Insider Tanzania March 2021
Africa
Yes, I am talking about my favorite subject…..Africa! The most diverse continent, both in culture and climate. When planning to travel to Africa, the importance of preparation cannot be understated. Being knowledgeable about your destination forms a major component of preparation, and hence it is crucial to debunk several myths about Africa, especially those that can impact your travel decisions.
Common misconception About Africa
Africa Is a Country…..Africa is not a country but a large continent comprising of 54 independent countries with a total combined population of more than a billion people. The people of Africa speak several languages that include Arabic, English, Swahili, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and other native languages that aren’t recognized in other parts of the world.
Africa Lacks Innovation and Infrastructure…..Most African countries have invested heavily in infrastructure and technology, and its population is undoubtedly innovative and resourceful with several groundbreaking innovations, especially around mobile technology, as this is one area readily accessible to its population
Everyone in Africa Is Poor…..It’s a common misconception that everyone in Africa lives below the poverty line. However, not all African countries are poor, and in fact, many are rich and under-explored in several growing areas such as petroleum and gas as well as minerals.
Africa Is Disease-Ridden….While not all African countries have proper health resources, disease misconceptions and hysteria has been centered around and after the Ebola outbreak.
All Government and Politics Are Corrupt in Africa….While it is factual that the continent has experienced its fair share of bad and corrupt leadership, Africa has produced world-renowned and recognized leaders with the likes of former South African President and 1993 Nobel prize winner Nelson Mandela, 2011 Nobel prize winner Leymah Gbowee and former Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
It is Unsafe to Visit Africa…..Global media has, over the years, unfairly focused on wars, disease, and poverty that the continent has previously experienced, leading to the misconception that it is unsafe to travel to Africa. Just like in all other continents, there are places in Africa that are basically no-go zones for foreigners, but that does not form part of the larger safe zones.
Africa is Cheap….For the most part, living in Africa is generally cheap, however, traveling to and through can be quite pricey. Flights to African countries from other regions are more expensive than to other regions. Touring through the African National parks are also slightly expensive for non-residents. However, if you use local transport for shorter distances, it is relatively cheap.
Backpacking in Africa is still unexplored and generally not catered for. Therefore, accommodation can be expensive compared to other regions. Consolation, however, exists in the food, which is reasonably cheap, especially if you dine like a local.
Dangerous Animals Roam Freely….Animals hardly venture out of their natural habitats, of which 90% of these habitats are protected areas deliberately demarcated from human encroachment. However, the smaller primates like Baboons and Monkeys may occasionally infringe on urban areas in search of food, but these barely pose any danger to human beings.
Bottom Line
While Africa may be lagging behind in various aspects compared to the rest of the world, it clearly is not that far behind and definitely is the next frontier worth paying attention to. Africa matches the world in terms of culinary offerings with all the international fast food brands while still offering healthier fast food alternatives for the health-conscious populace.
Tanzania is Calling
Do you always feel excited when you hear the word, ‘travel’? We are most certain you do. All the new places you will visit, the space you have made for a hundred shopping bags and how can you forget food! That’s a lot to do, isn’t it?
We would like you to breathe, stop and relax as we welcome you to Tanzania. A place where the pleasures of nature are the real treat for your mind, body and soul. This is the place that allows you to learn about the nomadic life, taking you across heights and depths, interact with locals, head to the beach, stroll, sail or fly in the wild. It is here where life unleashes in its most authentic form.
We have reasons for you to fall in love with Tanzania.
The Deep-Rooted Culture
You wan’t pass by a local who will not welcome you to share a meal! We love saying Karibu! (welcome) and greet almost everyone out of respect. There are not only 120 tribes about in Tanzania, each of them has unique values and traditions that make this destination unique, warm and loving. The Masai are not only admirable for their height and authentic red checked dresses. They are known to be the most honest and valiant people of Tanzania. From start of your safari to the flight you will take back home, you will take a suitcase filled with delightful memories!
The Unspoilt Landscapes
You would be surprised to see a luxurious camp set on the vast fields of savannah in the Serengeti or lantern-lit dinner setting in the dry river bed of Ruaha National Park. The raw, natural beauty of Tanzania is the real charm and will always remain so. The birds play for you music while chirping and locals beat drums to entertain you. There may be no TV in your room, but you will not stop gazing at the wildlife action just outside your camp. The absolute serenity and dramatic landscapes are matchless and render a sense of complete rejuvenation.
