Wed 7th Oct 09

If our journey was anything to go by all is well and 'normal' in the world. We left for Heathrow with ample time to catch the flight, check out the new terminal 5 and a few of the lounges however about an hour in we glided to a gentle halt half way along the M26. After some hours in the early morning rain we were informed by a roadside recovery man that our accelerator cable had snapped were forced to get a tow back home. 6 hours after leaving for the first time we set off again, this time by taxi, and finally arrived at Heathrow. Naturally our flight had long since departed and we were forced to get new tickets for later that evening. This delay however did give us ample time to check out the delights of terminal 5 and 3 and 4. Later that evening we boarded a Kenya Airways flight and was off.

After an unexpectedly long journey we finally arrived into the heat, traffic and street sellers that is Nairobi. Our hotel would have been about 15 minutes away however the bumper to bumper rush hour traffic was not on our side. Fortunately our driver was able to navigate a new route through a series of back streets, none of which signposted as the metal is to tempting for the locals to leave and the authorities have long since given up.

A full 16 hours late we were delighted to arrive at last at the Palacina in Nairobi. By some fluke, or as Susie prefers, excellent planning, we had booked two nights to allow us to recover from the journey before heading off on Safari so all was not lost. The Palacina itself was beautiful and certainly welcome. We had a delicious late breakfast and caught up on some missing sleep. Later that evening we ventured out to the Carnivore restaurant which has grown over the years to become one of Nairobi's most popular places to eat. Carnivore, as the name suggests is not suitable for vegetarians. The menu consists of various well known and some slightly more exotic flame grilled meats that are brought round on large skewers and you are encouraged to eat until you 'surrender'. If Carlsberg did BBQ.....

The next morning, still with full bellies, we returned to Nairobi airport and caught our flight to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.

Client Feedback

Hi Susie,
Just a quick note to thank you for all you did to arrange our holiday! It was absolutely brilliant and all the travel, transfers and accomodation were all perfect.
We had a lovely time and couldn't have done it without your help so thanks again.
Georgie and Damian

Client Feedback

Hi Ed,

Thanks for all the quotes and information, you are by far the most professional and courteous person I have dealt with in this industry!
Thanks again for all your great help.
Tom

October Trip

Both Suise and I will be away in Tanzania for the next 28 days - Please check back here for regular updates.

We will be on Safari for the first week exploring the northern circuit before heading down to Zanzibar for a further 3 weeks. We will be visiting many of our existing hotels and lodges, plus keeping an eye out for anything new!!

Client Feedback

Hello Ed,

Just would like to thank you so much for helping us arrange such a wonderful holiday in Tanzania and Zanzibar.

We had a fantastic time at both venues.

The Foxes Safari camp at Mikumi was a tremendous experience. The tented accomodation was excellent and although the kitchen and dining facilities were not fully functional, and the pool was still being refurbished after the fire that destroyed the camp there two years ago, we had no complaints. The staff were very friendly and incredibly helpful; and our driver and guide on our game drives were exceptional - how our guide saw the leopard and lion and directed our attention to them was phenomenal - what eyesight.

Neptune Pwani was exceptional. The resort itself was immaculate, as was our accomodation. Food was excellent and once again staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.

All told, the holiday was a fitting treat for our ruby wedding anniversary.

Thank you once again for all your help in assisting us in the organisation.

Kindest regards,

Lynda and Dave

Tanzania Travel Advice

Health
Visitors entering Tanzania from yellow fever infected areas require yellow fever international certificate of vaccination. This is required at least 10 days prior to travel. Exemptions are made for visitors arriving from non-endemic areas such as Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Visitors who travel via an infected region will be required to produce the certificate.

The north-western forest region is considered a high-risk area for yellow fever. Malaria is common in Tanzania. Visitors are strongly advised to take anti-malaria medication commencing two weeks before travel.
It is recommended to take vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. HIV-AIDS is prevalent in the country and I cannot emphasize enough the need for protection measures. Some fresh water lakes and rivers carry the risk of Bilharzia and you are advised not to swim in such areas. Though proof of vaccination is not required, cholera is a risk throughout the country and precautions are necessary. Modern hospitals and chemists are available in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and other major urban centres.

