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CULTURE :
Tanzania's culture is a result of African, Arab, European and Indian influences. The Tanzanians are friendly people, to foreigners and amongst themselves. Politeness, respect and modesty are highly valued. It is recommended that you learn some Kiswahili greetings. Handshakes are very important. Note that the right hand is usually used for eating, while the left is traditionally used for toilet duties. Immodest attire, public affection and open anger are disrespectful to the Tanzanian people. In Zanzibar, it is important for men and women to dress modestly out of respect for Muslim cultural beliefs.
Getting Around
BORDER POSTS:
Just south of the equator, Tanzania borders Kenya and Uganda in the north; Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi in the west; and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique in the south. Namanga Gate (between Tanzania and Kenya) is open 24 hrs per day. If you carry firearms you will require a special permit. The duty free allowance is limited to one litre of liquor; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; and 250ml of perfume. Any other items are subject to customs duty
RAIL & BUS:
Tanzania has two rail lines. The Tazara line links Dar es Salaam with New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia via Mbeya and Tunduma. The central line links Dar es Salaam with Kigoma and Mwanza via Morogoro, Dodoma and
Tabora.
Express and ordinary buses operate along major long distance routes. Express buses are slightly more expensive but are more comfortable. Ordinary buses tend to make more stops. Reservations are not always possible, so get to the bus with plenty of time before the scheduled departure. Buses are not permitted to operate at night. Ordinary buses and dala-dalas (minivans) serve shorter routes.
AIRPORTS
Domestic air services operate between the major airports:
- Dar es Salaam (DAR)
- Kilimanjaro (JRO)
- Kishni, Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Air services have become the most significant form of internal transport for official and business travel. Small planes, from charter companies, fly to towns and to bush airstrips.
ROADS :
The key roads are in good condition. Road conditions in the reserves and national parks of Tanzania are extremely rough. During the rainy season, many roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Most car rental companies do not allow self-drive outside of Dar es Salaam. Driving is on the left side of the road. Your home driving licence, with English translation if necessary, is accepted.
Passports and Visas :
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Important Note: This is a guide only - please check with your nearest Tanzanian Consulate for up to date information.
Most visitors require visas with the exception of certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain a visa in advance of travel as certain airlines insist on them prior to departure. Depending on nationality and country of origin, a visa may be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports and at Namanga Gate on the Tanzania/Kenya border. Zanzibar remains independent although it is a part of the union of Tanzania.
Visas cost US$10-60 depending on nationality and are usually valid for three months. Requirements for obtaining a visa are: a passport, valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay, two passport photographs, proof of sufficient funds, two application forms and a detailed itinerary stating reason for visit. Sometimes, a photocopy of your airline tickets is required.
General Accommodation Information :
Most safari lodges vary in size and style, and are built to blend in with the environment. Accommodation tends to be of rondavel or banda type, with a lounge, central dining and bar in single unit hotels. The term "tented accommodation" - this usually refers to luxurious insect-proof tents that are permanently pitched on concrete bases, often including en suite bathrooms with flush toilets. They are very popular and give the visitor the true experience of being close to nature without the inconvenience and discomfort that can be associated with camping in the open.
All major towns in Tanzania have excellent luxury hotels. All towns will at least have a good guest house. Hotels often have their own restaurants. Local food is readily available. In the east, facing the Indian ocean, you will encounter wonderful seafood as well as great tasting fruit. ordinary ones. Camping is limited outside the national parks.
Due to the distances traveled in Tanzania it is strongly recommended that you make all your arrangements in advance. During the migration and peak season, availability is at a premium
Seasons and Climate
SUMMER: December - March
WINTER: March - May
The climate is tropical on the coast, on the islands and in Selous. It is temperate in the other parks. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing. Late March - late May is traditionally the long rainy season and is considered the "winter period" in Tanzania. June - late October is the dry season. June, July and August can be very cold on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Late October - mid December is when the short rains occur. The Ngorongoro Crater rim has a wonderful climate at this time of year. The Serengeti and Lake Manyara are quite. Mid December - March is summer weather. It is dry and very warm until March. Due to its altitude Ngorongoro Crater is much cooler than elsewhere.
What to Pack
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack are:
- Khaki, brown, white and beige colours
- Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts in summer
- Long sleeved blouses/shirts for game drives, they will protect you from the sun and
from mosquitoes
- Safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
- Fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (and at Ngorongoro Crater)
- Swimwear is as Tanzania has beautiful beaches with clear waters.
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- For climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru, thermal underwear, light layers, sweater,
warm jacket, good socks and sturdy boots
- When visiting Zanzibar, it is important for men and women to dress modestly out of
respect for Muslim cultural beliefs.
When to Go
Tanzania offers an astonishing diversity and concentration of wildlife, from the immense Serengeti and towering Mount Kilimanjaro to the remote national parks of Katavi and Mahale. The best months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are August to October and January to March. Tanzania boasts over 1 000 bird species, with Lake Manyara alone being home to more than 400. It is a year round birding destination, but at the height of the northern winter, some 160 species of migrating birds make their way south. Botanically, Tanzania is a treasure-trove, with habitats ranging from Afro-Alpine to semi-desert. The months immediately after the two rainy seasons provide the best floral displays. Tanzania offers excellent game viewing throughout the year as not all animals migrate and are year-round residents.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSh). Notes are issued as TSh10,000; 5000; 1000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins are TSh100; 50; 20; 10 and 5.
BANKS & BUREAUS
Banks and forex bureaux are available at the airport and in all main towns.
Banking hours:
Mon - Fri: 08:30 - 15:30
Sat: 08:30 - 13:30
Foreign currency in cash or traveler's cheques may be exchanged through authorized dealers, commercial banks and at Bureau de Change at the international airports, major towns and border posts. Visitors are strongly advised against changing money on the black market.
CREDIT CARDS
Visa and MasterCard are accepted by most top hotels and lodges around the country. In addition to credit cards, clients should bring US dollars cash and traveller's cheques.
Souvenirs :
Tanzania has a good selection of traditional local crafts. These are available from craft shops in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and other major towns. There are also a number of craft centres and artists cooperatives where prices are good. Singida baskets can be purchased directly from the villages surrounding Singida, or from craft shops. Gogo woodcarving, including vibuyu (carved gouds) and kanga traditional sarong-like garment are amongst some of the traditional items available for purchase. The mbuzi is a device used for shredding coconut. It is a small wooden stool with a metal piece and is available at markets throughout the country. If you intend cooking dishes at home that you have eaten along the coast, you may find this a useful acquisition.
Health Requirements :
Visitors must produce a valid yellow fever certificate obtained no less than ten days prior to travel. It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Tanzania. When purchasing these please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Tanzania. Precautionary measures to take to prevent contact with mosquitoes include: insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and wear long sleeve clothing and long trousers in the evenings. Immunization against cholera, polio, hepatitis A & B, typhoid and tetanus is recommended if traveling by road. There is a current warning that certain immigration authorities are insisting on cholera certificates or will administer a vaccine themselves.
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