| Area
and population |
| The
mainland Tanganyika and the islands Zanzibar and Pemba comprise an area of
930.700 sq.km. The current population is around 34 million, with a national
growth rate of 2.8 %. |
| Capital |
| Dar
es Salaam is the major trading center and the main harbor, but Dodoma is the
official capital. |
|
When to go? |
The coast, the islands and Selous have tropical climate year round, the other
areas are temperate. Expect short rains in November, while the rainy season
starts
from mid March to the end of May. During rainy season it can get chilly in
the northern mainland, especially in higher altitudes like the Ngorongoro.
High season is in December and January. The hottest months are from December to
the end of March when humidity is high and decreases only by night.
|
|
Visas |
Can be obtained at all points of entry (airports and borders). Your passport
must be valid at least six months from your date of arrival. Your visa
must be paid cash in US dollars.
Remember your yellow fever
certificate ! |
|
Health |
The yellow fever vaccine is no longer compulsory upon entering Tanzania and Zanzibar,
but it is still recommended to get this vaccine . It
should be taken at least 10 days before arrival. Visitors are advised to take
anti malaria tablets, consult your doctor in good time before departure.
Common diseases in Tanzania: amoebae dysentery, bacteria dysentery, typhoid, cholera, malaria, yellow fever, hepatitis A, bilharzia and
aids. These are all
preventable, and in some instances, a vaccine can be given before departing.
Note that some vaccines need to be taken six months before arrival.
Do not drink the water from the tap, nor brush you teeth with it. Use bottled mineral water, which is easily available. Do not share eating utensils or drink
from the same glass/bottle. Salads, fruits and vegetables should be rinsed thoroughly
in boiled or purified water. Meat must be thoroughly cooked. At
evening time, wear trousers and long sleeves, and sleep under a mosquito net.
Mosquito repellents should not contain more than 30% Deet, as it can harm your
skin. Do not swim in lakes, which causes a high risk of contracting bilharzia.
Booking a tour with Victoria
Expeditions, you are covered by AAR Emergency Rescue and Evacuation
insurance.
|
|
Money matters |
The local currency is Tanzanian shillings, Tsh, notes in denominations of 500, 1000,
5000 and 10000. It is advisable to bring
American dollars, though Banks and Forex Bureaus accept the major convertible currencies.
Note that US$ bills printed before 1996 are no longer accepted in
Tanzania, locals call these bills "kichwa kidogo" referring to the
"small head" compared to the newer bills where the heads are
bigger.
Travelers cheques are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in
larger hotels and in some exchange facilities, but the rate is not as favorable as
for cash or
travelers cheques. You can find ATMs in Arusha, Moshi, Dar es Salaam and Stone
Town. |
|
What to bring? |
|
In a warm and humid climate, cotton
is the most comfortable fabric to wear. Avoid nylon and other synthetic fabrics.
In the mainland the evenings get chilly, so bring a warm sweater or jacket. In
exclusive restaurants, a jacket and tie is suitable, but elsewhere you can wear
what you want. Don't bring too much clothing. Laundry services are available in
most hotels and guest houses, if you order it in the morning, you will have it
back the same afternoon, at a reasonable price. Bring binoculars for the safari,
along with extra film rolls and batteries. Sandals, sunglasses, swimsuits,
sun hats and sun cream with a high protection factor. A flash light can come in
handy while on camping safari. A Swiss knife, an adapter, bottle for drinking
water are other items which can be useful.
WHAT TO
BRING ON A SAFARI?
Sleeping bag
Flashlight
Spare batteries
Sunglasses
Sun protection lotion
Mosquito repellent
Toiletry requirements
Towel
Wash kit
Long sleeved shirt/jumper
Trouser
Warm sweater
Hat
Binoculars
Camera
Films
Small daypack
|
|
When you're hungry |
Tanzania has lots to offer food wise. Exotic fruits and fresh fruit juices are
good for breakfast, along with toast or omelet. Most hotels serve a standard
continental breakfast. If you want to explore the traditional Tanzanian cuisine,
there are countless places to eat. Portions are big, and consist mainly of
potatoes, rice, beans, spinach, and ugali (a stiff maize porridge) along with
chicken, beef, mutton or fish.
On the coast you can enjoy fresh tropical fish, lobster and shrimps. Larger towns
have a good selection of Chinese, Italian and Indian restaurants. Some
restaurants even serve game like crocodile, zebra and antelopes.
Endangered species and the national symbol, the giraffe, do not appear on the menu, so enjoy your meal
with a clean conscience.
Vegetarians will not have to survive on fruits and beans the whole stay, most
restaurants cater well for vegetarians.
|
|
Culture |
When meeting, parting, passing and receiving anything, hands are always shaken.
Use the right hand. This applies for rural areas as well as urban areas. If your
right hand is occupied, offer your right elbow. Never offer your left hand, as
it is used for hygienic purposes.
While in the national parks, always follow the park regulations. Do not litter.
