Electricity, Communication & Time

Electricity and plugs

• Tanzania uses 230 volts and mainly UK-style three square-pin plugs (Type G); you will sometimes see round-pin sockets. Kenya and Uganda also use Type G.
• Bring a universal adaptor. Visitors from the United States and other 110-volt countries need a voltage converter for appliances that are not dual-voltage; most phone, camera and laptop chargers are.
• Power cuts and voltage changes happen in towns, so a small power bank is useful.

Charging on safari

Many safari lodges and camps run on solar power or generators, which may be switched off for part of the day and night to save fuel and keep the bush quiet. Charge your batteries whenever power is available. Most of our safari vehicles have charging points; ask your guide.

Phone and internet

• Mobile coverage is good in towns and along main roads, but patchy or absent in much of the parks.
• Local SIM cards from Vodacom, Airtel, Yas (formerly Tigo) and Halotel are cheap and easy to buy at the airport or in town. You will need your passport to register the SIM. Many newer phones can also use a travel eSIM.
• Most lodges and hotels offer Wi-Fi, often in the main areas only and sometimes slow. Some remote camps deliberately have none.
• Our safari vehicles carry radios so guides can stay in touch with our office, other guides and the lodges.

Language

The national language is Kiswahili, and English is widely spoken in tourism and business. Learning a few words such as jambo (hello), asante (thank you) and karibu (welcome) brings big smiles. Our guides also speak French, German, Italian and Spanish; ask us if you would like a guide in your language.

Time

Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are all on East Africa Time, GMT+3, all year. There is no daylight saving time. Close to the equator, the sun rises and sets at around 6.30 to 7.00 in the morning and evening throughout the year.