The United Republic of Tanzania is located in Eastern Africa between longitudes 29 and 41 East, latitudes 1 and 12 South.

The United Republic of Tanzania was formed out of the union of two sovereign states, namely Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Tanganyika became a sovereign state on 9th December 1961 and became a Republic the following year. Zanzibar became independent on 10th December, 1963, and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar was established after the revolution of 12th January, 1964. The two sovereign republics formed the United Republic of Tanzania on 26th April 1964.

However, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic consisting of the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. Tanzania is the most significant (land area) among the East African countries (i.e. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania). Tanzania has a spectacular landscape comprising three central physiographic regions: the Islands and coastal plains to the east; the inland saucer-shaped plateau; and the highlands. The Great Rift Valley, which runs from the north-east of Africa through central Tanzania, is another landmark that adds to the country’s scenic beauty.

Wild animals are abundant in Tanzania, with great diversity. It also boasts pristine sandy beaches and Africa’s highest and snow-capped mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is home to world-famous National Parks and Game Reserves, including Ngorongoro Crater, Selous Game Reserve, Gombe Stream, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Arusha. These famed regions sometimes overshadow Tanzania’s other hidden jewels, which shouldn’t be overlooked: Mikumi, Ruaha, Saadani, Udzungwa Mountains, Mkomazi Game Reserve, Amani, Kigosi, Lukwika-Lumesule, Maswa, Monduli Mountains, Msangesi, and Ugala.

TRAVEL TIPS:

SIZE:

945,087 sq km (364,900 sq miles)

OFFICIAL   LANGUAGE:

Swahili and English. Languages like French, Spanish, German, Italian, etc. are widely spoken in the main Cities/Towns.

TIME:

GMT+ 3hrs.

ELECTRICITY:

220 Volts (AC 50Hz), but power failures, surges, and troughs are standard. Bring a universal adaptor and a torch or headlamp.

CURRENCY:

The currency unit of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh.) Primary foreign currencies, particularly the US Dollar, Euro, and British Pound, are acceptable and convertible at banks and bureau de changes. Most banks in major cities/towns offer ATM services for international credit cards. Don’t change money in the street, however favourable the rates appear.

CLIMATE:

Tanzania lies just south of the equator and, on the whole, enjoys a tropical climate. There are two rainy seasons: the heaviest rains (called Masika) fall from mid-March to May, and a shorter period of rain (called mvuli) from November to mid-January. The dry season, with cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October.

HEALTHY:

You are advised to take Immunisation against hepatitis, Polio, Typhoid, and Yellow fever. Precautions against Malaria are equally necessary. Contact your Doctor before travelling. Also, personal medical insurance is advisable before departure. Carry Mosquito or Insect Repellent, and the most important thing is to sleep under a mosquito net and take anti-malaria pills as advised by your doctor. Drink only bottled water, bottled & can drinks, and bring sunglasses, sun cream, and don’t forget to consult your doctor about Mountain sickness in case you are planning Mountain climbing.

CLOTHES:

Pack lightweight, washable clothes with a sweater for early-morning game drives, as well as a sun hat, sunglasses, Long sleeves, and trousers in light-coloured fabrics, which help discourage insect bites. Shorts for women are acceptable (but not too short). Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages, as revealing clothes can offend, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas. On the beach and in beach hotels, regular swimwear is acceptable (but nudity is not). You can buy cloth in Dar es Salaam or Arusha. For climbing Mt Kilimanjaro or Meru, take thermal underwear, light layers, a sweater, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots.

PHOTOGRAPHIC:

Bring enough (especially slide film) and batteries for your camera, protect your camera from dust and keep equipment and film cool. Ask permission before photographing local people. Photography of all military installations and presidential convoys is highly prohibited. Enquire from your local Guide.

ON SAFARI:

Plan to spend more time in fewer parks; you will see more and won’t return home exhausted. Be quiet and avoid distressing the wildlife; follow the instructions of rangers or guides.

SHOPPING AROUND:

Locally made products are widely sold at reasonable prices. Ask your local Guide for the best offer on 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, including Tanzania’s special Mineral Tanzanite Gem, which is only found in Arusha, Tanzania.

TIPPING:

Tipping is not obligatory, but a 15% tip on the package price for your support staff is always greatly appreciated. Kanuth Adventures Safaris neither limits nor obliges its clients regarding tips. Needless to say, the services and friendship you receive will influence your decision at the end.

SECURITY:

Tanzania is a generally safe country, but don’t invite temptation, keep an eye on your belongings, don’t walk in towns/cities at night, do not carry cameras or large amounts of money in hidden streets, beware of pickpockets, use hotel safety deposit boxes to safeguard valuables, and leave valuable jewellery at home.

INSURANCE:

Take out travel insurance to cover loss of baggage or valuables, personal accident and medical expenses.

PASSPORT & VISAS:

Although they can be obtained upon arrival at all international airports and borders, we advise you to double-check with the Tanzanian Embassy in your home country or any Tanzanian representative nearest to you, who may also issue a Visa. Fees vary depending on Nationality. Alternatively, Visas can be processed at any entry point into Tanzania, such as at Dar-es-salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport, Namanga (Tanzania – Kenya Border Post to the North), Tunduma (Tanzania – Malawi Border Post to the South), Taveta and Holili (Tanzania – Kenya Border Post to the North East)

AIRPORT TAX:

An airport tax of US$30 is levied for international flights and may be included in the price of the air ticket (confirm with the airline when purchasing your ticket).

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:

Tanzania has two international airports: one outside the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam (airport code: DAR), and the other near Arusha (and Mount Kilimanjaro), called Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO). Charter flights and some international operators fly directly to Zanzibar Island (airport code: ZNZ). Dar es Salaam  airport is located 8 miles from the city centre, Kilimanjaro Airport  (JRO) is 31 miles from Arusha, and Zanzibar is 5 miles from Kisauni.

VISITORS BEHAVIOR:

The protection of nature is everyone’s concern; therefore, try to avoid the following while on safari: Collecting or buying bones, skins, horns, teeth, feathers or shells of animals. While on the coast, avoid carrying away starfish, corals and shells. These are all items that play a significant role in our fragile ecosystem. Do not litter where others are expected to visit and obey the animal’s right to live. Likewise, the protection of Cultures is also everyone’s concern. Your Tour Guide will know the local habits and customs; therefore, it is always advisable to ask permission before taking any pictures of tribesmen.