Flights, Travel information and Season
Health and Immunization
Money Issues
Safari, Lodging and Food
Photography on safaris
Curio Shops and Souvenirs
Wildlife and other informations
Flights, Travel Info and Seasons
Q. What is the best way to travel to Tanzania?
A. If you coming from North America and Europe, we recommend flying KLM to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Kilimanjaro Airport is one hour drive from Arusha/ Moshi. If planning a visit to Zanzibar or Bagamoyo during your Tanzania holiday, consider to flying to Dar es Salaam and then flying to Kilimanjaro for Safari or mountain Climbing.
Q. Can Kili Culture book my flights?
A. Kili Culture books domestic travels, i.e Bus rides and Shuttles, flights inside East Africa countries. These arrangements will be to and from the cities like Dar es salaam, Zanzibar, Nairobi and Kampala. Kili Culture doesn’t arrange international flights but we are planning to do that soon.
Q. Does Kili Culture arrange transportation to and from the airport?
A. Yes, we do. The charges will be included in the price of your safari or mountain climb etc.
Q. If I am traveling alone, is it possible to join an existing group?
A. Yes, Kili Culture can work with you to find a group to join. Group rates are applied to individuals who join open safaris.
Q. What are the best months to go on safari?
A. For the best wildlife viewing, visit Tanzania during the dry seasons of November, December to February and July to September. To avoid the crowds, visit in May, June or November.
Q. What are the seasons like in Tanzania?
A. Late March though late May represents the period of long rains in Tanzania. This is usually not an ideal to plan a safari because of potential for sudden downpours. Directly after the long rains however, is a wonderful time to visit Tanzania’s National Parks due to the abundance of wild flowers and vegetation. It is also a beautiful time of the year to go on safari because the level of dust and the number of tourist is minimal. July through October is Tanzania’s high season and also the high season for tourism. This is the best time to view wildlife as grasses are virtually nonexistent. It is usually very dust and can be a bit colder at higher elevations such as the Ngorongoro Crater . Tanzania short rains occur from late October through mid December. This is the low season for tourism in Tanzania. December through March is Tanzania’s “Summer” and many tourists visit during late December and January for optimal game viewing.
Health and Immunization
Q. Does Kili Culture provide health insurance?
A. No, since you are going to stay abroad for a while we advise you to have your own insurance prior to departure from the US or any other country. Just incase you are injured or become sick on vacation, Kili Culture will make sure you get medical assistance as soon as possible at your own costs.
Q. What Immunization do I need before I visit Tanzania?
A. For current immunization recommendations and requirements for travel to Tanzania, please check Centers For Diseases Control site(CDC).
Money Issues
Q. Does Kili Culture accept Credit Card?
A. Right now we do not accept credit card payments. We are working on it right now and soon we will be able to accept credit card. We recommend bank transfers directly to our account for payments so that all safaris and trucks are paid for in advance. This reduces your risk of traveling with travelers checks and large amounts of cash.
Q. Will I be able to use ATM/Credit Cards in Tanzania?
A. You can get Tanzanian money(shillings) using Master Card/Visa in Arusha, Moshi,Mwanza and Dar es Salaam. Most Restaurants and hotels do not accept credit cards and the ones that do usually charge a commission of at least 10% . We advice you to call your credit card company before you leave for Tanzania to notify them of your travel plans. Some companies will put a block in your card if you try to use your card at Tanzanian ATM. There is a withdrawal limit of 800,000/= (approx US $ 600) Tanzanian shillings per day, so plan ahead if you have something in particular that you need to pay for.
Q. Should I pay money in Tanzanian shillings or can I pay in foreign currency?
A. We recommend changing some money to shillings to pay for small items during your travel . Local stores and restaurants charge in shillings and if you pay in dollars you will pay a higher rate. At souvenir stores in Arusha and Moshi, US$ 100,and $ 50 dollar attract a better exchange rate than US$ 20,$ 10, $ 5 and $ 1- however these bills are handy sometimes for buying souvenirs en route during safari.
Q. Should I bring Travelers cheques?
A. We do not recommend bringing travelers cheques to Tanzania as banks require you to have the receipt of purchase as well as the cheque. We recommend bringing USD cash and using an ATM machine to withdraw shillings.
Q. Do money exchange bureaus and banks accept old bills?
A. NO, your USD Bills(notes) will need to be recent notes that have the large faces on the bills. From year 2000 to current bills.
Safari, Lodging and Food
Q. What lodging accommodations does Kili Culture use?
A. Depends on what type of lodge you wish, economy, mid range or high end accommodations, Kili Culture goes by the package you decide on.
Q. How rugged is a camping safari?
A. On camping safari, guest and staff sleep in private tents in designated in or near the National parks. Kili Culture has the team set up the camps and prepare all your meals while you relax and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and skies of Tanzania
Q. On camping safari, what kind of equipments does Kili Culture provide?
A. Kili Culture provides camping equipment including tents, sleeping foamed mattresses and pillows, sleeping bags, tables and chairs .We also provide all cooking equipment for the safari. Please see our Personal Equipment Guide for items you should bring while visiting Tanzania. All our equipment are brand new and have only been used for one season.
