TRAVEL TIPS

Zanzibar Travel Tips:

Visa

Visas are compulsory for all visitors, and costs $50. Visas are obtainable at the airport when you arrive, but rather have one before you land, as officials tend to "not have change". Visas are obtainable from the Tanzanian Embassy at 822 George Avenue, Arcadia, Pretoria, Tel: (012) 342-4393. You will need 2 passport photos and 2 completed forms. Should you not have the time to organise a visa, please contact us and we will gladly assist you for a small fee.

Yellow Fever inoculation certificate

The inoculation is obtainable from your nearest travel clinic or from your local physician. Staple it into the front of your passport if you are afraid of losing it. Most African countries require this certificate, so don’t ever be without it when traveling in Africa.

Malaria Tablets

Zanzibar is situated in a malaria zone, so it is recommended that you consult your physician on the prescription right for you. Pregnant women are not allowed to take Malaria prevention drugs, and are cautioned before entering any malaria area. To set your mind at rest, we stayed in Zanzibar for 2 years, and fortunately never contracted malaria. This is not to say you won’t get it.. JUST BE CAREFUL.

Insect/ Mosquito repellent

Mosquitoes, like little vampires, favour night conditions. Be sure to take a repellent, and cover all exposed areas of your body (e.g. neck and arms). We recommend that you wear trousers at night and long sleeved shirts should you be outdoors. If the heat is too much and you wear a short sleeved shirt, make sure you smear/ spray your arms with repellent. At night before you go to bed, make sure your mosquito net is either touching the ground, or is tucked in, and your exposed areas (especially your ankles) are protected with repellent.

Anti-histamine cream
For those irritating bites

Currency

Traveler’s cheques and cash are accepted at hotels and Bureau de Changes. US$ are the preferred currency. If you plan on taking cash, make sure you take large bills (e.g. $50 or $100) as these for some unknown reason always get a better rate. Don’t go running to the first Bureau you see at the airport, as these, along with the hotels and resorts, normally have the worst exchange rate. If you are planning on taking a taxi into town, rather pay the fare in US$ and go to a bureau in town. There are many all over town. Try to negotiate a better rate, you never know.

Try to pay for as much as possible in the local currency (Tanzanian Shillings), always bearing in mind the exchange rate. If the locals see you have foreign currency, they will try to relieve you of it. ALWAYS haggle or bargain and try to pretend you know what you are doing. Remember to keep some of your home currency for your return, just in case. You will also have to pay a departure tax of $30 when you leave.

Embassies

There are a few consulates on the island, but all embassies are situated in Dar Es Salaam.

Medical

Make sure you consult your physician before coming to Tanzania if you have any health problems. Medical facilities in the country are very restricted, so best to make sure. The
flying Doctor service is available. Please contact us if you require any more info on this.

Travel insurance

It is imperative that you have travel insurance. Even though they do not check any certificates when you enter the airports, for your own peace of mind, make sure that you are adequately covered.

What to pack

Light sandals or rubber flip-flops. Some places require you to remove your shoes before entering. Good walking shoes if you plan on doing a lot of sight seeing.

Raincoat or umbrella if you are traveling in the rainy season. Monsoon rains are heavy.

Flashlight, for those irritating power cuts. Many hotels do have generator backup systems though.

Clothes – these should be light as it is very hot and humid. A jersey or windbreaker is recommended for those winter nights (just in case). Women are "frowned upon" for wearing revealing clothes. Mini-skirts are a definite no. Try to wear shorts (no not hot pants) or a long skirt, and try to keep the shoulders covered.

Communications

There are many Internet cafes in major towns and at some of the hotels and resorts, so in a non-emergency, this is the best form of communication. Charges range from Tsh 1,000 to Tsh5,000 (about $1 to $5) for an hour’s connection. The local telephone company TTCL is inadequate, so if you need to phone internationally, best you ask at the Internet café. They usually have facilities, or they will be able to direct you to someone who has. Be careful, it may be expensive.

