Tips on Namibia

F.A.Q'S

TANZANIA

Currency & Money:
Currency = The Tanzanian Shilling
There are many Exchange Bureaus where you can change money. The rate is better for high valued US notes, i.e. US$100's and US$50's. They will also give money for Traveller's cheques, but the rate is lower than for cash. Some ATM's dispense cash on VISA and MASTERCARD, but the rate is often low and the banking costs high.

Visas:
Required by most visitors at a cost of US$50.00 per person, valid for three months. You will need your passport to visit Zanzibar, but you do not need another visa. Proof of yellow fever vaccinations may be required for both Tanzania and Zanaibar.

Language:
English is widely spoken. Kiswahili is one of the language of local Tanzanians.

Climate:
The weather is tropical; lots of heat and humidity at the coast, and only slightly less humid inland due to the rains. It does get a little chilly at night in winter. There are two rainy seasons; the long rains and the short rains. The best time to visit is between June and October, but this is regarded as high season.

Accommodation:
Backpackers and campers are reasonably well catered for, although there is sometimes not much choice. A number of up-market hotels and lodges can be found in the cities and at tourist spots.

Tourism Information and bookings:
Tanzanian Tourist Authorities:
www.tanzania-web.com

Things to consider:
Road Usage Permit: All vehicles have to pay a toll/fee for using the roads in Tanzania. In our case, for travelling from the Malawi border to Dar es Salaam, onto Arusha and then out to Kenya cost US$104.

Road Blocks: There are many, many traffic officers along the road and some road blocks. They generally wave visitors along or may stop you and ask a few questions, but, in our experience, have been friendly and non-intimidating.

Price of Fuel: As at August 2005 the cost of fuel was US$1.00 per litre.

Road conditions: The main roads are generally good with the occasional pothole just to remind you that you are in Africa! Once off the main roads, seasonal rains can cause major mayhem and wash aways, so check locally first.

Visas: Make sure your passport is stamped at your point of entry and the visa you are issued is for more time than you intend staying in the country. If you have a breakdown you don't need your visa expiring to add to your problems.

Third-party: You are required to either buy Third-party insurance at your point of entry or have COMESA cover. Both can be bought at the border.

Muslim sensitivities: Many hotel owners are Muslims; therefore no alcohol can be bought or consumed on the premises. It is also advisable for women and men to dress conservatively and avoid excessive displays of affection in public.

Places we stayed:

Place Comments Cost

Green View Inn, Mbeya If you have to find a place to stay for the night then Green View Inn is about your only choice in Mbeya. It has rather shabby ablutions with hot showers only at certain times. US$8.00 for camping for two people and "car parking".

The Old Farmhouse,
Kisalonza This is a real gem in the bush. Clean long-drop toilets & hot showers. There is no electricity at all at the campsite, so make sure you have a torch and fresh batteries. The restaurant has so much atmosphere and as you arrive, a drummer heralds your entrance! Food is fantastic! US$3.00 per person per night for camping

Baobab Campsite Situated in Baobab Valley on the road to Dar es Salaam, this campsite has hot showers, clean ablutions and a swimming pool! US$5.00 per person per night for camping

Mikadi Beach Campsite Many of the overland trucks use Mikadi Beach as a stopover place and storage place for their vehicles while the passengers go to Zanzibar. The food is good and reasonably priced. The ablutions are clean and the showers are hot - BUT, the water supply has been contaminated by the sea, so you'll shower in sea water not freshwater! One more thing.... drink the Vodka Slushies at your own risk!! (They are superb but pack a punch). US$2.00 per person per night for camping

Tembo Campsite
(between Dar es Salaam & Arusha) This recently new campsite has a tennis court, swimming pool, good food at reasonable prices and clean ablutions. The staff are friendly and helpful. US$4.00 per person per night for camping

Coffee Tree Campsite,
Marangu,
Mt. Kilimanjaro This lovely campsite is set on thick green grass in a formal garden. Hot showers and clean ablutions with a sauna (at extra cost). The staff, and owner, are very friendly and helpful. Food is available from the hotel next door. US$8.00 per person per night for camping

Masai Campsite Masai Camspite is situated in the suburbs of Arusha, close to town. It has hot showers, clean ablutions and good food at reasonable prices. There is also an Internet Cafe and Tropical Tours is based on the grounds; ideal for arranging tours to the game parks or the mountains. US$3.00 per person per night for camping

Public Campsites in The Serengeti National Park The public campsite are merely cleared grass areas with a hut for the tour group cooks; some of the six sites have roofed huts for clients. The toilets are beyond disgusting; they are a health hazard!! US$20.00 per person per night for camping +
US$30.00 per person per day entry fee +
US$30.00 per day vehicle entry

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