Tanzania Country Guide

About 6% of mainland Tanzania is lakes, including Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria, in the northwest; Lake Tanganyika, the world’s longest lake, in the east and Lake Malawi in the south.

The main mountain ranges are found in the northeastern, central and southern sections, with a volcanic belt in the center of the country near the Ngorongoro Crater. Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, is found in the Eastern Arc range, in the northeast.

General Information
FULL NAME: United Republic of Tanzania (formerly United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar)
CAPITAL: Dar es Salaam (business capital). Dodoma (administrative capital) INDEPENDENCE: 9 December 1961

CLIMATE:
The climate is tropical on the coast, on the islands and in Selous. It is temperate in the other parks. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing.
Late March to late May is traditionally the long rainy season and rest of the year fairly dry with some local showers. . June, July and August can be very cold on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.  Late October to mid-December is when the short rains occur. These are usually in the form of daily thunderstorms. The Ngorongoro Crater rim has a wonderful climate at this time of year. The Serengeti and Lake Manyara are quite warm.

TANZANIA INLAND AVERAGE TEMERATURES (F) AND RAINFALL (inches)

WHEN TO GO
Tanzania offers an astonishing diversity and concentration of wildlife, from the immense Serengeti and towering Mount Kilimanjaro to the remote national parks of Katavi and Mahale.
The best months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are August to October and January to March.

Tanzania boasts over 1 000 bird species, with Lake Manyara alone being home to more than 400. It is a year round birding destination, but at the height of the northern winter, some 160 species of migrating birds make their way south.

Botanically, Tanzania is a treasure-trove, with habitats ranging from afro-alpine to semi-desert. The months immediately after the two rainy seasons provide the best floral displays.

Tanzania offers excellent game viewing throughout the year as not all animals migrate and are year round residents.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
Most visitors require visas with the exception of certain countries of the Commonwealth. Zanzibar remains independent, although it is a part of the union of Tanzania:
Passports and a Tanzanian visa are required even on a day’s visit to Zanzibar. It is advisable to obtain a visa in advance of travel as certain airlines insist on them prior to departure. Depending on nationality and country of origin, a visa may be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports, and at Namanga Gate on the Tanzania/Kenya border. However it is advisable to obtain visa in advance. Visas cost US$10–60 depending on nationality and are usually valid for three months.

Requirements for obtaining a visa are: a passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay two passport photographs, application forms and a detailed itinerary stating reason for visit. This is a guide only – please check with your nearest Tanzanian consulate for up-to-date information.


CURRENCY
Tanzania shilling (The or TZS)
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh). There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that can be imported.

Notes are issued as TSh10 000, 5 000, 1 000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are TSh100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.


CREDIT CARDS
Most top hotels and lodges around the country accept visa and MasterCard. In addition to credit cards, clients should bring US dollars cash and traveler’s cheques.

BANKS
Banks and forex bureaux are available at the airport and in all main towns.
Banking hours:
Mon – Fri: 08:30 – 12:30
Sat: 08:30 – 13:30

A few branches in the major towns open until 16:30 on weekdays.

Foreign currency in cash or traveler’s cheques may be exchanged through authorized dealers, commercial banks and at Bureau de Change at the international airports, major towns and border posts.


TIPPING
Most major hotels and restaurants include a service charge. Tipping is not obligatory and is entirely at your discretion. A gratuity of 10% is customary at restaurants and bars where a service charge is not included. Tipping to your driver/guide is not included and once again is at your discretion; you could tip $2.00 to $5.00 per person per day. Porters at airports, hotels or lodges may be tipped a $1.00 per piece of baggage; this too is at your discretion.

COMMUNICATION
The international dialing code for calling Tanzania is +255. A direct international dialing service is available from the major hotels. Both local and long distance calls are metered on a time basis and you pay for every second. Satellite phones are available at certain lodges at a rate of US$10 per minute.
The international exchange is very reliable outside of major towns. Mobile telephone services are also available. Telex and fax facilities are available at most hotels. E-mail and Internet facilities are also available at major international hotels. Internet use has picked up rapidly in Tanzania and there are over 100 services providers in the country. Hotels levy a substantial surcharge on all calls. Most lodges have telephone communication facilities, unless they are in very remote areas, and are able to maintain radio contact with the "outside world".


ELECTRICITY
Electricity is available at 230/240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs are square three-pin, fused or unfused. British plugs are used.

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HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Visitors must produce a valid yellow fever certificate obtained no less than ten days prior to travel.
You will have to get malaria prophylactics before entering Tanzania. Precautionary measures to take to prevent contact with mosquitoes include: insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers in the evenings.

Immunization against hepatitis A & B, typhoid and tetanus is recommended. It is advisable to obtain medical insurance prior to travel. Emergency services and first aid is difficult to obtain outside major cities and tourist areas, so bring with you any medication, which you may require.


INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance, which includes curtailment and cancellation cover, as well as medical cover, upon confirming your booking.

LANGUAGE
The official language is Swahili (KiSwahili), which is generally spoken, and various local languages abound. Swahili is the language the primary schools teach in. English is the second official language and the country’s commercial language as well as the main teaching language for all the scientific subjects in secondary schools and higher education institutions.
Arabic is widely spoken in the coastal areas, particularly in Zanzibar.


CULTURE
Tanzania’s culture is a result of African, Arabian, European and Indian influences. The African people of Tanzania represent about 120 tribal groups. The Tanzanians are friendly people, to foreigners and amongst themselves. Politeness, respect and modesty are highly valued.

SOUVENIRS
Tanzania has a good selection of traditional local crafts. These are available from craft shops in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and other major towns.
There are also a number of craft centers and artist’s cooperatives, where prices are good. Singida baskets can be purchased directly from the villages surrounding Singida, or from craft shops. Gogo woodcarving, including vibuya (carved gourds) and kanga traditional sarong-like garments are amongst some of the traditional items available for purchase. The mbuzi is a device used for shredding coconut. It is a small wooden stool with a metal piece and is available at markets throughout the country. If you intend cooking dishes at home that you have eaten along the coast, you may find this a useful acquisition.


PHOTOGRAPHY
Although film is available at most lodges, it is recommended you bring film and batteries with you. For game and bird photography a telephoto lens of 210-300m is recommended.
A lens head and ultra violet filter are advisable and a dust cover is essential.

It is courteous to ask permission before photographing Tanzanians. The Masai usually request payment prior to having their photo taken.


SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for safari are:
» 3-5 changes of casual clothing
» Khaki, green, beige and neutral colors
» T-shirts
» Shorts or a light skirt
» Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
» Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives (necessary,
even in summer)
» Comfortable walking shoes
» Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent - essentials!
» Binoculars and a camera are a must
» Tracksuit - good for sleeping in during winter months
» Light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer
» Swimsuit, as most hotels/lodges have swimming pools
» Towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping bags can be hired from most safari operators)
» Blouses with long sleeves (even in summer; they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes
» Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures of Botswana. Dull and/or neutral colors are more suitable for safari, white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing
»» VERY IMPORTANT: packing space is limited on all modes of safari transport so you will need to restrict your baggage to 12-15kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day - 1 January
Zanzibar Revolution Day - 12 January
Eid al Fitr (end of Ramadan) (varies)
Eid al Kebir (also called Eid al Haji) (varies)
Good Friday (varies)
Easter Monday (varies)
Union Day - 26 April
Labour Day - 1 May
Maulidi (Mohammed’s Birthday) (varies)
Saba Saba (Peasant’s Day) - 7 July
Nane Nane (Farmer’s Day) - 8 August Independence Day - 9 December
Christmas - 25 December
Boxing Day - 26 December