welcome to africa! · contact your local gp or the travel doctor (travellers medical &...

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Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier www.bunniktours.com.au Welcome to Africa! We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care, as if it were for our own family. For us it’s about sharing the joy of travel and discovery. You’ll gain real insight into every destination you visit with the support of our expert local guides and have a load of fun travelling in the comfort of a small group. In this Tour Information Dossier we’ve compiled some useful information on the countries you will visit on your upcoming tour. We hope this informs you, excites you and enhances your holiday time in Africa. Happy travels! Marion, Dennis & Sacha Bunnik

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Page 1: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Welcome to Africa! We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care, as if it were for our own family. For us it’s about sharing the joy of travel and discovery.

You’ll gain real insight into every destination you visit with the support of our expert local guides and have a load of fun travelling in the comfort of a small group.

In this Tour Information Dossier we’ve compiled some useful information on the countries you will visit on your upcoming tour. We hope this informs you, excites you and enhances your holiday time in Africa.

Happy travels! Marion, Dennis & Sacha Bunnik

Page 2: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Before you go… Africa

Passport & Visas We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you. Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.

Useful Websites Australian Government Advisory and Consular Service: www.smartraveller.gov.au Customs Australia: www.customs.gov.au Time: www.timeanddate.com/worldclock Climate: www.weatherbase.com Currency Conversion: www.xe.com Allergy website: http://allergictravelerapp.com/how/

Emergency numbers – Australian Embassy Country Address Tel Fax

Kenya 14 Riverside Drive (400 metres off Chiromo Road), Nairobi, Kenya

+254 20 4277 160 +254 20 4277 139

Tanzania (Australian High Commission Kenya is also responsible for Tanzania/Zanzibar)

If an emergency occurs while you are en route to your destination or while you are on tour, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in your documentation wallet.

Health & Wellbeing

• For specific vaccination and health issues/alerts please contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 or online at www.traveldoctor.com.au.

• We recommend taking your usual cold and flu medication as well as diarrhoea and vomiting medication. It can be tricky finding the equivalent to what you’re used to taking when you’re overseas.

• If you have a food allergy which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible, and your National Guide upon arrival.

Page 3: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

• If you do become ill while away please seek medical treatment as soon as possible so that you can get back to enjoying your holiday and to prevent the spread of infection amongst the group. We recommend using hand sanitising gel before meals and upon entering the bus.

• For general health and wellbeing on the tour please ensure you wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. Carry insect repellent and sunscreen and a supply of disinfecting wipes or cleansing gel which can be found at most chemists.

• Keep well hydrated by making sure you purchase enough water to drink and for brushing teeth etc. Increasing your water intake is very important in helping to reduce the effects of altitude sickness.

Let’s Talk Fitness At Bunnik Tours, we don’t put specific age limits on our tours, but we also recognise some travellers may find our itineraries challenging. We have a duty of care to all tour participants and the tour guides, so we do have a firm policy on the level of fitness required by all our clients in an attempt to ensure your safety and the safety of other travellers on our tours.

To get the most from your Bunnik tour, you will need a good level of fitness and mobility and an open mind. Many of the best sights can only be accessed on foot. You should be able to walk at least 3.5 kilometres or 2-3 hours on uneven ground with no walking aids and climb several flights of stairs or short, steep hills. You should also be able to carry your own bags to and from your hotel room if required, plus get on and off various modes of transport unaided.

In some regions, tour participants should also expect the occasional long day of travelling, at times on dirt or gravel roads; extended periods at high altitude (3-4,000 metres); periods of walking through humid forests and limited medical facilities in remote areas.

Staying Safe

• Always carry your passport and other travel documents in your hand luggage. Keep photocopies in a separate bag and leave a copy at home with family or friends in case of an emergency.

• Keep your passport safe at all times. We recommend using the safe in your hotel room – and always remember to clear the safe before checking out of the hotel.

• Write down a list of emergency numbers and email addresses eg. bank details, relatives/friends, doctor. This way if you lose your phone you’ll still be able to contact people if you need to.

• Take twice the amount of medication than you’ll need and divide it in two and store them in separate bags – one of those being your hand luggage.

