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Fast facts |
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| Languages: |
Swahili, English, Arabic |
| Population: |
31,270,820 (census from 1999) |
| Capital city: |
Dar Es Salaam |
| Currency: |
Tanzanian Shilling |
| People: |
Native African, Arabic, and
Indian |
| President: |
William Mkapa |
| Government: |
Republic |
| Religion: |
Muslim (95%), Christian and
Hindu (5%) |
| Climate: |
Hot and humid |
| Average Temp: |
25ºC (77ºF) |
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Accommodation |
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accommodation in Tanzania varies from budget camping accommodation to luxury
class hotels, some of them have the prestige of belonging to the Small
Hotels of the World association. Camping varies from basic budget tented
camping, permanent tented camping which is sometimes quite luxurious, to
extremely luxurious mobile camping. The permanent tented camps normally
have fitted bathrooms and electricity, so they can almost be classified as
lodges under canvas. Basically there are camps, lodges and hotels to cater
for all budgets. Most hotels in towns have their own restaurants, whilst
safari resorts and camps usually sell the accommodation on a full board
basis. Food will have to be prepared by yourself in the campsite, unless you
are booked on a tour which includes camping, then food will be prepared for
you. During peak seasons, pre-booking well in advance is strongly
recommended as many of the resorts and campsites are fully booked.
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Roads,
trains and aeroplanes |
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Flights
There are 3 international airports in Tanzania:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Dar Es Salaam International Airport (DAR)
Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
There are various domestic airports and airfields connecting all major towns
and safari destinations.
Trains
Tanzania has only one train operator, TAZARA, which links Dar Es Salaam
to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. The central line links Dar to Kigoma going
through Morogoro, Dadoma and Tabora. Interesting safari options to the
Selous are offered utilising this line.
Roads
There are a total of 88,200 km of roads in Tanzania of which only 3,700
km are tarred. The roads between the major cities are in good condition,
whilst many roads in the towns and cities are in a bad state of repair.
Arusha has recently undergone major renovations to its roads. Prior to this
it was rumored to have to most 4x4 per square km in the world. Roads out on
safari can in the wet season become quite treacherous, and are not
recommended for the faint hearted.
Transport
The only public transport is the rail facility. Many privately owned bus
services operate within the towns (know as dala dala's or kifordi) and these
are the cheapest forms of transport. Long haul bus services are available
between most major cities, but these are sometimes unsafe and are not
recommended. Should you want to travel between for example Arusha and Dar or
Nairobi and Arusha, please make sure you contact us, so we can recommend the
best operator. |
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Best time to go |
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One
cannot really say when the best time of the year is to go to Tanzania. The
country is so diverse that pretty much all seasons are fantastic, depending
on where you wish to go. The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are January,
February and March have the best weather, being warm and almost devoid of
cloud. This is also the busiest time on the mountain. April through to mid
June is still warm but there may be some rainfall on the lower slopes and
bands of cloud may reduce visibility around the forest area. The upside is
that this is probably the quietest time in terms of climber traffic. The
best times to visit the northern circuit range from June to August and
December to March. This coincides with the migration patterns through the
Serengeti and avoids the rainy season. Be that as it is, Tanzania is an
awesome country basically all year round due to the many resident bird and
animal species who reside in their specific areas. |
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Climate |
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Tanzania has a tropical equatorial climate modified by altitude. The north
has two distinct wet seasons with the longest from March to May and the
shortest from November to December while the rest of the country has one wet
season from November to May. Around 50% of the country receives an annual
precipitation of 760 mm (30 inches) with the maximum being 2,540 mm (100
inches) at Lake Nyasa and the minimum, 510 mm (20 inches) on the Central
Plateau. The prevailing winds are the NE and SE trade winds. Average
temperature ranges in Dar-Es-Salaam are from 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees
Fahrenheit) to 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) all year |
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Communications and electricity |
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Communications in the country are easily accessible with most hotels in
towns having international telephone facilities and internet facilities. The
country has 4 cellular phone operators and international roaming facilities
are available. Please phone your service provider to ascertain in facilities
are available for your network. Certain camps and lodges in the National
Parks have satellite phone facilities but are quite expensive with calls
being charged from $10 per minute. They do however have radio communication
with bases in major towns and messages can be relayed in this way.
