There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into any of the East African countries. It is advisable to change the foreign currency into local currency only in banks and forex bureaus. Before you leave you can change the local currency back into your currency but you may be asked for the initial exchange receipt. US$ are acceptable for payments in most tourist establishments and are more commonly used than the Euros. Many hotels and all National Parks quote their rates in US$ for visitors.

The local currency is Tanzanian shillings, Tsh, in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and in some exchange facilities, but the rate is not as favourable as for cash or travellers cheques.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm, Saturdays closing at 1pm and closed on Sundays.

Visitors arriving from yellow fever and cholera infested countries must have valid vaccination certificates. This is particularly important when crossing from one East African country to another one.

No other vaccinations are required to enter into Tanzania at this time.

Visitors are advised to take anti malaria tablets and consult your doctor in good time before departure.

Do not drink the water from the tap, nor brush you teeth with it. Use bottled mineral water, which is easily available.

Do not share eating utensils or drink from the same glass/bottle. Salads, fruits and vegetables should be rinsed thoroughly in boiled or purified water. Meat must be thoroughly cooked.

In the evenings wear trousers and long sleeves, and sleep under a mosquito net.

Mosquito repellents should not contain more than 30% Deet, as it can harm your skin. Do not swim in lakes, which cause a high risk of contracting bilharzia.
There are medical centres in all the national parks and in all townships. A flying doctor can be called for emergencies in all areas. (This must be covered by your insurance). If you feel feverish, immediately seek a doctor.

You should consider having travel insurance to cover medical assistance, transportation, loss of luggage and theft.

Tanzania has an extensive variety to offer when it comes to culinary delights. Delicious exotic fruits and fresh fruit juices among a continental spread of items is a great way to start your day at lodges and hotels. If you want to explore the traditional Tanzanian cuisine, there are countless places to eat. Portions are big, and consist mainly of potatoes, rice, beans, spinach, and ugali (a stiff maize porridge) along with chicken, beef, mutton or fish. Some lodges and hotels will feature such items on their dinner buffets for guests to try.

On the coast you can enjoy fresh tropical fish, lobster and shrimps. Larger towns have a good selection of Chinese, Italian and Indian restaurants. Some restaurants even serve game mean, like giraffe, crocodile, zebra and antelopes. Note that endangered species do not appear on the menu and animals that do appear are reared at farms, so enjoy your meal with a clean conscience.

Most restaurants cater well for vegetarians and various palates and tastes. Should you have specific dietary requirements or queries, please inform us so that we can address your issues and special arrangements can be made at most lodges.

In a warm and humid climate, cotton is the most comfortable fabric to wear. Avoid nylon and other synthetic fabrics. Ideal clothing includes a light weight cardigan, shorts, long pants, t-shirts and a few long sleeve shirts for milder evenings. If you are coming between the months of June – August you may want to bring a slightly heavier cardigan, due to Global Warming we have seen temperatures during these months become chillier in the evenings. Sandals are fine though Safari shoes are recommended if you anticipate going on walking safaris or any adventure sports. A hat is essential for sun protection as vehicle roof hatches are left open whilst game viewing. Sunscreens are recommended, sunglasses and a swimsuit is essential for lodges with pools. Please do not offend local customs by wearing very skimpy shorts or miniskirts. Note that none of the beaches in Tanzania or Zanzibar are nude beaches.

Laundry services are available in most hotels and guest houses, if you order it in the morning, you will have it back the same afternoon, at a reasonable price.

Take a small, lightweight flash light as electric generators at lodges and camps are sometimes turned off after 2200 hrs or 2300 hrs until 0500 hrs in the morning. Most lodges do provide these and candles in rooms. Carry cameras and binoculars for added pleasure in game viewing, along with extra film rolls and batteries.