Electricity

This is the same as the UK and in South Africa, being 220/230 V. South Africans will have to get a UK square pin adapter before traveling to East Africa. Do not leave appliances plugged in all day, as there are many power fluctuations which might destroy them. US Citizens will have to get an adapter and a transformer for Zanzibar power. If your plug does not match, then enquire at a local shop, they should be able to assist.

Driving

If you are planning on renting a car or motorbike, make sure you have a VALID international driver’s licence. You will be stopped in one of the many roadblocks, and often police are just looking for a bribe. Bribery has become a culture amongst the police, so make sure you have the correct documentation, to avoid having to pay a bribe.

If you plan on driving in Stone Town, make sure you know the roads, as there are many one way streets and the drivers are reckless. If a police car approaches with a siren hailing, you have to pull over to the side of the road and stop, no matter which way it is going. Once it has passed, you may pull out and continue.

Crime

As with all cities, Zanzibar is not free of crime. Unfortunately it has been on the increase, so make sure you do not take valuables on holiday with you. If you do take expensive jewelery, make sure it is either locked up when you go out, or hidden from sight.

Be careful not to walk the streets at night alone, this invites trouble. If you are confronted, do not resist, and try to report the matter to the police as soon as possible. The police are sometimes rude and arrogant, but an attempt will be made to recover your property

Gay Travelers

Unfortunately gay relationships are frowned upon in Zanzibar. We feel there is no risk for gay travellers, but have to advise that showing public affection can be prosecuted and can carry a prison sentence of up to 25 years. It is important for all people to observe and respect the laws laid down by the Zanzibar government.

 

Madagascar Travel Tips

 

Air Madagascar & Airlink fly six times a week between Antananarivo and Johannesburg. Flight duration is three hours.

Getting around:

Air Madagascar serves 60 domestic airports. There are also some very interestingoverland routes. We will arrange all excursions and transfers.

Be wary of pickpockets in Antananarivo.
Wear a money belt and leave valuables with hotel reception or in your room safe. Do not leave your possessions unattended anywhere, even on tables in restaurants or in hotel dining rooms!

Currency:

As soon as you have cleared through immigration and customs, change some money into Ariary at the banks at the airport. The monetary unit is the Ariary (BUT you may still encounter the Malagasy Franc - Note that for example 5000 Ariary is worth 25000 Malagasy Francs). Ariary can be converted back into hard currency prior to leaving Madagascar. You will not be able to convert it outside of Madagascar.

Do not take South African Rand to Madagascar- you will not be able to use it or convert it. Note that credit cards are not widely accepted and then only VISA. You should take Euros. There are ATM machines at Tana airport, at the Carlton Hotel in Tana, near the Colbert in Tana and in Fort Dauphin where you may be able to use your visa card to draw cash. However, the machines may not always be operational.

Breakfasts

In almost all hotels are 'continental'. Should you want something else, please ask the hotel's restaurant staff in good time.

Health:

No immunisations are necessary. Malaria prophylactics are essential. Drink only bottled water or take water purification tablets. Travel insurance is essential. Be meticulous with personal hygiene. IMPORTANT- If you are travelling from a yellow-fever endemic area to Madagascar health authorities at the airport may ask you for proof of your current Yellow Fever vaccination.

SOUTH AFRICANS:

Legislation requires that South African citizens who hold more than one passport must depart and re-enter South Africa on their South African passport.

IMPORTANT - If you are travelling from a yellow-fever endemic area to South Africa, immigration officials may ask you for proof of your current Yellow Fever vaccination. It is important to keep this vaccination up to date and to keep it with you when travelling abroad. Be aware that the vaccination only becomes valid 10 days after inoculation and is valid for 10 years.

Visas:

All visitors need visas. Visas can easily be obtained on arrival (vary dependant on the current exchange rate between the Ariary and other currencies - approx Euro65). Please make sure your passport has a blank page and is valid for at least 6 months.

Time zone:

GMT + 3 hours.

What to pack:

Comfortable, casual and light clothing. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are essential if you are visiting nature reserves. Pack warm clothing for winter nights (only in the highlands). Take insect repellent, sunscreen and protective wear for the tropical sun and rain.

