TANZANIA: This picturesque country, 930,704 sq. kms in size, lies just south of the Equator on the East coast of Africa. Its cosmopolitan population of 30 million people come from 120 different tribes, all contributing to the country's rich cultural heritage. There is little seasonal variation in temperature, but it is slightly cooler in June/ July and warmer in January/ February. There is much more variation between the coastal and low lying regions and the high plains and mountain regions. The Northern game parks lie at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,000 feet and have a pleasant climate with warm days and cooler evenings year round. There are two rainy seasons- the long rains during April and May and the short rains in November. The rest of the year is classified as dry season. In practice the rainfall pattern is neither regular nor predictable. In the rainy seasons the rain often falls in heavy but brief tropical downpours during the evening or night with pleasant sunny days in between., rain makes the atmosphere clean and dust free and the vegetation beautifully lush and green.                               

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE: The local unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling which these days is freely convertible within Tanzania for the U.S.$ and other currencies. There are numerous banks and bureau de change in towns, and most lodges and hotels will exchange currency or travellers cheques at reasonable rates. It is not possible to obtain Tanzanian Shillings outside the country, and it is illegal to export more than a small amount. Many items or services are priced and paid for in U.S.$, so do not convert more funds into the local currency than you need for incidental expenses.

LANGUAGE: The official language of Tanzania is Kiswahili. This is spoken and understood by the great majority of the population, many of whom also speak a tribal language. There is a wide usage and understanding of English, and virtually everyone the average tourist is likely to meet in the course of their safari will be fluent.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: There are some long distance coaches which are suitable for use by visitors. Local buses and minibuses services are also available daily. Taxis are also available everywhere in urban areas.

IMMIGRATION: Visitors are required to have a valid passport and visa. These are readily obtained from consulates and diplomatic missions. Where no diplomatic representation exits, visas may be issued on arrival, however it is best to consult your travel agent before making definite departure plans.

DEPARTURE TAX: There is a departure tax on International flights of $20  this will generally have been included or already paid in the price of your ticket. There is a small local departure tax payable in cash at the airport/ airstrip for local flights.

MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Check with your doctor to get the current recommendations and advice. Anti malarial tablets are strongly recommended.

CLOTHING: Clothing should be light weight, loose-fitting and of "breathable" fabrics, such as cotton. For the daytime, shorts and T-shirts are most comfortable. While out in the bush you will find that neutral colors are best as they blend in with the natural surroundings and show the dust least. The nights at the higher elevations like Ngorongoro gets to be quite cool, so you should also bring a sweater or a jacket.

Internet : access is freely available, although sometimes slow, in majorenters
HOW TO GET THERE: There are international flights to Kilimanjaro, Dar-es-Salaam, Zanzibar and Nairobi.
Some airline companies offer the possibility to arrive at Kilimanjaro or Nairobi en depart from Zanzibar or Dar-es-Salaam.