How to get there

If you are coming from Nairobi we will arrange a express shuttle bus to pick you up from your Hotel or Nairobi Airport the 1st shuttle leaves at 7:30am and the 2nd leaves at 2:00pm.we If you arriving to Kilimanjaro Airport we will meet you at the Airport or shuttle terminal and transfer to your hotel in Arusha or proceed with safari. We recommend you if you flying from rest of the 1st option out bound fly direct to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by KLM or Ethiopian Airline or to Nairobi with any other airline, 2nd option if you doing safari and Zanzibar we recommend you book your ticket outbound to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Nairobi (NBO) and Inbound from Dar es Salaam (Dar) or Zanzibar (Znz)

Language

English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili will be appreciated.

Money

Major foreign currencies - particularly US$- and travelers cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureaux de changes in the main town and tourist areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. Only some banks offer ATM facilities. Visitors may be expected to pay in foreign currency for game parks. Don't change money in the street.

Health

Please check with your doctor to ensure you are fully aware of the dangers of climbing mountain at higher altitude. It is also advisable to take anti malarial precautions starting before your departure and consult your doctor or Travel clinic before you plan your journey to East Africa.

Climate

Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings June-October, short rains November to mid-December, long rains March-May but the season can vary. The coastal strip is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures at high altitudes on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing.

Clothing

Pack lightweight, washable clothes plus a sweater for early morning game drives, a sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Long sleeves and trousers in light-colored fabrics help discourage insect bites. Shorts for women are acceptable (but not too short). Women should carry a wrap to cover legs in the village and towns as revealing clothes can be offensive, especially in Zanzibar and Muslim areas. On the beach and within the confines of beach hotels normal swim wear (no nudity) is acceptable. For climbing on Kilimanjaro and Meru, take thermal underwear, light layers, sweater, rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots. Cold weather gear is needed for the high altitudes.

Baggage

Baggage on safari is limited to one soft sided bag, plus one small piece of hang baggage per person (excluding a camera bag). In total this should not weight more then 15kg. Suitcases and other heavier items can be stored in city hotels while clients are on safari.

Photography

Bring film and batteries for your camera with you. Protect your camera from dust and keep equipment and film cool. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing local people. If you intend to take a lot of people pictures, be sure to bring an instant camera with you so that you can leave a picture with people you photograph.

Liability and Insurance

Masai Giraffe Safaris acts only as an agent of the passenger in all matters relating to tours and it accepts no responsibility for any personal illness, injury, accident, death, delay, any kind of loss, damage or irregularity of any kind, which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as a hotel or airline, who is to, or does supply, any goods or services for Business, etc. Take out fully comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for loss of baggage or valuables, personal accident, medical expenses, or other losses.

Tipping

Not obligatory, but a tip for exceptional service (max 10%) will be appreciated, $10-$15 per day is customary for drivers and guides.

Local Time

Standard Time in Tanzania is GMT+3     Check Current Time in Tanzania

Electricity

Power is 230v,50hz. Common receptacle take 3 round pins or 3 flat blades. Occasional power failures or surges can happen. It is recommended to bring plug and voltage adaptors if needed, and a personal light or headlamp.

Travel With Children

Tanzanians love children and are especially helpful to mothers. However, canned baby foods, powered milk and disposable nappies may not be available outside major towns or to the parks hotel. Tanzania is a very safe and family friendly country.

Visas

Check current requirements with nearest Tanzanian High Commission, embassy or consulate. Visas may be required.

Security

Tanzania is a generally safe country but don't invite temptation. Keep your eye on your belongings. Use caution walking in the towns or cites at night or take a taxi. Don't carry valuables or large amounts of cash, and beware of pickpockets and hawkers. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to safeguard valuables and obtain a receipt. Leave valuable jewelery at home.

Shopping

Tourist areas and hotels sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewelery and trinkets. Don't be afraid to haggle at roadside stalls (Your drivers and guides will advise you were to shop and recommend appropriate pricing). The best known souvenirs are wood carvings, curios, and Tanzanite (famous love stone) which is a well known gem stone Tanzanite available widely at souvenirs shops.