Tanzania has a total of
approximately 22 million hectares allocated to National Parks and Reserves,
the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa. This represents 23% of the total land
available in the country and can only mean...Tanzania is the ideal place for
your safari.
Accommodation:
The accommodation in
Tanzania varies from budget camping accommodation to luxury class hotels,
some of them have the prestige of belonging to the Small Luxury Hotels (SLH)
of the World Association.
Camping varies from basic
budget tented camping, permanent tented camping which is sometimes quite
luxurious, to extremely luxurious mobile camping. The permanent tented
camps normally have fitted bathrooms and electricity, so they can almost
be classified as lodges under canvas. Basically there are camps, lodges
and hotels to cater for all budgets. Most hotels in towns have their own
restaurants, whilst safari resorts and camps usually sell the
accommodation on a full board basis. Food will have to be prepared by
yourself in the campsite, unless you are booked on a tour which includes
camping, then food will be prepared for you.
During peak seasons,
pre-booking well in advance is strongly recommended as many of the resorts
and campsites are fully booked.
Transportation:
Flights.
There are 3 international
airports in Tanzania:
Julius Nyerere
International Airport (formerly Dar Es Salaam International Airport (DAR)
Kilimanjaro International
Airport (JRO)
Zanzibar International
Airport (ZNZ)
There are various domestic
airports and airstrips connecting all major towns and safari destinations.
Trains.
Tanzania has only two
operator, TAZARA, which links Dar Es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia,
interesting safari options to the Selous are offered utilizing this line.
The central line links
Dar-es-Salaam to Kigoma going through Morogoro, Dodoma & Tabora.
Roads.
The roads between the
major cities are in good condition, whilst many roads in the towns and
cities are in a state of repair. Arusha has recently undergone major
renovations to its roads.
Public Transport:
The only public transport
is the rail facility. Many privately owned bus services operate within the
towns (know as dala dala's or kifordi) and these are the cheapest forms of
transport.
Long haul bus services are
available between most major cities, but these are sometimes unsafe and
are not recommended. Should you want to travel between for example Arusha
and Dar-es-Salaam or Nairobi and Arusha, please make sure you contact us,
so we can recommend the best operator.
Best time to go:
One can not really say
when the best time of the year is to go to Tanzania. The country is so
diverse that pretty much all seasons are fantastic, depending on where you
wish to go. The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are January, February and
March have the best weather, being warm and almost devoid of cloud. This
is also the busiest time on the mountain. April through to mid June is
still warm but there may be some rainfall on the lower slopes and bands of
cloud may reduce visibility around the forest area. The upside is that
this is probably the quietest time in terms of climber traffic. The best
times to visit the northern circuit range from June to August and December
to March. This co-incides with the migration patterns through the
Serengeti and avoids the rainy season. Be that as it is, Tanzania is an
awesome country basically all year round due to the many resident bird and
animal species who reside in their specific areas.
Climate:
Tanzania is only 5 degrees
south of equator thus tropical equatorial climate. Coastal areas have two
distinct wet seasons with the longest from March to May and the shortest
from November to December while the rest of the country has one wet season
from November to May. Around 50% of the country receives an annual
precipitation of 760 mm (30 inches) with the maximum being 2,540 mm (100
inches) at Lake Nyasa and the minimum, 510 mm (20 inches) on the Central
Plateau. The prevailing winds are the NE and SE trade winds. Average
temperature ranges in Dar-Es-Salaam are from 19 degrees Celsius (66
degrees Fahrenheit) to 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit) all
year.
Communications and electricity:
Communications in the
country are easily accessible with most hotels in towns having
international telephone facilities and internet facilities. The country
has 4 cellular phone operators and international roaming facilities are
available. Please phone your service provider to ascertain in facilities
are available for your network. Certain camps and lodges in the National
Parks have satellite phone facilities but are quite expensive with calls
being charged from $10 per minute. They do however have radio
communication with bases in major towns and messages can be relayed in
this way.
Electricity is 230V AC but
you will have to buy flat 3 pin plugs should you wish to use any
electrical appliances. These are available at most shops in major towns
and cities.
Money Matters:
Currency:
The local currency is the
Tanzania Shillings. Almost every hotel and resort accepts US$ but beware,
some of their exchange rates are not very favorable. It is best to
exchange your currency at a local Bureau de Change into Tanzania shillings
as their rates are normally the best.
Banks:
Barclays Bank - all towns
CRDB Bank - all towns
NBC Bank - all towns
Bank of Tanzania - most
major towns
Standard Chartered Bank -
most major towns
Stanbic Bank
- most major towns
Banking hours are from
8:30 to 15:00 (except Bank of Tanzania) weekdays and 8:30 to 13:30 on
Saturdays.
