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| Fast
facts |
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| Languages: |
Swahili, English, Arabic |
| Population: |
31,270,820 (census from 1999) |
| Capital city: |
Dar Es Salaam |
| Currency: |
Tanzanian Shilling |
| People: |
Native African, Arabic, and Indian |
| President: |
William Mkapa |
| Government: |
Republic |
| Religion: |
Muslim (95%), Christian and Hindu (5%) |
| Climate: |
Hot and humid |
| Average Temp: |
25ºC (77ºF) |
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| Accommodation |
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| The
accommodation in Tanzania varies from budget
camping accommodation to luxury class hotels,
some of them have the prestige of belonging to
the Small Hotels 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.
Accommodation
guide
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| Roads,
trains and aeroplanes |
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Flights
There are 3 international airports in
Tanzania:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Dar Es Salaam International Airport (DAR)
Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
There are various domestic airports and
airfields connecting all major towns and
safari destinations.
Trains
Tanzania has only one train operator,
TAZARA, which links Dar Es Salaam to Kapiri
Mposhi in Zambia. The central line links Dar
to Kigoma going through Morogoro, Dadoma and
Tabora. Interesting safari options to the
Selous are offered utilising this line.
Roads
There are a total of 88,200
km of roads in Tanzania of which only 3,700 km
are tarred. The roads between the major cities
are in good condition, whilst many roads in
the towns and cities are in a bad state of
repair. Arusha has recently undergone major
renovations to its roads. Prior to this it was
rumored to have to most 4x4 per square km in
the world. Roads out on safari can in the wet
season become quite treacherous, and are not
recommended for the faint hearted. 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 or Nairobi and Arusha, please
make sure you contact us, so we can recommend
the best operator. |
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| Best
time to go |
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| One
cannot 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. |
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| Climate |
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| Tanzania
has a tropical equatorial climate modified by
altitude. The north has 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 |
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| Communications
and electricity |
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| 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. |
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| Money
Matters |
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Currency:
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling.
The current rate of exchange (May 2001) is
Tsh900 = $1. Almost every hotel and resort
accepts US$ 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 Tsh as their rates are normally
the best. Not many Bureau de Change or hotels
accept ZAR.
Banks:
NBC Bank - most major 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.
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| Language
and cultures |
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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
Mzuri - I am well
Asante - thank you
Kwaheri - good bye
Maji - water
Chakula - food
Kahawa - coffee
Chai - tea (also referred to as a bribe)
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 Dukuma, Nyamwezi, Makonde, Haya and Chagga. The
Maasai are of Nilotic origin, as are the Arusha and the
Samburu. Tanzania is one of the least urbanised 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 (see
“Language”). 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
Tanzanian people. In Zanzibar, it is important for women to
dress modestly out of respect for Muslim cultural beliefs.
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| Medical
services |
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| 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 being in Nairobi, Kenya. |
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| Main
Attractions |
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| Possibly
the most well known is:
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:
Dec -Feb: 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.
Mar - Apr: 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 - Jul: 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.
Aug: 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.
Sept - Oct: During this period, the
animals are in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve,
where water is always available for them.
Nov: 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.
Click
here for National Parks guide
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.
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| Travel
Tips |
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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 see our Kilimanjaro
guide
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 jewellery, 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.
The police are sometimes rude and arrogant, but an attempt
will be made to recover your property.
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| Entry
requirements |
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A
visa and a yellow fever inoculation
certificate are pre-requisites to enter
Tanzania.
Visas cost $50 per person and are obtainable
from the Tanzanian Embassy at:
822 George Ave
Arcadia
Pretoria
Tel: (012) 342 4393
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.
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Contact:
African Encounters |
Postnet
Suite 45
Private Bag x 12
Roosevelt Park
2129 |
Tel:
(011) 880 3079
Fax: (011) 447 6773
email: info@africanencounters.com |
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