Travel Guide - Tanzania

Tanzania

With an enviable selection of touristic gems and attractions that will dazzle even the most discerning leisure or business traveler, Tanzania is ranked among the world's top safari destinations. It is within her vast lands that the picturesque plains of East Africa get acquainted with the woodlands of Central and Southern Africa. Tanzania is home to the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro; and also home to the spectacular Serengeti National Park which is famed for the greatest show on earth, the wildebeest migration. Tanzania is home to the big five with an incredible array of national parks and game reserves. Visitors will love her cultural diversity and truly relish the charms nestled in the pristine island of Zanzibar. To top it up, Tanzanians are known for being friendly and hospitable people.

Climate

Tanzania enjoys a good tropical climate. Her coastal area is mostly hot and humid with cool and temperate climate at the northwestern highlands. Tanzania has two rainy seasons with short rains occurring from October to December the long rains from March to June. The central plateau is generally dry and arid throughout the year.

Topography

The Great Rift Valley runs through the heart of Tanzania with awe-inspiring natural features on its floor including the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Tangayika, and Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent's tallest mountain. The country has a large central plateau characterised by endless savannah and sparse woodland, while the interior is largely arid. The coastline stretches 800 kms and is complimented by the lush and palm-fringed islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.

Language

Official language - English & Swahili

National language - Swahili

Electric Supply

220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. British-style plugs with three square pins are standard.

Time

Tanzania Standard Time is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT+3 ).

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1630

Sat 0900-1100.

ATMS are available in all the major towns.

Communication

Communication includes a system of telephony, radio and television broadcasts, internet, mail, and several newspapers, telex, fax and Airmail services. International direct calling is available at most hotels and the several internet cafes.

Medical Services

Tanzania has good health services, with some good government and private hospitals and clinics in the major cities and other towns. Air rescue services are also available.

Currency

The currency of Tanzania is known as the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH, /=).

There are notes of Tsh10,000, 5000, 1000 and 500, and coins of Tsh200, 100, 50, 20, 10, five and one shilling(s)

Credit Cards

Credit Cards can only be used in large hotels, resorts, and with certain travel agents.

Working Hours

ShopsShops and businesses are generally open from 0830 hours and 1730 hours on weekdays, with a lunch break between 1300 hours and 1400 hours. Some businesses are open on Saturday at least until Midday. Most businesses remain closed during public holidays. Service firms and organizations that provide essential services such as restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and supermarkets, and hospitals, among others remain open.

Public Holidays

Customs Regulations

Free Export

Reasonable amount of alcohol and tobacco.

Prohibited

Narcotics, Pornography, Counterfeit items, Local currency (Tanzanian shilling), Natural souvenirs – starfish, shells, corals, bones etc.

Restricted

It is advisable to keep all receipts when purchasing locally crafted items.

Health Requirements

Basic traveller vaccinations recommended include yellow fever, tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A. It is vital to take out comprehensive travel medical insurance, and it is essential that is should include repatriation to your home country in the event of an emergency. There are a wide variety of policies to choose from, so shop around. If you are going to be active in Tanzania (mountain climbing or scuba-diving for example), ensure the policy has adequate provision.

There are some good private hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Stone Town on Zanzibar