FAQ Tanzania - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )
FAQ Tanzania:
Africa Natural Tours
AFRICA
NATURAL TOURS (The best tour company in Tanzania)
Specialized
in: Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism,
Beach holiday sand
Mountain
climbing
Contact
+255 653 679 958
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
The
best wildlife viewing months in Tanzania are during the dry season from late June
to October. The best chance of seeing the wildebeest migration in the
Serengeti is during June and July and the time to see the wildebeest calving is
late January to February. The Southern and Western Circuit Parks are best
visited during the dry-season (June to October), unlike the more popular
Northern Circuit Parks that can be visited year-round. Tarangire is the only
exception, since its wildlife viewing is considerably better in the dry-season
as well.
Quick facts
Quick facts
Best time to go:
|
June to October (All parks), June-July and
January-February (Serengeti for the wildebeest migration & calving)
|
High Season:
|
July to March (northern circuit parks; they get crowded),
July to October (southern and western circuit parks; they don't
really get crowded any time of the year)
|
Low Season:
|
April and May (northern circuit parks still get quite a
few visitors unlike the southern and western circuit parks, where many lodges
close down)
|
Best Weather:
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June to October (Little to no rainfall)
|
Worst Weather:
|
March and April (Peak of wet season)
|
June to October - Dry Season
- June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration.
- Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers and there is less vegetation.
- There are fewer mosquitoes because there is little to no rain. Skies are clear and most days are sunny.
- Even though most tourists visit during the dry season, the parks still don't feel crowded, except for the Seronera area in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Mornings and nights get cold. It's recommended to bring warm clothing for morning game drives in open vehicles during the months of June, July and August.
November to May - Wet Season
- Late January to February is the time to see the calving in the southern Serengeti. This is an excellent time to see predator action.
- The scenery is green and beautiful. It's low season, meaning lower rates and less crowded parks.
- Although wildlife is easier to spot in the dry season, you'll still see plenty and most northern circuit parks offer good year-round game viewing.
- Migratory birds are present and birdwatching is at its best.
- Except for March, April and May, rains are mostly short afternoon showers and seldom have a negative impact on your trip.
- March to May is the peak of the wet season.
- Most big wildlife has migrated out of Tarangire NP and game viewing in Katavi, Selous and Ruaha is clearly better during the dry season.
Best time to go to Tanzania by Major Park
The
Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater offer good wildlife viewing throughout the
year. June and July are the best months for seeing the migration and February
is the best month for the wildebeest calving. The dry months offer good game
viewing throughout Tanzania. Tarangire and the southern and western circuit
parks (including Katavi, Selous and Ruaha) are best visited in the dry season,
from June to October.
Do I require a visa?
Visas
are required to enter Tanzania as of other East African Countries – Kenya and
Uganda. They can either be obtained in advance through the various
Embassies/High Commissions abroad, Consulates or at the airports or other
ports/borders of entry.
The process is fast and easy and all one requires to have is a valid passport (at least six months).
The process is fast and easy and all one requires to have is a valid passport (at least six months).
Where and how can I apply? – See
Tanzania VISA section
Transport
Airport and Arrival Information; Three International Airports, Dar-es-Salaam, now known as “Julias Nyerere International Airport – JKIA” and “Kilimanjaro International Airport – KIA” and Zanzibar International Airport. See flights coming to Tanzania and Zanzibar – see flights coming to Tanzania
Airport and Arrival Information; Three International Airports, Dar-es-Salaam, now known as “Julias Nyerere International Airport – JKIA” and “Kilimanjaro International Airport – KIA” and Zanzibar International Airport. See flights coming to Tanzania and Zanzibar – see flights coming to Tanzania
To
begin safaris in Northern Tanzania, most visitors are advised to book with
Airlines whose Arrivals & Departures are at KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT (KIA) which is 45 minutes drive from Arusha town. See International
Airlines such as AIR TANZANIA, KLM Royal Dutch with daily Flights out of Amsterdam
into Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam, GULF AIR, KENYA AIRWAYS, ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES
and Emirates. It is also possible to get flights arriving to Nairobi (Kenya)
from where you can make arrangements to transfer to near city of Arusha.
