Lelwat Jungle Guides

FAQ

You have questions, many questions. We Jungle Guides believe we have the answers.

Know More About Tanzania

Located in East Africa, Tanzania is bordered by the Indian Ocean on its Eastern Side, blessing us with the beauty of Zanzibar.

North of Tanzania you will find Kenya and Uganda, whilst Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi can be found to the west. South of Tanzania is Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

There are a number of ways of getting to Tanzania, however you usually will fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (640km, or 2 hours’ flight from Arusha City), or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (45 minutes’ drive from Arusha City.

Tanzania is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). This means that there’s no time difference between their summer and winter months.

The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, and most of our people speak it. Just as well, as we have well over 100 different tribal languages! Fortunately English is widely spoken in the larger towns and places where visitors frequent. At Easy Travel, we have a team of driver-guides who can speak a variety of languages such as English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. When booking with us be sure to let us know if you have a preferred language you would like our Guides to speak.

We are sure you’ll feel very safe here, we’re sure you’ll feel very welcome. As with everywhere else in the world, just use a bit of common sense, don’t flaunt any valuables and you can enjoy the natural wonders, the culture and the people of Tanzania.

Whilst most of our visitors will come to Tanzania for our wildlife experiences, they often leave with a much wider and richer experience than they could have ever expected. Why? Part of that is due to our friendly, welcoming, colourful people. Tanzanians are a true mix of many ethnicities, different religious beliefs and all live together in harmony in what is one of the African continent’s safest destinations.

Whether you are looking to climb Kilimanjaro or tick off that African Safari from your bucket list, we are excited to help you plan.

Contact us today with any specific preferences and our team of Tanzania specialists will get back to you with a bespoke Itinerary that will blow your mind.

We cannot wait to welcome you!

The Tanzanian dry season usually starts at the start of June and continues through until the end of October. After that, the ‘short rains’ begin from late October/early November until mid- to end December. There is then a respite from late December to Mid of March, and then the ‘long rains’ start at the end of March and last until May.

Of course, weather seasons can vary every year, so you have to be prepared for anything.

Tanzania has two rainy seasons, with the so-called ‘long rains’ from the end of March to May and the ‘short rains’ from late October/early November through to mid-December.

Yes. With its tropical climate, there inevitably are mosquitos in Tanzania. Visitors should take advice from a medical practitioner well in advance of visiting, as courses of antimalarial drugs usually have to begin before your visit start. You should bring mosquito repellent and wear neutral-coloured/khaki clothes. Some accommodations will provide anti-mosquito measures such as mosquito nets or spray your sleeping quarters with repellent.

Tanzania is mapped by the World Health Organization as a low risk country because no Yellow fever virus has been isolated in the country. However, the abundance of Yellow fever vector and other favorable ecological conditions pose potential risk for Yellow fever if the virus is introduced into the country. Furthermore, being bordered with Yellow fever endemic countries has also increased the vulnerability of Tanzania being infected with the virus.

In order to conform to IHR, 2005 requirements and safeguard public health security in Tanzania, Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travellers arriving from Yellow fever endemic countries. This condition also applies to travellers subjected to long flight connection (transit) in Yellow fever endemic country for twelve hours (12hrs) or more.

You can help to avoid these biting flies by choosing to wear neutral-coloured clothing (khali, beige, green, olive, light brown) as the flies are attracted to bright colours. Most people suffer no adverse reactions to the bites of these flies, but a few suffer from itchiness and swelling.

The tsetse fly are primarily present in woodland areas of Tarangire and in certain parts of Serengeti. They are most active during daylight hours.

You will require comfortable, casual and semi-casual clothes for your safari to Africa. Please note that bright colors are not suitable for game-viewing and that game-drives are conducted in the early morning and late afternoon which can be cold, especially in winter.

  • Light cotton trousers *
  • Cotton shorts *
  • Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved) *
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals *
  • Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker
  • Sunhat *
  • Fleece
  • Insect repellent *
  • Small torch *
  • Bathing suit *
  • Suntan lotion *
  • Sunglasses*
  • Camera (telephoto lens recommended)
  • Binoculars
  • For winter, pack an extra:
  • Warm jacket
  • Woollen hat
  • Scarf and gloves

Please ensure that you arrange your own insurance for personal effects, personal accident, medical travel expenses, baggage, cancellation and curtailment prior to your arrival. Trained first-aiders are on standby at most lodges at all times, and emergency evacuation by air is available.

Please ensure that you are holding a valid passport with sufficient blank pages for entry stamps in each country visited, and that you apply for visas prior to your departure. Nationals of certain countries do not require visas depending on the country you are visiting. It is advisable to check with the Consulate of the country you intend visiting for the latest visa and entry requirements beforehand or contact us and we’ll gladly advise you with regard to documentation.

As certain African currencies are difficult to change outside the country of origin it is advisable to only change money as required. Most international airports have banks where money can be changed, and facilities are usually available at hotels and lodges. Most major credit cards are accepted at lodges/hotels, shops and restaurants.

As exchange rates fluctuate, please check with your local bank or business media prior to departure.

Guest safety is of paramount importance and even though Africa is a safe destination, it is wise to take certain standard security precautions. Please carry a record of your passport number, airline tickets and travellers cheques, and ensure that these items are kept in a safe place. Make use of your hotel safety deposit box for expensive items and never leave baggage or personal items unattended, especially at airports. Fully trained uniformed security guards monitor animal activity within lodge areas and escort guests to/from their suites.

African safaris offer many excellent photographic opportunities. We recommend that you use a telephoto lens (at least 80-300mm in size) for the photography of birds and game, as well as a wide-angle lens. As most game-drives are in the early morning or late afternoon, high-speed film (200/400ASA) should be used. Film and batteries are usually available along major tourist routes and from lodges, but we advise that you purchase film, bulbs and batteries prior to your departure. A lens hood and ultra-violet filter are advisable and a good bag for your equipment including a dust cover (plastic bag) is essential.

There are never any guarantees with wildlife, but our driver-guides work hard to find you the ‘Big 5’ and so much more. But you will certainly have a good chance of seeing the Big 5, depending on which parks you choose to visit as part of your itinerary. If your goal is to see a black rhino, you should include Ngorongoro on your schedule.

Ready for an Adventure in Tanzania?

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