• When exploring on your own please take a business card from the hotel so that you can always find your way back and only take the necessities with you – leave your valuables in your hotel room safe.

• It never hurts to tell your fellow travellers of your plans!

Power Points We recommend purchasing a universal plug adaptor which can be used to fit all electrical sockets. Universal plug adaptors that can fit all electrical sockets are readily available for purchase in Australia before you depart. If you intend to take your mobile phone and/or tablet, it is suggested you purchase a universal plug adaptor with built in USB ports.

As a guide, these plug types are mainly used throughout Africa:

Page 4: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Practical Considerations

� Advise your Travel Consultant of any dietary requirements and seat requests

� Inform your credit card provider that you’ll be overseas � Have you had any required vaccinations? Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical &

Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 � Register your details with www.smartraveller.gov.au � Arrange for a spare copy of your itinerary to be left with a friend or relative � Check with your mobile phone network provider that your phone is compatible overseas � Exchange currency, arrange a cash passport/credit card or similar � Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it. Otherwise they may cancel your

credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

� If you haven’t already, have a read through all your tour documents as they will provide you with lots of useful information

� Arrange for Australia Post to hold onto your mail for the time you’re away � Cancel your newspaper delivery / Foxtel, etc.

� Scan a copy of your passport and important documentation and email to yourself

Packing List Suggestions

� Travel documents e.g. passport(s), travel insurance certificate and e-tickets � Day-pack to carry your personal belongings while out and about � Money belt and luggage padlocks � Local language phrase book � Ear plugs, eye mask and travel pillow � Snacks such as muesli bars, nuts and crackers which you can snack on throughout the day � First aid kit and personal medications (a doctor’s letter may be needed if carrying large amounts) � Sun protection e.g. hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and insect repellent � Antibacterial wipes or hand gel � Electricity conversion plugs, spare batteries and memory card � Torch and alarm clock � Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of evening shoes � Clothing to suit weather conditions (refer to our website - www.bunniktours.com.au for weather charts).

Also a light jumper, a waterproof jacket/poncho/umbrella for cooler weather or wet conditions, thermal clothing is a good space saver and great for layering

� Swimwear � Trousers, shorts/skirt that reach below the knee � Scarf or shawl to carry in your day-pack for cool evenings (and can also be used for temple visits if

necessary) etc.

Note: The packing list has been compiled from suggestions by previous passengers and local staff – it is only a guide and Bunnik Tours recommends that you check recent weather conditions before your departure.

Page 5: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

We love getting feedback – Let us hear it! Upon your return home, please look out for an email from us containing a link to our online tour survey, which we encourage you to complete.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our tours and it is your feedback that helps to ensure we are providing you with the best touring experience.

On Tour Check-In for your flights It is important that you arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance for international flights. This will allow you plenty of time to check your baggage in, get your boarding passes and seat assignments, and make your way through security to the boarding area. Please ensure you arrive at the airport at the correct time. Early morning flights (flights departing shortly after midnight) may require you to check-in the day before. Airlines have little leniency if flights are missed.

Comfort on your flight

• Wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes during your flights.

• Try to hydrate yourself regularly with water (avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks).

• Alleviate the pressure on your ears by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing, or gently blowing your nose.

• Try to walk up and down the aisle to stretch out your limbs and get blood circulating. Also maybe do a few isometric exercises.

• If you arrive in the morning, try to sleep during your flight so you can stay awake through to the evening once you have arrived at your destination.

Delayed or missed flights In the unfortunate event that you miss a flight completely or that you are delayed substantially, please advise the airline representative that you are a group tour passenger bound for a specific start location, date and time. Always call Bunnik Tours on 1800 286 645 (or +61 8 8359 2295 if you are already overseas) to advise your new flight times or the local operator where your tour starts, whose phone number is in your tour documentation.

Arrival Information Upon arrival at the airport on the first day of your tour, your airport transfer is included in your tour. Different types of transfers are booked depending on the destination, therefore check your travel documents on meeting points etc. Airport transfers cannot be re-routed to other pick-up points or destinations. Hotel check-in time is generally around 3.00pm local time, but where possible, the hotel will try and have your room available earlier. If your flight arrives in the morning, your luggage can be stored at the hotel until your room is ready.