Credit Cards and Traveler's Cheques:
Credit cards are accepted
at some of the major hotels, restaurants and resorts. Traveler's Cheques
are the safer option as these are more widely accepted than credit cards.
Language and cultures:
Language:
The official language of
Tanzania is Kiswahili. Most residents have a good knowledge of English,
Italian and various Arabic dialects. Some important words in Swahili are:
Jambo - hello
Habari - what's news?
Mambo - slang greeting
like habari
Nzuri - I am fine.
Asante - thank you
Kwaheri - good bye
Maji - water
Chakula - food
Kahawa - coffee
Chai - tea
Moja - one
Mbili - two
Tatu - Three
Culture:
Tanzania's culture is a
result of African, Arab, European and Indian influences. The African
people of Tanzania represent about 120 tribal groups. The largest group
are of Bantu origin including Sukuma, Nyamwezi, Makonde, Haya and Chagga.
The Maasai are of Nilotic origin, as are the Arusha and the Samburu.
Tanzania is one of the least urbanized countries in Sub- Saharan Africa,
but traditional African ideals are being deliberately adapted to modern
life. The Tanzanians are friendly people, to foreigners and amongst
themselves. Politeness, respect and modesty are highly valued. It is
recommended that you learn some Swahili greetings.
Handshakes are very
important and you may continue holding hands during conversation. 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 Tanzanians people. In Zanzibar, it
is important for women to dress modestly out of respect for Muslim
cultural beliefs specifically when in town (famous "stone town").
Medical services:
Healthcare facilities in
Tanzania are not up to Western standards. It is highly recommended that
you obtain sufficient medical insurance prior to your departure to
Tanzania. Flying doctor facilities are available with the nearest
hospital.
Main Attractions:
Possibly the most well
known is:
Annual Migration:
The annual migration
involves some 1,500,000 wildebeest and 250,000 zebra migrating in a
circular pattern throughout the year. Contrary to what many people
believe, this affair is continuous and certain areas of the Serengeti
experience major concentrations of animals at certain times of the year:
December -February:
During late November/
early December, the animals migrate from the Maasai Mara in Kenya down
through the Loliondo controlled area and into the upper portion of
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) and the Naabi Hill Gate section of the
Serengeti. During January they settle in the short grasses of the
Serengeti Plains. February sees them move deeper into the NCA.
March - April:
During March the animals
begin to leave the NCA and move back closer to Naabi Hill Gate and the
Serengeti plains. During April, they start shifting to the central portion
of the Serengeti.
May - July:
May sees the animals
migrating from the central Serengeti heading off to the Western Corridor
and the Seronera region. During June, they are firmly placed in the
Western Corridor. This area contains wet black cotton soil plains and is
treacherous for animals and tourists if the rains are late. During July,
they move on to the Grumeti Controlled area and a few of the head off for
the Lobo area of the Serengeti.
August:
During August, the animals
are spread between the Lobo area and the Ikorongo controlled areas of the
Serengeti, and slowly start moving towards the Maasai Mara. This is one of
the better times to see the animals being caught by predators as they have
to cross the Mara River, Bolongoja River and Grumeti River to get to the
Mara.
September- October:
During this period, the
animals are in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, where water is always
available for them.
November:
Late November see the
migration returning the Tanzania down the Loliondo Controlled Area, where
they are following the new rains coming from the south to the north.
There are no set patterns
that the animals follow, so you can't be absolutely certain of there exact
location.
Olduvai Gorge:
Olduvai Gorge is situated
in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, about 1/2 an hour drive from the
Ngorongoro Crater. This is by far one of the most fascinating places to
see on your Northern circuit safari. It's claim to fame is the discovery
of the first homonid footprints by Louis and Mary Leaky in 1959. It is an
archaeological wonder and excavation still continues to this day, although
you are not permitted to view these sites. At the main site there is an
information center where you can see many of the fossils that have been
discovered in the area and copies of the original footprints. You will
also be given a lecture about the area and the excavation processes.
Shifting Sands:
The Shifting Sands are
situated in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, about 40 minutes drive from
the crater rim. These sands which have religious associations for the
Maasai people are remarkable in that they move along in the exact same
formation at a rate of about 5m per year. This is actually volcanic ash
deposits from Oldonyo Lengai which is too heavy for the winds to blow
away. In 1969 it was noticed that year after year they seem to be in a
different position so a marker was laid to measure the distance. Since
that time they have drifted some 2 km's. Take some time out from your
safari to stop over and have a look. Look out for the original marker, you
will be amazed.
