When you travel with Awaken to Africa, you are our guest, and your safety is our first priority. We do everything possible to insure that you will be prepared for your journey and that your journey will not only be enjoyable but safe and secure.
Visa
Visitors to Tanzania are required to have a passport, valid for the duration of their stay. Visas can be obtained at the border when entering or from Tanzanian Embassies at the country of origin. Costs are approximately 50 Euro per Visa, valid for three months.
Money
National currency is the Tanzania-Shilling (TSH). US-Dollars are also used commonly. Small amounts are usually paid in TSH and larger amounts in US-$, as the largest TSH bill is 10.000 Shilling (approx. 8 Dollar/6 Euro). You can change Euros or US-Dollars in Tanzania to Shilling. Store your receipts as you have to present them when changing Shillings back to your foreign currency when leaving the country. It is not allowed to take Tanzania-Shillings out of the country. Money can be changed also at banks and Foreign Exchange (Forex) Bureaus, but never change money on the streets, as it is illegal and highly probable you get cheated.
You can get cash from banks also using your EC-Card. Upper class hotels and restaurants accept international credit cards.
Medical
Check with your local physician about vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before your holiday to allow time for them to take effect. Among the recommended vaccinations are typhoid, yellow fever, meningo-encephalitis, hepatitis A & B, and, if needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles and polio. Safari tourists may consider a vaccination against rabies.
Malaria prophylaxis is highly advisable. Reduce the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes using insect-repellents on bare skin and impregnating thin clothes with DET-sprays. Use the mosquito nets provided by your hotel and ensure it is tightly closed. It is a good idea to bring a clinical thermometer and contact a physician immediately when your body temperature is above the normal.
Avoid skin contact with fresh water (lakes, rivers, ponds), as there is a high risk of bilharzias. Swimming in sea water however is without any risk.
We control all our hotels for hygiene standards, so you can enjoy their wonderful cuisine with no need to worry. At other places, use common sense when it comes to food and beverages. If you're unsure of their origin or preparation, don't touch them. Bottled drinks are recommended.
If you have special medical needs be sure to bring the appropriate supply of medication. Women may consider packing tampons because they can be hard to find in Zanzibar.
A travel health insurance is highly advisable.
Photography
Do ask permission before taking pictures of people or private property and be prepared to offer money. Don't - under any circumstances - take photos of bridges, harbours, military, police or government installations, railway stations, airports, hospitals or industrial sites, or you may find yourself under arrest or your camera equipment being confiscated.
Clothing
Safari Clothing
Cloths should be light, loose and washable. Natural fibre such as cotton reduces sweating. Earthy tones such as khaki, beige or light brown are best for not alarming wild animals. Mosquitoes dislike bright colours. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers will help protect you against the sun and insect bites.
For game drives, take a jacket; and, if you're going from October to January or March to June, make sure it's water-proof. Sturdy, yet comfortable shoes protect you from insects and other animals. Small battery powered LED-torches and pocket knives are useful for all kinds of situations from power blackouts to missing bottle openers.
Sun hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended.
Zanzibar Clothing
All said about the Safari Clothing is also true about your clothing in Zanzibar. When travelling during the rainy season don't forget your umbrella or rain coat.
Don't walk around in bathing cloths in Stone Town. Men should always wear a shirt and women should not wear short pants (above the knee) or baring too much shoulder and bust, as Muslims might feel offended.
Electricity
Tanzania uses English plugs (Socket 3 Pin Square) at 220/230 voltage 50 Hz. If you need to operate electrical gear be sure to bring an appropriate adaptor. Unplug all electric appliances when not in use. Power blackouts are common.
Communication
International phone calls are quite expensive (starting from 3 US-$ per minute in call-shops). Internet shops are widely common in cities for cheap prices (starting at 1000 TSh./hour), though connection speed is usually slow.
Driving
If you want to rent a car or motorbike, be sure to carry an international driver's license, available only in your country of origin. Often you will be required to stop at police roadblocks to present your license. Foreigners must be 21 years of age. Driving is on the left.
Road and traffic conditions in Tanzania present hazards that require drivers to exercise caution. Excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits, and the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles pose serious traffic hazards. Avoid driving at night.
Safety
Tanzania is considered to be generally safe. However take common-sense precautions, such as not openly displaying valuables, walking around alone in deserted areas or carrying large sum of cash. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Extra care should be taken in Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam.
Your safari guide will instruct you about safety issues with wild animals. He will not be made responsible if you disrespect his safety instructions.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Tanzania are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Homosexual activity is illegal and will be prosecuted with up to 25 years of jail.