Luxurious Pampering
As a favored destination for honeymooners and couples, Tanzania offers a wealth of options to spoil yourself. Head to the idyllic beaches of Nungwi or Matemwe in Zanzibar, enjoy royal massage treatments, dinning under the stars and living in 5-star luxury resorts. Whether you are going for a safari or an exclusive beach holiday, there is something special for all wanderlusts. Safari parks and coastal destinations here do not necessarily demand an active adventure style of traveling. Simply sit back and enjoy the royal treatment.
Exotic Destinations
Besides the famous Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Zanzibar, Tanzania has several hideaways that make for a perfect escapade for a short break. From the breath-taking greenery at Udzungwa falls to the rolling hills of Mbeya and Mufindi, Tanzania offers a special retreat for those longing to spend holidays away from the crowd. It was also awarded by Nat Geo as the Exotic Destination for 2018. Go for long drives with a family and friends or travel solo, there is plenty to indulge in the vibrant natural settings of Tanzania.
Pristine Beaches
Sometimes all you want to do is just sit back and do nothing. While beaches in Tanzania offer a mix of recreation, some destinations off the beaten path are purely for those looking for a retreat in solitude. The Mnemba Atoll, Chole Mjini in Mafia island and Pemba coast attract a handful of people for unique activities like scuba diving, whale sharking watching and historical expeditions. The sandbanks of Nakupenda, Sinda and Bogomoyo are another great weekend spot with few visitors.
Is your wanderlust destination Tanzania this year? Allow us to plan the most memorable trip as you sit back and get excited for a unique travel experience. Share with us your thoughts and we will plan a tailor-made itinerary for you.
Zanzibar excursions
Meet the locals and experience authentic village life. Let us take you to the local village of Bwejuu to meet the locals. We’ll pop into the local school, visit a typical Swahili home and take a walk around the market. A uniquely authentic experience, this visit offers a privileged glimpse into the Zanzibari way of life. We’ll take a soda at the local kiosk, perhaps buy some fruit or local crafts. Best of all, the proceeds of this tour go direct to the village fund, which is used for such vital causes as local health centers, enhanced educational tools, micro-funding and more.
Create your own Swahili banquet, Swahili cuisine is a magical fusion of African, Indian, Arabian and Persian cuisine. It majors on fresh-caught seafood, fresh-picked coconuts and just-squeezed limes – all with a magical swirl of spices fresh from the famous Spice Isle’s gardens. If you’d like to learn how to create your own Swahili banquet, then our chef will be delighted to deliver his famous master-class. Ideal for couples and great for families.
Learn to play Bao, Bao is the oldest board-game in the world and still played extensively throughout East Africa, which is where it is thought to have originated. Bao is based on a mancala board comprising four rows of eight pits each—in Swahili, pits are termed mashimo, meaning ‘holes’. Each player owns a half of the board comprising two adjacent rows and has 32 ‘seeds’ termed kete that are moved through a series of pits. Zanzibar is arguably the bao capital of the world and famous for its bao tournaments. Here the ‘bao bingwa’ (master) is held in high respect. Good news then, that the local bao master is willing to teach our guests how to play this complex and strategic game. Lessons are traditionally held in the shade of a palm tree.
Take the Coral Reef Safari, Staged at low tide, this fascinating guided walk takes you on a voyage of discovery through the rock pools of the reef. Our knowledgeable guides share their knowledge on the many different kinds of coral and on the creatures that live on the shore.
Sail the Indian Ocean on a traditional dhow, Dhows with their triangular lateen sales and elegant timber hulls are one of the most memorable sights on the Swahili coast. The dhow is one of the oldest ships in the world, having originated in India between 600 BC and 600 AD where it was adopted by the Omanis who brought it to East Africa. Driven by the monsoon winds, dhows have plied the Arabian coast for centuries, typically carrying dates and fish to East Africa and mangrove timber to the lands of the Persian Gulf. We have our own dhow, which is used for snorkeling trips, island exploration and magical moonlit dinners. So why not join our experienced Zanzibar seafaring crew as they sail down to the mangrove swamps of Mchamvi and round our local peninsula.
Climb a coconut palm You’ll see the locals doing it all the time – shinning up a palm tree armed with nothing more than a rope. If you’d like to give it a try, one of our gardeners will be delighted to show you how. He can also teach you how to weave palm leaves into a hat or a mat – your very own memory of Zanzibar.
Turtle time, For those who’d like to expand the green-ness of their conservation profile we’d like to recommend a visit to our local turtle rescue program. It works with local fishermen, who are rewarded for not using traditional nets to fish and encouraged to work with the team to rehabilitate those turtles who have suffered from coastal plastic contamination. The program also offers turtle nest protection and supervision of baby turtles on their first journey down to the Indian Ocean. Guests can visit the Sea Turtle Lagoon, which acts as rehabilitation area for juvenile or wounded turtles. The program also offers opportunities for guests to work with the ‘Trash to Treasures’ creative recycling/up-cycling project, which is working in close cooperation with the action group, World Unite, and the local community to transform Zanzibar’s plastic refuse into such things as decorative and building materials.