Tour Guide When you’re travelling, your guide will be an invaluable resource to you as they will be able to explain all the different cultural norms and traditions as well as offering dining and sightseeing suggestions during your free time. All Bunnik Tours’ guides have a great love for their country and culture and will be happy to share this with you as well as answer any questions you may have.

Page 6: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Tour Etiquette Travelling in a small group is half the fun of touring and we regularly receive feedback from our clients remarking how well everyone got along on tour and lifelong friendships often develop.

However, sweeping statements and generalisations can be offensive to others. We would therefore like to remind you that other people’s religious beliefs, political and sexual orientations may differ from your own, and we respectfully ask you to be mindful of this while on tour.

What to Wear Due to global weather changes, temperatures may deviate from the norms. We recommend layered easy care, loose-fitting clothing, an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures and something warmer. Always pack extra layers regardless of the season you’re travelling in, as the weather can be unpredictable and it’s better to pack a few extra pieces just in case. Cool cotton clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses and most importantly, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When visiting temples and churches, long sleeves, loose pants or long skirts are essential.

In Africa, it is advisable to dress comfortably; convertible slacks (with a zipper to turn slacks into shorts) and long-sleeved collared shirts (which protect your neck from the sun) are ideal, with a sweater or other layers to shed as the day heats up. Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended year-round, and it is also advisable to pack some warmer clothes for cool mornings and evenings, especially in winter. Pale earth colours are ideal for game viewing – bright colours are not recommended, but camouflage clothing is illegal in many African countries so dress wisely.

Currency The recommended currency to take to Kenya and Tanzania is the USD. Once in each country you will be able to change some dollars into the local currency. Ensure you change a small amount into small denominations.

Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it. Otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card. Be sure to retrieve your credit/debit card before walking away from the ATM as cash is often dispensed before the card.

We advise that you exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on where the best places are to exchange money.

Small change is also useful for paying for toilets while on tour which is customary in many places outside of Australia.

KENYA

Kenyan Shilling (KES; symbol KSh) is the official currency of Kenya. Notes are in denominations of KSh1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50.

TANZANIA Tanzanian Shilling (TZS; symbol TSh) is the official currency of Tanzania and Zanzibar. Notes are in denominations of TSh10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. However we recommend you carry USD, as almost all hotels and local businesses will request payments in this currency.

Page 7: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Luggage restrictions Limit of 15 kilograms per person in a soft bag Please note there are limits regarding luggage and the type of bags used on this tour, as the vehicles and aircraft may have limited storage space. Only soft bags are allowed.

Plastic bag restrictions Please Note: Both Kenya and Tanzania have enforced a total ban on single-use plastic bags. This includes garbage bags, carrier bags, shopping bags, and zip-lock bags that a lot of airlines require passengers to place their liquids within. Please ensure that before you either board a flight to Kenya and/or Tanzania, or arrive at a border entry point, that you have disposed of any plastic bags that may be within your checked or hand luggage. Failure to do so may result in a penalty.

Page 8: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Countries we visit

Kenya With the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean lapping at its coastline, Kenya is a country in East Africa with amazing treasures to offer travellers. You will find the rolling grassland of the Maasai Mara, and other savannahs rich with game, pristine beaches and coral reefs, searing deserts, glaciated mountains, tropical forests and a colourful tribal culture. The country is named after Mount Kenya, which is second amongst the highest mountain peaks in Africa, and fossils suggest primates roamed the area more than 20 million years ago. The country is culturally diverse with many different cultures being represented, including Swahili and Maasai.

Fast facts Capital Population Language Religion Time Zone Voltage Dialling code

Nairobi 51.8 million Swahili & English

Christian 7 hours behind AEST * 240v +254

*Time differences depend on daylight savings.

• Some of the oldest known paleontological records of the history of mankind have been found in Kenya.

• Professor Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist, was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, in 2004.

• Although English and Swahili are the official languages, Kenya has over 60 other living languages spoken in the country.

