While many people dream of traveling to Africa to visit the many exotic sights in countries like Tanzania, there are many things you should know about going there. Traveling into any foreign country can be adventurous, but there are special precautions you should take when going to Africa. The following traveling tips will make your stay in Tanzania more pleasant and rewarding.
The Languages of Tanzania
Visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia and other English speaking countries will be able to easily travel throughout the country because the official languages of Tanzania are English and Swahili. Whether you are there to take one of the many Kilimanjaro tours or to volunteer for a charitable organization, you will be able to easily communicate with native Tanzanians.
You may find it useful to learn some of the Swahili language, especially some of the pleasantries. Being polite is always important when you travel to another country and trying to learn their native language will go a long way in helping you make friends on your trip. Some words you should learn include:
* Jambo – “hello.”
* Tafadhali – “please.”
* Asante – “thank you.”
* Shikamoo – is a respectful greeting when meeting older people
Take Travel Documents
Before you get on an airplane bound for Tanzania, make sure you have your Passport, and a copy of it, and a visa. For Americans, a travel visa will cost $100 and allow you to come and go as often as you like for one year. For a non-U.S. visa, the cost is $50, but you can only enter the country one time.
Be Prepared Medically
When visiting Tanzania, you will want to make sure to update your MMR, or measles-mumps-rubella, shot, along with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis shot, your chickenpox and polio vaccines, and make sure you have had your yearly flu shot. The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention also recommend having the shots to prevent typhoid and Hepatitis A.
For some people, the Hepatitis B vaccine could be useful and you should talk to your physician about how to prevent malaria. In addition, if you are planning to take part in any outdoor adventures, such as a safari or hiking during a Kilimanjaro tour, it is recommended that you have a rabies vaccine as well. Ebola has not been found in East Africa and the closest country where there was an outbreak is about 5,500 km, or 3400 miles, from Tanzania.
If you follow these three travel tips, you will be able to enjoy one of the Kilimanjaro tours when you travel to Tanzania. They will make traveling around the area easier to do and help you get along with any locals that you will meet on your journey.
