00 per day.

Mountain climb Guide; US $ 15.00 per day.
For outstanding personal service, you may decide to give a higher tip.

Helpful travel tips; Tanzanians are generally very friendly people. We would like you enjoy your stay in this country therefore:

i- Don’t change money in the streets even if you are given a good rate as you might be cheated. Go to bureau change.
ii- Don’t go to too cheaper Tour Operator the services might be too disappointing or vehicles used can broke in the middle of safari, or poor accommodation or any mishap pens like any cheating. Just try to compare prices, and choose, accept the standard prices.
iii- Always ride in registered taxis.
iv- Don’t take fastest buses.
v- Never walk unaccompanied at night in poorly –lit streets or along deserted streets.
vi- When shopping in streets bazaars, always bargain. However some prices e.g in restaurants are fixed and you might be mistaken for miser if you start bargaining.
vii- Always choose a guest house or lodge that has a working telephone.



Other useful links for information for those Travelers/Tourists heading to Tanzania are as follows

http://groups.google.com/group/Afric...ismntravelinfo


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/green-travel/links


Thank you for reading this article, add some of your useful travel tips here, or ask question or any contribution here is very much appreciated. Tell a friend about this article.


http://www.freewebs.com/kilimanjarotanzanite