Travel, Tourism and African wildlife Safari Information travel tips

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Tanzania Travel Tips. Tanzania Travel Tips are generally applicable in Kenya, Uganda or any other country. Climbing Mt.Kilimanjaro trip is the beacon which attracts many Tourists in East Africa. Kilimanjaro trekking can be done through Machame, Shira, Rongai, Marangu, Umbwe, western Breach-Arrow Glacier, Londorosi/Lemosho routes to the Kibo –Uhuru summit 5895m. I have traveled so many places, Tanzania is one of them. Here I have safari information which I presume is useful for other travelers. From the snows of Mount Kilimanjaro, the vast plains of the Serengeti and the unique Ngorongoro Crater, to the barefoot luxury of its Indian Ocean islands, Tanzania offers some of the most wonderful locations in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, with three peaks Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibo is the highest 5895m and has snow throughout the year. Normal physically fit person can climb and reach summit 5895m. Tanzania is home to one of Africa's most magnificent game reserves; the seemingly endless plains of the Serengeti, where one of the world's greatest natural spectacles, the annual migration of some two million wildebeest followed by their predators can be observed. The Serengeti holds some of the largest concentrations of lion, cheetah and leopard in Africa, and is probably the best game reserve on the continent to see these predators. Take a balloon trip across the Serengeti to get a birds eye view of the plains. Close to the Serengeti is the Ngorongoro Crater, a microcosm of East African game and landscapes and, therefore, a photographer's paradise. It is the largest unbroken caldera in the world and, together with its 25,000 large mammals and 100 species of birds, many have described it as one of the wonders of the world. The nearby Tarangire and Manyara National Parks hold a diverse range of flora and fauna. Manyara is famous for its tree climbing lions, its vast array of bird life (an estimated 350 species) and its widely contrasting landscapes. Tarangire is renowned for its dense wildlife population which is at its most spectacular between June and October, the dry period, when animals congregate at the river. In the south of Tanzania lies an untouched and relatively unknown game reserve. Selous, is roughly the size of Switzerland and is an excellent park in which to see elephant. The Rufiji River flows through the reserve and during the rainy season it floods the park. This, and its remote location explain its isolation from human contact and the vast concentrations of game. The most popular way of viewing game is on guided walks and by boat. Tanzania's parks can be explored from the privacy of your own Land Rover with driver/guide. Accommodation is in private mobile camps or permanent camps and lodges. Both Zanzibar and the Tanzanian coast boast magnificent tropical palm fringed beaches. South of Dar es Salaam is one such location - Ras Kutani - a secluded paradise on its own private beach overlooking a peaceful lagoon, another luxury island lodge being Mnemba Island Lodge. Zanzibar is a short flight from Dar es Salaam and is the perfect island on which to relax after a safari. Lapped by the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar offers superb diving and snorkeling and the chance to swim with dolphins. The unspoilt beaches and rustic chalets are the perfect cure to the stress of modern life - wake to fresh mangoes and other fruits, sunbathe, swim and relax during the day, and feast on fresh lobster at night. Zanzibar's stone town, with its maze of alleys and tucked away craftsmen is a fascinating place to explore. The history and cultures of this unique island have left their mark for all to experience. Of course no visit to Zanzibar would be complete without a spice tour of the island and a trip to the forests of the interior. Tanzania and Zanzibar make an ideal 2 week destination, spend a week on safari, and then wind down on one of the most relaxing places on earth. If you wish to plan and book your safari consult Jungle Adventure Tanzania Safaris Ltd. Website: http://www.jungleadventuretanzania.4mg.com Email: jadventurestanzania1999@yahoo.com The People While the national language of Tanzania and Kenya is Kiswahili, English is the official language and is widely spoken and understood across East Africa. Safety In the cities, adhere to the following: Don't walk alone in apparently deserted areas, especially in and around the cities. It is preferable and usually more enjoyable to walk with company or in groups. Don't carry large sums of cash in your purse or pocket. or display expensive jewelry. Be aware of the possibility of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas. Make photocopies of the first few pages of your passport, air ticket and other important travel documents. Keep this separate from the originals. Don't leave money or valuables in a hotel room. Most hotels offer safety deposit box service, and ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage before leaving home. In the wildlife areas: Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people they are still wild animals. Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or deviate from designated roads for that closer photograph. Never get out of your vehicle except at designated points. Close all windows and zippers when you leave your room or tent and spray it with insect repellant. The best way to get the most out of your safari is to take an active interest in everything going on around you, not just the number of species you can see in the shortest possible time. Ask all the questions you can think of and take reference books on not only wildlife but birds, insects and trees and read up about everything you see. Health It is advisable to take out emergency medical insurance prior to entering Tanzania. Bilharzia: The bilharzia parasite is found in many lakes, streams and rivers on the continent. Avoid swimming in them! Vaccinations for cholera, tetanus and yellow fever are advised. Malaria is virulent in Tanzania. Take prophylactics two weeks before arrival and continue two weeks after leaving. Your chemist or doctor can advise you of the most suitable drug available as certain drugs lose their effectiveness. Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is perfectly safe. Bottled water is readily available in the bigger towns. It is advisable to buy travel insurance covering accidents, illness or hospitalization for the period of your stay. Temporary membership in East African Flying Doctors' Service is also recommended for safari goers. Members who require emergency medical attention on safari are flown to Nairobi for the best medical attention available in the country. Water Drink only bottled water or from flasks of filtered and boiled water provided by most hotels and lodges. Chemists / pharmacies Travellers should carry an adequate supply of medicines and first aid accessories with them as supplies are limited in Kenya. Most chemists in the major towns are open from 08h30 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 17h00. Monday to Friday and 08h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays. There are no emergency chemists open after hours or Sundays. Accommodation Standards and services range from up-market to tourist. Deluxe and first class hotels are found in the main cities and the resorts on the coastline of the country. Luxurious lodges are set in exotic locations, while comfortable tented camps are found in the main game parks. For everything you need to know, plan and book an African Safari Adventure Holiday from Kilimanjaro trekking, wildlife safari, cultural tourism, to Beach Holidays in Zanzibar, visit the website http://www.nature.co.nr There are daily departures for scheduled Tour trips, last minute travel bookings for climbing mt.kilimanjaro and group joining for safari in Tanzania. Electricity Power supply is 220/240 volt 50 cycle. Plugs are usually 13-amp 3 pin square (British type) Banks There are numerous banks in the major towns as well as many bureau de change. Hours of business vary from bank to bank, but most are open from 9h00 to 14h30, Mondays to Fridays, and 9h00 - 11h30 on Saturdays. Hotels and lodges change money outside these hours. Currency Currency unit is the shilling, comprising 100 cents. Coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 50c and 1 and 5 shillings. Bank notes are in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500,1,000 and 10,000 shillings. Importation of foreign currency is unlimited and has to be declared on arrival. The importation and exportation of Tanzania currency is illegal. Please note that visitors to Zanzibar are required to pay for their services in foreign currency. It's best to come into the country with either Travellers checks or dollars or pounds which can be exchanged at any of the many Bureau de Change in the main Towns. If you are offered an exchange on the black market at the borders, exercise extreme caution as they are notorious for cheating you without you even realizing it. Credit Cards, Cash and Traveler's Checks International credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, stores, hotels, lodges, camps, car rental firms, etc. However, many small shops in rural areas will not accept them. American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa and MasterCard Traveler's Checks are widely accepted. Tipping A tip of 10% for good service is adequate. Service charges are frequently added and it is usual to tip a tour driver or guide at least US $5 a day. Communications