TRAVEL LIGHT:
Some safaris/air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kilograms maximum.
LANGUAGE:
English is widely spoken as an official language, but a few words of Swahili are always appreciated.
Greetings to locals |
Habari gani |
Nzuri (reply) |
Greetings to foreigner |
Jambo/shikamoo |
Marahaba (reply) |
Thank you |
Asante |
Karibu (reply) |
Goodbye/see you |
Kwaheri |
Kwaheri /tutaonana (reply) |
Welcome/come in |
Karibu |
Asante (reply) |
CURRENCY:
The unit of currency is the Tanzania shilling which is divided into 100 cents.
Visitors can take any amount of foreign currency. No currency declaration is required, but import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal. Most major currencies particularly US dollars- and travelers’ cheques are accepted in the main towns and tourist areas. Do NOT change money in the street however favorable the rate appears.
ON SAFARI:
Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road can be tiring. It is wise to spend more time in fewer parks. You will see more and you won’t get home exhausted. Keep your distance with animals and be quiet to avoid distressing them. Always follow the instruction of your ranger or guide. Don’t leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to recognized tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.
WHAT TO WEAR:
It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing is the norm. On safari avoid bright colored clothes, they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and khaki are preferred. Short-sleeve shirts/blouses and shorts are ideal but pack a sweater, it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening. Wear a hat to avoid the sun stroke and don’t forget your swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible- walking through the bush is not like strolling through Hyde Park- and for climbing Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru take the thermal underwear, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots. Shorts for women are acceptable- but should not be too short. Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages as reveling clothes can cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and other areas. On the beach, and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity certainly is not.
TIPPING:
Not normally obligatory but a tip for exceptional service – a maximum of 10% - will be appreciated. Tip $10-$ 20 per day for drivers or tour guides but remember an excessive tip can make it difficult for the next customer.
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