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Tips and recommendations for travelers
Traveling Tips
Preparing for trip to Tanzania
- Make copies and electronic versions of all required documents (passport, driver’s license, yellow fever vaccination certificate).
- Complete all vaccinations required for travel to Tanzania.
- Make sure your credit and debit cards can be used internationally. Tell your bank about your trip in advance and write down your phone number in case your card is lost or blocked.
- Please pack the most important items in your hand luggage. Do not put prohibited items in your carry-on baggage.
- On rare occasions, there may be a delay in receiving your checked baggage. It usually arrives in 1-2 days. In the event of such an unfortunate situation, your luggage will be delivered directly to your hotel by the GreyJoy Tours & Safaris Team. Take it with you on the Safari or mountain even if the climb/safari has already started. Pack a few clothes in your carry-on to save yourself the hassle.
In Tanzania
- Tanzania is a safe and peaceful country. However, as with anywhere, standard travel security should be practiced. Don’t show off a lot of money. When exchanging money or withdrawing money from an ATM, count your money in a safe and private place before you leave the house. If you are traveling with expensive equipment such as a large camera or laptop, consider taking a taxi, especially at night. If you’re interested in sightseeing or dining out at night, most hotels will allow you to store safes and valuable items at the front desk.
- Only use registered taxis and never private vehicles. Official taxis have white license plates and cars usually have a distinct registration number painted on each door. In the cities of Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Moshi, these are usually white cars with green lettering. If you want to move around town, ask the GreyJoy Tours or your hotel to arrange a taxi for you.
- Arusha and Zanzibar have special tourist police to assist and assist tourists. GreyJoy Tours will assist you in contacting the special tourist police in case of problems.
- Do not change money on the street. Tanzania recently changed its currency exchange laws, requiring money to be exchanged only at licensed money changers or banks.
- Receive receipt. All licensed businesses in Tanzania have a tax identification number and provide official receipts. When shopping, please request an official receipt at the time of product purchase. Some local craft markets are an exception. The safest way to buy handicrafts and gifts in Tanzania is to only buy handicrafts from places suggested by your guide. There may be days when you buy souvenirs. Your driver-guide will take you to an excellent handicraft market selling authentic goods.
While on Safari
- Ngorongoro can be cold in the early morning and at night. If you are planning to visit this world-renown site, pack warm layers, such as trousers and a fleece jacket;
- Take wet wipes; in high season it is very dusty and wipes are an easy, travel-friendly solution;
- Take the clothes to change, preferably a new set of clothes for each day;
- Avoid bright colors on safari (white / yellow t-shirts, blue jeans) as they do not help you to blend in with nature during a walking safari, or while driving through the bush. Further, they will show dust very easily. Ideal colors are khaki, dark-green, and neutrals;
- Bring a high-quality camera with all the special lens attachments. You won`t be sorry for the additional items when you have a powerful zoom and take an award-winning photograph!
- The hospitality industry in Tanzania is much like the rest of the world, and tips are most welcomed and often expected.The recommended amount for safari-guides is $40-60 per day, per vehicle. In hotels, $1-2 to carry your luggage is enough to tip the restaurant waiter a little.
In Zanzibar
- Zanzibar is a major tourist island, but keep in mind that the majority of the population are conservative Muslims. Please dress appropriately when visiting Stone Town or away from the hotel. There is no problem wearing a swimsuit in the hotel pool or private beach, but when dining out or shopping, men should wear a shirt and women should wear a long dress that covers the knees. Don’t kiss or show affection in public. Holding hands is permissible.
- “Beach Boys” may provide services from the beach in front of the accommodation, but often do not have offices or boats and tourists often spend more money using the services. I have. It is safer and more secure to book tours and excursions with reputable agencies.
- Sometimes you find someone trying to sell you something, but you can’t say no. for the answer. In Tanzania, it is also considered rude to pressure someone after they have politely declined. In this case, you can either refuse them adamantly, ignore them and walk away, or ask them to leave you alone.
While Climbing Kilimanjaro / Meru
- Do not carry valuables with you while climbing. These include laptops and smartphones. Extreme weather conditions are very likely to break or damage them. Also, it will be difficult to charge electronic devices while trekking. All guides have phones and radios for communication.
- Aim to drink 3-4 liters of water daily. This speeds up the acclimatization process and reduces these uncomfortable symptoms.
- Most of the hikes on Mt. You may want to enjoy a book, MP3 player, map, or other activity during this relaxing time.
- Tip the climbing team. The easiest way is to leave a tip in the office when you return (assuming you had a great experience). This makes it easier to distribute tips fairly between guides, cooks and porters. If you have any special requests regarding tip distribution, we can of course accommodate them. The expedition recommendation is US$200-250 per person and is shared across the expedition team.
Want to know more about Tanzania adventures?
Contact our team! We have been to all of the top destinations in this land. Our Arusha-based adventure consultants will gladly share our travel tips and help you plan the trip.