There are many fascinating
places to visit, too many to list here. Your driver guide on safari is
very knowledgeable and will be able to take you to many places of interest
whilst on safari. Please feel free to let us know your story, so we can
publish it in our travel features section.
Travel Tips:
What to pack;
The most important items
to pack are the ones you feel most comfortable in. There is nothing worse
than being on safari and feeling uncomfortable. Here is a guideline for
you to work on:
Lighter colored cotton
clothes are generally cooler (beige, white or khaki)
Shorts can be worn in
summer, so bring a pair
Warm jackets and sweaters
for evening wear, especially in Ngorongoro Crater
Long sleeved shirts/
blouses to wear at night to protect against mosquitoes
Sunscreen, hat and
sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
Thick socks for protection
if you enter tsetse fly areas
For Kilimanjaro equipment
kindly contact us for more details.
Malaria Tablets:
Tanzania is situated in a
malaria zone, so it is recommended that you consult your physician on the
prescription right for you. Pregnant women are not allowed to take Malaria
prevention drugs, and are cautioned before entering any malaria area.
Insect/ Mosquito
repellent.
Mosquitoes, like little
vampires, favor night conditions. Be sure to take a repellent, and cover
all exposed areas of your body (e.g. neck and arms). We recommend that you
wear trousers at night and long sleeved shirts should you be outdoors. If
the heat is too much and you wear a short sleeved shirt, make sure you
smear/ spray your arms with repellent. At night before you go to bed, make
sure your mosquito net is either touching the ground, or is tucked in, and
your exposed areas (especially your ankles) are protected with repellent.
Travel insurance:
It is imperative that you
have travel insurance. Even though they do not check any certificates when
you enter the airports, for your own peace of mind, make sure that you are
adequately covered.
Crime:
As with all cities,
Tanzania is not free of crime. Unfortunately it has been on the increase,
so make sure you do not take valuables on holiday with you. If you do take
expensive jewelry, make sure it is either locked up when you go out, or
hidden from sight.
Be careful not to walk the
streets at night alone, this invites trouble. If you are confronted, do
not resist, and try to report the matter to the police as soon as
possible.an attempt will be made to recover your property.
Entry requirements:
A visa and a yellow fever
inoculation certificate are pre-requisites to enter Tanzania. Visas cost
$50 per person and are obtainable from your nearest Tanzania embassy.
however, people from
Lebanon & Pakistan requires pre-entry visa.
You will need 2 passport
photographs and 2 completed application forms. Should you not have the
time, please let us know and we will do it for you for a nominal fee.
Yellow fever inoculations
are available at travel clinics around the country.
Possibly one of the most
important requirements, although not a pre-requisite is travel insurance.
Visitors must make sure they are adequately covered. If you are unsure
about what you should take out, please contact us and we will gladly help
you.
National Parks and Reserves:
Serengeti National Park
Selous National Park
Ngorongoro Crater &
Conservation Area
Lake Manyara National
Park.
Arusha National Park
Tarangire National Park.
Mikumi National Park
Udzungwa Mountains
Kinapa Waterfalls (on the
foot of mount Kilimanjaro)
other small National
parks.
Top 10 destination in Tanzania;
1. Ngorongoro Crater &
Conservation Area
2. Serengeti National Park
3. Zanzibar and Pemba
Islands
4. Tarangire National Park
5. Lake Manyara National
Park
6. Mt. Kilimanjaro
7. Selous Game Reserve
8. Ruaha National Park
9. Mafia Island
10. Mt. Meru
Mountains & Volcanoes:
Although Mt. Kilimanjaro
tops the list as Africa's most famous -- and highest -- mountain, Tanzania
boasts many other mountain ranges and attractive peaks. Most of the
country's mountains and volcanoes are located in the north and east of the
country. They vary from the dramatic crater of Mt. Meru and the active
volcano of Ol Donyo Lengai to tamer options like the Usambara Mountains
and comparatively gentle slopes of the Crater Highlands. Hiking trips and
mountain climbing in Tanzania is becoming a popular option for visitors
not content to observe the country from the back of a game viewing
vehicle. Instead, adventurous types are taking advantage of the many
trails and peaks Tanzania has to offer.
Ol Donyo Lengai:
Overlooking Lake Natron
and the bushland of Kenya to the north, Ol Donyo Lengai, which means 'the
home of God' in Masaai, is an active volcano and one of Tanzania's most
spectacular and undiscovered climbs. The volcano erupts sporadically,
sending small streams of grey lava down the crater rim and spitting hot
ash high into the air. The climb, undertaken overnight so hikers can
experience sunrise over the Rift Valley escarpment, is highly challenging.
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