• 46% of the country’s people live below the poverty line, and only 42% of the country has access to clean drinking water.

• Life expectancy in Kenya is 52 years although some say it’s closer to 47 due to HIV/AIDS.

• Kenya is famous for its athletes. The African country is the birthplace of Henry Rono, one of the best runners in the 20th century, in 1978, Henry broke four world records.

• The black rhino is Kenya’s most endangered species.

• The Maasai tribe is the symbol of “tribal” Kenya. Their land, the Maasai Mara, is where most of the safaris in Kenya visit.

• The song “Hakuna Matata” from the movie “‘The Lion King” is a famous Kenyan song sang in many versions and the title means “no worries”.

Page 9: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Local etiquette and helpful tips

• Kenyans are group-focussed people, rather than individualistic. This means the extended family forms the basis of social life

• Like most African countries, Kenyans have a particular reverence for their ancestors. They believe their ancestors can influence life, being closer to God than the living individual so it is not unusual to name a child after a deceased ancestor to ensure a happy, prosperous family life

• The usual greeting in Kenya is ‘Jambo’, slang for ‘how are you?’

• Table manners in Kenya are quite formal

• Drinks are normally served at the end of a meal in Kenya – Kenyans believe it is impolite to eat and drink at the same time

Weather In Kenya, the coastal areas are tropical, but tempered by monsoon winds. The lowlands are hot but mainly dry, while the highlands are more temperate with four seasons. Due to its altitude, the capital city of Nairobi has a pleasant climate, while near Lake Victoria the temperatures are much higher and rainfall can be heavy.

Getting around In Kenya, Nairobi has a decent bus service travelling along set routes, with smaller minibuses (called matatuses) also travelling along set routes. Taxis are available – the newer ones are white with a yellow stripe and these all have meters. The older completely yellow taxis generally do not have meters and the fare should be agreed upon before getting into the taxi. Overall, though, the cheapest option would be to jump into a bajaj rickshaw, similar to the tuk-tuk in South East Asia.

When catching taxis, have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if it doesn’t have one then negotiate the price before getting in. Also, ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi companies.

Dining Along the coast you will find Swahili cuisine, a blend of Middle Eastern and African cooking with a coastal twist. Further inland you’ll find the best known Kenyan speciality, Nyama Choma or ‘roasted meat’. This is usually slow roasted over an open fire or charcoals, and served with a mixture of basic greens (known as Sukuma Wiki) and Ugali. Ugali is the much loved staple food of Kenya, essentially a stiff porridge of maize flour, and is served as a dough like consistency. Ugali can be broken, rolled into a ball or fashioned into a rough scoop and used to eat either meat, stews or vegetables.

There are also a large number of Asian restaurants around where you can find vegetarian alternatives.

Important: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.

Page 10: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Shopping & souvenirs Most of the tourist spots in Kenya have markets and stalls that sell every type of souvenir possible to take home from a trip to Africa – great buys in Kenya include wooden carvings, specially hand carved chess sets, batiks, African drums, wooden ornaments, salad bowls and other plates and platters and ornaments made out of soapstone. Special Maasai souvenirs include beaded jewellery, decorated bowls or gourds, hand woven cloths (used by westerners as sarongs and scarves) and the red chequered blankets typically worn by Maasai women. A bit of haggling is expected at local markets and stalls. However, not haggling too hard is a good way to help the local community.

Please remember to always declare all your purchases with customs when arriving back in Australia.

Places we visit in Kenya Nairobi Nairobi is the largest city in East Africa, and was founded by the British little more than 100 years ago. The name derives from a Maasai phrase meaning ‘place of cool waters’, however the city is more commonly known as the ‘Green City in the Sun’. The city is the African headquarters of a number of major UN agencies, and is a major commercial centre and offers a bustling, cosmopolitan lifestyle not commonly found in African cities. Here you’ll discover a lively café culture and energetic night life. Unfortunately, Nairobi has acquired a reputation of being a dangerous city, and petty crime is rampant, so it is important to be extra careful, but it is definitely possible to avoid the worst of the city’s dangers, and Nairobi is a vital and lively introduction to the real Kenya and an excellent base for travel and adventure.