Q. Does Kili Culture cater all dietary needs?
A. Yes, from diabetic diets to vegetarian, just let us know in advance so we can make arrangements for all your dietary needs.
Q. Do I need to bring water filter?
A. During safari we provide bottled water. On Kilimanjaro trips, we boil all drinking water. To double treat your water please bring water purification tablets(iodine based) or your own water filter.
Q. What precautions should I take to avoid stomach problems?
A. Wash your hands with soap and avoid eating raw vegetables and fruits. Before eating wash and dry your hands before touching your food. Do not eat the food sold by street vendors. Wipe the mouth of soda and alcohol bottles before drinking and ensure that water bottles are sealed properly before purchasing. If you unsure of any food, please ask our cooks and guides.
Photography on Safari
Q. Is it possible to recharge a digital camera on safari?
A. At some of the campsites and lodges it is possible to charge your camera.
Q. Should I bring extra batteries for my camera or will they be available in Tanzania?
A. You can find AAA-D batteries in Arusha including Energizer and Duracell brands in an emergency but batteries are probably cheaper in your home country, so you may want to bring them with you. It is hard to find high quality batteries outside major cities.
Q. What extra camera should I bring to Tanzania?
A.(a) Small sand bag on which to rest your camera, the safari trucks shake quite a bit sometimes you may miss a great shot if you wait for the car to be turned off.(b) Lightweight tripod or monopod.(c) Small can of compressed air to clean the camera. Make sure to clean your camera every night as it is usually very dusty while on safari.
Q. Will I be able to charge rechargeable batteries while in the bush?
A. Most lodges have outlets so you will be able to recharge batteries. Keep in mind Tanzania uses 240v electricity and you will need to bring necessary converters and plug adaptors. Try to take as few electrical powered tools as possible.
Q. What lenses should I bring?
A. This will depend on the type of photography you do. If you are interested on vegetation, you may want a macro lens. For animals because you will be photographing from distance, you will definitely want long distance lens, at minimum 300mm up to 500mm if possible . The zoom lens will provide you with the best flexibility.
Curio Shops and Souvenirs
Q. What about purchasing souvenirs?
A. While on safari you will have many opportunities to purchase souvenirs in Arusha and Moshi. You will find a lot of shops and markets and you will have to bargain at those shops, you should pay about 50% of the asking price. While in Moshi, Kili Culture is recommending the Unique Batik Souvenir Store for shopping. Ask our guides for directions. If you are interested on buying Tanzanite, please let us know please let us know so we can deliver you to certified gemologists who mine and wholesale Tanzanite. This will ensure good quality and good value.
Q. Who will travel with us during safari and Mountain Climbing?
A. Kili Culture will provide professional Guides who can speak several languages, and are fluent in English. They have also been educated in all wildlife species indigenous to Tanzania and also in the environment and bird species. On camping safari you will be accompanied with a professional Chef who will prepare delicious meals with any special dietary needs.
Q. What are the Big Five?
A. The Big Five were originally the animals most sought after by hunters. They were the fiercest animals, the animals that hunted the hunters. They include Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Cape Buffalo. And today are the animals that tourists most want to see when visiting Tanzania’s National Parks. You can see all five of these animals during a visit to Northern Tanzania.
Q. What is the Wildebeest migration?
A. Is the annual movement of 1.2 million wildebeest and Zebra from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Park. The migration offers excellent opportunity to view animals behavior and lucky. Although the migration is in Serengeti from December through September.
Q. When is the famous wildebeest migration in Tanzania?
A. It is usually in Serengeti from December through September . During the dry months of December, January and February it is common to see migration as a mass of several hundred animals . During the long rains of March, April, and May, the migration often splits up into several sub-groups and roams in different areas of the Serengeti following the fresh grasses. The migration remains in these smaller groups throughout much of the remaining season until it returns the Kenya in October.
Q. What is an appropriate or customary tip for staff?
A. Tips are customary not mandatory, please contact the Kili Culture director for further information.
Wildlife
Q. Who will travel with us during safari and Mountain Climbing?
A. Kili Culture will provide professional Guides who can speak several languages, and are fluent in English. They have also been educated in all wildlife species indigenous to Tanzania and also in the environment and bird species. On camping safari you will be accompanied with a professional Chef who will prepare delicious meals with any special dietary needs.
Q. What are the Big Five?
A. The Big Five were originally the animals most sought after by hunters. They were the fiercest animals, the animals that hunted the hunters. They include Rhino, Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Cape Buffalo. And today are the animals that tourists most want to see when visiting Tanzania’s National Parks. You can see all five of these animals during a visit to Northern Tanzania.
Q. What is the Wildebeest migration?
A. Is the annual movement of 1.2 million wildebeest and Zebra from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Park. The migration offers excellent opportunity to view animals behavior and lucky. Although the migration is in Serengeti from December through September.
Q. When is the famous wildebeest migration in Tanzania?
A. It is usually in Serengeti from December through September . During the dry months of December, January and February it is common to see migration as a mass of several hundred animals . During the long rains of March, April, and May, the migration often splits up into several sub-groups and roams in different areas of the Serengeti following the fresh grasses. The migration remains in these smaller groups throughout much of the remaining season until it returns the Kenya in October.