Do not collect or purchase any bones, skins, horns, teeth, feathers or shells,
and on the coast, do not collect coral, shells or starfish.
Ask for permission before taking anyone's photograph. Ask your guides about the
local customs in the area you are visiting.
The majority of the population along the coast are Muslim, so avoid revealing
clothing. Cover up your shoulders and knees while in this area. Topless and nude
bathing are prohibited.
Gay and lesbian travelers should avoid showing affection, as this might cause
unwanted attention.
Displays of
impatience or rage are frowned upon. When in a frustrating
situation, e.g your vehicle is being stopped by traffic
police officers and you are being fined for a genuine (or
imaginary) fault, a smile will be more helpful than
outbursts. Swearing and anger will only make the situation
worse.
The justice mob: Unfortunately, thefts are common in
larger towns, and should you be so unlucky to be pick
pocketed or mugged, think twice before creating a stir.
Making a crowd aware of the culprit by shouting "thief!" and
pointing towards him, can encourage people to chase him and
beat him to death before the police show up. In some cases,
crowds shout for kerosene and burn the culprit alive. "The
justice mob" refers to the frustration caused by the failure
of the local authorities to prevent crime, to the extent
that people take justice in their own hands. You may be
angered by the loss of your brand new camera, but not to the
extent that you want to witness the justice mob in action.
It is a sad and brutal punishment not fitting the crime.
|
|
Souvenirs |
|
Batiks, wood carvings, Zanzibar chests and Maasai jewelry are among the items
worth taking a second look at. The price first
offered will be considerably higher than the real price. Saying firmly " I
will pay two dollars only, not more" will get you nowhere,
you are expected to bargain and in this "sport", you have
to give a little and take a little! Be friendly, a few
phrases of Kiswahili will be greatly appreciated.
|
| Religion |
| Christian,
Muslim, Hindu and traditional beliefs. |
|
Language |
|
Tanzania has two official languages, Kiswahili and English, though Kiswahili is
the most widely spoken. In major cities, most people will know English, but if you
are heading "off the beaten track", some Kiswahili
will be useful. In addition, the approximately 130 tribes have their own
local language.
|
| Insurance
|
|
Your insurance should cover medical assistance, transportation home and theft.
|
| National Holidays |
1st of January New Years
Day
12th of January Zanzibar Revolution
Good Friday
Easter Monday
26th of April
Union Day Anniversary
1st of May
International Worker's Day
7th of July
Sabasaba (77) International Trade Fair
8th of
July
Peasants Day
9th of December Independence & Republic Day
25th of December Christmas Day
26th of December Boxing Day
In addition the Muslim holidays, depending on the sighting of the moon. |
| International Airports, taxes and customs |
There are three international airports,
namely Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and
Zanzibar. Upon departing Tanzania via
airports, a tax of 30 US$ is required. This can not be paid in local currency.
Remember that import and export of the local currency is illegal.
1 liter of wine or spirit, 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco) and
250ml of perfume can legally be imported
to Tanzania.
Please remember that the following products can not be taken into the UK, USA
and many other countries. They will be confiscated at your port of exit or entry
and you could also face legal proceedings:
Elephant: all ivory products, leather, goods and tusks are prohibited
Rhino: All trade in rhino horn products is banned internationally.
Sea Turtle & Shells: Shells, shell jewelry, coral and turtle related
products are prohibited.
Cats: The purchase of exotic cat fur is ill advised and few can be traded
legally.
|
| Not feeling well? |
|
There are medical centers in all
the national parks and in all townships. A flying doctor can be called for
emergencies in all areas. If you feel
feverish, immediately seek a doctor.
|
|
Communication |
Country telephone code: 255. Outgoing international code: 00. Phone lines are not always reliable, and the postal service is slow. Internet
cafe's are popping up everywhere, and the rates are favorable, for a little
over 1 US$ you can surf for one hour. Some internet cafes also offer internet
phone services, which is much cheaper than calling from a normal line.
Telefax facilities are available in many Government-and-business offices as well
as tourist hotels. Telegrams can be sent from the post office.
Radio frequencies:
BBC:
MHZ 21.47 17.88 15.42 6.135
Voice of America: MHZ 17.89 15.60
9.575 6.035
|
| Begging |
Please
do not give money to the local
people begging on the street. It
encourages begging and is demeaning. Rather
give them something to eat. Street children
are visible in larger towns, and they can be
quite persistent and sometimes rude if you
give them nothing. Keep in mind that many of
these children are orphans and victims of
abuse and they are the most underprivileged
members of society. A meal or friendly smile
will be more helpful than money (which
sometimes will be used to buy glue or drugs)
While on safari, you might find children on
the roadside begging for ball pens and
money. Bare in mind that if you give them
anything, this encourages them to spend
their day on the roadside waiting for
tourists, instead of going to school or
helping their family in the village. It is
hard to pass without being tempted to give,
but a donation in the right place is the
best way to assist. If you wish to make a
donation, go to the administrators of
schools, hospitals etc. |
| Safety |
|
Tanzania is a peaceful country. However, there are precautions one should take
when spending one's holiday here, as you would in any unfamiliar area. Never show off your valuables, keep your money and
passport in the hotel's safe. Ask the locals which areas are not safe, and stay
away from them. Always take a taxi after dark.
|
| Opening hours |
|
During weekdays, most shops are open from 9am to 8pm, often closed for lunch.
