| The Tanzanian currency is the Shilling it cannot be | | | | necessary. It is best to overnight at the Parkside |
| imported into the country and so it is necessary | | | | Hotel in Nairobi as it is clean and inexpensive - no |
| to bring foreign currency with you on safari. US$ | | | | more that US$20 per person. All the shuttles for |
| Dollars are the best currency to take to Tanzania | | | | Tanzania leave from outside this hotel. |
| with the Euro or GB Pounds coming in second and | | | | The journey should take about five hours including |
| third. US$ Dollars are bar far the safest option | | | | Immigration and Customs at the border post |
| with larger notes US$50 and US$100 offering a | | | | town of Namanga. The driver will show you |
| better rate of exchange. The lower denominations | | | | where to go to get the necessary stamps for |
| are not popular with the US$1 being difficult to | | | | your passport. The shuttle will give out |
| get rid of except as a tip. If you intend to pay | | | | immigration cards for you to fill in whilst you |
| for a safari with cash then pay in large | | | | travel. To do this in advance will save time at the |
| dominations to avoid a possible penalty. | | | | border post - remember to travel with a pen to |
| Travellers checks are accepted by banks and | | | | save on unnecessary stress. |
| bureaus, they attract a lower rate of exchange | | | | If you travel in the midst of high season - mid |
| and can be a bit of a hassle; it is better to keep | | | | July to October I would advise you to make all |
| them to a minimum or to avoid them totally. | | | | your bookings for accommodation and safaris in |
| Credit cards [Master and Visa] are more widely | | | | advance. All other months and especially low |
| accepted now than they were in five years ago. | | | | season [March through to the end of June] it is |
| However, if you wish to draw cash against a | | | | possible to arrive in Tanzania and Zanzibar and |
| credit card then try to do this from the banks as | | | | shop around for cheap accommodation and |
| many hotels with change heavy commission for | | | | bargain safaris. |
| the privilege. More importantly let your bank know | | | | Arusha Tourist Board Office is on Boma Road and |
| where and when you travel otherwise you may | | | | they can advise where to start your search for a |
| hit problems once you start using your card in | | | | safari. The office has a small notice board on the |
| Tanzania. | | | | left hand-side wall with special offers displayed by |
| Visas are available in advance from Tanzanian | | | | reputable tour operators. The tourist Board offers |
| Embassies or they can be obtained on arrival at | | | | a safer bet to start a search for a bargain safari. |
| border posts or airports. There is a departure tax | | | | Be warned that as you enter and leave the |
| for Tanzania if you leave by air but this should be | | | | Tourist Board the Safari Street hawkers will |
| included in the price of your ticket. | | | | hassle you and try to sell a safari. Remember all |
| It can be expensive to fly into Kilimanjaro airport | | | | that glitters is not gold so beware making deals |
| especially in high season. It is usually a cheaper | | | | on the street, however good the sales pitch. Be |
| option to fly into Nairobi airport and transfer | | | | good natured but firm and do not be tempted by |
| countries via the bus-shuttles that travel to | | | | offers that sound to good to be true, because |
| Arusha via the Namanga border post. At Nairobi | | | | that what they are... |
| airport purchase a transit visa this costs US$20 | | | | Travelling from Arusha to Zanzibar the cheap |
| and will last between five and seven days. All | | | | way is by bus to Dar es Salaam and then high |
| visas obtained on arrival in Kenya and Tanzania | | | | speed ferry from Dar to Stone Town. |
| must be paid in US Dollars and in cash. Have the | | | | Scandinavia, Royal or Dar Express have luxury |
| correct amount ready. The Tanzania holiday visa | | | | coaches [about US$18 to US$25 per person] |
| costs vary according to nationality. | | | | these three companies offer the best and safest |
| The shuttles are 25 seat coaster buses that | | | | road transport to Dar es Salaam. To travel from |
| travel from Central Nairobi to Arusha town and | | | | Arusha to Stone Town in one day means an |
| then off to Moshi Town which is nestled against | | | | early departure 6.30 to 7h30 getting to Dar by |
| Kilimanjaro. | | | | 14h30. |
| The shuttle bus companies are Riverside, Davanu, | | | | There are many cheaper alternatives to travel to |
| Bobbies and Impala. The price should be about | | | | Dar es Salaam - US$6 to US$10. The two best |
| US$ 25 per person and an extra US$10 to Moshi. | | | | companies being Amazon or Fresh Coaches as |
| They will all pick up and drop off passengers at | | | | they travel at a slower speed and have fewer |
| city centre hotels in Nairobi or Arusha - by special | | | | seats squashed inside. The fast coaches are not |
| arrangement. They all set off from Parkside hotel | | | | safe and should be avoided at all costs. |
| in Nairobi and end at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. | | | | The last ferry to Zanzibar departs about 16h30. |
| The shuttle from Nairobi can be taken either from | | | | There is an overnight ferry but this is from |
| the city centre or from the airport. If you have a | | | | Zanzibar into Dar only - it is slow but cheap. |
| late arrival then an overnight in Nairobi will be | | | | |