SAFARI PACKING LIST TRAVELLING TO TANZANIA: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Introduction

The United Republic of Tanzania is a nation in central East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The country’s eastern borders lie on the Indian Ocean. The United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic composed of 26 mikoa (regions).

Required documents
A passport is required that is still valid for at least six months after the date of departure. A visa is required and costs approximately EUR 50.00 or USD 50,00 per person. The visa can be obtained at the Tanzania Embassy in your country or upon arrival at one of the international airports of Tanzania (not applicable to all nationalities). For a visa application in Tanzania, you do not need a photograph or a copy of a ticket, which are required by the embassies.

Money
The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. You can take cash Euro's, Pounds or Dollars and exchange these at the airport or in your hotel or lodge for Tanzanian Shillings. In many locations like in your accommodation or in souvenir shops people prefer payments in U.S. Dollars, you will get back your change in U.S. Dollars or Shilling mostly with a normal exchange rate. In most places payments with credit card are also welcome. In the bigger cities there are also opportunities to get money through an ATM (cash machines), but when you are on safari there is often no opportunity and it is better to make arrangements in advance. When buying a souvenir in Tanzania it is customary to bargain a good price with the seller.

Vaccinations
When you travel to Tanzania, there are no mandatory vaccinations, but you are urgently advised to get some of them.

DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio): If you are previously vaccinated (such as in childhood) it is sufficient to have one injection every 15 years. When this is not the case, you should get two DTP injections with at least an interval of four weeks before you leave and get third one after six months. The duration of the protection is 15 years.

Yellow fever: At least 10 days before departure the injection must be obtained. The duration of protection is 10 years. When you travel to multiple destinations in Africa a stamp for proof of vaccination is mandatory.

Hepatitis A: one vaccination for hepatitis gives protection for a year and can best be obtained two weeks before departure. When another vaccination is administered after half a year of the first one the protection lasts ten years.

It is also increasingly advised to include Hepatitis B to your vaccination list as well. Most of Tanzania is also considered a malaria area and you can take various types of anti-malarial drugs for prevention. The recommendations may change and it is important to speak to a specialist for the exact information that applies to you.

By far the best way to prevent getting malaria is to make sure mosquito's simply can not bite you. We recommend that you bring along a good anti-mosquito repellent with a high percentage of DEET. For the tours we organize, it is not necessary to bring a mosquito net with you, unless specifically stated otherwise.

Communications
Internet: Tanzania is a country where in many places Internet is available and also in daily life using the web is integrated. At various accommodations you can use a computer with internet, but the speed may not always be what you are used to. When you are really on safari you must keep in mind that you cannot often make use of the Internet. Mobile telephones: in Tanzania there are 3 different networks (Safaricom, Zain and Orange), which together have created a pretty strong network. It is surprising that even in the Serengeti or in other remote areas you can be reached by mobile phone. However, if you travel to remote areas do not count on an available network range. In and around cities you usually have excellent opportunities to make a mobile telephone call. When you arrive in Tanzania you can buy a mobile sim card at the airport and make calls in East Africa for a good price.
International calls: when you want to make a call abroad during your visit to Tanzania it can be pretty expensive, especially at the hotels. It is often a better idea to call with your own mobile phone.

Currency
The official Tanzanian currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. They have coins for 50, 100, and 1000 shillings; and notes for 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 shillings.
The US Dollar is widely used, but may not be accepted in some establishments. It is also important to note that most businesses that do accept US currency will not do so if it is torn or wrinkled.
Notes must not be older than 2006, as local businesses will automatically reject these due to a past counterfeiting problem.

Safety
Tanzania is one of the safest countries in East Africa, but you never can be too careful when you’re on the road. While safari areas are generally very safe, the country is no stranger to criminal activity. Like any other country in the world, there is always some risk of theft.

It is advisable that you listen closely to your guide’s advice at all times, and that is especially true in some urban areas. Either leave your valuables (such as many, electronics, credit cards, and documentation) behind in your hotel room’s safe, or carry them with you in concealed inner pockets.
Don’t flaunt your valuables in public, as this may draw unwanted attention to you. Pickpockets are particularly active in heavily touristed areas, so it pays to be cautious when in cities and areas popular with tourists.
It is always a good idea to make copies of all of your important documents and keep them in your luggage.

Language
Tanzania has two official languages: Swahili and English. Swahili, which has its origins in Zanzibar, is the most commonly spoken language in both Tanzania and Kenya.

English is widely spoken, however you may wish to bring along a Swahili to English phrasebook to give you access to the basics. The locals are always appreciative if you know a little bit of Swahili!