Tanzania is synonymous with the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro. The Serengeti Plains are covered with literally millions of animals and Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa rising with its snow-capped peaks into the white clouds. Exotic islands like Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba captivate the travelling mind and inspire mystique. The extinct volcano of Ngorongoro is lined with velvety green grass, its floor covered with grazing animals, a sight that will pull the tourist down into its interior for an amazing safari experience. Tanzania has a tremendous amount of attractions and a diversity of landscapes that will captivate the visitor. Its popularity is growing, and it is fast becoming the most popular destination in East Africa. Tanzania was created with the union between the old Tanganyika mainland and the spice island of Zanzibar.
Geography
The islands of Pemba, Zanzibar and Mafia form part of Tanzania. The country is in East Africa and is bordered by Mozambique on the south, Malawi and Zambia on the south-west, the Democratic Republic of Congo on the west, Burundi and Uganda in the north-west and Kenya in the north. The warm Indian Ocean runs along its beautiful white beaches. Tanzania is divided into semi-desert areas, savannah, the southern high plateaus, narrow coastal plains, the Masai Steppe towards the northern sector of the country and mountainous landscape in the north-eastern area including Mt Meru and Kilimanjaro. On the highlands there are various lakes that where formed due to the Great Rift Valley.
Climate
The climate of Tanzania varies dramatically, as it has both the highest and the lowest points on the continent. The coastal belt tends to be consistently humid and hot, while the higher elevated regions tend to be cooler in comparison. There are two rain seasons in the country - March to June is known for long heavy downpours (often thunder storms) and the period from November to January has short rains. The best time to go is between September and March when there is good sunny weather and many animals in the Serengeti.
Summary
Area size: 945 090 km2 (about 369 000 square miles)
Capital: Dodoma
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling
Official Language: English and Swahili
Other Languages: Arabic
Time: GMT +3
Telephone Country Code: +255
Electricity: 240 V with round or square 3-pin plugs
Required clothing
Conservative lightweight and tropical clothing is useful throughout the year with warmer sweaters for the cooler evenings and raingear for the rainy seasons. The best colours for safari is light colours including khaki.
Health and Safety
Tanzania is considered to be generally safe, but extra care should be taken in Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam. The areas neighbouring Rwanda and Burundi should also be visited with caution. There have been reports in the past of muggings in game reserves and although the government has stepped up security, it is always a good idea to be in the close vicinity of other vehicles during your visit. Due to muggings, bad roads and stray and wild animals, driving at night-time is highly discouraged.
Money Matters
1 Tanzanian Shilling is equal to 100 cents.
Although all major foreign currencies (travellers' cheques and cash) are accepted by banks, forex bureaus and certain luxury hotels, it is advisable to bring along currencies in US Dollars and British Pounds. Credit cards including MasterCard and Diners have limited acceptance. It is prohibited to export or import local currency, but there are no regulations regarding foreign monies.
Accommodation and Food
There is a variety of accommodation throughout the tourist centres including luxury hotels and lodges, cheaper hotels and camp sites. Contact the Tanzania Hotels Investment in Arusha for more information on accommodation. Their telephone number is +255 57 8502 and fax is +255 57 8221.
Hotels often have their own restaurants and local food is available. Due to its close proximity to the rich ocean, Tanzania has some very good seafood dishes. An abundance of great tasting fruit is available. One should always buy bottled water or filter and boil it beforehand.
Social Behaviour
Shaking hands with the right hand is customary and do not receive or give anything with the left, because it is deemed rude. Try greeting the locals with the local Swahili greeting form: Jambo. Dress conservatively in towns and villages. Photographing people is a sensitive topic due to the fact that many people do not want to be photographed and others make a living from it and will demand money for it.
Tipping is 10% in restaurants, but find out beforehand from tour-operators how much porters and guides should be tipped.
Entry Requirements
A passport (valid for 3 months beyond intended stay) and a visa are required for most nationalities. Tickets and documents for return or onward travel might be requested. An International Vaccination for yellow fever is required if arriving from infected areas within 5 days.
Attractions & Activities
There is something for everyone in Tanzania, from basking in the sun on pristine beaches through to hiking, and off course safari par excellence. For those interested in archaeology, Olduvai Gorge, located between Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, is a must because here the famous Leakeys discovered evidence of the ancestor to the modern day Homo Sapiens. The coast offers a variety of activities including diving, snorkelling, fishing (marlin, tuna, billfish and barracuda), sailing and many more. For something memorably different, try the hot-air balloon flight in the Serengeti to see the animals and landscape from above while floating silently in the morning sky.
Cities and Towns
Arusha
Arusha is the gateway to the Serengeti Plains, Ngorongoro and other nearby game reserves. It is important to use a reputable safari company, because numerous operators promise the heaven and deliver hell. It is also possible to book hikes up Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru from either Arusha or the nearby Moshi. It does not have any attractions other than its stunning location in a beautiful valley in the shadows of the towering Kilimanjaro.
Dar Es Salaam
Dar Es Salaam, or Haven of Peace, leave travellers in two distinct categories. Many will say that the best road in Dar Es Salaam is the road going out of it, while others will like the rustic, crowdy and noisy town. One has to visit the town to catch a ferry or a flight to Zanzibar. The are some interesting places in Dar (shortened by most people). The Kariakoo Market sells fish and titbits, the Village Museum displays various styles of traditional housing, and the National Museum displays typical tribal handicraft and fossils from the archaeological site at Olduvai Gorge including the Nutcracker man. Visit the harbour and watch hundreds of dhows (local fisher boats) coming and going. Nearby one can find beautiful beaches including Bahari and Oyster Bay Beach and some 80 kilometres north is Bagamoyo, the harbour used a few centuries ago as slave port.
