1. Contact Numbers

Local Office and Support (Heaven Temba): (+255) 652 689 173

Sales Office (Happy Sann): (+1) 226-230-1471

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2. Communication While in Tanzania

It is recommended that our clients download the App ‘WhatsApp’ while travelling in Tanzania, as this is the

simplest and most direct form of communication our company will use. WhatsApp uses data and therefore will work

even when you do not have cell phone reception, so long as you have Wifi.

Many accommodations both in town and while on safari will have free access to Wifi, although can be spotty at

times for speed. If you are spending long periods of time in an urban center, it may be recommended to purchase a local

SIM card – SIM cards are affordable and come with a large amount of data so that you may use your phone anytime and

anywhere while travelling. Please let us know if you would like assistance purchasing a SIM card.

WhatsApp will be used as the main platform for communication once you arrive in Tanzania, however, emails will

still be checked routinely. The platform will be used to confirm final details such as first day departure time and answer

any questions you may have after arrival.

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3. Climate

Due to Tanzania’s proximity to the equator the climate is characterized by warm days and cool evenings. For

most of the year, rainfall is unusual, even on the islands.

Temperatures vary with altitude and location, most arid regions like the Serengeti provide comfortable

temperature, clear sky and sunny weather. The daytime temperature on average reaches 27*C with a nighttime low of

14*C, the temperature on Zanzibar can get a bit higher with more humidity. However, for the night(s) in Ngorongoro

Conservation Area, due to the altitude of the crater, it is quite cold (can get below 10*C), and we advise guests to pack

warm clothes/jacket when visiting this region.

In case you are traveling during the Rainy Seasons (April, May, and light rain in November) periodic rains may

occur so waterproof footwear and a jacket is recommended.

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4. Clothing

During safari we recommend clients pack comfortable and casual clothing that are ideal for sitting in a vehicle for

long periods of time. Neutral or ‘natural’ colours such as khaki, beige, or green colors are recommended but not

necessary. However, it is notable that dark colours such as black and dark blue may attract tsetse flies.

Below you can find a list of recommended items to pack for your safari:

• T-shirts or short sleeve shirts

• Long sleeves shirts or covers (for cooler days and for the evening to protect against bugs)

• Long trousers, Jeans or leggings

• Short trousers for warmer days

• Casual dress/romper (OPTIONAL – some people enjoy dressing up for the dinners while on safari)

• Sweater and/or a jacket (for the cold mornings and evenings)

• swimwear (if the accommodation you selected has pool or if you do a beach extension)

• Sunglasses

• Hat (for sunshade)

• comfortable footwear (Sandals, flats or running shoes – if hiking please bring a shoe appropriate for hiking

(running shoe or solid sole shoe)

Please note that some accommodations do have laundry services, however it takes a day or two so this service may

only be available if staying at the accommodation for a few days in a row.

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Please note that generally Tanzania is considered very conservative, and it is recommended when travelling in

public/non-tourist areas to dress conservatively, this means it is recommended to keep your shoulders covered and ensure shorts and dresses are not too short (Cover to knees).

Zanzibar Island is also very conservative, and it is recommended when touring around Stone Town and off hotel properties to cover up with light layers (shoulders and knees). However, while on safari or in a tourist area you may dress however you please.

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5. Additional Packing List

Apart from clothing, below is a small list of other items you will wish to pack for your safari.

- Camera (Some choose to just capture moments with their cell phone – however if bringing a real camera, it is

recommended to have at least at 70-250mm lens to capture the best photos)

- Additional camera batteries for long safari days

- Additional camera storage/SD cards

- Day pack (Smaller bag with day-to-day necessities for easier access while driving around)

- All necessary toiletries

- Shower items (some/most accommodations will have some soaps, bodywash and shampoos provided – however

if it recommended to bring your own if you have a preference)

- Insect repellent

- Sunscreen

- Assortment of pharmacy items (Advil/Tyanol, anti-nausea, anti-diarrhea, antihistamine, after bite ointment and

aloe for sun burn)

- Charging cords (cell phone, camera etc.)

- Plug and voltage converter (Plugs in Tanzania generally run at 230V and 50 Hz), the most common plug

configuration in Tanzania are Type G and D.

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6. Additional Information for Mafia Island

For those attending Mafia Island for snorkeling or diving excursions a suggested packing list is below (Note: flights to mafia island are small charter flights and checked bags are limited to 15kg duffel with 5kg of hand luggage – additional luggage weight can be purchased but is limited to space available on the flight)

- Swim wear appropriate for snorkeling or diving

- Sunscreen and sun protection

- If you wish your personal snorkel gear

There is one ATM on Mafia Island in Kilindoni close to the airport, and being a bit more of an isolated island TSH is the

accepted currency on the island. However, for meals and additional excursion booked through your hotel USD is an

acceptable currency.

Marine Park on Mafia Island has a daily admission park fee of around $24 USD – This has to be paid directly at the

marine park and HAS to be paid by card, they will not accept cash. I apologize in advance for this inconvenience.