A visit to the Jozani Forest, Take a guided walk through the tranquil groves of the world famous Jozani Forest. An exceptionally green realm where trails lead through the forest and boardwalks traverse extensive mangrove swamps, this tiny park gives you an idea of what Zanzibar would have looked like at the dawn of time. Zanzibar’s only national park, the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park is one of the last remaining tropical forests in the world and is soon to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to the rare and endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, it also provides sanctuary for Sykes monkey, Ader’s duiker, the Zanzibar servaline genet, bush babies, 50 species of butterfly and 40 species of birds. The walk takes around an hour and makes a fascinating outing for couples and families alike.
Understanding Malaria
Malaria is a parasitic disease that attacks red blood cells and is usually spread by the female Anopheles mosquito. Although the implications of being infected with malaria can be severe, the likelihood of tourists in Africa being infected is extremely low if good advice from travel experts is followed, and simple precautions are taken.
Introduction
Malaria is a mosquito-transmitted infectious disease caused by parasites belonging to the Plasmodium genus. The female Anopheles mosquito transmits these single-celled organisms into the human bloodstream where they begin their full life and reproductive cycle, first in the liver and later in the red blood cells. ‘Uncomplicated’ malaria symptoms include high fever, headaches, body aches, nausea and diarrhoea (though not always), and a feeling of extreme fatigue, but ‘severe’ or ‘complicated’ cases can result in coma, seizures and death.
P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale and P. malariae are the most common species of Plasmodium mosquitos that cause malaria in humans, and medical professionals must confirm which species has been responsible for the infection. Typically, P. falciparum and P. vivax are considered to be more dangerous, but all malarial infections should be treated as a medical emergency. While many people consider cerebral malaria to be a different type of malaria, it is typically caused by a severe infection of P. falciparum that has gone untreated for an extended period.
Which African countries are high risk?
Malaria is present in the majority of African countries, but its geographic distribution is complicated by several different factors, meaning that malaria-free and malaria-risk areas can occur in close proximity and risk levels can be seasonal. The highest risk areas tend to be around the equator, as warm and humid temperatures in high rainfall areas favour transmission. As per the CDC, malaria transmission does not occur at very high altitudes, in deserts away from oases and in areas where eradication programs have successfully eliminated the risk. In temperatures below 20˚C, the parasite cannot complete the necessary growth cycle in the mosquito before transmission.
Every year, the Malaria Atlas Project works in conjunction with the World Health Organization to produce the World Malaria Report with the necessary, updated information about the distribution of malaria and where outbreaks could be anticipated. An up-to-date and interactive map can be found here.
Avoid being bitten
It’s impossible to avoid every single mosquito bite, no matter how diligent you are, but there are a few tips to avoid being bitten wherever possible:
travel during low-risk seasons – the dry and cool months;
use insect repellent;
cover legs and arms with long-sleeved shirts and trousers, particularly at night;
sleep under a mosquito net in an air-conditioned or well-screened room and, if possible, sleep with a fan on;
avoid standing water that may breed mosquitoes.
Preventative Prophylactics
Due to the complexity of the malarial plasmid life cycle, there is no widely available or effective vaccine available against malaria, though there are vaccines at differing stages of clinical development and trial.
There are several prophylaxis medications available, and many different factors should be considered in choosing an appropriate one. Most important is to follow the advice of a doctor, who should be up to date on personal medical history, as well as which medications are more effective for different strains of malaria. All of these medications are to be commenced before the date of travel to a malaria area and continued after the traveller has returned.
Africa is a vast continent, with climates ranging from Mediterranean to equatorial.
Expect low-lying areas to be hotter and more humid and the high-lying regions to be cooler. Local geographical features such as mountains, lakes and the sea can affect weather patterns by lowering temperatures and bringing more rain and wind.
Weather impacts on what you are likely to see, and on what to pack. So, here is a broad outline of sub-Saharan African climates:
East Africa
Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo, Ethiopia and far northern Zambia
• This area is close to the equator and so seasonal fluctuations in temperature are largely insignificant.
• Expect generally warm weather, although temperatures can drop significantly during and after rainy weather, and at night.
• Temperatures will vary between 20º to 40º Celsius.
• The main rainy season is from April to May, with a lighter, second rainy season from mid-October to December.
• Neither rainy season should influence your travel plans, although you should pack rain gear during those times.