Electricity is 230V AC but you will have to
buy flat 3 pin plugs should you wish to use any electrical appliances. These
are available at most shops in major towns and cities. |
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Money Matters |
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Currency:
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. The current rate of exchange
(May 2001) is Tsh900 = $1. Almost every hotel and resort accepts US$ but
beware, some of their exchange rates are not very favorable. It is best to
exchange your currency at a local Bureau de Change into Tsh as their rates
are normally the best. Not many Bureau de Change or hotels accept ZAR.
Banks:
NBC Bank - most major towns
Bank of Tanzania - most major towns
Standard Chartered Bank - most major towns
Stanbic Bank - most major towns
Banking hours are from 8:30 to 15:00 (except Bank of Tanzania) weekdays and
8:30 to 13:30 on Saturdays.
Credit Cards and Traveler's Cheques
Credit cards are accepted at some of the major hotels, restaurants and
resorts. Traveler's cheques are the safer option as these are more widely
accepted than credit cards. |
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Language and
cultures |
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Language:
The official language of Tanzania is Kiswahili. Most residents have a good
knowledge of English, Italian and various Arabic dialects. Some important
words in Swahili are:
Jambo - hello
Habari - what's news?
Mambo - slang greeting like habari
Mzuri - I am well
Asante - thank you
Kwaheri - good bye
Maji - water
Chakula - food
Kahawa - coffee
Chai - tea (also referred to as a bribe)
Moja - one
Mbili - two
Tatu - Three
Culture:
Tanzania’s culture is a result of African, Arab, European and Indian
influences. The African people of Tanzania represent about 120 tribal
groups. The largest group are of Bantu origin including Dukuma, Nyamwezi,
Makonde, Haya and Chagga. The Maasai are of Nilotic origin, as are the
Arusha and the Samburu. Tanzania is one of the least urbanised countries in
Sub- Saharan Africa, but traditional African ideals are being deliberately
adapted to modern life. The Tanzanians are friendly people, to foreigners
and amongst themselves. Politeness, respect and modesty are highly valued.
It is recommended that you learn some Swahili greetings (see “Language”).
Handshakes are very important and you may continue holding hands during
conversation. Note that the right hand is usually used for eating, while the
left is traditionally used for toilet duties. Immodest attire, public
affection and open anger are disrespectful to the Tanzanian people. In
Zanzibar, it is important for women to dress modestly out of respect for
Muslim cultural beliefs. |
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Medical services |
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Healthcare facilities in Tanzania are not up to Western standards. It is
highly recommended that you obtain sufficient medical insurance prior to
your departure to Tanzania. Flying doctor facilities are available with the
nearest hospital being in Nairobi, Kenya. |
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Main Attractions |
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Possibly the most well known is:
Migration
The annual migration involves some 1,500,000 wildebeest and 250,000
zebra migrating in a circular pattern throughout the year. Contrary to what
many people believe, this affair is continuous and certain areas of the
Serengeti experience major concentrations of animals at certain times of the
year:
Dec -Feb: During late November/ early
December, the animals migrate from the Maasai Mara in Kenya down through the
Loliondo controlled area and into the upper portion of Ngorongoro
Conservation Area (NCA) and the Naabi Hill Gate section of the Serengeti.
During January they settle in the short grasses of the Serengeti Plains.
February sees them move deeper into the NCA.
Mar - Apr: During March the animals begin to leave the NCA and move
back closer to Naabi Hill Gate and the Serengeti plains. During April, they
start shifting to the central portion of the Serengeti.
May - Jul: May sees the animals migrating from the central Serengeti
heading off to the Western Corridor and the Seronera region. During June,
they are firmly placed in the Western Corridor. This area contains wet black
cotton soil plains and is treacherous for animals and tourists if the rains
are late. During July, they move on to the Grumeti Controlled area and a few
of the head off for the Lobo area of the Serengeti.
Aug: During August, the animals are spread between the Lobo area and
the Ikorongo controlled areas of the Serengeti, and slowly start moving
towards the Maasai Mara. This is one of the better times to see the animals
being caught by predators as they have to cross the Mara River, Bolongoja
River and Grumeti River to get to the Mara.