Ferries:
Boat and Ferries to Zanzibar and Mafia, see ferries to Zanzibar
Immunizations / Vaccination:
What medical precautions should we take?
Vaccination
requirements change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor
or health department for information on the latest health precautions.
Currently, shots against Yellow fever and cholera are recommended but not
mandatory. As a precaution we usually advise anti-malarial drugs to be taken
before, during and after your visit to East Africa. Also, if you are on prescription
medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of
your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).
Malaria:
your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including
cities. See your health care provider for a prescription ant-malarial drug for
details concerning risk and preventive medications.
What I should know for Safari? Everyone agrees that there is
substantial planning required by those considering a safari in Africa.
How far in advance should I book my safari?
It
is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the
time you wish to travel, especially during the high/peak seasons – June to Oct
and Christmas/New Year season.
What should I take on safari? (Should be used as a guide only)
As
you will want to capture as much as possible of this amazing tour, don’t forget
a camera, camcorder with lots of films, tapes, and replacement batteries for
all these. A torch light would come in very handy.
Sunglasses,
hat, sun lotion, lip-balm, insect repellents and your own toiletry
requirements, small first-aid kit, a spare pair of glasses or lenses if you are
using one.
Don’t forget a swimming costume and you might want to include a good book for the relaxing hours. Sleeping-bags and towels if you are planning for camping safaris must be included.
Don’t forget a swimming costume and you might want to include a good book for the relaxing hours. Sleeping-bags and towels if you are planning for camping safaris must be included.
What should I take for mountain climbing? (Should be used as a guide only)
Sunglasses/Snow goggles, Rucksack & day pack, 3-4 season sleeping-bag, Insulation pad, Balaclava or woolen hat, Long sleeved shirt, Several pairs of socks, Gloves, Waterproof trousers & jacket, Warm sweaters, Anorak/raincoat, Gaiters, Water-bottle, Wooden walking stick, Hiking boots, Pair of light walking shoes, Warm scarf, Toiletry requirements, Flashlight with batteries, Sun protection cream, Small first aid kit, Lip salve, A whistle and some plastic bags.
Sunglasses/Snow goggles, Rucksack & day pack, 3-4 season sleeping-bag, Insulation pad, Balaclava or woolen hat, Long sleeved shirt, Several pairs of socks, Gloves, Waterproof trousers & jacket, Warm sweaters, Anorak/raincoat, Gaiters, Water-bottle, Wooden walking stick, Hiking boots, Pair of light walking shoes, Warm scarf, Toiletry requirements, Flashlight with batteries, Sun protection cream, Small first aid kit, Lip salve, A whistle and some plastic bags.
Baggage Limit: 1 bag 15kgs maximum. It is advisable to have your own
insurance covering, travel, medical, baggage and personal injury.
Persons undergoing medical treatment should obtain approval from their doctor prior to booking the trek. The trek is taken at the clients own risk.
What kind of food do I expect during the trip?
The quality and variety of food
available on safari will be a pleasant surprise for our clients. Most lodges
serve meals in buffet-style. The food is prepared according to the
western-tastes, and includes some local cuisine too. If a camping safari is
chosen, fresh meat and produce is prepared by the expert chefs accompanying the
clients to the highest standards.
Special
dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic meals can be easily
arranged with prior notice. A vegetarian or vegan may wish to bring along some
alternative protein sources. Persons with multiple food allergies, it is
advisable to bring along supplemental snacks. Please notify us of any possible
dietary restrictions along with booking confirmation
Is drinking water safe?
In
some places tap water is safe, but generally, it is not advisable to drink or
brush your teeth with tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere and in
almost all Lodges and Hotels and all super markets. On treks and safaris, it is
better to carry sufficient bottled water.
What Type of Clothes to take?
For safaris, especially in Northern
Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha), during
the day, light clothing is recommended with sturdy shoes and canvas hats.
During the night in areas like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Highlands; where the
altitude is between 1500 – 2500 Metres; a cardigan or pullover may be
essential. In the same pack, remember your sun cream, lotions, sun glasses, a
pair of binoculars, and a camera with rolls of film.
