Tanzania

Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania (Swahili: Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania), is a country in East Africa in the African Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south.

The country’s eastern border is formed by the Indian Ocean. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is in northeastern Tanzania.
Tanganyika became a Sovereign State on 9th December 1961 and a Republic in 1962.

Zanzibar became independent on 19th December 1963 as a constitutional monarchy under the sultan and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar was established after the Revolution of 12th January 1964. The two Sovereign States formed the United Republic of Tanzania on 26th April 1964.

The United Republic of Tanzania is a nation in East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The country’s eastern borders lie on the Indian Ocean.

Plan a Safari in Tanzania

The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) is, in conjunction with Safarimate, pleased to present this Online Travel Guide to Tanzania. We hope the information will help you plan your trip to this country which has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the birth of humanity.

Tanzania is blessed with an impressive array of archeological and historical heritage sites. The Leakeys dedicated their lives to solving the mystery of evolution here, and confirmed East Africa as the craddle of mankind.

This special and up-to-date travel advisory – complete with maps, information on parks and resorts, hotels and tour operators, everything you would ever want or need to know about Tanzania as a tourist destination – offers you an opportunity to explore the country that holds so much fascination for the traveller.

Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, boasts the continent’s highest mountain, the historical Spice Islands of Zanzibar, the world’s largest game reserve and probably the most famous national park. The country is a priceless treasury of many animal and bird species; from the colourful to the exotic, the rare to the impressive. Savannah grasslands are fringed by lush tropical forests and mighty rivers, while the Great Rift Valley has produced a number of unusual geographical features, from the exceptionally deep Lake Tanganyika to the unique Ngorongoro crater, and ultimately to the heights of Kilimanjaro.

Every year, awe-struck visitors witness animal behaviour of a type and on a scale not seen anywhere else in the world. Join them and take time out to explore all the fun that Tanzania offers. Discover the hidden trails, the pristine beaches of white sands and waving palms. Wander through the fascinating towns stopping here and there to sample delicious local cuisine. There is always more to do than time can allow.

On the offshore islands, sand, sea and sun are only the beginning of new memories: Let go the humdrum mainland life and pursue world class game fishing. Plunge among spectacular reefs, peruse history (on the unique islands which lie close to Tanzania’s mainland, history, legends and unique cultures are all preserved), or just perfect your tan as the spices scented days ease into exotic evenings.

There are few places on earth that can offer the visitor such a glorious feast of attractions, and that can fulfill every holiday dream you ever had.

Tanzania is the land of your holiday dreams.

Quick Facts & Information

CLIMATE;

Tanzania’s climate is predominately tropical. Coastal areas are usually hot and humid, but on the beaches sea breeze cools the air considerably. The average day temperature is 30C. Tanzania has two rainy seasons – the long rains from late March to June and the short rains from November to January. The long rains fall in heavy drop pours, often accompanied by violent storms, but the short rains tend to be much less severe. The hottest time of the year is from December to march, before the long rains begin. The coolest months are June, July and august, when the weather is often overcast. In high altitude areas such as Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro highlands, temperatures can fall below freezing.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:  

A valid passport, Most visitors to Tanzania require a visa to enter the country. Three month single –entry tourist visas are available at Tanzanian embassies in your country, price subject to nationality. Contact your local embassy or visit www.tanzaniatouristboard.com for further details.

AIRPORT TAX

DEPARTURE tax from main land Tanzania is included in the price of your ticket, however in Zanzibar there is a departure tax of US $30 payable at the airport. There is a TSH 5000 (approx US $5) tax levied on passengers within Tanzania.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: Kiswahili and English.

CURRENCY: The Tanzania shilling ( Tsh or TZS ), divided into 100 cents, is the national currency.

BANKING:

Banks and bureau de change are available at the airports and in all major towns. Banking hours are from Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 3:00 pm, Saturdays 8:30 am – 1:30 pm. A few branches in the major towns are open until 4:00 pm. Please note that banks are closed on Sundays.

CREDIT CARDS AND TRAVELLERS’ CHEQUES:

Credit cards (Access, MasterCard, visa, American-countries, and Euro cards) are accepted only at major lodges, hotels and travel agents. A surcharge may be added for this service. ATM and 24 hour cash machines are available in branches of major banks. Travelers’ cheques in pound sterling or US dollars are recommended, though it may be difficult to exchange them outside the main cities.

TIME: Local time is GMT + 3.

ELECTRIC CURRENT:   220 volts AC 50 Hz

COMMUNICATIONS:

International Direct Dial is available. The country code for Tanzania is +255. The out going international code is 00 for the United States, or 000 for all other countries. Public call boxes in post offices and main towns operate on a card system, available from most small shops. several cellular phone companies operate in Tanzania and roaming lines work near most major cities and towns. Internet cafes are plentiful in major city centers.

HEALTH:

Tanzania has a tropical climate and different bacteria, flora and fauna than most visitors are accustomed to, so it is advisable to take a few health precautions when travelling to make sure that your trip goes as comfortably and smoothly as possible. Malaria is always on top on the list of visitors’ worries, and prevention goes a long way towards keeping you protected. Make sure to visit your doctor to make a prescription for the anti-malarial drugs that suit you. The yellow-fever vaccination is no longer officially required when entering Tanzania; however this is still a requirement if you wish to visit Zanzibar. Other vaccinations should be considered. For more information, contact your doctor well in advance of your visit.

SECURITY:

Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people and eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay. Tanzania is a politically stable, multi democratic country. As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe and not walking alone at night.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

Unless otherwise advised, the public days in Tanzania remain the same every year. If any of the public days listed below falls on Saturday or Sunday, the holiday is moved to the following Monday. New year-January 1 | Zanzibar revolutionary day-January 12 | good Friday | Easter Monday |union day –April 16 | workers day- May 1| Industrial day-July 7| Farmer’s day- August 8 | Nyerere day – October 14 |Independence day- December 9 | Christmas day-December 25 | boxing day – December 26.

Islamic holidays change from year to year and May vary by 1-2 days, depending on the sight of the new moon. So the holidays are: RAMADAN | EID-EL-FITR (THE end of Ramadan)

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

Northern Tanzania: July to march | southern Tanzania: June to march | Zanzibar and the coastal: June-march. | Western Tanzania: may to march.

| Zanzibar and the coastal: June to march. | Western Tanzania: may to march.