Discover the Wonders of Tanzania: Safaris, Beaches, and Culture
Tanzania attracts tourists from all over the world with such highlights as the highest mountain on the continent and the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar, as well as the famous Serengeti National Park. The park is the location of arguably the greatest spectacle of animal behaviour, the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra followed by their predators.
The Great Rift Valley gives rise to the unique geological formations found in the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is also home to one of the world’s largest game reserves, the UNESCO-listed Selous, which covers an area larger than Switzerland. This absolute wealth of natural attractions makes the country a bucket-list destination for nature lovers. Tanzania is richly endowed with many animal and bird species and offers some of the finest game viewing on the continent.
Dar-es-Salaam is the largest city, a bustling and surprisingly scenic tropical seaport that is a common starting point for trips into the country. A dusty safari into the vast wilderness is superbly complemented by time spent on the refreshing Zanzibar islands, with white palm-fringed beaches, beautiful coral gardens, and the historic Stone Town, a reminder of its days as a major spice and slave trade centre.
Tanzania is home to hundreds of different ethnic groups and cultures, from the red-clad herders of the Masai tribes on the Serengeti to the modestly veiled women of Zanzibar’s Islamic Stone Town. The warmth and smiling faces of its friendly people will touch the heart of every traveller.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Swahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
All visitors to Tanzania require proof of sufficient funds and should hold documentation for their return or onward journey. Passports should be valid for at least six months from date of entry. Most visitors entering will require a visa as well. Those arriving from an infected country must hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. The tourism industry prices everything in US dollars and this is the preferred unit of currency. Money can be exchanged in larger towns; foreign exchange bureaux may offer a better rate of exchange than banks. ATMs are available in major towns and cities. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a surcharge.
- Electricity:
- 230 volts, 50Hz. Rectangular or round three-pin plugs are used.
Overview
Synonymous with the Serengeti and the tropical island of Zanzibar, Tanzania is an eco-tourist’s dream, a bucket-list destination for wildlife safaris, and an idyllic beach getaway all in one. Wonderful game-viewing opportunities abound in Tanzania and the most popular parks include the Mount Kilimanjaro Game Park and the Serengeti National Park.
The former is most commonly visited by travellers keen to summit the famous Kilimanjaro, a magnificent hike which is surprisingly easy considering the height of the mountain, but should certainly not be attempted without training and planning. The Serengeti National Park, on the other hand, is a prime safari destination, its crowning jewel the annual wildebeest migration, which qualifies as one of the natural wonders of the world.
Off the shore of mainland Africa, Zanzibar is known for crystalline turquoise waters and sandy white beaches on its north shore. Apart from the glorious beaches, resort attractions, and water sports, the mysterious Stone Town intrigues visitors on Zanzibar with its UNESCO-listed melange of 19th-century Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences.
The quickest and most comfortable way to travel round this magical country is to fly between cities but, for the more rural areas and game parks, it’s advisable to hire a car (preferably a 4×4) or join a tour. For those on a budget, taking the bus is the cheapest and easiest way to travel, but the accident rate is high due to bad roads and overloaded vehicles, so caution should be exercised.
Climate in Tanzania
Tanzania is hot throughout the year and is humid on the coast and dry on the central plateau. The heavy rains last from March to June and can make road travel difficult. The hot, dry weather in January and February attracts the most tourists. Zanzibar has a warm climate year-round and its coastal resorts are tempered by sea breezes. The island is best avoided in April and May, the rainy season.
The best time to visit the Serengeti is from January to March when the grazers are calving and there are plenty of lions around. The famous wildebeest migration takes place over a number of months, roughly at the onset of the dry season and again with the first rains. Depending on where travellers want to be to watch the migration and what stage they want to witness they can visit anytime between April and mid-November.
Health Notes when travelling to Tanzania
Visitors should consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and polio, and proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if visitors are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs. There is a risk of malaria all year and outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever occur; travellers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and take malaria medication.
Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided, as meat and milk products from animals may not have been cooked thoroughly. Sleeping sickness is a risk in the game parks, including the Serengeti, and visitors should take precautions against bites by tsetse flies.
There is a high prevalence of HIV/Aids; cholera outbreaks are common throughout the country and visitors are advised to drink bottled or sterilised water only. Travellers climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are at risk for altitude sickness.