Most lodges outside Arusha and Dar es Salaam use generators. The voltage is 230 volts Ac, 50hz, suitable for appliances, with the exception of those manufactured in the USA and Canada. However, some generators are usually only run for short periods in the early morning and again in the evening from 1830 hrs to 2230 hrs. You would be wise to bring battery operated razors, battery operated curlers and a good quality torch with extra batteries. For those coming from the USA and Canada, an adaptor with a power converter may also be worth carrying for any electronic equipment and re-charging.

Tanzania is a peaceful country in its cities and out in the game parks. However, there are precautions one should take when spending one's holiday here, as you would in any unfamiliar area. Never show off your valuables, keep your money and passport in the hotel's safe. Ask your HTT driver or hotel front desk which areas are not safe, and stay away from them. Always take a taxi after dark.

Phones and fax facilities are available in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, some lodges and major towns.

Postal services are available though tend to be slow. Internet cafe's are popping up everywhere, and the rates are favourable, for a little over 1 US$ you can surf for one hour. Some internet cafes also offer internet phone services, which is much cheaper than calling from a normal line.

Telefax facilities are available in many Government-and-business offices as well as tourist hotels. Telegrams can be sent from the post office.

Daily communication exists between our drivers and the head office. This ensures your safety at all times and allows for easy communication for any messages you may have to receive or send. Mobile phone usage is possible within all major towns and in some national parks. A few however have not been covered on the local mobile phone networks.

East Africa is the photographer’s dreamland, abounded with wildlife and bird life in their natural habitat, magnificent scenery, colourful people and reliable and unlimited sunlight. While on safari one must remember that the animals are not tame and it is advisable to keep a distance or remain in the vehicle. When taking shots of local people permission from them should be sought and the local culture respected.

Tanzania is certainly in the mainstream wildlife safari photography destinations and is photographically productive enough to warrant the time and expense it takes to travel thousands of miles to photograph wildlife there. Wildlife can easily be photographed; just ask the driver to stop and ask any questions you may have about the animals. It is advisable to carry your cameras in dust-proof bags on safari, especially in the dry season. Film is available in most hotels and lodges but it is advisable to stock up in major cities. Memory chips and storage cards may be hard to find and so it is best to bring these with you.

There are 3 international airports, namely Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Upon departing Tanzania via airports, a tax of 30 US$ is required. This can not be paid in local currency. Remember that import and export of the local currency is illegal.

Visas can be obtained at all points of entry (airports and borders).The fees vary for different nationalities and between Tanzania, Tanzania and Uganda. When travelling between the 3 countries multiple entry visas are advisable. Visitors are not allowed to engage in any paid or unpaid employment during their stay except with written permission from the Department of Immigration.

Apart from personal effects visitors may bring along with them cameras, films, binoculars, non - consumable provisions, cigarettes, perfumes and spirits in such quantities as are in the opinion the authorities consistent with the visit. Gifts are dutiable while firearms; illicit drugs and obscene literature are prohibited. 1 liter of wine or spirit, 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco) and 250ml of perfume can legally be imported to Tanzania.

Please remember that the following products can not be taken into the UK, USA and many other countries. They will be confiscated at your port of exit or entry and you could also face legal proceedings:

Elephant: All ivory products, leather, goods and tusks are prohibited.
Rhino: All trade in rhino horn products is banned internationally.
Sea Turtle & Shells: Shells, shell jewellery, coral and turtle related products are prohibited.
Cats: The purchase of exotic cat fur is ill advised and few can be traded legally.

Tanzania's national carrier is Air Tanzania. British Airways flies direct to Dar es Salaam from London, taking about 11 hours. A few European carriers fly to Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro via European hubs. Gulf Air and Emirates fly to Dar es Salaam using mid eastern connections. Other airlines flying to Tanzania include Air Tanzania - the national carrier, Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, South African Airways and Swiss.

Tanzania can also be reached through regional hubs at Nairobi and Johannesburg and to a lesser extent Addis Ababa. There are more flights into Nairobi than Kilimanjaro and a popular route for those heading for the northern parks is to fly into Nairobi and then connect to Arusha by shuttle bus service. There is a ferry service between Mombasa in Kenya and Dar es Salaam.