Also open on Saturdays, some shops do business a few hours on Sundays. Banks are open from 8.30am to 4pm, Saturdays closing at
1pm.
|
| Local
time |
GMT + 3 hours.
Things take time in Africa, so don't bother to stress. People here don't
rush, and when they say "soon", they usually mean in one hour or more, which can cause
frustration when you need to move fast. We even have a different time
system. The Swahili watch is set 6 hours ahead of normal time, so in Swahili
12 o'clock is really 6 o'clock. Confused? Don't worry, when speaking
English, most people use the normal time system.
|
| Electricity |
|
230 volts Ac, 50hz. |
|
EMBASSIES & HIGH COMMISSIONS in Dar es Salaam |
|
COUNTRY |
LOCATION |
TELEPHONE |
FAX |
|
Algeria |
34 Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road |
2117619 |
2117620 |
|
Angola |
78 Lugalo Road, Upanga |
2117674 |
|
|
Belgium |
5 Ocean Road, Upanga |
2112688/2113466 |
2117621 |
|
Burundi |
Plot No. 1007, Lugalo Rd,
Upanga |
0812 241777 |
2121499 |
|
Canada |
38 Mirambo Street |
2112831/5 |
2116897 |
|
China |
2 Kajificheni Close |
2667586/2667694 |
2666353 |
|
Cuba |
313 Lugalo Road, Upanga |
2115928 |
2667026 |
|
Denmark |
Ghana Avenue |
2113887/92 |
2116433 |
|
Egypt |
24 Ghana Avenue |
2113591/2117622 |
2112543 |
|
Finland |
Mirambo Street, Garden
Avenue |
2119170 |
2119173 |
|
France |
Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road |
2666012 |
2668435 |
|
Germany |
NIC Invest. House, Samora
Avenue |
2117409/15 |
2112951 |
|
Great Britain |
Social Security House,
Samora Avenue |
2117659/64 |
2112951 |
|
Hungary |
204 Chake Chake Road,
Oysterbay |
2668573 |
2267214 |
|
India |
NIC Invest. House, Samora
Avenue |
2117175/6 |
2118761 |
|
Indonesia |
299 Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road |
2119119 |
2115849 |
|
Ireland |
1131 Msanani Road |
2666211/2666348 |
2667852 |
|
Italy |
316 Lugalo Road, Upanga |
2115935/6 |
2115938 |
|
Japan |
299 Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road |
2115827/2115829 |
2115830 |
|
Kenya |
NIC Invest. House, Samora
Avenue |
2112955/7 |
2113098 |
|
Malawi |
NIC Life House, Sokoine
Drive |
2113240 |
2113360 |
|
Mozambique |
25 Garden Avenue |
2116502 |
2116502 |
|
Netherlands |
ATC House, Ohio Street |
2130428/2118566/8 |
2112828 |
|
Nigeria |
Karibu Hotel, Haile
Selassie Avenue |
2667620 |
2668947 |
|
Norway |
Mirambo Street |
2113366/2113610 |
2116564 |
|
Pakistan |
149 Malik Road, Upanga |
2117630 |
2113205 |
|
Poland |
63 Aly Khan Road, Upanga |
2115271 |
2115812 |
|
Romania |
11 Ocean Road, Upanga |
2115899 |
2113866 |
|
Russia |
73 Ali Hassan Mwinyi Riad |
2666005/6 |
2666818 |
|
Rwanda |
32 Ali hassan Mwinyi Riad |
2130119 |
2115888 |
|
South Africa |
Mwaya Road, Msanani |
2600484/5 |
2600684 |
|
South Korea |
1349 Haile Selassie Avenue |
2600496/2602000 |
2600559 |
|
Spain |
99B Kinondoni Road |
2666936/2666018 |
2666938 |
|
Sudan |
64 Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road |
2117641 |
2115811 |
|
Sweden |
Mirambo Street, Garden
Avenue |
2111235 |
2113420 |
|
Switzerland |
79 Kinondoni Road |
2666088/9 |
2666736 |
|
Syria |
276 Aly Khan Road, Upanga |
2117656/2118782 |
2115860 |
|
Uganda |
Extelcoms House, Samora
Avenue |
2117667 |
2112947 |
|
U.S.A |
140 Msese Road, Kinondoni |
2666010/5 |
2666701 |
|
Yemen |
135 United Nations Road |
2110615 |
2115924 |
|
Zambia |
Ohio Street/Sokoine Drive |
2118481/2 |
2112977 |
|
Zimbabwe |
NIC Life House, Sokoine
Drive |
2116789 |
2112913 |
|
|
|
|