Medical services are available in Dar-es-Salaam and other main towns, but facilities and supplies are limited even in cities and often non-existent in rural areas. Visitors with particular requirements should take their own medicines. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Tanzania
Most visits to Tanzania are trouble free, but violent and armed crime does exist. Travellers are sometimes the victims of mugging and bag snatching (especially by passing cars or motorbikes), and armed robbery and burglary rates have increased throughout the country. Travellers should walk as far away from the road as possible and avoid walking and cycling at night. They should also avoid carrying large amounts of cash or other valuables, and leave their passport in the hotel safe.
As in other East African countries, there is some threat of terrorism in Tanzania, and visitors should be cautious in public places and at tourist sites. The area bordering Burundi should also be avoided. There have been reports of piracy in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden is a concern, with commercial and tourist vessels being fired upon and several tourists taken hostage.
Road accidents are common due to poor road and vehicle conditions, violation of traffic regulations and exhaustion among long-distance drivers. There have also been a number of ferry accidents in Tanzania in recent years. Travellers should take precautions, such as staying away from buses or ferries that seem overloaded or in poor condition.
Customs in Tanzania
Tanzanians are known to be friendly and generally welcoming, but travellers should be sensitive to local cultural mores. Drunkenness is frowned upon and Tanzanians feel strongly about showing respect for their elders.
Visitors to Zanzibar should be aware that it is a predominantly Muslim region and visitors should dress modestly and respectfully. Beachwear is fine on the beach or around a hotel pool, but not acceptable elsewhere. Topless sunbathing is a criminal offence. Some tourists buys a local sarong, called a kanga, which can be used to cover shoulders when needed, or otherwise be used as a towel.
Smoking in public places is illegal. Tourists should be especially careful during Ramadan, when public drinking, smoking and even eating in public should be avoided. Homosexuality is illegal.
Duty Free in Tanzania
Travellers to Tanzania do not have to pay duty on 250g tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and one bottle of alcoholic beverages.
Doing Business in Tanzania
Although Tanzanians come across as relaxed and friendly, it is important to observe certain formalities, especially with greetings. It is advisable to learn a few Swahili phrases when greeting, followed by a handshake.
Women and men rarely shake hands in Swahili culture; however, if the woman extends her hand, the man is obliged to take it. Tanzanians are to be addressed as Mr, Mrs, and Ms, followed by the family name.
Business dress is seldom very formal but lightweight suits are recommended for formal occasions. Business hours are similar to Western countries, but a longer lunch break is taken during the hotter months, and business continues later in the evening from Monday to Friday.
Communication in Tanzania
The international country dialling code for Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, is +255. There is good mobile phone coverage in main cities and towns, while rural areas may have limited coverage. There are international roaming agreements with most international operators. WiFi is available in main towns and resorts; visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Tipping in Tanzania
Waiters in the better restaurants should be tipped around 10 percent; guides, porters and cooks in the wildlife parks and on safari trips usually receive tips as well. The amount is discretionary according to the standard of service and the number of people in the travelling party.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors to Tanzania require proof of sufficient funds and should hold documentation for their return or onward journey. Passports should be valid for at least six months from date of entry. Most visitors entering will require a visa as well. Those arriving from an infected country must hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination. Those with British passports with endorsements other than ‘British Citizen’ should confirm official requirements. Visitors with ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ shown on the biodata page are visa exempt for 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans do not require a visa if intending to stay for a maximum of up to 90 days, provided that the passport is valid for six months from date of entry. Otherwise, a visa is required for longer stays. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination. Business travellers will be required to pay a fee of $200 on arrival.
Tourist Offices
Tanzanian Tourist Office: http://www.tanzaniatouristboard.com
Tanzania Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of Tanzania, Washington DC, United States: +1 (0)202 884 1080
- In Canada:
High Commission of Tanzania, Ottawa, Canada: +1 (0)613 232 1509
- In the United Kingdom:
High Commission of Tanzania, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7569 1470
- In Australia:
Embassy of Tanzania, Tokyo, Japan (also responsible for Australia and New Zealand): +81 (0)3 3425 4531
- In South Africa:
High Commission of Tanzania, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 4371
Foreign Embassies in Tanzania
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 229 4000
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam (also responsible for Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles): +255 (0)22 216 3300
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 229 0000
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Nairobi, Kenya (also responsible for Tanzania): +252 (0)20 4277 100
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 260 2355
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Tanzania): +27 (0)12 435 9000
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 221 8500
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