Information About Tanzania
Basic facts about Tanzania
Population:
Tanzania has a population of around 41,322,000. Native Africans constitute 95% of the population.
Climate:
Tanzania has a tropical climate along the coast but it gets temperate in the highlands.
- April & Mid – May = Long rains (Green Season)
- June – Sept = Cool season
- Nov – Dec = Short Rains
- October – March = Hottest season
The range of Temperatures in Tanzania is fairly limited and always hot, running from 25 to 30 degrees C on the coast while the rest of the country apart from the highlands run from 22 to 27 degrees C.
Time:
GMT + 3 hrs
Electricity:
240 Volts AC, 50 – 60 Hz
Multi plugs with flat pins are usually available at Electronic
Language:
Kiswahili & English
Religion:
Christianity (45%) is the predominant religion, followed by Islam (40%).
Currency:
Tanzania Shillings; however you are advised to carry American Dollars. Money changers do accept major convertible currencies including the EURO and the Japanese Yen. Travellers Cheques may be acceptable in some places, but not in the remote countryside, Major Credit Cards may also be acceptable in some large Hotels, however it is advisable to carry Cash US Dollars, which you will chan
System of government:
Tanzania is a multiparty democratic republic.
Capital:
Dodoma, with a population of around 325,000, is the official capital while Dar-es-Salaam, with a population of nearly 4 million, serves as the administrative capital of the country.
Tanzania Visas
Do I require a visa?
Visas are required to enter Tanzania as of other East African Countries – Kenya and Uganda. They can either be obtained in advance through the various Embassies/High Commissions abroad, Consulates or at the airports or other ports/borders of entry depending on their nationality.
Where and how can I apply?
You would need to find out the nearest Tanzanian Embassy for other nationals but for Canadian visa is upon arrival currently with USD50 – USD100 per entry.
Airport and Arrival Information;
Three International Airports,
- Dar-es-Salaam, now known as “Julias Nyerere International Airport – JKIA”
- Kilimanjaro International Airport – KIA
- Zanzibar International Airport.
Flights coming to Tanzania
To Begin safaris in Northern Tanzania, most visitors are advised to book with Airlines whose Arrivals & Departures are at KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JRO) which is 45 minutes drive from Arusha town.
International Airlines
KLM Royal Dutch with daily Flights out of Amsterdam into Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam,
KENYA AIRWAYS,
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES
It is also possible to get flights arriving to Nairobi (Kenya) from where you can make arrangements to transfer to near city of Arusha.
Ferries:
Boat and Ferries to Zanzibar,Pemba and Mafia,
Immunization & Vaccination
What medical precautions should we take?
Vaccination requirements change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on the latest health precautions.
Currently, shots against Yellow fever are required and cholera are recommended. As a precaution we usually advise anti-malarial drugs to be taken before, during and after your visit to East Africa.
Also, if you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of
your prescription(s).
Malaria:
Your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription ant-malarial drug for details concerning risk and preventive medications.
What I should know for Safari & when should I book ?
Everyone agrees that there is substantial planning required by those considering a safari in Africa. It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel, especially during the high/peak seasons – June to Oct and Christmas/New Year season.
What should I take on safari? (Should be used as a guide only)
As you will want to capture as much as possible of this amazing tour, don’t forget a camera, camcorder with lots of films, tapes, and replacement batteries for all these. A torch light would come in very handy. Sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip-balm, insect repellents and your own toiletry requirements, small first-aid kit, a spare pair of glasses or lenses if you are using one. Don’t forget a swimming costume and you might want to include a good book for the relaxing hours. Sleeping-bags and towels if you are planning for camping safaris may be included for extra comfort as our sleeping bags are in good condition are of a standard quality.
What should I take for mountain climbing? (Should be used as a guide only)
Sunglasses/Snow goggles, Rucksack & day pack, 3-4 season sleeping-bag, Insulation pad, Balaclava or woolen hat, Long sleeved shirt, Several pairs of socks, Gloves, Waterproof trousers & jacket, Warm sweaters, Anorak/raincoat, Gaiters, Water-bottle, Wooden walking stick, Hiking boots, Pair of light walking shoes, Warm scarf, Toiletry requirements, Flashlight with batteries, Sun protection cream, Small first aid kit, Lip salve, A whistle and some plastic bags.
Insurance, Attire & Baggage
Baggage Limit:
1 bag 15kgs maximum. It is advisable to have your own insurance covering, travel, medical, baggage and personal injury. Persons undergoing medical treatment should obtain approval from their doctor prior to booking the trek. The trek is taken at the clients own risk.
Do I require Travel Insurance?
We strongly recommend that you take out all of the necessary Travel Insurance before commencing on your journey.
What Type of Clothes to take?
For safaris, especially in Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha), during the day, light clothing is recommended with sturdy shoes and canvas hats. During the night in areas like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Highlands; where the altitude is between 1500 – 2500 Metres; a cardigan or pullover may be essential. In the same pack, remember your sun cream, lotions, sun glasses, a pair of binoculars, and a camera
What would be the accommodations like?
Wide range of accommodations is available to suit your budget, lodges, hotels, tented camps, permanent camps to name a few. Most hotels are a nice blend of luxury, ambience, offering picturesque views. Once an inquiry is submitted, we provide you with a detailed list of accommodations available to suit your requirements.
Is drinking water safe?
In some places tap water is safe, but generally, it is not advisable to drink or brush your teeth with tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere and in almost all Lodges and Hotels and all super markets. On treks and safaris, it is better to carry sufficient bottled water.
What kind of food do I expect during the trip?
The quality and variety of food available on safari will be a pleasant surprise for our clients. Most lodges serve meals in buffet-style. The food is prepared according to the western-tastes, and includes some local cuisine too. If a camping safari is chosen, fresh meat and produce is prepared by the expert chefs accompanying the clients to the highest standards.
Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic meals can be arranged with prior notice. A vegetarian may wish to bring along some alternative protein sources. Persons with multiple food allergies, it is advisable to bring along supplemental snacks. Please notify us of any possible dietary restrictions along with booking confirmation
What is the best time to visit Tanzania?
Climate in Tanzania is always wonderful,
though you might have to avoid rains from mid April to end of May to climb Kilimanjaro;
however the following prediction is based on the movement of animals.
It is the best time for game viewing.
Northern Tanzania
: all year round except April and May.
Southern Tanzania
: June through October
Zanzibar Pemba and Mafia
June through October; December through March
Making the most out of my trip
Advise regarding photography?
For wildlife photography, a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that you should use, A 300-400 zoom is preferable. For bird-watchers, a 500mm or larger is necessary, and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots. Bring extra camera and flash batteries and plenty of film – you may find these quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally.
Shopping Around
Locally made products are widely sold at reasonable prices. Ask your local Guide for the best offer to buy your self or your friend items like; Batiks and Tingatinga paintings, Ebony carvings such as cutlery, bracelets, furniture and sculptures. Others include Maasai belts, rings and necklaces made of colourful beads, Khanga for women’s wrap around and Jewels to include Tanzania’s special Mineral – Tanzanite.