Visas
All visitors require a visa except citizens of some African and commonwealth countries. It is advisable to obtain visa's in advance from Tanzania Embassies and High Commissions as some airlines may require it before allowing you to board. But you can also be issued with a visa on arrival at Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro international airports and at the Namanga Gate on the Kenya /Tanzania border. Passports must be valid for at least six months.
Nationals of countries exempt from visa requirements will be issued with a free visitors pass at the same entry points. Those travelling to Zanzibar should be aware that the Islands are nominally independent and passports and Tanzania visas are required even for a days visit. Visa requirements however vary from time to time and you are advised to check on prevailing status well ahead of travel.
http://www.instantvisas.com/visas-detail.asp?id=38

Money
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh). Visitors can take in any amount of foreign currency, subject to declaration. Taking out of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon arrival. Import and export of Tanzanian currency is however prohibited. Major currencies such as US dollars and now the Euro and travellers cheques can be converted at major hotels, banks and forex bureaus in the main towns and tourist areas.
In Tanzania plastic is not highly rated and credit cards are not widely accepted. And when accepted the exchange rate is unfavourable. But it is still a good idea to carry your credit cards, as the conversion rate will not matter in case of urgent need. If saying at one of the bigger hotels, however, your card will very likely be honoured. Do not be tempted to change money in the streets however favourable the exchange rate may appear.

Climate
Zanzibar and the coastal areas are hot and humid and average daily temperatures hover in the 30°C range. October to March is the hottest period. Sea breezes however temper the regions' climate and June to September is coolest with temperatures falling to 25°C. In the Kilimanjaro area, temperatures vary from 15°C in May-August period to 22°C over December - March. As you head to the peaks of Kilimanjaro, temperatures can drop to below freezing, especially at night.
The climate is temperate in the northern national parks. The central plateau suffers a dry and arid climate with hot days and cool nights. The highlands in the south and northeast are cool and temperate. For the country as a whole the hottest months are October to February. The long rains fall between March and May and the shorter wet season falls in November.

Local Travel
All the major towns in Tanzania are connected by tarmac all weather roads. But outside this network, quality deteriorates. You can enjoy speedy connections by bus or car to Arusha, Morogoro, Moshi, Lushoto, Tanga and Dar es Salaam. It is useful to find out first the quality of the roads and estimated travel time when travelling overland. Between Air Tanzania and Precision Air you will access the main internal routes. Contact us for your reservation for scheduled services. Charter flights are available mainly from Arusha, Mwanza, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar to other parts of the country.
Rental cars are reliably available from Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. See our Tanzania Car Rental page to do your reservation for a self-drive or chauffer driven vehicle. Rail service is available to the main towns except Arusha. Long haul bus service can connect you to the main towns in the country. It is advisable to find out beforehand if the quality of rail and long haul bus service is acceptable to you. For short haul travel, the popular way to get around is by means of dalla dalla (shared taxi).

Travel Insurance
Health and the usual travel insurance are recommended. Ensure your travel insurance includes emergency evacuation.

What to Wear
Tanzania never really gets cold and light clothing is recommended. Warmer clothing such as sweaters is however necessary to get you through the evenings and early mornings if you are heading for the highlands. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro of course requires special clothing and shoes.
On safari, bright coloured clothing may get you in trouble with wild animals. If you are wise you will pack brown, beige and khaki clothing. Short sleeve shirts, shorts and trouser for men are sufficient. For ladies, short sleeve blouses, slacks and skirts are ideal though in the national parks and touristy places such as Arusha and Dar es Salaam you may get along with shorts (not too short) and trousers.
At the coast and Zanzibar where Muslims are predominant women need to dress modestly so as not to offend local sensibilities. But swimwear is perfectly acceptable at beaches and hotel premises. Nudity is totally unacceptable in virtually the whole country. It is advisable to travel light and some safari and air charters have a baggage limit of 10-15 kilograms maximum.

Please contact us on 0044 (0)1227 753180 or info@purezanzibar.com for more details or advice.

TTA - Travel Trust Association

Pure Zanzibar is pleased to anounce that all clients are now offered full financial protection under the Travel Trust Association.

Membership Number : U6875

Please visit the website for further details. www.purezanzibar.com