The United Republic of Tanzania is located in Eastern Africa between longitude 29 and 41 East, Latitude 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 biggest (land area) among the East African countries (i.e. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania). Tanzania has a spectacular landscape of mainly three physiographic regions: the Islands and the coastal plains to the east; the inland saucer-shaped plateau; and the highlands. The Great Rift Valley that runs from north east of Africa through central Tanzania is another landmark that adds to the scenic view of the country.

Wild animals are abundant in number and diversity in Tanzania. 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, Trangire, 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 France, Spanish, German, Italian, etc. are widely spoken in the main Cities/Towns.

TIME:

GMT+ 3hrs.

ELECTRICITY:

220Volts (AC50Hz), but power failures, surges and troughs are common. Bring a universal adaptor and a torch or headlamp.

CURRENCY:

The unity of currency is Tanzania shilling (Tsh.) Major foreign currency particularly US Dollar, Euro, and British Pound are acceptable and convertible at banks and bureau de changes. Most of the banks in the major cities/towns offer ATM facilities against international credit cards. Don’t change money in the street however favorable the rates appears.

CLIMATE:

Tanzania lies just south of the equator and on the whole enjoys a tropical climate. There are two rainy seasons, generally the heaviest rains (called Masika) usually 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, Yellow fever, precautions against Malaria are equally important. Contact your Doctor before travelling. Also personal medical insurance is advisable before departure. Carry Mosquito or Insect Repellent, and the most important 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 incase you are planning Mountain climbing.

CLOTHES:

Pack lightweight, washable clothes with a sweater for early morning game drives, as well as sun hat, sunglasses, Long sleeves and trouser in light-coloured fabrics help to discourage insect bites. Short 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 cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas. On the beach and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable (but not nudity). You can buy cloth in Dar es Salaam or Arusha. For climbing Mt Kilimanjaro or Meru, take thermal underwear, light layers, sweater, 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. Enquirer 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 instructions of rangers or guides.

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 Germ is only found in Atusha Tanzania.

TIPPING:

Tipping is not obligatory, but a customary tip of 15% of the package price for your support staff is always highly appreciated. Dove adventures neither limits nor obliges its clients in regard to tips. Needless to say, the services and friendship you receive will influence your decision at the end.

SECURITY:

Tanzania is generally safe country, but don’t invite temptation, keep an eye on your belongings, don’t walk in towns/cities at night, don’t carry cameras or large amount of money in hidden streets, beware of pickpockets, use hotel safety deposit boxes to safeguard valuables, leave valuable jewelry 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 on arrival at all international Airport and borders, we advice  before departure you  double check with the Tanzanian Embassy in your home country, or any Tanzanian representative nearest to you, where you may also acquire 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:

Airport tax of US $ 30 is levied for international flights, which may be included in the price of air ticket (confirm with the airline on 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 located 8 miles from the city centre, Kilimanjaro airport  (JRO) 31 miles from Arusha and Zanzibar 5 miles from Kisauni.

VISITOR’S 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 major role in our fragile ecosystem. Do not litter where others are expected to visit and obey the animal’s right to live. Like wise 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.