1. Cash & Credit Cards

Tanzania has cash-based economies. Cash transactions can be made in either U.S. dollars ($) or the local currency which is Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) . However, U.S. dollars bills should be recently issued (new bills).

Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis, mainly in the larger shops, hotels and lodges. (You will be paying 6% – 10% extra on your existing bill, in order to cover clearance).

Access to ATM machines is available in large cities such as, Arusha, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, but limited in rural areas.

A note of Caution: All passports, cash and valuable articles should not be left unattended at all times.

2. Shopping

Prices in most of the lodges are usually fixed, and generally are not bargain able.  There are many road side curio shops and markets, where bargaining is acceptable – so feel free to do so.

Popular items of interest: Ebony carvings, painted batiks, postcards, books and of course the famous “Tanzanite Gemstone” – If you do buy, insist on a certificate of Authenticity. (If you do decide to ship goods overseas, you will be charged a Shipping / clearance fee at your final destination).

Babji Tours and Safaris ltd will not be held responsible for any or all shopping and items shipped overseas.

3. Baggage Restrictions

On flights within Tanzania, each passenger is limited to a maximum baggage weight of 15 kilograms  (33 pounds). This includes the weight of purses and camera equipment in addition to regular luggage. Luggage restrictions are adhered to very strictly and passengers should pack their bags accordingly. Soft-sided luggage or duffels are preferable as they are easier to handle and store on safari vehicles and also on aircraft used throughout Tanzania. Dimensions should not exceed 23 inches (58 centimeters) long x 13 inches (33 centimeters) high x 10 inches (25 centimeters) wide.

Flights aboard light aircraft within Tanzania may not be direct. Multiple stops may be made to load/offload passengers at various landing strips. An aircraft change may also be required. You must have your Identification Card/Passport with you on all internal flights.

4. Packing list

Choose comfortable and casual clothing in natural, “breathable” fabrics and versatile styles that can be layered, as temperatures may vary considerably in the course of the day. For game viewing, wear neutral colors (though not camouflage, which is illegal in most national parks and reserves). Black, navy or other dark colors tend to attract insects. Smart casual attire is appropriate for evenings. Formal clothing is not necessary.

4.1. Clothing

If you are travelling during Africa’s winter months of mid-May through early September, bring warm clothing – heavy sweater, hat, gloves, lined jacket – to protect against chilly early morning and evening temperatures. A lined jacket is needed year-round when visiting the Ngorongoro Crater.

4.2. Other recommended items

4.3. Optional items

Laundry Service is available at most hotels, lodges and camps. Because some laundries in Africa do not accept any underclothing, be prepared to wash your own smalls. Laundry techniques may not be suitable for delicate and/or synthetic fabrics. Check costs and return times before using these services.

*Note: many properties provide insect repellent and sanitizers in receptions/rooms/tents. However you may wish to bring your own preferred brand.

5. Power Outlet

Tanzanian power outlets use 220-240V, 50Hz. If you are traveling from a country with a voltage less than 220V should check whether or not their electronic devices have a dual voltage power supply. If not, you may need to purchase a converter before leaving.

Generally speaking, most electronics (smart phones, digital cameras, tablets, and computers) work on a dual voltage basis. Electrical appliances such as razors and hair dryers do not. 

Tanzania uses the 3 pin ‘British’ plug, which comprises of three square/rectangular pegs. Travel adaptors can be purchased at airports and at most large department stores.

6. Of Special Note: Plastic Bags in Tanzania

The government of Tanzania has implemented a ban on plastic bags. The ban applies to “carrier and flat bags,” primarily targeting bags from shops and grocery stores, but also extending to Ziploc bags, duty-free bags and bubble wrap. If tourists have those types of bags visible while in the airport, they are likely to be confiscated. Bags designed for multiple uses, such as zippered cosmetic bags, are not included in the ban.

7. All National Park and Conservancy Fees

These are charged per person, per 24 hour period. These rates are subject to change without prior notice.

8. Photography
As you leave Arusha town, you will be passing a military installation – roughly 18 Km’s outside Arusha – Do not take any pictures of military personnel and property due to security reasons. For photographing Local Maasai and Swahili people, please get your guide to take permission and negotiate a price to photograph. You can visit a community in the Ngorongoro highlands for a small fee.
Camera/Mobile Phones/Tabs/Laptops can be charged at reception/rooms/tents at most lodges and Camps as well as in your vehicles.

