Who Are We
Enriching maasai foundation (EMF) international volunteer & travel work in Africa is 'non for profit organization whose founder is Elia Ngurumwa is run by a team of volunteers spread around the world.
EMF has been established to give people the opportunity to work on community initiated projects in developing countries. In return for hosting these international volunteers the host organization receives donations from the volunteers.
EMFTanzania is focusing on Orphanage care Programme ,health project and research, safari, adventure and holiday tours, HIV/AIDS awareness, street children help project, environment conservation efforts, building Maasai and Sukuma culture, study Swahili abroad, Teaching English and Education Aid, Agriculture & Livestock effort, Disabled People & Albino help project, Women Development and Micro Enterprises.
EMF is currently operating the Jericho orphanage home. The orphanage center is a charity operating with SAVETZ we provide Aid on Orphans with love and care after their parents have died of HIV/AIDS, accidents, or died in birth, This is done through providing children with basic education, shelter and medication, as well as food and clothing. Opening one’s eyes to the realities of the world is a valuable learning experience as well as being extremely character building.
ABOUT TANZANIA
Tanzania is a kaleidoscope of landscapes a country of great beauty and diversity encompassing some of Africa’s most wonderful images. The Serengeti with its millions of wildebeest that congregate annually.Ngorongoro crater conservation area where a huge concentration of game coexists with the Maasai people. The snow – capped peaks of Kilimanjaro. Then Zanzibar spice islands. Ruaha. Selous…… The list continues. With tourism still relatively small scale and about 25% of the country designated as game parks and reserves, there is wealth of bird life and animals to be seen.
Location
Borders include Kenya the Indian Ocean, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Wilderness areas
There are 36 wilderness areas classified as national parks or game reserves. The most famous of these include the Serengeti, Ngoro Ngoro Crater, Mt Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, Selous, Ruaha and Mahale.
Access
By road transfer or short scheduled flight from Nairobi to Arusha. KLM and Ethiopian Airways services Kilimanjaro airport near Arusha. BA, Air France, KLM, Swiss air, Ethiopian airways, Egypt air, Alitalia and other air lines service Dar es Salaam.
Public Transportation
There are some long distance coaches which are suitable for use by visitors, such as the daily Nairobi to Arusha shuttle bus. Local bus and minibus services are likely to be u uncomfortable overcrowded and potentially dangerous.
There is a railway network, but at best the passenger services can be unreliable and uncomfortable. The whole network ceased operating as a consequence of the “El Nino” rains at the end of 1997, and subsequent flooding and many services have still not been restored.
Taxis are available everywhere in urban areas, but the condition of these can be very poor. The better hotels generally have a superior selection of taxis available and it is suggested that you obtain one of these, particularly for longer journeys.
It is difficult to hire a car or other vehicles in Tanzania without a driver – it is also in advisable since the poor state of many of the roads in both town and on safari plus erratic driving by other road users makes driving on most routes tiring and unsafe.
Currency
The local unit of currency in the Tanzania shilling which these days is freely convertible within Tanzania for the U.S. $and other currencies, the current exchange rate being approximately £ = Tsh 1,800 and $ 1 = Tsh 1,300 There are numerous banks and bureau de change in towns, and most lodges and hotels will exchange currency or travelers cheques at reasonable and different rates.
It is not possible to obtain Tanzanian shillings outside the country, and it is illegal to export more than a small amount. Many items or services are priced and paid for in U.S. $, so do not convert more funds in to thelocal currency than you need for incidental expenses.
Credit cards are accepted at an increasing number of establishments in Tanzania but by no means everywhere. It is not generally possible to obtain cash on a credit card in Tanzania, so it is recommended that visitors carry sufficient funds in the formal of traveler’s cheques.
Shopping
Most hotels and lodges have gift shops with a selection of local crafts souvenirs. There are also a few roadside stalls and shops that you will pass en route. You will find some interesting woodcarvings, paintings and batiks. Precious stones and jeweler are also a specialty.
Spending Money
As regards money, US $ cash is accepted just about everywhere and you can easily change $ in to local currency as needed in the lodges and at the banks and at bureau de change.
The banks and bureau do, in general, offer a better exchange rate than the lodges. Ii is also worth noting that they give a higher rate for larger denominations US bank notes than for the smaller ones.
Apart from US $, all other major foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureau, but the US$ is only foreign currency generally accepted in payment at lodges and shops etc. The US $ is effectively a parallel currency in Tanzania and Kenya and visitors get a comparatively better rate when exchanging $than any other currency.
