Request info on flying to Tanzania

[Happy Hooligan]

Planing a trip to Tanzania from Chicago, mid June. I've flown to the Continent, never to Tanzania. We will be sitting for a week in Arusha or Moshi.

Any operational tips or hotel recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.....

 

[TMMT]

Since you're staying in or near Arusha you gotta go to the Serengeti national park!

 

[Freight Dog]

I flew to Arusha about 3 years ago. Arusha is a nice place. Typical with Africa, no radar, so if there's any traffic, be prepared to hold... As usual, with Africa, don't forget to do IATA position broadcasts on 126.9. Also, you should have your Yellow Fever immunization record with you, and it's a good idea to start anti-malaria treatments before you depart for Arusha.

I don't recall exactly the name of the hotel where we stayed. It wasn't a brand name place, but it was a resort in town - surprisingly nice actually.

During our layover, we went to Ngorongoro Crater for a day safari. It was absolutely PHENOMENAL. Be sure you negotiate the prices... they'll try to rip you off. If you haggle with them, they'll come down significantly.

Definitely bring a camera as there will be lots of cool things to see. They are BIG TIME Obama fans down there as his father hails from Kenya (close to there). You'll even see Obama souvenirs sold by merchants... hilarious!

Definitely sample local beer called Kilimanjaro or 'Kili'. You won't be disappointed.

On departure day, if the weather is clear, you can request from ATC to maintain your own terrain separation and do Mt. Kilimanjaro tour. They'll tell you to maintain own terrain separation and advise when turning on course - they'll also clear you right to your cruise level. The peak is just over 19,000 feet... got some phenomenal photos of the crater.

Have fun and take a lot of pictures.