9. Drinking Water

All water coming through the taps have been purified and filtered – so can be used for brushing teeth. Unless stated, in camps use bottled water for brushing also.

For drinking purposes – bottled water is highly recommended.

10. Tipping

Tipping is customary and is entirely at your discretion. The following can be used as a guideline:

Your private safari guide:      US$10-15 per person per day

Camp Crew:                          US$5-10 per person per day

Porters / Waiters:                   US$1 per person

Transfers Drivers:                  US$5 per person

Room/Restaurants                  10%-15% unless stated

Local Safari or City Guides  US$15-20 per person full day

Hot Air Balloon Pilots US$10 per person
For outstanding Performances or services received, a higher tip can be given.

11. The Language
There are two frequently used languages – English and Kiswahili. The later being the mother tongue which is widely used. However English is well understood in most places, especially with tourists visiting sites.

The locals are always appreciative if you know a little bit of Swahili!

Useful Swahili Words

12. Reservations, Payment and Deposits
When BT&SL has accepted your booking, the date of the confirmation mail activates the terms and conditions of the contract. Confirmation of services is subject to payment of a refundable deposit of 25% of the total invoiced amount, except for bookings at few properties where the deposit is non-refundable. The balance is to be paid not later than 60 days prior to commencement of the services. When bookings are made within 60 days prior to the departure date, full payment is required immediately on written confirmation.

If payments are not received within the above time frame, BT&SL reserves the right to cancel the tour which has been booked and retain any deposit received to set against expenses incurred in the booking of such a tour. All bookings are subject to availability at the time of booking and cannot be guaranteed.

Prices
Prices are quoted in US dollars and are Nett. All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Should prices or costs from suppliers increase due to inflation, currency depreciation and fuel surcharges, then BT&SL will not have any other option than to pass on the same to you. All suppliers reserve the right to increase prices at any time of the year when costs increase outside the control of the supplier. Please note that when the clients’ itinerary overlaps two seasons, the price will be prorated over the two seasons.

Child rate is only applicable to one or two children under 12 years sharing a room with 2 adults. In the case of 2 children sharing a room with parents, the two children will share a bed as most hotels/lodges cannot accommodate a fourth bed. 01 child sharing a room with 01 adult will be charged full adult rate.

Cancellation Policy
If you wish to cancel your holiday you must notify BT&SL in writing as soon as possible. Your notice of cancellation is only effective when it is received in writing. In such case the following cancellation charges will be payable:
* Under 60 days – full invoice/booking value, * Between 60 – 89 days – 50% of invoice/booking value, * Between 90 – 120 days – 25% of invoice/booking value

Although it rarely happens, and BT&SL will do their utmost to avoid doing so, BT&SL must reserve the right to cancel tours and other arrangements. Where your holiday is cancelled (other than due to your default in payment) due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control e.g. over bookings, BT&SL will offer you the choice of purchasing an alternative holiday (and paying or receiving a refund in respect of any price difference) or receiving a full and immediate refund of all monies paid to them.

Some safaris may incur additional cancellation fees (especially gorilla safaris). There will be no refund for any unused portions of a safari once it has commenced. Cancellation penalties on airfares and gorilla permits are additional and may not be included in the above cancellation charges. Cancellation insurance for the total land tour cost is strongly recommended.

Age Limits
In certain camps, lodges, hotels and beach resorts and on specific activities, minimum age limits can apply. The age limit for Gorilla Safaris is 15 years of age.

Flights
a).In the unlikely event of flight delays the airlines concerned are not to be held liable for any act, omission or event during the time the passengers are not on board their aircraft or conveyance.

b).Flight delays are not considered as alterations to the program and as a consequence any compensation applied for from the company is not applicable. In the event of a scheduled flight delay, cancellation or over booking, the company cannot be held liable for any costs incurred. Any denied boarding compensation if applicable should be sought from the airline concerned and not BT&SL.

c). The company cannot guarantee that flight times detailed on the itinerary will not change at short notice. If in any event they do, BT&SL will make every available effort to assist in obtaining a suitable alternative flight.

Travel Protection Program:
Canceling your safari can be very costly, as we have to adhere to the cancellation fee schedule above. We highly recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan, which will protect you from penalties if you cancel for a covered reason. In addition, there is coverage for trip interruption, trip delay and protection for emergency evacuation, accident and sickness medical expense: Babji Tours & Safaris is not responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of personal luggage and belongings, or personal injury, accident or illness. We recommend the following travel protection programs: www.travelguard.com and www.airmed.com