1. Take
time to read about Tanzanian wildlife and people before you
take the trip.
2. Learn
some words in the local dialect - Kiswahili. Your efforts
will be highly appreciated.
3. Get
all the recommended vaccinations before you go as well as a
prescription for an anti-malarial prophylactic.
4. Be
smart on your safari investment. Carry insurance. Loss due
to trip cancellation or payment for medical treatment abroad
is your responsibility. Ensure your medical coverage
includes air evacuation back home. Take out a short term
membership with Flying Doctors to cover air evacuation by
bush plane out of the Tanzanian wilds to Nairobi, Kenya. You
will be supporting a worthwhile NGO as well.
5.
Ask yourself what it is you
can’t do without on your safari (such as prescription
medicines, spectacles or sun glasses, and hiking boots if
you plan on trekking or climbing mountains) and then hand
carry these articles to Tanzania.
6.
Bring an excellent pair of
binoculars. The ultimate safari binocular is a tough,
waterproof compact binocular with a magnification of between
8x and 12x, has a good field of view and produces a bright
image even in poor light conditions. It must also be at a
price that you can afford to loose.
7. Bring
extra camera batteries, more flash cards than you think you
need (or film) and an inverter for the vehicle’s cigarette
lighter to charge camera batteries. This is especially
important if you intend to do camping without generator
power.
8. Do
not drink the tap water, but do drink plenty of the bottled
water provided by your operator or you can buy for yourself.
You will feel dehydrated under the strong African sun.
9. Prevent
mosquito bites by using insect repellent and make sure you
cover up your arms and legs in the evenings. The malaria
transmitting mosquito is active at night.
10.
Safari dress code is casual.
Carry lightweight clothes which dry quickly and in neutral
colors which do not absorb heat and which blend with nature.
Bring a warm jacket if you are camping on the rim of
Ngorongoro Crater. Arusha town, the starting point for most
of Northern Tanzania Safaris can be chilly at night and
early morning during its winter months of June through to
August. Bring a swimsuit. Many Lodges and hotels have small
swimming pools. Bring a sun hat with a chin strap so it
won’t fly away when you poke your head through the pop-up
roof of the vehicle. Bring a warmer toque or ear protection
for early morning game drives.
11.
Be aware at all times of
wildlife around your accommodations and camp sites. Do not
wander off or walk alone to your room/tent after dark.
12.
Obey the instructions of your
driver/guide in the national parks and game reserves. Do not
get out of the vehicle unless at designated spots or when
the driver says it is safe to do so.
13.
Do not leave your travel
documents, cash, traveler checks or valuables unattended in
your room.
14.
United State dollars is the
currency of choice. Larger denominations have better
exchange rates. Carry smaller denominations for tips. Carry
clean bills without marks or tears and preferably not older
than the year 2003. To cash traveler checks you must present
the original purchase receipt and a copy of your passport.
The exchange rate is better for cash. ATMs are available in
Arusha, Dar as Salaam and on Zanzibar. Let your bank know
that you intend to use their cards away from home. Credit
cards are still not widely accepted and if they are a five
percent surcharge is often imposed.
15.
Tanzanian visas are available
upon arrival at either the airport or border crossing for
US$ 50. Carry the exact amount.
16. After a
safari, a number of tourists take time off to visit Zanzibar
Island. This inhabitants of this island are very hospitable
and mostly Muslim. Activities here involve a historic tour
of the island and learning about culture. The beaches
are amazing and you will probably need your swim suit. Water
sports are available and most equipment is available for
hire.
16.
Practice your bargaining skills
at the local markets and when hunting for souvenir
Kenya