Sept - Oct: During this period, the animals are in the Maasai Mara
Game Reserve, where water is always available for them.
Nov: Late November see the migration returning the Tanzania down the
Loliondo Controlled Area, where they are following the new rains coming
from the south to the north.
There are no set patterns that the animals
follow, so you can't be absolutely certain of there exact location.
Olduvai Gorge
Olduvai Gorge is situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, about 1/2 an
hour drive from the Ngorongoro Crater. This is by far one of the most
fascinating places to see on your Northern circuit safari. It's claim to
fame is the discovery of the first homonid footprints by Louis and Mary
Leaky in 1959. It is an archaeological wonder and excavation still continues
to this day, although you are not permitted to view these sites. At the main
site there is an information center where you can see many of the fossils
that have been discovered in the area and copies of the original footprints.
You will also be given a lecture about the area and the excavation
processes.
Shifting Sands
The Shifting Sands are situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area,
about 40 minutes drive from the crater rim. These sands which have religious
associations for the Maasai people are remarkable in that they move along in
the exact same formation at a rate of about 5m per year. This is actually
volcanic ash deposits from Oldonyo Lengai which is too heavy for the winds
to blow away. In 1969 it was noticed that year after year they seem to be in
a different position so a marker was laid to measure the distance. Since
that time they have drifted some 2 km's. Take some time out from your safari
to stop over and have a look. Look out for the original marker, you will be
amazed.
There are many fascinating places to visit,
too many to list here. Your driver guide on safari is very knowledgeable and
will be able to take you to many places of interest whilst on safari. Please
feel free to let us know your story, so we can publish it in our travel
features section.
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Travel Tips |
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What
to pack
The most important items to pack are the ones you feel most comfortable in.
There is nothing worse than being on safari and feeling uncomfortable. Here
is a guideline for you to work on:
Lighter colored cotton clothes are generally cooler (beige, white or khaki)
Shorts can be worn in summer, so bring a pair
Warm jackets and sweaters for evening wear, especially in Ngorongoro Crater
Long sleeved shirts/ blouses to wear at night to protect against mosquitoes
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
Thick socks for protection if you enter tsetse fly areas
For Kilimanjaro equipment see our Kilimanjaro guide
Malaria Tablets
Tanzania is situated in a malaria zone, so it is recommended that you
consult your physician on the prescription right for you. Pregnant women are
not allowed to take Malaria prevention drugs, and are cautioned before
entering any malaria area.
Insect/ Mosquito
repellent
Mosquitoes, like little vampires, favor night conditions. Be sure to take a
repellent, and cover all exposed areas of your body (e.g. neck and arms). We
recommend that you wear trousers at night and long sleeved shirts should you
be outdoors. If the heat is too much and you wear a short sleeved shirt,
make sure you smear/ spray your arms with repellent. At night before you go
to bed, make sure your mosquito net is either touching the ground, or is
tucked in, and your exposed areas (especially your ankles) are protected
with repellent.
Travel insurance
It is imperative that you have travel insurance. Even though they do not
check any certificates when you enter the airports, for your own peace of
mind, make sure that you are adequately covered.
Crime
As with all cities, Tanzania is not free of crime. Unfortunately it has been
on the increase, so make sure you do not take valuables on holiday with you.
If you do take expensive jewelry, make sure it is either locked up when you
go out, or hidden from sight.
Be careful not to walk the streets at night alone, this invites trouble. If
you are confronted, do not resist, and try to report the matter to the
police as soon as possible. The police are sometimes rude and arrogant, but
an attempt will be made to recover your property. |
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Entry requirements |
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A visa
and a yellow fever inoculation certificate are pre-requisites to enter Tanzania. Visas cost $50 per person and are obtainable
from the Tanzanian Embassy at:
822 George Ave
Arcadia
Pretoria
Tel: (012) 342 4393
You will need 2 passport photographs and 2 completed application forms.
Should you not have the time, please let us know and we will do it for you
for a nominal fee.
Yellow fever inoculations are available at travel clinics around the
country.
Possibly one of the most
important requirements, although not a pre-requisite is travel insurance.
Visitors must make sure they are adequately covered. If you are unsure about
what you should take out, please contact us and we will gladly help you.
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