Amboseli National Park Amboseli National Park is home to an ecosystem that stretches for 8,000 square kilometres along the Kenya-Tanzania border. A series of swamps make the game viewing here really quite incredible. The park is well known for its large quantity of wild elephants, plus the Maasai people and villages inside it’s borders and the sensational views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Lake Nakuru National Park Created in 1961 around Lake Nakuru, this national park is best known for the millions of flamingos which nest along the shores of the lake, however it also protects the Rothschild giraffe and black rhino.

Lake Naivasha The highest lake of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is a picturesque, freshwater lake that sits at 1,884 metres above sea level. It got its name from the quick afternoon storms that occur suddenly across the lake and the Maasai people called it ‘Nai’posha’, meaning rough waters. The lake and its surrounds are teaming with wildlife and is home to over 400 species of birds. Joan Adamson, author of ‘Born Free’, resided on banks of Lake Naivasha during the 1960’s.

Maasai Mara National Reserve Located in south-west Kenya, the Maasai Mara is a large park reserve named for the Maasai people, who are the traditional inhabitants of the area and the Mara River. The park is world-famous for its wildlife and the annual migration of zebra, wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelle from the Serengeti every year from July to October. All members of the ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) are found in the Maasai Mara. Cheetah in the Maasai Mara

Page 11: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Tanzania A fascinating country of geographical extremes, Tanzania boasts the highest mountain on the African continent, Mt Kilimanjaro, and also the lowest point being the lake bed of Lake Tanganyika. It is also home to some of Africa’s most well-known and exotic destinations – the abundant fauna and flora of the many national parks and game reserves such as the Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks; the ancient Ngorongoro Crater and the Olduvai Gorge; and the impressive Lake Victoria, shared with Kenya and Uganda. As the largest country in East Africa, it seems remarkably untouched by the tribal rivalries that exist amongst its neighbours, making Tanzania an ideal destination for all.

Fast facts Capital Population Language Religion Time Zone Voltage Dialling code

Dodoma 57.3 million Swahili & English

Christian 7 hours behind AEST * 220v +255

*Time differences depend on daylight savings.

• Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, is located in Tanzania

• Ngorongoro Crater is the largest complete crater in the world

• Tanzania has more than 100 different tribal groups

• Lake Manyara National Park is home to the world’s only tree climbing lions.

• The earliest remains of humans (including the legendary 2-million-year-old Homo habilis) were found in Olduvai Gorge

• Tanzania is one of the poorest countries in the world. Its economy is mainly an agricultural one, with the most popular crops being coffee, cotton, tea and sisal

• Dar es Salaam is the old capital of Tanzania, and is still the economic and political hub

• Tanzania’s biggest raw exports are gold, cashew nuts and cotton

Page 12: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Local etiquette and helpful tips

• When giving or receiving an item from somebody else, always do it with your right hand, the left hand is considered dirty

• The same goes for eating, as well. If eating with your hands, ensure you are eating with your right hand.

• Tanzanians are generally not too affectionate between the sexes. Two people of the same sex may touch, but it’s not the norm with the opposite sex

• Tanzania, as a rule, is a very conservative country • Tanzanians, like Kenyans, will express themselves in the

politest way possible. Instead of being direct about what they require, they will often approach it in a roundabout fashion with lengthy explanations before getting to the heart of the matter

Weather Tanzania has a tropical climate. In the highlands, it can be a little cooler (10-20°C) while the rest of the country has temperatures that rarely fall below 20°C. November through to February is the hottest period of the year. The country has two major rainfall regions. The March-May rains are referred to as the long rains or Masika, whereas the October-December rains are generally known as the short rains or Vuli. As Tanzania lies near the equator, the climate is typically hot and humid.

Getting around Taxis in Tanzania are rare and generally not recommend for safety reasons, although most major cities have shared minivan taxis. Generally, they only depart once they are full to overflowing, which can make for an interesting trip. Walking in a group is probably the safest way to see the sights in cities and villages.

When catching taxis, have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if it doesn’t have one then negotiate the price before getting in. Also, ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi companies.

