TANZANIA FAQ
Tanzania FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Tanzania, Answers to the most common travel concerns.
WHY WOULD I CHOOSE TANZANIA OVER OTHER SAFARI OPTIONS?
The team at Realm Africa Safaris™ thinks Tanzania is the most diverse safari destination in Africa, blessed with a stunning physical landscape that gives some of the greatest wildlife experiences on the continent. It is probably most famed for its Northern Parks like Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and Lake Manyara. Many of these areas are also tribal lands and so you have the chance to experience both the wildlife and a culture. Tanzania in our opinion is the perfect place to head to if you want to have a good mix of game viewing, cultural immersion, and scenic diversity.
HOW TO TO TANZANIA?
For main Tanzania access points of Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, British Airways and Kenya Airways operate daily direct flights from London via Nairobi. In addition, a number of services from the rest of UK via Europe and the Middle East.
HOW DO WE TRAVEL AROUND THE COUNTRY?
Travel on our trips around Tanzania is mainly done in four-wheel drive safari vehicles. You will also most likely fly between some locations on small aircraft as this is easy and maximizes your game-viewing time as you get to your destination in the shortest time as opposed to the long and sometimes very tiring long drives.
WHAT IS IT THAT YOU THINK I SHOULDN’T MISS ON MY VISIT TO TANZANIA?
we would say the Serengeti National Park every time! The Serengeti will always have a surprise in store for you, be it when you are out in the bush experiencing the wonder of the great wildebeest and zebra migration, or when searching for the big cats. There is always so much action here.
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO TANZANIA?
Like anywhere it is advisable to keep your valuables with you and not on show. Of course, there are many wild animals and you must always listen to the advice of your guides. On most of our trips you will be looked after by our representatives and will be met and transferred to all locations, so you are well looked after.
CAN I DRINK THE TAP WATER IN TANZANIA?
You should not drink the tap water but instead, drink bottled water. It is always best to check the bottle is sealed when you receive it.
IS ENGLISH WIDELY SPOKEN IN TANZANIA?
Yes the majority of people who you will meet on our safaris in Tanzania will speak English. Although over 100 different languages are spoken across Tanzania, the official languages are Kiswahili (it is definitely worth learning the basics before you go) and English.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OF THE HOTELS & LODGES IN TANZANIA?
We utilize clean & safe good quality hotels & lodges for all our trips to Tanzania. Our offering(s) for accommodation ranges from basic but clean, safe and comfortable camps, midrange hotels providing ensuite rooms, and very opulent luxurious upmarket lodges & camps the create a lasting memory of good quality lodging in Africa’s wilderness – It all revolves around your interest(s) and budget.
WHAT IS THE LOCAL FOOD LIKE IN TANZANIA?
Most of the time you will be eating in your lodge or camp, which will be of a good standard. It’s always better to advise us prior to travel if you have any specific requests, as lodges do need to bring in food from as fars as Arusha – which is a long way and therefore short notice doesn’t help the situation.
When you are staying in bigger towns there are normally many eating-out options. Indian restaurants are plentiful, due to the high resident Indian population, and also pizzerias and continental restaurants are numerous. On the coast, seafood is normally superb!
Tanzania local cuisine is typically made up a stew, which is usually accompanied with any of the following; Rice, chapati, ugali (a kind of maize meal) or matoke (steamed banana). The most common stews are beef, chicken, goat, and beans. Fish is also served in towns near the coast and lakes. The Swahili cuisine tends to be a bit spicier than other Tanzanian foods.
If you do eat local food it is best to seek the advice of your driver – guide, but it can be a great experience and one you shouldn’t miss!
HOW CULTURALLY DIFFERENT IS TANZANIA?
Many people around Tanzania have very little as is the case for most African countries. However, people are happy and will make you feel very welcomed and hopefully, you will learn more about the local cultures and traditions.
NOTE: we discourage direct handouts to the locals as this can build the “Dependency syndrome” in them. If you feel like supporting the community, let us advise you on how best to do it – always endeavor to be an ambassador for Responsible tourism.
HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY & CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES?
Buying local foods and produce is a good direct way to contribute to the local economy. Also buying presents for people back home adds to local income. If you are interested in any specific areas – schools, conservation programmes etc we can normally arrange for you to visit and find out more.
DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS AHEAD OF MY TRAVEL TO UGANDA?
Yes, you will need to speak to your doctor to find out what is required. Yellow Fever Vaccination (with a certificate as proof) is mandatory for all travelers intending to visit Tanzania. Remember to do this at least six weeks ahead of travel.