Always reconfirm your flights and be at airports two hours before flights are scheduled to depart.

Customs allowance: 500 cigarettes and 1 litre of alcohol.

Luggage allowance: 20 kg & 1 item of hand luggage. Please note the airlines will no longer accept any item of baggage exceeding 32 kg in weight or size exceeding 900 mm x 720 mm x 450 mm. This is enforced to comply with Health & Safety regulations.

Language:

Malagasy is the first language; French the business language and English is spoken in the tourism industry. It is advisable to take a French-English phrase book with you if you are unable to speak French.

Power supply:

220v; European two-prong round plugs.

 

Seychelles Travel Tips

Getting there:

Air Seychelles operates two flights per week to Mahé from Johannesburg more frequency during high seasons). Flight duration is 5 hours. Air Seychelles offers great honeymoon specials - please let us know before you inquire for prices!

Visas:

Not required by all nationalities.

Currency:

The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SR). The following banks operate in Mahe: Barclays, Habib Bank, Bank of Baroda, Nouvobanque, Banque Francaise Commerciale and Seychelles Saving Bank. They are open between 08h30 and 14h00 and do not close for lunch. On Praslin and La Digue there are branches of Barclays Bank, Bank Francaise and Seychelles Savings Bank. Banks at the airport are only open for international flights. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Barclaycard are widely accepted in the larger hotels, restaurants and shops. Smaller establishments do not always accept credit cards. As of 1st November 2008 the local authorities decided to float the Seychelles Rupee, with exchange rates being determined by market forces. In line with this, any service booked and consumed locally can now be paid either in Seychelles Rupees or any convertible currency at the prevailing exchanger rate of the date of transaction.

Health:

No malaria or tropical diseases. Large and efficient hospital in Victoria. Clinics on Praslin and La Digue. Take mosquito repellent (no malaria though!)

Language:

Creole is the official language. English and French widely spoken.

Climate:

Monsoon climate with temperatures varying from 25°C to 30°C. The dry season from May to October and rainy season from November to April with high humidity and winds.

When to go:

All year around.

Clothing:

Lightweight cotton clothes are standard. Walking shoes are useful for exploring the islands. Some hotels and restaurants require men to wear long trousers in the evening.

Time:

GMT + 4

Power supply:

230v AC 50HZ; 3-point square pins.

Customs Allowance:

200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol.

Luggage Allowance:

20 kg on international flights and 10 to 15 kg on domestic flights (soft luggage).

Tipping:

Not widely expected, but warmly received for personal service.

Shopping:

Polite bargaining is accepted. The Coco De Mer may not be purchased without the correct permit.

 

Mauritius Travel Tips

Getting there:

Air Mauritius and SAA operate daily flights between South Africa and Mauritius.

Visas:

South African and European Nationals do not need visas.

Currency:

The Mauritian Rupee. Rands and any hard currency can be changed at the airport bank in Mauritius and re-exchanged when leaving Mauritius.

Health:

There is no malaria and it is safe to drink the water.

Language:

The official language is English - but the most widely spoken is French and the local dialect, Creole.

Climate:

Hot summers (November to April) with average coastal temperature of 30°C and warm winters (May to October), averaging 24°C. Temperatures in the interior may be up to 5°C lower. The rainy season is January to May with the possibility of odd cyclone in January and February.

Clothing:

Casual lightweight cotton clothes are standard. Walking shoes are useful for exploring the island. Some hotels and formal restaurants require men to wear long trousers in the evening.

Time:

GMT+ . The Government of Mauritius has approved legislation for the implementation of Daylight Saving Time in Mauritius for the period 26 October 2008 to 28 March 2009. During this period, local timing in Mauritius will be UTC +5 instead of UTC +4.

Power Supply:

All appliances use 220V. The most common electrical plug is the UK 3-pin.

Customs Allowance:

500 cigarettes and 1 litre of alcohol.

Luggage Allowance:

International flights: 20 kg and regional flights: 15 kg

Population:

1.150.000 of Indian, African, European and Chinese origin.