What would be the accommodations like?
Wide
range of accommodations is available to suit your budget, lodges, hotels,
tented camps, permanent camps to name a few. Most hotels are a nice blend of
luxury, ambience, offering picturesque views. Once an inquiry is submitted, we
provide you with a detailed list of accommodations available to suit your
requirements.
Advice regarding photography?
For
wildlife photography, a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that you should use, A
300-400 zoom is preferable. For bird-watchers, a 500mm or larger is necessary,
and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots. Bring extra camera and
flash batteries and plenty of film – you may find these quite expensive and
difficult to obtain locally.
Shopping Around:
Locally made products are widely sold at
reasonable prices. Ask your local Guide for the best offer to buy yourself or
your friend items like; Batiks and Tingatinga paintings, Ebony carvings such as
cutlery, bracelets, furniture and sculptures. Others include Maasai belts,
rings and necklaces made of colourful beads, Khanga for women’s wrap around and
Jewels to include Tanzania’s special Mineral – Tanzanite.
Do I require Travel Insurance?
We
strongly recommend that you take out all of the necessary Travel Insurance
before commencing on your journey.
What is the best time to visit Tanzania?
Climate
in Tanzania is always wonderful, though you might have to avoid rains from Mid
April to end of May to climb Kilimanjaro; however the following prediction is
based on the movement of animals. It is the best time for game viewing.
Northern Tanzania
all
year round except April and May.
Southern Tanzania
June
through October
Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia
June through October; December through March
National Park & Game Reserve Fees as of 21 November 2010
Tanzania Parks and Game Reserves Fees and Regulations
Were are Tanzania Tourism Board Information Offices Located?
Dar-es-Salaam
(Main Office)
|
Dar-es-Salaam
(Eastern Zone Office)
|
Tanzania
Tourist Boar
,
IPS Building, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 2485, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Email: info@tanzaniatourism.go.tz General (255) 022 211 1244/5 Marketing (255) 022 211 1345 Tourism (255) 022 212 8472 Mobile (255) 0788 420 050 Fax (255) 022 211 6420 |
Tanzania
Tourist Board,
Tourist Information Centre Samora Avenue Road Matisalamat Building P.O. Box 2485, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Tel.: (255) 022 213 1555 Fax: (255) 022 211 642 Email: tic@tanzaniatourism.go.tz |
Arusha
(Northern Zone Office)
|
Mwanza
(Lake Zone Office)
|
Tanzania
Tourist Board, Arusha
Tourist Information Centre 47E Boma Road P.O. Box 2348, Arusha, Tanzania. Tel.: (255) 027 250 3842 / 3 Fax: (255) 027 254 8628 Email: bma@tanzaniatourism.go.tz |
Tanzania
Tourist Board, Mwanza
Tourist Information Centre Posta Road, New Mwanza Hotel, Ground Floor P.O Box 2175, Mwanza, Tanzania. Tel: (255) 737 199 806 Tel: (255) 28 250 0818 Email: ttb-mwanza@tanzaniatourism.go.tz |
Iringa (Southern Zone Office)
|
|
Tanzania
Tourist Board and Tanzania National Park Tourist Information Office
Pawaga Road Iringa P. O Box 1500, Iringa, Tanzania. Tel: (255) 0787 113 868 Mob: (255) 0763 858 246 Email: ttb-iringa@tanzaniatourism.go.tz Email: tanapa-iringa@tanzaniaparks.com |
Filming in Tanzania?
Filming
permit in Tanzania, please write and aquire information and licences from
Tanzania Tourist Board [address above] or email to info@tanzaniatourism.go.tz
Managing Director, TTB
Guidelines on Tourism Licenses and Forms – TALA
The guidelines for tourism licenses contained in this booklet issued by
the Tourism Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism will very
much assist tourism business operators in the country.
I
anticipate that all those engaged in the tourism business will be made aware of
these regulations and that it will receive enduring support from all the
tourism operators.
With that they shall abide to all other Laws and Regulations set by the Government to operate in this business.
With that they shall abide to all other Laws and Regulations set by the Government to operate in this business.
For more information
visit www.africanaturaltours.com
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