Travel Advice

Overview

Taking advantage of and following the right and experienced Travel Advice will enable you to thoroughly relax and take pleasure in your vacation in Tanzania with less stress and comfort. The investment of both time and money that you put in for your safari is worth it – and planning well ahead of time is very crucial to ensure that your safari experience lives up to your expectations. Nothing, including what you’ll wear, where you’ll go, and how you’ll get around, should be left to chance.

This section goes over all the unique considerations, terminology, and insider information you’ll require for an exceptional safari experience in Tanzania.

Like you, we had no idea who we could rely on for travel advice, which is why we founded Impala Destination Management Company; a travel company founded by real specialists that truly understand what it takes to embark on a Tanzania safari with a worry-free mentality and experience it all.

Our travel experts are all locals with extensive knowledge of the country, safari junkies who have explored almost every destination and virtually everything in between. Following our advice will save you a big deal of time and frustration; you are in right hands with us.

The majority of the African countries are still on the developing stages, meaning, life in Africa is not as much like it is in the US or other developed countries. As beautiful as Africa in its natural setting is, some major infrastructures and facilities are not well developed.

With this in mind, we recommend that you choose a comprehensive travel-insurance policy. Your insurance should be able to cover your medical expenses, trip cancellation, loss or theft of, or damage to your luggage, emergency medical transfer. As your travel partner in Africa, we take your safety very serious. At a threat of unexpected majeure beyond our control, we will either offer you a full refund or postpone your trip at no additional cost on your part.

Make sure you keep the most important Travel documents with you when boarding your plane, such as visas, passport, yellow-fever inoculation, Airline tickets, a copy of information page of your passport, Impala DMC’s contact details, Copy of travel insurance, List of medical prescriptions, sufficient money to pay for your tourist visa at the airport upon arrival if you delay to apply, and emergence medication etc.

You’ll be expected to pay in full for any medical services as a foreigner, so make sure your current medical insurance covers you while you’re away from home and add to it if necessary.

Malaria is the most major health concern for travellers coming to Tanzania. Throughout summer, the threat is moderate, and it is very low throughout the winter. We highly recommend that you first consult a health-care professional no less than thirty days prior to departure and let them know that you are traveling to a malaria-endemic region. However, keep in mind that the Malaria parasite P. vivax appears to be capable of swiftly developing an effective resistance to new prophylactic drugs, therefore avoiding mosquito bites in the first place is the best prevention strategy.

Follow Impala DMC’s Tips:

  • Put on the right clothes especially in evening hours
  • Unlike dark-colored, the light-colored type of clothes doesn’t attract mosquitos and tsetse flies.
  • Make sure your clothes cover your body very well. Wear long-sleeve shirts, long trousers, shoes and long socks in case you put on short trousers. For some areas, you may want to tuck your trousers in your socks.
  • Apply mosquito repellent.
  • Always sleep in a room that has a good mosquito net or mosquito-proof.
  • Whenever appropriate, turn and leave fan on.
  • Avoid areas with mosquitos entirely if possible.

Note: The risk of contracting malaria during Peak season (May through October) is very low comparing with Low (rainy) season. If you’ve been bitten by mosquito and eventually end up feeling the effects (which typically should be headache and muscle aches, worsening high fever, chills and sweats), don’t wait for so long before you go to the hospital. Malaria can be treated but waiting before you begin treatment could worsen the situation and even cause death.

Tanzania lies just below the equator, and this means the sun is at its hottest and the air is dry especially in High season. During this time, sweat evaporates quickly unnoticeably.
Tips:
To help your body cope with the weather, we recommend the following tips;
  • Drink plenty of bottled water especially when under extreme heat conditions (two-three quarts/day)
  • Before drinking the water, make sure the seal of the bottle is unbroken.
  • Put on a hat
  • Apply sunscreen
  • Wear lightweight clothes
Don’t wait until you feel thirst to drink water. You may not always feel thirsty until you’re somewhat dehydrated, and this is when you begin to have dry lips and feel exhausted. Be prudent to drink plenty of water at this time because dehydration is likely to hit.
Avoid swimming in lakes or rivers (especially rivers flowing towards the Indian Ocean) as they may be infected with bilharzia, a Schistosoma parasite that can cause serious illness. In most cases, the microscopic flutes will attach itself to the intestine and start reproducing. This happens when swimming in still waters or in places adjacent to reeds. Only fast-move water is deemed safe, such as that at designated waterfalls where we also visit on our day trips. Tips to avoid potential effects
  • As soon as you get out of the water, thoroughly dry yourself with a clean towel. This may aid in removing any parasites before they have a chance to penetrate your skin.
  • If you’ve been exposed, go to a pharmacy, grab a treatment regimen, and start taking the medication immediately.
  • Take the medication home and schedule a checkup once you get there if your trip is coming to an end soon after your exposure.
Note: Bilharzia can be identified in its earliest stages and effectively dealt with. By taking the necessary precautions for your health, you can ensure that your safari will be unforgettable in every way.

Tips for Divers
  • Dive only at designated spots
  • Avoid disturbing seabed and chase the fish; ba a part of the positive change we all long for.
  • Protect marine life by supporting marine management community. We can recommend the best know communities and organizations for you.
  • Report any behavior that threatens marine abusers.
  • Discourage marine black-market by avoiding buying corals, shells or other prohibited products.
  • Copy and encourage responsible behavior of other divers.
  • Of all the wonderful adventures, the dry season presents some potential challenges. During bushwalks or day trips when we spend most of the time on foot, it is virtually important to always keep a lookout for insects as they can bite and cause unpleasant health conditions.

