Climate
Tanzania and Zanzibar are just south of the equator, which means that the temperature differs between 25°C and 30°C. They have two rainy seasons, from November till January and April till May. In the past few years however, it has been difficult to distinguish the seasons as there has been precipitation in the other months too. At the Ngorongoro Crater we have more altitude and you expect it to be colder. At Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, which are at sea level, temperatures can rise considerably, up to +30°C.

Transport and accommodation
Transport is carried out in a 4x4 safari truck, 20 seater, especially designed for overlanding. The truck is equipped with cooking utensils and 2 man tents and has storage space for food. You are seated high up and the roll up sides guarantee you a good view, which is great for game viewing. In the truck we have a library, a bar, a radio, intercom, in and outside lighting, a freezer and bolted safes.

Tickets
This trip is advertised without a flight. You need to obtain your own ticket to Tanzania and meet us in Arusha. Several airlines service Arusha and Zanzibar. An alternative could be flying to Nairobi, return Dar es Salaam, but in that case you need to take some transfer costs into account. (transit visa Kenya, $20, en transport Nairobi-Arusha and/or ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, $30) . Not included
It's possible to participate in some interesting excursions during this trip. What about a village tour at the Maasai and Mto Wa Mbo, hiking at the Kilimanjaro, a spice tour on Zanzibar etc. We estimate the costs at app €100. Dive expenses are explained on the dive page. For the meals, we collect €175 pp. at the start of the tour. This covers all meals until the night at Dar es Salaam. This money is payable cash in cash US Dollars and non refundable. On Zanzibar you are required to take care of your own catering; there are ample restaurants to choose from. Allow yourself a daily budget of €30 pppd on Zanzibar. Other costs could contain of drinks, souvenirs, vaccinations, insurances (compulsory, including a coverage for dive accidents), harbour tax at Dar es Salaam (US$5), visa for Tanzania (US$50, obtainable on arrival at airport). Prices as known in Dec 07. Currency exchange rate, click here.Moneys
The local currency is Shilling and is subject to change. In Tanzania and Zanzibar it is possible to change cash Euro's and US Dollars. Traveler cheques are accepted at banks, but will give you a bad rate and lots of delay. Credit cards can be used on occasion and give a bad rate. There's an ATM in Arusha, but not very reliable. As the amount of cash money seems to add up on this trip we do recommend you make use of the safes on board and money belts worn under your clothes.

Where to meet
Most people will be picked up at the airport on the starting day of the trip. Should you arrive early, please let us know and we will make arrangements. Should you arrive from other destinations, please note that the we spend the first night at Maasai Camp, 2 km outside Arusha on the Old Moshi Road, 027 2548299.

Baggage
Please bear in mind that baggage space is limited and try not to take more than 12 kg with you. This excludes dive gear. We have extra locker space for diving equipment. It is better to not use suitcases or packs with an outside frame. Doing laundry or having laundry done shouldn’t be a problem. A daypack is handy for small items and valuables.

Dive equipment
It is possible to bring your own equipment with you. Usually that is what we advise; it's a perfect fit, it is cheaper and convenient. Also on this trip it is possible to bring own gear, though it should be limited to the standard gear of a suit, BCD, regulator and finds/mask. Keep in mind that from Dar es Salaam the equipment must be carried onto the ferry and across Zanzibar.

Malaria
Malaria occurs on almost the whole continent. Therefore, we advise you to consult your doctor for prophylactics. Bear in mind that this will not give you 100% protection, but it does slow it down, which is good in Mozambique where medical aid is not always at hand. But the best is to try to prevent by taking prophylactics, cover up at night time and use repellent. For information and advice, check Care Plus.

Baggage
Please bear in mind that baggage space is limited and try not to take more than 12 kg with you. This excludes dive gear. We have extra locker space for diving equipment. It is better to not use suitcases or packs with an outside frame. Doing laundry or having laundry done shouldn’t be a problem. A daypack is handy for small items and valuables.

Dive equipment
It is possible to bring your own equipment with you. Usually that is what we advise; it's a perfect fit, it is cheaper and convenient. Also on this trip it is possible to bring own gear, though it should be limited to the standard gear of a suit, BCD, regulator and finds/mask. Keep in mind that from Dar es Salaam the equipment must be carried onto the ferry and across Zanzibar.

What to bring

- warm sleeping bag
- mattress
- towels
- pocket knife (optional)
- torch
- batteries
- alarm
- sun glasses and spare glasses
- contact lens fluid
- light shoes, like sandals
- closed shoes
- toiletries, like sun screen, lip balm, tampons, repellent, razor blades
- music
- bathing suit
- binoculars, if you have any
- camera/ memory card
- earplugs (optional)
- water purification (optional)
- diving gear (optional as can hire)
- pills for motion sickness

Clothes
Please bring a warm fleece and wind proof jacket as it can sometimes cool down considerably.
Especially at the Ngorongoro Crater the altitude will cause chilly nights. And don’t forget the hat to protect you from the sun. Respect the culture of the local people. Tanzania and Zanzibar are Muslim countries and clothing needs to be appropriate. Topless sun bathing is not done and men can not walk around without their shirts on all occasions.

Crew
The trip is guided by two guides/drivers/cooks (m/v), either Dutch or African. He/she will take care of the transport, the accommodation and excursions. You can always ask for help, should there be a problem and they can advise you on nice activities to spend the day. If necessary they can organize a local guide for you. On Zanzibar, there will be no more guide and you will be on your own. Transfers are arranged by local agents.

Expectations This trip is run by a Dutch company, so some passengers will fly in from The Netherlands as others will board in Arusha. The crew are Dutch/English speaking. This is one of those trips where, no matter how much you plan, things can and will go wrong at times. Roads can be bad, we might have a puncture, we might have to dig. The hot water may run out, the boat leaks a bit. Delays can occur due to an officer who got out of the wrong side of the bed, but maybe also because we spot a river and decide to go for a swim. We ask you to be flexible and pack your sense of humour and positive attitude as well as your toothpaste and camera. We will also ask you to give us a hand at times, changing tyres, shopping, watching the truck, dishes, building a fire etc. If we all take it as it comes, you’re in for a brilliant, true African experience.