Tanzania is home to the world famous Mt. Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park and is recognized as Africa's Premier Wildlife Safari destination. The wildlife of Tanzania is truly a treasure that will leave a lifelong imprint on anyone who visits the country.

Climate:

Tanzania is located just south of the equator and is blessed with an enjoyable climate year round. The average temperature during the day is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit with the nights cooling down to the 50's in much of the safari areas that we tour. Rainfall is more common between April - June and again between November - December.

Language:

Swahili is the official language of Tanzania but English is widely used through the tourism industry.
Transportation, Duma Expeditions provides a four wheel drive vehicle and English speaking driver/guide for the entire duration of your safari, including to and from the airport. All of our safaris commence upon your arrival at the International Airports in Tanzania. You will be met at the airport by one of our representatives who speak English.

Medical:

Yellow Fever vaccinations are required as well as Malaria prevention medicines. Please consult your doctor for details on Health Certificates and recommended medical precautions. A flying medical service is available is case of emergencies, equipped with rescue equipment and a qualified doctor.

Health:

Visit your doctor or country health department. Each country's health department has a list of recommended shots to take prior to travel. Yellow fever is a mandatory vaccination. You will be given an International Certificate of Vaccination approved by the World Health Organization, with dates of inoculations. Make sure to attach it or carry it with your passport. You must also get a prescription for an anti-malaria drug. They are taken weekly, starting one week prior to departure, each week while in Africa, and four weeks after your return. There is a new daily drug Malarone, which has no side effects. They can prescribe antibiotics to take with you should you be concerned about flu or flu-like symptoms.

Most of the larger lodges/hotels where we'll be staying have a nurse on staff or doctor on call. We suggest you subscribe to the flying medical service (Flying Doctors) in case of emergency. Cost for this service is an additional $25 per person.

Weather:

Depending on what time of year you visit, temperatures can range from the high 50's at night to 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the hottest part of the day. The weather will be warmer in the flat lands, valleys, and the Ngorongoro Crater, while it will be cooler and more comfortable in the mountains. You will be given a temperature forecast before your departure so you can pack accordingly.

Rescheduling the way:

One important thing to remember If your flights are delayed or cancelled, do not turn back, but take the next flight out. The airlines will help you with rescheduling. We will await your arrival. Please let Hussein N. Hussein know you are delayed by calling his cell phone at 255-744-468383 / 748 395513 / 748 360658. He will be your central contact while en route. For the sake of emergencies, be sure to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on along with toiletries and any other items you deem necessary for delays or stopovers. Keep all valuables with you in your carry-on or on your person.

Emergencies:

10 to 14 days prior to departure, you will receive your final details of travel and a list of hotels with dates of when you'll be there, along with their phone numbers, fax numbers and e-mail addresses if available. You should leave this information with anyone who might need to contact you while you're away. You should also bring a copy with you, just in case you are traveling alone and need this information. Many of the hotels have offices in Arusha, and can contact their respective hotels via mobile radio with messages.

Luggage:

When checking in for your initial flight, feel confident in checking your locked luggage through to your final destination. You are allowed two bags checked and one carry on. However, because of the amount of travel in Safari vehicles, please keep your luggage allowance to two pieces, your main suitcase and one carry-on. Large duffle bags are strongly recommended, due to storage space in the vehicles. Also plan to carry a backpack or daypack when you go out on game drives. In it you can carry your camera and film, snacks, tissues and whatever else you need for the day. Be sure to have all necessary prescriptions filled and carried with you in your carry-on luggage. If you wear glasses, back-ups should be in your carry-on as well.

What to pack:

Dress comfortably, but remember that the dress in Tanzania (and Africa in general) is very conservative. Pack lightly and in a "mix and match" variety. Clothing in colors such as Khaki and olive green will serve you well, white is not recommended. 2 to 3 pair of slacks is sufficient. The "zip-off to shorts/cargo pants" can save space in your luggage. Several short-sleeved shirts and long-sleeved shirts should be of 100% cotton or nylon for quick drying. Tops with roll-up sleeves are also recommended. For women, skirts can be a welcome addition on the hottest days. As can jumpers coupled with a t-shirt while you don't need "dinner" clothing, it is refreshing to shower and change clothing after a game drive and in preparation for dinner. Most of the larger hotels have nice swimming pools so bring your suit if you enjoy a relaxing swim. Women: even if you don't normally wear a bra, you should consider wearing a bra as roads are rough in some areas.
Many of the hotels and lodges where we'll be staying do have laundry service and it is very affordable. So consider that as an alternative to bringing too many clothes. One or two pair of closed-toe shoes are sufficient

Other necessary items include:

Other necessary items include: a flashlight, heavy-duty ziplock plastic bags, luggage locks, shoe bags, a small amount of liquid detergent for hand washing delicate items, a small sewing kit for quick repairs, bug repellent (the more Deet the better), a small tube of Neosporin antibacterial ointment, and antibacterial hand sanitizer such as Purely in liquid form, a small Swiss Army knife with scissors, nail clippers, a sun hat and sunscreen, eye drops for dry eyes, washcloth (they are not provided at the hotels), voltage converters for 230V, and plug converter for the United Kingdom. This is, of course, only if you use a hair dryer, or have camera equipment that needs recharging. Many of the hotels/lodges operate on generators and turn them off at night - hence the need for the flashlight. If you are not used to heat and humidity, bring several cotton bandanas. Nothing cools you down quicker than a wet bandana wrapped around the neck.

Photographing:

Under no circumstances are you to photograph people without their permission. If you see someone you want to take a photograph of, ask your guides to negotiate a price for you - the Masai are especially touchy about obtaining money for their likeness.

Souvenirs:

Most of the gift shops on the way have excellent locally made items. If you see something you like and want, buy it. Chances are it is only available there and you won't see it again. Also be aware that larger items are hard to carry while out on safari and may get broken. If you feel you have to have it, consider shipping it back home, please tell your guide if you are interested in shopping for it and he will take you to reputable dealers. Post cards and stamps for mailing are readily available in the gift shops.

Money:

Carry your money in small denominations. The newer and crisper the money looks, the better. I would recommend having at least 50 - $1 bills for tipping and having correct change. Most facilities seldom have change for denominations larger than $20. Keep your money with you at all times. A money belt under your clothing is a convenient choice. Never leave cash in hotel rooms. You can bring travelers cheque's but I don't recommend carrying many. You will not be in major cities that have change bureaus. Hotels can change small denomination traveler's cheque, but the better exchange rate comes with larger denominations.

Tipping:

Hotel personnel, drivers and guides have low base salaries. They therefore count on tips for their living. While they will not be upset over not getting a tip, you will find much better service if you do. But also don't feel that 15% is mandatory for everyone. In locations where you will be staying more than one night, leave tips at the end of the stay. It is not necessary to tip more than once. Driver/Guide should be tipped at the end of your trip. Use your discretion in this area, but base it on their performance.

A typical day:

After an early breakfast, you will leave for a morning game drive arriving back at the hotel for lunch and an afternoon rest. You will take a late afternoon game drive as well. The animals are moving in the early morning and late afternoon, snoozing and resting during the hottest part of the day. If you are tired or want to stay behind to swim or enjoy some time off, feel free to do so. And don't push yourself too hard, this is also a vacation.

Insurance:

If you need medical care whilst in Tanzania, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.