• Coastal areas are hot and humid throughout the year, with December to March being uncomfortably so.
Southern Africa
Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa, excluding the Western Cape
• Expect hot and wet summers (November to March), cool and dry winters (April to August) and hot and dry spring (September and October).
• Rainfall tends to be in short thunderstorms in the late afternoon.
• Temperatures will vary between 20º to 40º Celsius in summer and 10 to 25º in winter (with close to freezing at times, especially in higher-lying areas).
October and November can be especially hot and humid, with relief when the rains arrive.
South Africa
• Mediterranean climate.
• Expect hot and dry summers (November to March) and cold and wet winters (April to October).
• Temperatures will vary between 15º to 35º Celsius in summer and 0º to 20º Celcius in winter (snow in high-lying areas).
This is the southern tip of Africa and therefore expect the odd freak weather system in summer, bringing rain and lower temperatures.
Safari tips: What to pack for
So, what to pack for your next safari?
The rule of thumb is to pack light and to make use of the laundry facilities at your lodges and hotels. That said, there are some essentials that you should never be without.
After many years of exploring every nook and cranny of Africa, our travel team has drilled down their list of essentials to the following:
• Good quality sunglasses – preferably polarised
• Light scarf – for hot and cold weather
• Sun hat or cap
• Golf-shirts, T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts – neutral colours such as brown, tan, khaki, green, etc.
• Shorts/skirts
• Long trousers/slacks
• More formal attire for your stay at prestigious city hotels or on one of the luxury trains
• Underwear and socks. Sports bra recommended on game drives as the roads can be bumpy and uneven.
• Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
• Sandals
• Swimming costume
• Warm anorak or parka, scarf & gloves (it can get cold at night and in the early morning)
• Light rain gear for the rainy months
• Camera and video equipment, memory cards and spare batteries
• If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case your eyes get irritated by the dust
• Binoculars (night vision binoculars are not essential but highly recommended if your safari includes night activities)
• Relevant bird book or app if you are a keen birder
• Personal toiletries
• Malaria tablets (if applicable)
• Moisturising cream and suntan lotion
• Insect repellent, e.g. Tabard, Peaceful Sleep, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc.
• Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and antihistamine cream, etc.)
• Tissues/”Wet Wipes”
• Visas, tickets, passports, money and important documents
• Waterproof/dust-proof bags/cover for your cameras
• A good torch and spare batteries
• Padlocks for your luggage during international and regional flights
• Mobile phone
• Torch and reading head-lamp
TRAVEL WITH Urth Expedition
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks to early / late and a few kilometers of course and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
COVID UPDATE
Covid 19 Vaccination in Uganda
Uganda has 40,367 confirmed cases, 19, 334 deaths and 14,989 recoveries with 48% of the cases being in Kampala, the capital city.
We are happy to inform you that Uganda will be receiving its first batch of Covid 19 of the Astrazeneca vaccines today on the 5th of March 2021 and this batch will contain over 864,000 dozes. Vaccination is scheduled to begin on 10th March 2021.
The country aims to vaccinate 49.6% of its population which is about 21,936,000 people in a phased manner. Each phase is planned to cover 20% of the population and the eligible population are those from 18 years and above.
The target group to be vaccinated on the first phase include the; health workers, security personnel, teachers, persons from 50 years and above and persons with underlying health conditions and other emerging high risk and priority essential groups (airlines, media, tour operators and guides), this is an amazing news for us in the tourism industry.
In the 2nd and 3rd phases, the ministry plans to vaccinate the rest population between 18 -50 years randomly until the planned targeted population of 49.6% is vaccinated.
Designated places for vaccination are Government health centers, District hospitals, Regional Referrals, National Referral Hospitals and specialized institutions.
Just a reminder from our previous newsletter on health requirements, it is important to note that Uganda requires a negative PCR Covid test acquired 72 hours before time of travel and a yellow fever vaccination. Covid testing can now be done at ease at the different designated clinics and facilities in and around Entebbe.
Covid 19 Vaccination in Rwanda
Rwanda received its first batch of Covid 19 vaccines under the Covax facility on March 3. These included 240,000 doses of Astrazeneca and 102,960 doses of Pfizer vaccines. The target group to be vaccinated are the frontline workers in the different Covid health centers, those above 65 years of age and people with underlying health conditions. Many of these people have been identified already and will be notified when they will be receiving their doses.
Vaccination is planned to kick start on Friday 5th March in all hospitals and health centers across the country and vaccines will be given in two doses. The country expects to receive its second batch of 500,000 vaccines next week under the Covax facility and plans to vaccinate at least 30% of its population by the end of 2021. Just like Uganda, all travelers arriving in Rwanda must present a negative PCR COVID-19 certificate performed within 72 hours of departure (meaning travelers must be tested and get results within 3 days of their first flight). Other tests, such as Rapid Diagnostics Test (RDTs), are not accepted. A second PCR test will be conducted upon arrival, with results delivered after 24 hours during which time they will remain in designated hotels at their own cost. COVID-19 Test is not mandatory for accompanied children under 5 years.
Useful Travel Tips & Advise
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS RESUME OPERATIONS INTO KENYA
On 1 August 2020, Kenya opened her borders having been assigned the 'Safe Travel' stamp bestowed upon her by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Many airlines have resumed international flights to Kenya, including Qatar, Emirates, Delta, KLM, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways.
International flights to Tanzania have also resumed with a number of airlines commencing operations.
Please contact the airlines directly for updated information.
ONLINE ENTRY VISA
All visitors requiring an entry visa for Kenya are required to obtain their visa online. No visas will be issued on arrival.
PRE-TRAVEL COVID-19 NEGATIVE CERTIFICATE & DATE OF VALIDITY REQUIREMENTS
All arriving passengers on international flights to Kenya require a negative PCR based COVID-19 test carried out within 96 hours prior to arrival time in Kenya. Those who have a body temperature that is NOT above 37.5°C (99.5°F), do not have a persistent cough, difficulty in breathing or other flu-like symptoms and are from countries considered low to medium risk COVID-19 transmission areas, shall be exempt from quarantine (link can be accessed below in QUARANTINE EXEMPTION section).
Passengers must receive a negative PCR COVID-19 test result 96 hours prior to arrival and have a certificate to verify their negative status with their airline. However, each airline has its own rules and regulations concerning ‘Fit-to-Fly’ COVID-19 Certificate issuing and travellers should consult their airline ahead of travel.
As of 11 January 2020, all passengers departing Kenya whose airline or destination country require a negative PCR based COVID-19 test upon return are required to utilise the Trusted Travel website trustedtravel.panabios.org (or Global Haven www.globalhaven.org if the test certificate is from a jurisdiction where Trusted Travel is not available). Following testing, travellers will receive an SMS and/or email from PanaBIOS admin@panabios.org with instructions on how to generate a Travel Code from https://trustedtravel.panabios.org/ to be approved by airlines and immigration authorities on departure. For further instructions please view the Ministry of Health Travel Guide.
All passengers departing Kenya for Tanzania require a negative PCR based COVID-19 test carried out within 72 hours before arrival in Tanzania. All passengers entering Tanzania will undergo temperature screening upon arrival and must complete a Health Declaration form to be submitted upon entry. There are no self-quarantine requirements for passengers arriving in the country who are not showing any COVID-19 symptoms.
COVID TESTING
We are able to facilitate:
Nairobi: In-hotel COVID-19 testing at a cost of USD 150 per person per test. Results received between 12 - 24 hours after the collection of the sample.
Arusha: medical facility COVID-19 testing at a cost of USD 120 per person per test. Results received between 48 - 72 hours after the collection of the sample.
Zanzibar: medical facility COVID-19 testing at a cost of USD 120 per person per test. Results received between 48 - 96 hours after the collection of the sample.
We are able to facilitate testing in select safari destinations, with the test results received 48 hours after the collection of the sample. These are subject to availability and accessibility and the costs vary.
TRAVELLERS HEALTH SURVEILLANCE FORM
All travellers entering Kenya are required to complete a ‘Travellers Health Surveillance’ form upon arrival. A confirmed flight seat number and confirmation of a negative PCR COVID test result is required to complete the form. Passengers can complete the form online and will receive a QR code, which must be shown to Port Health Officials in Arrivals. The QR code can be on a device or print-out, though we highly recommend having a print-out on hand. A hard copy of the form can also be completed and handed to the Official.
Kenya Travelers Health Surveillance Form
QUARANTINE EXEMPTION
Passengers and Nationals travelling from the countries appearing in the Kenya Civil Aviation Authorities-issued listing, who do not have a temperature above 37.5°C (99.5°F) and are not exhibiting typical COVID-19 symptoms, in addition to having a COVID-19 negative certificate (within 96 hours prior to travel), will not require mandatory quarantine.
States Exempted from Quarantine in Kenya
Travellers arriving from countries that are not listed in the Kenya Civil Aviation Authorities-issued listing will be required to quarantine upon arrival either at a Government of Kenya - designated facility or an approved quarantine hotel in Nairobi for 14 days.
Please note this information is updated on a regular basis. Further updates affecting newly-exempted countries and other travel changes will be issued as and when they arise and these can be accessed on the KCAA website.