Suggestions for Travel to Tanzania

Planning a family vacation in Africa can be confusing ... and expensive! I suggest you use a travel agent who has experience in planning African safari. Here are some helpful tips:

* Plan to stay for at least 2 weeks, you can visit all the places you want to see. You paid a lot of money to get there, so use it!

* Plan an English speaking tour guide will show you around. Many people will speak a little English, but people will use you if you're not careful. Touring with the African leader will protect you from problems.

* Vendors will try to pay you outrageous prices. You have to barter and negotiate a fair price for your souvenirs.

* Be sure to tip porters, servers, etc. correctly, but no more than the tip. Offering handouts increase of people who use American problem. Generosity is a good thing, but please give the area of ??missions, charities, schools, orphanages, or other organizations. They will make sure your money goes to good use.

* If possible, to bring clothing, medical or dental supplies, school supplies, etc., you will be given to local organizations. There is a large demand and supply of these types are difficult to obtain in some areas. You may want to contact the organization before you go on a trip to see what specific needs they have.

* Bring water and Pepto-Bismol tablets, toilet paper and hand sanitizer everywhere you go.

* Note: If you live anywhere near you will hear the Muslim call to prayer over loudspeakers. Chant of prayer can be a little eerie if you're not expecting it, so be sure to prepare your children.
The best places to visit near Arusha, Tanzania:

* Kilimanjaro - in fact dormant volcano, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Believe it or not, the mountain that sits just 3 degrees from the equator to the ice-capped summit all year round! I have not raised the mountain itself, but I was told that the trails are easy. They have different treks to choose some of the long-term 5-12 days.

* Ngorongoro Crater - Ngorongoro Crater is a huge volcano, is home to many different kinds of wildlife and vegetation. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, I saw the African lions, zebras, black rhinos, wildebeests, ostriches, hyenas, giraffes, elephants, Baboona, idle Dick, and much more. I've even seen cheetah hunting, impala! It was like watching Discovery channel close and personal.

* Lake Manyara National Park - on beautiful Lake Manyara Park is also full of wildlife. We saw many elephants, giraffes, Baboona, hippos, and hundreds of flamingos.

* Arusha Cultural Heritage - Cultural Heritage Center, Arusha must see! Bring plenty of money to shop with you. You do not want to leave without some tanzanite jewelry or ebony statues. Please take a moment to watch the linked video. Video shows what the store is similar. You need to plan at least half of the day of the visit.