LANGUAGE

MONEY

• Please note that in Tanzania only ‘new’ dollar notes are accepted i.e. those printed after the year 2000. ‘Old’ notes are not accepted anywhere, even in banks, so for hotels, tips, shopping etc. you will need new notes.
• Major foreign currencies – particularly US$, UK and the Euro - are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureaux de changes in the main towns and tourist areas.
• Traveller’s cheques will not be accepted either for exchange or payment.
• Credit cards are not widely accepted.
• Credit and Debit Cards can be used and ATM points are found in most of the larger towns in Tanzania including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Moshi, Tanga and Mwanza.
• Don’t change money on the street.

HEALTH 

• Yellow fever vaccination is required and you may be asked to produce a certificate at entry ports.
• Malaria is endemic but is preventable; use insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and take anti-malaria prophylactics as advised by your doctor.
• Bring prescription medicines, spare glasses, contact lenses/solution and sunscreen as well as a small first aid kit with diarrhoea remedy and cream for insect bites.
• All Mbali Mbali lodges have good first aid kits and managers are trained in the use of them. 
• Drink only bottled or boiled water.

CLIMATE

• Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings June to October.
• Short rains November to mid December and long rains March to May, but the seasons may vary.
• The coastal strip is hot and humid all year around.
• Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru drop to below freezing.

ON SAFARI

• Keep your distance from animals and be quiet to avoid distressing the wildlife.
• Follow instructions of rangers and guides at all times.
• Do not attempt to feed wild animals or they will be shot by the Park Rangers.
• Do not litter as animals may choke and die.

PHOTOGRAPHY

• Bring film and batteries for your camera with you. 
• Protect your cameras from dust and keep equipment and film cool.
• Please note that flash photography is not allowed while chimpanzee tracking.
• It is courteous to ask permission before photographing local people.

INSURANCE

• Take out travel insurance as well as emergency medical evacuation insurance to cover loss of baggage or valuables, personal accident and medical expenses.

TIPPING

• Not obligatory, but a tip for exceptional service will be appreciated.

TIME

• GMT + 3 hours

ELECTRICITY

• 230V, but power failures, surges and brown-outs are common.
• Bring a universal adaptor for three pin square plugs and a torch (flashlight) or headlamp.

DRIVING

• On the left side of the road.
• An international licence is required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN

• Tanzanians love children and are especially helpful to mothers.
• Canned baby foods, powdered milk and disposable nappies may not be available outside major towns.

VISAS

• Check current requirements with the nearest Tanzanian High Commission, embassy or consulate, or your travel agent.
• Visas, if required can be bought on arrival at all international airports and overland borders.

SECURITY

• Tanzania is a generally safe country, but don’t invite crime.
• Keep an eye on your belongings.
• Leave valuable jewellery at home.

GIFTS

• Don’t indiscriminately hand out pens, money and sweets as it just encourages begging.
• As anywhere, gifts should be given as a true expression of friendship, appreciation or thanks.

SHOPPING

• The tourist areas and hotels sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewellery and trinkets.
• Don’t be afraid to haggle at roadside curio stalls but remember that for many people this is the only way they make their living.

WHAT TO BRING

• While on safari in Tanzania with Mbali Mbali we want all our guests to be comfortable and to ensure this we advise you to pack as lightly as possible, remembering that the charter flights have a maximum baggage allowance of 15kg per person in soft bags.
• Please note that all our lodges have a laundry service so only a few changes of clothes are required.
• For everyday use we suggest you pack shorts, t-shirts, lightweight trousers, short & long sleeved shirts, good walking shoes, and casual evening wear for open-air dinners.
• For the cooler months of June, July and August it is also advisable to bring a jacket or fleece. 
• For chimpanzee tracking or other walking activities please bring good lightweight boots/shoes as well as a small day pack to carry water and other necessary items. 
• For water activities at Gombe and Mahale don’t forget swimwear, sarongs, and flip flops or sandals.
• Shampoo, conditioner and soap are provided in the rooms but please bring other cosmetics and medical items required.
• Cameras and binoculars are a must.
• Please note that flash photography is not allowed while chimpanzee tracking.
• Last but not least don’t forget to bring sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat.