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Other Information about Selous

Bookings:

Please contact your local travel agent to make a booking at one of the Malala Luxury Lodges.

Accessibility:

Forty five minute flight from Dar-es-salaam to Stiegler’s Airstrip, where a half hour pleasant drive will have you at the lodge ready for your Selous Adventure.

Children Policy:

Children are welcome as we encourage a unique experience to be enjoyed by the whole family. With paramount attention to safety & minimal disturbance to other guests, we regret we do not accept children under the age of 6.  Children sharing with parents are charged at 35% of the adult rate with a maximum of 2 children per room. Family early child dinners (Between 18h00 & 18h45) policy applies to all children.   Child minding services available.

Tanzania in General

Tanzania’s diversity and natural, unspoiled beauty makes it one of the best Safari destinations in Africa. Tanzania is located along the eastern coast of Africa just south of the equator.  Tanzania’s wildlife areas are unfenced and hence the game can migrate and live in their natural habitats.

Language & People:

Swahili is the countries official language although many Tanzanians can speak English. The country has over 110 different tribes, which make for harmony, as no tribe is dominant.  One of the most remarkable tribes is the Maasai, the traditional nomadic cattle herders. Tanzanians are generally peaceful and friendly people who are proud to welcome visitors to their country.

Political:

Mainland Tanganyika and the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba formed a political and economic union after Tanganyika gained independence from Britain in 1961. Together they form Tanzania. Tanzania is a multi party democracy who’s current President is President Kikwete. The Country is very politically stability.

Customs & Religion:

Tanzania has a mix of religions from Christians to Hindus to Muslims.  Many customs typical of a certain religion are adopted by others out of respect and all religious holidays are public holidays for all.

Currency & Monies:

Tanzania currency is Shilling (Tsh). Exchange rates fluctuate but it is about 1250 Tsh to 1 US$. Guests are advised to bring traveler cheques and US$ cash, which can be changed in Tanzania. Credit cards are accepted in larger shops and hotels. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency a guest may bring into the country, although sums of over  USD $10,000  must be declared.  The amount of local currency a guest may take out of the country is 2000 Tsh.

Liabilities and Insurance:

 Malala Luxury Lodges does not accept any responsibility for any personal illness, accident, and delay, any kind of loss, damage or irregularity of any kind, which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control. Guests are requested to take out comprehensive travel insurance

Immunisations & Medical:

Guests should check with their doctor at least 2 months prior to departure to allow
vaccines to take effect.  More information can be found on: www.who.int/ith.
Malaria (predominantly in the P.falciparum form) is a risk for all guests traveling to any area of Tanzania. The best anti-malarial drug to take is the newly developed Malarone, which now comes with children doses.  This drug is preferable to Larium, which has many side effects.  It is advisable to bring mosquito repellant and wear long sleeved shirts and trousers in the evening. The camp has mosquito netting over the beds for guest’s protection. The camp has a complete medical kit with staff experienced in administering first aid.

It is suggested that all guests check with their medical insurance that Tanzania is covered in their policy. Tanzania has limited medical facilities but nearly all medication is available and can be ordered in 24hrs. We insure all guests with the Flying Doctor Society of East Africa for the time of their visit. In case of medical emergency the Flying Doctors will fly to the nearest airstrip (the property has its own) and will have the patient in Nairobi in approx 1 hour. On board is medical supervision. Nairobi has excellent medical facilities of worldwide standards with   good hospitals and doctors. To find out more about Flying Doctors please visit the website:  www.flyingdoctorsocietyafrica.com

Immigration: 

All visitors wishing to visit Tanzania must obtain a visa except for a few countries.
See official website for more details:

 www.tanzania-online.gov.uk/visa/visa.html

Even though most visas are obtainable at most airports and borders, it is advisable to obtain one before arrival. The visa to obtain is the Single Entry Tourist Visa valid for 3 months or a Multi Tourist Visa for guests expecting to enter Tanzania 2 or more times during a 6 month period.

You can fill out a form at the nearest Tanzanian Commission taking with you, 2 passport sized photographs, passport, application fee of 50 USD, which is non-refundable and a self-addressed stamped envelope for postal applications.  If guests fly via Nairobi then they must apply for a transit visa for Nairobi as well. They should contact their nearest Kenya Embassy   for application forms. Tanzanian Embassy:

Tel: 1 202 939 6125 Fax: 1 202 797 7408,  Address: 2139 R Street, NW, Washington DC 20008

Shopping & Essential items:    

Each guest is limited to 20kgs on aircraft. It is advisable to use soft duffel bags to fit in the  small compartments of aircraft within Tanzania. Some luggage can be left in Dar-es-salaam. It is a good idea to have two bags, one for clothes and equipment and another smaller bag with essential items guests may need during the day such as camera, sunscreen, Safari Jacket, scarf and hat.