Traveler’s cheques can be exchanged at any bank or bureau, but they are converted at a lower exchange rate than cash currency.
The lodges and some shops will take credit cards, but the shops often charge an extra percentage for taking them (up to 10%). Not all places take credit cards and you won’t be able to get cash on a card, so traveler’s cheques are a good idea.
You can’t obtain Tanzanian shillings out of the country and you are not permitted to take more than about $ 15 worth out when you leave, but you can of course change any surplus back in to
Tips & Gratuities
The average range for tips to your driver/guide is$ 5 - $10 per day per person. This can be paid at the end of your trip in one lump sum. You can tip in the local currency or in US $, both are equally welcome.
On Kilimanjaro mountain climbs also the average range for tips to be $5 - $10 per day on the mountain per person. This should be given all together to the head guide at the end of the climb; he will share this with the assistant guides and mountain porters.
For other small services on safari such as to baggage porters, waiters, room services e.t.c.
A dollar or two or the local equivalent is usually sufficient. Do not feel obliged to tip on every possible occasion and there is a staff gratuity box in all lodges where you can leave a general gratuity rather than distributing individual ones.
Visas
Arial/Visas/Visits’ pass
Everyone entering Tanzania is required to be in possession of a valid passport. The passport should not only be valid for the intended duration of your visit but for six months beyond it. If your passport is due to expire within six months, we’d recommend renewing it before traveling. A valid visa is also required unless you are visiting from an exempt country. Some commonwealth and Scandinavian countries and the republic of Ireland are exempt and require only presentation of a passport which will be stamped up on arrival with a temporary visitors’ visa. In all cases, it is best to check with the Tanzanian Embassy or high commission in your country for the latest regulations. Only diplomats are exempt visa/visitor’s pass requirements but for visitors from ‘most countries the visitors’ pass is available on arrival. A valid return ticket (this is likely to be checked) and sufficient funds for your stay (this is unlikely to be checked, but may be) are also, of course, required.
British and US passport holders require a visa that currently costs US $ 50 (this includes Zanzibar).
Health & Medical
You should take some anti – malaria pills. There is a new pill on the market, Malarone, which has a simple one pill a day regime which offers a high level of protection. This is much less complicated than the two a day, plus two a week type, and avoids the possible side effects of Larium. Malarone only needs to be started one day in advance and your trip and continued for one week afterwards (as opposed to the one week in advance and one month afterwards for the other types).
You should consult your doctor or a travel clinic as to other sensible precautions. Most people would have tetanus, typhoid, and polio and may be hepatitis shots.
Yellow fever certificates are not strictly necessary if arriving direct from a country in which it is not endemic, such as the USA or Europe. However a certificate can, in theory, be required crossing from Kenya to Tanzania or vice versa, and Zanzibar has always required these certificates in the past. The position on Zanzibar has now been changed to bring it in to line with mainland Tanzania, but there still appears to be some confusion on this issue.
A small first aid kit and some basics from your bathroom cabinet is a good idea. Something to sooth insect stings and combat diarrhea are worth including. Imodium is very effective but some travelers have reported adverse effects from taking this at the same time as the new ant malaria pill, Malarone so it may be wise to avoid this combination.
Although the Kilimanjaro climb is often described as available to any reasonably fit person, the combination of strenuous exercise, cold and high altitude can have adverse effects. If in doubt please consult your doctor in advance.
Food & Drink
It is generally recommended to drink only bottled mineral water, which is readily available everywhere.
There are no restrictions on the sale or consumption of alcoholic drinks in Tanzania. A good selection of local beers and soft drinks are available everywhere and you will find a range of imported wines, beers and spirits in many places, although these can be expensive.
The quality and value of food in Tanzania is highly variable and in general, the more expensive the lodge, hotel or restaurant the better and “safer” the food will be. Eat sensibly; be wary of cold buffets and salads - particularly in the first few days of your visit.
Clothing & Equipment
Clothes for safari should be light, comfortable and not too brightly colored. There is little or no requirement for anything formal. A light jacket or sweater may be needed in the evenings at higher altitude; comfortable walking shoes are an essential, as is a hat to keep off the sun, and sunglasses. Don’t forget a swimming costume for use at the lodges’ pools. Most people bring binoculars and/or cameras and video equipment with plenty of tape or firm. Zoom or telephoto lenses are likely to be useful.
Most of the better hotels and lodges will spray rooms and provide mosquito nets, but do bring your own insect repellent sprays.
A flashlight is always useful.
There will be no television or radio in most places, so you might want to bring a little shortwave radio or walkman if you want to keep up with world events or listen to some music.
Remember that safari vehicles and light aircraft have tight limits on the size and weight of luggage carried. Depending on your itinerary it may be possible to leave some luggage in Arusha for the duration your safari.
Packing
Your packing and baggage will be affected by the itinerary of your trip. Clearly, if you are climbing Kilimanjaro, you will require supplies of warm clothing e.t.c. which would not be required on safari.
Remember that if you are staying in or passing through Arusha more than once. You will be able to leave some baggage in store to be collected on your return. We do request all clients to take the minimum amount on safari and to avoid large rigid suitcases. Safari vehicles have limited luggage space and small soft bags are much easier to pack. If you are on a custom safari, you will have your own vehicle and if there are two of you, have ample luggage space, but it is still a good idea to keep your baggage to a minimum.
Remember that light aircraft have tight limits on the size and weight of luggage carried- this is 20 kilos including hand baggage on the flight from Arusha to Zanzibar and is 15 kilos on light air craft transfers to and between the parks.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Please remember that the airlines’ record with baggage is not exactly 100% and whilst bags are rarely lost forever, they can take days to catch up with you on a safari. Please carry all medical supplies, particularly prescribed drugs and anti malaria tablets in your hand baggage, together with other essentials.
Insurance
Ranger safaris requires that all clients arrange personal travel insurance to cover their medical, property and other person risks for the duration of their safari. Advice on policies or actual cover can be arranged in required. Temporary membership of the flying doctor service based in Nairobi and providing emergency evacuation cover in Northern Tanzania and Kenya can also be arranged at a cost of £ 20($ 30 US) per person.
Language
Kiswahili and English are the official languages, however English is widely spoken. Arabic is also encountered, especially in Zanzibar with its’ strong Arabic influence /history. It’s worth noting that many phrase books concentrate of Kenyan Swahili which is quite different from Tanzanian Swahili. The two are similar enough that Kenyans and Tanzanians understand one another with no difficulty but with a foreign accent and Kenyan Swahili you may not be understood too easily! They’re much harder to find but try to find a phrase book which covers coastal, Tanzanian Swahili rather than Kenyan Swahili.
Religion
Muslim, Hindu and Christian beliefs cover most of Tanzania, whilst in rural areas it is not un common to also encounter traditional, local beliefs. It is worth noting that Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, and common sense should be applied, especially by women, when sun bathing e.t.c Generally, foreigners are tolerates to a great extent vis – a – vis wearing of a bikini on the beach, etc, although thoughtful respectfulness for the Muslim faith is highly appreciated and considered the ultimate in politeness, especially during religious periods such a Ramadhani. If in doubt, ask!
Children
Most accommodation on safari accepts children; however some of the smaller and more remote camps and lodges may not.
Climate
Tanzania is a tropical climate with several regional variations. The coastal belt is not and humid all year round, whereas the interior is generally season. October to April is marginally hotter than May to September. Tanzania lies just south of the equator so there is little seasonal variation in temperature, but it is slightly cooler in June/July and warmer in January /February.
The Northern game parks lie at a altitude of 5,000 to 7,000 feet and have a pleasant climate with warm days and cooker evenings year round.
There are two rainy seasons – the long rains during April and May and the short rains in November. The rest of the year is classified as dry season. In practice the rainfall pattern is neither regular nor predictable. In the rainy seasons the rain often falls in heavy but brief tropical downpours during evening or night, with pleasant sunny days in between. The effects of the rain cause some animals to disperse and may procedure a few local problems with flooding of roads and bridges. On the other hand, rain makes the atmosphere clean and dust free and the vegetation beautifully lush and green.
Whilst the rainy seasons are suitable for safaris, it is not the best time to climb Kilimanjaro, it is less than pleasant climbing and camping in the rain and visibility will also be poor. Similarly the long rainy season is not the best time to visit Zanzibar and several of the beach hotels are closed during this period.
Time
Tanzania is three hours ahead of GMT and there is no seasonal hour change.
Electricity
The power supply is at the UK/European standard voltage of 220/240, and power sockets are the U.K. square pin type. Remember if you want to use U.S. appliances you will need a voltage convertor as well as a plug convertor. Mains power supply is subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation. On safari most lodges power supplies are from generators and these are often turned off during parts of the day and night to reduce and fuel consumption.
