1. CLIMATE:
If there is a perfect climate in the world, surely it is in East Africa. Although it can be hot and sticky by the sea, inland the, air is dry and even at midday the temperatures are equitable. Due to the proximity of the equator, sunrise occurs daily between 0600hrs and 0630hrs while sunset takes place 12 hours later. It can get quite chilly in the early morning and evening hence visitors should pack a sweater. There are two main rainy seasons – usually mid-April to the end of May and November to mid-December. Even during the rains, the weather can be pleasant with rain occurring in the early morning and late in afternoons or evening. The general temperatures currently in Arusha, the Parks, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam range between 27 and 34 degrees celcius.
2. VISA AND HEALTH REGULATIONS:
Visitors must be in possession of valid visa and health documentation on arrival. The regulations vary dependent on nationality and country of origin and should be checked with the nearest tourist office or diplomatic mission. Inoculation centres in the county of origin will provide updated information and advice on health regulations and recommendations. In Tanzania, yellow fever vaccination is a requirement. Cholera vaccinations as well as malaria medication are recommended.
3. MEDICAL ADVICE:
As Tanzania enjoys a healthy, invigorating climate, visitors need feel no concern for their general health during their stay. However, malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malaria medication should be taken according to prescription recommendations. Visitors requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies in their hand luggage. Local chemists are well stocked but the same generic medication may not be readily available. Tap water is considered safe in Arusha. However, on safari, rooms are provided with flasks of filtered and purified water. Mineral water is readily available.
4. CUSTOMS & EXIT REGULATIONS:
Personal effects, film and cameras may by be imported temporarily free of duty. However, professional video equipment, tape recorders, radios, musical instruments and souvenirs from other countries may require a customs bond to ensure re-exportation. Firearms require a special permit which must be obtained in advance.
Baggage is normally inspected by customs officials on arrival and departure. Please strictly adhere to the baggage limitations as advised by the airlines as excess luggage charges can be quite expensive.
Please note luggage limit on the domestic flights is 20Kgs per person. Soft duffel bags are recommended. Please take note this limitation will apply on the Arusha/Zanzibar flights which please advise the clients accordingly.
5. CURRENCY:
There is no restriction to the amount of foreign currency a visitor may import provided that it is exchanged through authorized dealers only.
It is essential to retain a receipt for each transaction in order to re-exchange the local currency on departure. Well known credit cards are widely accepted in Kenya but to a lesser extend in Tanzania. U.S dollars, Euros and travellers cheques are the most widely accepted form of payment. It is a legal offence to deface the local currency.
6. BANKS:
Banking hours are from 09.00hrs to 1400hrs Monday to Friday. A few banks open on Saturdays for a few hours, usually from 0900hrs to 1100hrs. Most Hotels/Lodges change money outside these hours.
7. SECURITY:
Normal precautions as in any other destination worldwide should be taken. Keep a close watch on handbags, wallets and cameras when walking in crowded places and avoid walking at night (take a taxi). Place all valuables in safely deposit boxes at Hotels & Lodges and only carry small amounts of cash. Wear as little jewellery as possible, if any, and never leave valuables on show in an unattended car or tour vehicle. Taking photographs at Airports, near military installations, of policemen, the President, the national flag, the State House, Government State Lodges, soldiers, prisons & prisoners etc is prohibited. Before photographing local people, permission should the obtained and a fixed price agreed. Seek the assistance of your driver/guide in this matter.
8. HOTEL CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT:
The standard check-out time is 1000hrs, hence rooms may not normally be ready for occupancy until 1200hrs (noon). Should an early arrival be anticipated, please reserve rooms from the preceding night. Day rooms upto 1800hrs are usually available but at a charge.
9. DRIVING:
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10. CLOTHING:
Safari clothing should be casual and comfortable. Cotton slacks and shirts, with skirts and culottes for ladies and a light sweater or jacket, during the day. Evening wear in game lodge and safari camps can be very casual. At high altitudes (like Ngorongoro), where early morning and evenings can very chilly, warm sweaters, socks and comfortable shoes are recommended. Pack suntan lotion, swimwear (to be reserved for the beach and pool only), a small first aid kit, a flash light and alarm clock. Local customs and modesty should be respected. The cultures of the Zanzibar coast do not allow almost nude dressing, particularly on the beaches. The dressing should be quite modest.
11. LAUNDRY:
Most Hotels, game Lodges and safari Camps offer a 24-hour inexpensive laundry service. sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur.
12. ELECTRICITY:
Voltage in East Africa is 240 volts/50 cycles AC, British standard generally through three-pin square plugs. Some Lodges and Camps have power only in the early mornings and evenings and, in some, video charging facilities are centralized.
13. LUGGAGE:
We strongly recommend that luggage is limited to one piece per person. A small overnight bag is essential. All city/town Hotels provide secure storage for left luggage. On all itineraries where journey by the local light aircrafts are involved, the baggage allowance is 20Kgs per person.
Although every care will taken with clients luggage, Dakina Safaris accepts no liability for loss of or damage to luggage while travelling on international/local flights and whilst on safari and clients are strongly recommended to effect personal luggage insurance before leaving home.
14. PHOTOGRAPHY:
There is no shortage of the more usual film throughout East Africa except in Tanzania where these may not be readily available. However, it is expensive and visitors are requested to bring plentiful supplies, especially where specialist film is concerned. As a general guide, double the amount of film normally needed in other destinations.
For wildlife photography, a 35mm single reflex camera, with telephoto lens of 200mm to 300mm is recommended. Large lens which require a tripod, or double reflex cameras are generally impractical. An ultra violet filter, waterproof dust cover and spare batteries are essential. A pair of good quality binoculars for each person will be a great asset.
15. EAST AFRICA WIDLIFE SOCIETY:
For a small sum, we can enrol the clients as members of this society. They will receive an annual subscription of Swara, the Society’s monthly magazine together with an attractive pin and membership certificate. The Society can also arrange a film show on wildlife conservation but at Nairobi Hotels.
16. THE FLYIN DOCTORS’ SOCIETY AFRICA:
For clients who may not be already covered by their international insurance, we would strongly recommend that they take out a temporary tourist membership of the Flying Doctors’ Society. In case of serious illness or injury, the Flying Doctors’ Society will provide emergency first Aid treatment and air evacuation to the nearest hospital. Please note enrolment does NOT include the cost of medical expenses incurred. Only evacuation is included.
17. RECOMMEMENDED TIPPING GUIDELINES:
As you already know, tipping is NOT mandatory and this can only depend on the clients’ personal feeling/judgement of level of service offered, whether it is satisfactory or below expectations. The below is the general guideline but it is not limited to this:
a) Porters - 2 euro per client per check-in
b) Restaurants – 10% of the bill
c) Safari driver/guide - 4 Euro per client per day