Zanzibar
This timeless island just 20 kilometres off the coast of Tanzania, sent fear down the spines of thousands during the slave trading years. The Island of Sensations used to be the meeting point for slave traders, sultans, explorers, adventurers and sailors and it was the gateway to Africa. Today it is a popular destination for visitors who wander around the Stone City's labyrinth of narrow alleys. One can explore exotic old buildings with their whitewashed Arab and Portuguese architectural styles. One can watch the local people at the various markets or just enjoy the scenic beaches and the lazy sunsets. Many buildings are still beautifully maintained including the Arab fort, the House of Wonders (Beit el Ajaib), the slave quarters, the Persian Kidichi Baths and the Sultan's Palace. Beaches like Matemwe and Nungwi offer some wonderful diving on the coral reefs in turquoise waters. There is an assortment of accommodation available in Zanzibar, and the island can be reached by ferry or charter plane. Always take along your passport when visiting Zanzibar, even from Tanzania, and always pay in hard currency.
National Parks
A huge proportion of Tanzania has been set apart for conservation areas and we only list a few game reserves. All parks can be visited independently and it is not necessary to join an organised safari. It is advisable though to use a robust vehicle for the park and during the rainy season a 4x4 vehicle is a definite necessity. There are various advantages and disadvantages to visiting the parks with an organised safari, and this choice will depend entirely on the traveller. Foreign vehicles pay a premium to access the parks, but leaves the traveller with the freedom to stop wherever desired. The guides with an organised safari are generally very knowledgeable and can part with a fantastic wealth of information regarding the animals.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti means "Endless Plains" and the 14 700 km2 conservation area stands witness to this name. It is famous for the migration of its game during the annual dry season, crossing the dangerous Mara River to enter the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. During May and June some 2.5 million blue wildebeest and zebra, accompanied by predators like lion, cheetah and hyena, will cross the river and it is a spectacle not to be missed. Even if it is not possible to witness the migration one can still see vast herds grazing on the infinite grass plains. During November to January the animals will complete the cycle when returning to the Serengeti Park. This is heaven for anyone wanting to see a big variety of game and includes lion, elephant, leopard, Thompson and Grant's gazelle, impala, hyena, cheetah, buffalo and many other beautiful antelope species. Although the rain season can be very wet, one can negotiate cheaper accommodation at the luxury lodges and share the park with fewer visitors. Roads however can be dangerously muddy during this time. Apart from luxury lodges, basic campsites are also available, but one should be 100% self-sufficient with water and food. Fuel is available though (but at very high prices). Read more on Serengeti.
More information on The Great Migration.
Lake Manyara National Park
This tiny park just outside Arusha is popular due to its diverse landscapes, animals and some 350 different bird species including vast amounts of flamingos. Included amongst the animal species are many antelope, elephant, giraffe, buffalo and the famous tree-climbing lions. The Masai village nearby, Mto Wa Mbu, is ideal for watching this warrior tribe in their natural environment.
Ngorongoro Crater Reservation Area
This extinct volcano's walls rise some 600 meters above the floor and 19 kilometres across and covers 260 km2. It is a lush haven for a huge variety of animals including rhino, lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, antelope and thousands of flamingos cover the lake in the centre of the floor. The view from the rim onto this Garden of Eden with its thousands of animals grazing and hunting is simply awesome. Be sure to make this site part of the itinerary during your visit to East Africa. There are luxury lodges and a campsite on the rim of the crater.
Read more on Lake Manyara.
Selous Game Reserve
Selous is the second largest national park in Africa covering some 40 000 km2 and is situated in the southern parts of Tanzania. Although the biggest in the country, it is one of the less visited and one has the feeling that the whole park belongs to you. It includes some wonderful animals like wild dogs, lion, sable antelope and kudu. There are walking trails, tented camps and lodge accommodation.
Gombe Stream National Park
This park is situated at the north of Lake Tanganyika, in the proximity of where Stanley and Dr Livingstone met each other during their exploration some centuries ago. The main attraction to this park is the chimpanzees that formed part of the Jane Goodall studies. They are relatively tame and one can approach them with caution.
Kilimanjaro
This icon of Africa reaches 5895 metres high into the blue African sky above flowing green plains. It has been worshipped by tribes, conquered by various climbers and idolised by many a poet and songwriter. Standing at the foot of this majestical mountain, one cannot help but stare in awe at its beauty and size. It is the highest single standing mountain in the world and the highest point in Africa. Due to its easy navigable slopes even novice hikers can manage to reach the summit using any of six different routes that last about 5 days (3 up and 2 down). Be warned though that altitude sickness can force even the fittest of climbers to turn back. The fascinating vegetation changes rapidly through various heights and even wild animals can be spotted on the way up. Warm clothes should be taken along as the peak is always covered in snow. Warm clothes are rented out, but it is always best to use your own good quality gear. Porters will carry backpacks and hut accommodation is available although it is not a bad idea to rather use a tent than the overpopulated huts. Summitting on a clear day will offer the most awesome view imaginable on the three glaciers and volcanic peaks surrounded by the African plains. It is a rather expensive outing at more than US$500, but worth every cent. Climbs are not permitted without a guide. The huts that are used en route are Mandara (2750m), Horombo (4730m) and Kibo (4730m).
