Once you are on planning to travel in Tanzania bare in your mind that Tanzania is a very safe the land where its people are very helpful for visitors. As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe, do not carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities, do not wear too much jewel and do not carry too large amounts of cash with you, etc. Be sure that Giraffe Safari Guides will be responsible for your safety in cities and in the game areas. From time to time generalized travel statements are issued concerning travel conditions in the area. For the current Department of State announcements and Consular information see http://travel.state.gov/ .

You will need to require a valid passport at least six months after your date of entry. If you are arriving from a country in which Yellow Fever is endemic (such as Kenya), you will require an immunization certificate or health card. Each traveler is responsible for sorting out their own passport and visa requirements, and we cannot offer much assistance in this matter. If you do not yet have a passport, apply for one early, as they can take some time to arrive. If you already have a passport, double check when it expires. While Tanzania is a commonwealth country, UK citizens definitely do need a visa to enter. This is also true for citizens of South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, Nigeria and Canada. Visas usually cost in the neighborhood of $50 (around £40), but visas from the US can cost $100. Tanzanian visas expire three months after they are issued so be careful not to apply too soon. Visas can be purchased upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (IATA code: JRO), but you can expect long queues, and for the process to take an extra hour or more. The Tanzanian High Commission has stressed that they have the right to deny visas applied for on arrival. We have never had a report of this happening, but it is a danger best avoided. For these reasons, we highly recommend that travelers get their visa in advance if at all possible. More information about applying for a Tanzanian visa in the UK can be found here. On the other hand, many US travelers prefer to avoid risking their passports in the mail, and other potential delays, by applying upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airports.

Chief’s Tours is located in the Kilimanjaro region where there is a great source of clean drinking water from the mountain. Although we always encourage our customers to reduce using plastic bottles by refilling yours with our boiled water (please ask if you require), it is still best to drink bottled water when travelling through Tanzania – numerous brands are widely available and served in all restaurants and lodges. You also can buy bigger sizes like 5-10-20liter. Steer clear of ice, raw vegetables, and salads when eating at street restaurants. High-end lodges and restaurants will clean their produce in an antiseptic solution, but to be on the safe side, fruit and vegetables should always be washed and peeled. Try to avoid eating in empty restaurants – the food may have been sitting out for some time – and order your meat well done. On the coast, seafood and fish are usually fresh, but make sure everything is well-cooked.

The food served in the safari camps/lodges varies, but is tasty and delicious. Gourmet cooks bake fresh bread, and produce soups, salads, and entrees that could easily grace tables at the top restaurants around the world. Meals are international in flavor with soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, and breads. Your day normally starts with tea and biscuits before your morning activity. Returning to your lodge or camp late morning, brunch is enjoyed – cereals, fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage, and toast. Buffet lunches are typical with a warm dish such as stew served with salads, quiches and cold meats. Dinner consists of an appetizer followed by meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted vegetables and sauces. Dinner is followed by coffee/ tea, cheeses, and stunning desserts. In Tanzania's towns and villages, the food is usually simpler. Nyama choma (grilled meat) is very popular and often served with sauce, rice, chips, or ugali (cornmeal). Indian cuisine is also widespread. The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari, Kilimanjaro, mbege (home brew from the Chagga people originally from Kilimanjaro region) and banana beer; imported beers (e.g. Tusker from Kenya) and wine are also excellent.

Here is some recommended vaccination to travel to our country:

• Hepatitis A or Immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact: through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water: or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
• Hepatitis B Especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example health-care workers) have sexual contact with the local population) or be exposed through medical treatment. Vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Meningococcal (meningitis) if you plan to visit countries in this region that experience epidemics of meningococcal disease during December through June.
• Rabies, pre-exposure vaccination, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
• Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors.
• Yellow fever, viral disease that occurs primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America, is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The virus is also present in Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers to endemic areas and may be required to cross certain international borders (for country specific requirements, see yellow fever vaccine Requirements and information on malaria Risk and Prophylaxis, by country.)
  Vaccination should be given 10 days before travel and at 10-year intervals if there is on-going risk. As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adult.
• Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. All travelers to East Africa, including infants, children and former residents of East Africa, may be at risk for malaria. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against.

Please, consult your local immunization doctor before you travel abroad. You can also check up-to-date at the Center for Disease control and receive the guidelines.