Tourism Info
Last Updated (Tuesday, 19 August 2008 18:48)
NORTHERN CIRCUIT TOURIST INFORMATION - Arusha, Tanzania
Tanzania is a land of tropical forest, savannah, grasslands, mountains, shimmering lakes, sandy beaches and coral reefs. It is one of the world's last great wildlife refuges. There are unlimited tourist attractions within easy reach of Arusha, the conference town. These include the permanently snow capped Mt. Kilimanjaro (the highest in Africa). Olduvai Gorge (the Cradle of humankind); and national parks which include Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and Tangarire. Tanzania also has fascinating mix of people and cultures living on the mainland and residing on the islands of Zanzibar which can easily be reached by frequent daily flights from the Arusha airport. The weather in December at Arusha is generally warm, but it can be quite cool in the early morning and evening. Light weight clothing and a jacket are therefore recommended.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) is thirty minutes drive from the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC). International Airlines flying into KIA include KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Tanzania, Precision Air and Air Express. Connections through Dar es Salaam can be made by British Airways, Swiss, Royal Swazi, Kenya Airways, Air Zimbabwe, Air Malawi, Gulf Air, Emirates, Yemen Air and South African Airlines. Arusha is also 280 kilometres (four hours drive) from Nairobi, Kenya, which may be a convenient alternative route. All visitors entering Tanzania require valid passports and visa. Tourist entry visa can also be applied for at the international airports on arrival. Vaccination against yellow fever for those coming from or via yellow fever infected areas are a necessity. Airport departure Tax is currently included in ticket tariffs.
The AICC has international standard facilities to suit this conference. Apart from the meeting facilities, such include Banking facilities, Bureau de change, Post Office, Courier services and inhouse catering. Moreover, international telephone, telefax and E-mail are installed in the Complex for the convenience of the delegates. The AICC also runs its own hospital with qualified health care personnel.
Within 1.5 kilometres of the conference centre there is a wide variety of accommodation to suit the needs of all conference participants. To confirm a room, you must provide a first night's deposit at least 45 days prior to the date of arrival. All reservations are subject to availability. Refunds are available if cancellation is done at least ten days prior to expected arrival date. Delegates are advised to make direct hotel bookings since the conference organizers have not been able to establish deposit system with the Hotels.