 

7. Currency

The Tanzania Shilling is the currency of Tanzania, and the exchange is approximately 1 shilling = 0.0004 USD.

Travellers can get shillings by exchanging at the airport or a bank, or by withdrawing funds from one of the numerous ATM machines available in Arusha and Karatu.

There are NO ATM’s machines in the Serengeti or close to any of the national parks, so please ensure you have cash before leaving on safari. Some hotels can accept credit cards, but many of the camps still require cash for things such as beverage purchase or additional services like laundry.

The USD is also very widely accepted in Tanzania, especially in the tourism industry, notes must be in good

condition and printed since 2009.

Quick and simple exchange rate tip: when switching for TZ Shilling to USD or vice versa a quick trick is to

multiple the USD x2 and add 3 zero’s and that will be the total in TZ Shilling, do the opposite for going from Shilling to

USD. This is a quick trick, and some places may do that formal exchange based on that days exchange rates, but in places like markets etc. its usually a quick and simple conversion used.

For Example:

- Sandwich $5 USD = 10,000 TZ Shilling

- Fabric 40,000 TZS = $20 USD

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8. Safety and Risks

Chasing Dreams Safaris does not accept responsibility for any theft or loss of personal belongings that occurs

while client is on safari, staying at an accommodation booked through Chasing Dreams Safaris or on any service

provided by our company.

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AMREF Emergency Evacuation (The Flying Doctors Society) is included for all Chasing Dreams safari

tours an AMREF cover is automatically included in our prices.

This is not a substitute for personal travel insurance and clients must also make their own arrangements for

full insurance prior to travel.

All clients are advised to insure themselves and their property fully for the duration of the safari.

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9. Health

We advise all travelers to take precautions against insect bites including mosquito and tsetse fly to prevent

malaria and other illnesses. We recommend speaking with your GP or personal physician four to six weeks before

departure.

Travellers from or through countries which have been declared yellow fever infected areas must provide

an international health certificate of vaccination for yellow fever upon arrival into Tanzania. Guests should seek

recommendations from their GP or local travel clinic regarding sensible medical precaution whilst travelling and

it is recommended that all guests are covered by a comprehensive travel and health insurance from the moment their

safari arrangements are confirmed.

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10. Travel Documents

The onus is on the guest to ensure that passports (your passport needs to have at least 6 months of validity),

visas travel permits, health certificates, inoculations other documentation required for the trip are obtained and

are in order.

Tourist Visa - although there are many online portals that’s you can use to apply for a Tanzania evisa, some portals

do not produce valid documents which can cause issues at the airport and require an additional visa application fee.

We strongly recommend applying for a visa upon arrival at the airport – the process is straightforward costs $50

USD pe person except for U.S Citizens who pay $100 USD per person. (PLEASE BRING USD CASH FOR THIS

AND $50usd notes in good condition)

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Some countries do require a referral visa in advance. Please contact us if you are a citizen of any of the following countries:

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Abkhazia, Chad Equatorial Guinea, Kyrgyztan, Mauritania, Palestine, Somalia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Lebanon Morocco, Sierra Leone or Uzbekistan.

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Information for your Tanzania Tourist Visa application:

- Who are you staying with/Visiting: Chasing Dreams Safaris LTD

- Address of location: Plot No 10, Sakina Road Arusha

- Contact: Heaven Temba

- Contact Phone number: +255 652 689 173

- Where will you be staying: Multiple hotels – going on safari

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11. Transportation

With some exceptions, vehicles are allowed to circulate inside the parks from 6am to 6pm.

Being a private tour, it is part of the experience to decide such details with your guide during the tour.

Nevertheless, we recommend starting as early as possible to make sure you optimize your day and game drive

duration. If a balloon tour is booked, its common practice for the balloon company to meet with you at

5am at you accommodation and take you to the launch site. For departures from Arusha on the first day we don’t

advise to leave after 9am. Transport on safari is provided in 4 wheel-drive vehicles. City and other similar transfers

may be provided in minivans. The company reserves the right to employ the services of sub-contractors where

necessary.

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12. Domestic Airlines and Domestic Flight Connections

If you are booking such connections through Chasing Dreams Safaris, please note that carriage by the airlines

is subject to the terms and condition of the carrier with whom you are traveling and to international conventions.

Chasing Dreams Safaris has no control and accepts no liability for cancellations or delays which are subject to

operations decisions by the carriers. All flights are subcontracted to independent aviation Companies who

are entirely responsible, and therefore liable, for all aspects of the flying operation.

In case charter company services are used (e.g. Coastal Aviation, Flight Link Charters, Auric Air, etc.), it’s

important to be aware of the common luggage restrictions. All the luggage allowances should be verified and

confirmed with the airline website or in the e-ticket supplied by the airline to avoid any complications during

boarding.

Coastal Airlines and Auric Airline Baggage Limits (soft sided duffel bags are recommended):

- Checked Bag 15kg

- Handbag 5kg

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