    Tips to stay safe
  • Apply appropriate insect repellent pray or lotion prior to any outdoor activities
  • Wear light-colored clothes to keep some insects from being attracted to you.
  • Before getting dressed, shake out your clothes and inspect your footwear for bugs.
  • After your walk, examine your body and clothes for bugs.
  • When walking in grassy terrain, beware of snakes. Giving them plenty of room will keep you safe if you spot one; they only can be defensive and bite if they are startled.
  • Note: If you get bitten, don’t get alarmed; more often than not, the worst that will happen is an itchy lump. When an infected insect bites you, it’s possible that you’ll contract a specific bug-bite fever. The severity of the symptoms depends on the patient. In healthy individuals, bug bite-related febrile illnesses are typically not fatal.
    Many tourists have a wrong notion that wildlife in game reserve areas and national park are friendly since they are accustomed to human presence in vehicles. Even if this could be the feeling for you during one of the game viewing, you should always take precautions and remain enclosed to your vehicle. Follow the instructions of your driver guide and you should be fine.  Your guide driver understands the right time to make smart approach as circumstances allow; when approaching wild animals such as the elephants, never speak loudly as this could scare them off and often-times attack the vehicle or people in a vehicle.

    Dos and Don’ts
  • Do not start fire; a tiny spark of fire from cigarette for example can easily ignite the bush.
  • Don’t go out of your vehicle except in designated areas such as your campsite.
  • Your driver guide has more experiences than you do; honor his / her judgment.
  • Don’t approach animals or feed them.
  • Dress appropriately and in natural tones; khaki is the most preferable color in the wilderness.
  • Don’t ever try to get the animal to pose with you; you may get yourself killed or badly injured.
  • Observe wildlife silently and with cautions. Speaking loudly may frighten them or distract their activities.

  • Bush Walk
    We typically spend the most, if not all, of the time during this activity strolling and observing the natural world around us, accompanied by a safari guide or an armed game ranger. It’s also important to remember that this kind of activity pose potential threats to the safety of the entire group as we come in contact with some dangerous wild animal. However, it’s equally crucial to recognize the privilege to observe nature at such proximity. Most bushwalk safaris take place on natural wildlife pathways that can only be navigated on foot.

    Follow the instructions provided by your guide will ensure your safety. Remember your guide is taking charge of the entire group and so cooperating with your guide will make his/her work easy. Prior to this activity, your guide will brief you about the destination and how to remain safe, emergency safety measures, and the like.

    Tips for Hikers
    • Listen carefully to your guide and take nothing for granted.
    • Only walk on designated pathways in single line to avoid broadening trails.
    • Avoid disturbing artifacts in historical or archeological areas.
    • Do not walk near and disturbing nesting or breeding areas.
    • Ensure your footwear is clean prior to hiking to avoid spreading invasive species.
    • Pay serious attention to signboards; never wander in restricted areas for your own safety.
    • Use toilet services only at designated areas. In emergency situations, bury your waste well.
    • Take your trash out with you or dispose it in designated place; leave nature as you find it!

    Yes, you are the boss in the presence your guide, but exercising wisdom and patience will benefit you more than you thought possible. First, acknowledge that he / she is a professional in the field. It can be tempting to doubt his reasoning but failure to follow a simple instruction can lead to a life-threating situation. Instead of trying to show off on your knowledge, choose to follow his / her example and be kind. In a group situation, your guide may not always be able to attend everyone’s question so we suggest you write down your question and ask your guide at a more convenient time.

    Doing this will save time and create amazing opportunities to further explore more fascinating sites. Our guides are always happy to go an extra mile and provide every client with the best service such as you deserve. If you have a special interest, you can always ask your guide to spend enough time in that particular subject and they’ll be glad to do so.

    Let your guide introduce you to the local community. Always pull up a smile, reach out and shake hands and kick start a simple conversation. Interacting well with the locals can positively and actively influence your host and you may learn so much from them.

    • Avoid arguing and most importantly quarrels. It’s not worthwhile to spend your time in such situation. Let us help you straighten things up
    • Don’t criticize the lifestyle of the locals; this is not a wise thing to do.
    • Always be generous to people but beware of strangers.
    • If you would like to make a donation, we recommend that you consult with us first. We’ll be happy to help you do things the right way.

     

    Now that you are inspired to travel and explore Tanzania, Impala Destination Management Company should be your travel partner. We love our natural world and we want to be a part of the positive change and improvement the world is craving for. Tourism with Impala DMC is more than just exploring Tanzania’s beautiful country- side and create lasting memories; we long to be the top-notch responsible tour operator and preserve nature for future generations.

    To make a difference with Impala DMC while creating great safari memories, we suggest that you stick to the following guidelines.

    • Discourage poaching and other illegal wildlife activities by avoiding souvenirs made from endangered wild animals and or forest products.
    • Use water carefully; never leave taps operating.
    • Don’t throw trashes. Some hard materials take as long as a hundred years to fully dissolve and can cause serious environmental disaster.
    • Honor local customs by dressing modestly especially in public beaches, city centers, and religious places. Dressing inappropriately can get you stared at a lot and treated less respectively by locals.
    • Support development projects and change lives. Traveling with Impala DMC, you literarily spending your holiday contributing positively to the natural world.