Cultural attraction
Bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique, Tanzania is seen as one of the most beautiful countries in Africa, and boasts a huge variety of tourist activites available to locals and foreigners alike. Alongside the physical attractions, Tanzania is home to a culture that accepts and welcomes travellers from all walks of life, and is guarenteed to leave you feeling intoxicated by the fascinating african traditions and lifestyle!
Tanzania is home to many national game parks, including the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Tarangire National Park, the infamous Serengeti and more, and is widley known as one of the best safari destinations in the world. With over 200 Safari companies in the city of Arusha alone, Tanzania is definitely the place to go If you want to enjoy the full experience of an african game drive.
Alongside the safaris, Tanzania is also the location of the world’s highest freestanding mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. Mt Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most magnificant sights, and is the highest mountain that tourists can climb with relative ease. Mt Meru is another must-see. Towering over the city of Arusha, it is an incredibly beautiful, popular attraction for tourists who aren’t quite ready to tackle the intensity that is Kilimanjaro.
Another of Tanzania’s famous attractions is the tropical island of Zanzibar. Located off Tanzania’s East Coast, Zanzibar houses a rich slave-trade history, with tours available and an array of beautiful beaches. With opportunities to experience some of the best waters for diving and snorkelling in the crystal blue Indina Ocean, swim with dolphins, enjoy zanzibar’s spice tours and fruit plantations and explore the ruins of Stone Town, it can only be said that Zanzibar is an essential destination for tourists.
Within SAVETZ is adventure Tours and Safari Company. That we offers a wide variety of activites, including 3 or 4 day safaris, kilimanjaro and Meru climbs, Masai tribe visits, waterfall hikes, local cultural activites such as traditional dance lessons and batik paintings, suggested day trips in Arusha and more. Visit our website http://www.save.or.tz to find out more information on what activities there are available to you, and visit
HOW TO GET TO TANZANIA
Getting There by Air
The national airline is Air Tanzania (TC) (http://www.airtanzania.com).
Approximate Flight Times: From London to Dar es Salaam is 10 hours.
Main Airports
Dar es Salaam International (DAR) (http://www.tanzaniairports.com) is 13km (8 miles) southwest of the city (journey time - 30 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxi services are available to the city and the larger hotels can organise shuttle services. Facilities: Outgoing duty-free shop, car hire, post office, banking and currency exchange facilities, a bar and restaurants.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) (http://www.kilimanjaroairport.co.tz) is 50km (31 miles) from Arusha (journey time - 1 hour). To/from the airport: Shuttle bus services are provided by Air Tanzania to their offices in Arusha and Moshi or taxis are available. Facilities: Shops, post office, bar and restaurant.
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) (http://www.zanzibar-airport.com) is 4km (2.5 miles) from Stone Town (journey time 15 minutes). To/from the airport: Public minibuses and taxis are available for the short distance to Stone Town. Facilities: Bank.
Mwanza Airport (MWZ) (http://www.tanzanainairports.com) is 10km (6.2 miles) from Mwanza (journey time 25 minutes). To/from the airport: Public minibuses and taxis are available at the airport.
Departure Tax
The international departure tax is US$30 but this is usually included in the price of an airline ticket.
Getting There by Water
Main ports: Dar es Salaam port is served by ocean freighters and passenger liners. Other ports include Zanzibar, Mtwara, Tanga, Kilwa, Lindi and Mafia (http://www.tanzaniaports.com).
Passenger ferry services run on Lake Tanganyika to Mpulunga (Zambia). They also used to run to Bujumbura (Burundi), and this service is likely to start up again in the future. There is sporadic and unreliable ferry service on Lake Nyasa linking Tanzania with Malawi.
Getting There by Rail
The route between Dar es Salaam and Kapiri Moshi in Zambia is run by the Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) (http://www.tazara.co.tz). Trains get very crowded and travellers should take special care of their baggage.
Getting There by Road
The tarmac road connecting Tanzania with Zambia is in good condition, as is the road north to Kenya. From Lusaka in Zambia, the Great North Road is paved all the way to Dar es Salaam. Road links from Rwanda and Mozambique are very poor.
Coach: Scandinavia Express (http://www.scandinaviagroup.com) runs coaches from Dar es Salaam to Nairobi and Mombassa (Kenya), Kampala (Uganda) and to Lusaka (Zambia).
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