Dining Tanzanian food is often very high quality, and similar to Kenya, Ugali is considered a staple food in Tanzania. Other local specialities include Mtori, cooked beef and bananas, and Mchicha, a vegetable stew with either meat or fish added. For those with a sweet tooth, try the mandazi, a sweet donut like pastry that is generally made fresh each morning (goes wonderfully with coffee!). Tanzania has a vibrant restaurant scene, with much variety on offer. Northern Tanzania is home to some excellent coffee plantations, so it shouldn’t take much to get a good cuppa, and chai maziwa is a local chai drink well worth a try, although it is very sweet. Local beers include Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Safari and Konyagi which is an alcoholic drink particular to Tanzania made from a type of gin.

Important: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.

Shopping & souvenirs As with Kenya, many places have stalls and markets selling souvenirs to tourists including beaded jewellery, wood carvings, woven blankets and Makonde masks. Special to Tanzania are the Tinga Tinga paintings, which are very distinctive with their bright colours and designs and make great souvenirs. Bargaining is expected, but not haggling too hard is a good way to help the local community.

Please remember to always declare all your purchases with customs when arriving back in Australia.

Page 13: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Places we visit in Tanzania Tarangire National Park Famous for its large elephant herds and its picturesque landscape dotted with baobab trees, Tarangire National Park is one of the least visited parks in northern Tanzania yet its dense population of game, from July – November, is second only to the Serengeti. Tarangire is also a bird lovers’ paradise with over 550 species of birds.

Ngorongoro Crater Believed to have been created by the implosion of a massive volcano, Ngorongoro Crater is an incredible and stunningly beautiful experience in diversity - it is a virtual game park in its own right with game species such as lion, elephant, hippo and rhino and bird species. As a conservation area, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is the largest unflooded and unbroken caldera in the world.

Serengeti National Park Located in northern Tanzania, the landscape of the Serengeti is characterised by treeless plains where the eye can see for kilometres to the Ngorongoro Crater which rises from the horizon in the distance. The plains are dotted with rocky outcrops known as kopjes where lions often laze the day away. Cheetah favour this landscape and can often be seen sitting atop an old termite mountain scanning for its next meal.

Lake Manyara Nestled along the base of the lovely Rift Valley Escarpment, Lake Manyara is not only scenically beautiful but full of the incredible fauna and flora that is Africa. Dense forests flow into grassy plains and a brimming lake when the floodwaters are high, all with the picturesque Maasai Steppes as a backdrop.

Page 14: Welcome to Africa! · Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 Register your details with Arrange for a spare copy of your

Kenya & Tanzania Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Useful Phrases

English Swahili

English Swahili

One Moja

Toilet Choo

Two Mbili

Tea Chai

Three Tatu

Coffee Kahawa

Four Nne

Wine Divai

Five Tano

Beer Bia

Six Sita

Bottled water Maji ya kunywa

Seven Saba

Cheers! Furaha!

Eight Nane

I am allergic to… Nina kizuizi na

Nine Tisa

Does this have … in it?

Ina....ndani ya

Ten Kumi

Peanuts Karanga

Hello Jambo

Nuts Karanga

Good morning Habari

Seafood Dagaa

Good evening Habari

Shellfish Samakigamba

Goodbye Kwaheri

Meat Nyama

Please Tafadhali

Gluten Protini

Thank you Asante

Wheat Ngano

Yes Ndiyo

Eggs Mayai

No Hapana

Dairy Kiwanda cha maziwa

Do you speak English? Unasema kiingereza?

Pork Nyama ya nguruwe

I don’t understand Sielewi

Lactose Maziwa

Please write it down Tafadhali kuandika ni chini

Soy Mayaragwe

How much does it cost?

Ngapi shillings?

I am… Mimi ni…

Too expensive Ghali sana

Vegetarian Mla mboga za majani

Where is…? Wapi?

Vegan Mla mboga za majani

Telephone Simu

Celiac Caeliac

Toilet Choo

Diabetic Kisukari

Please note that this information is indicative only and subject to change. Bunnik Tours does not accept any liability for incorrect or incomplete information.