Tanzania

Tanzania is country so wealthy that it would practically take years to document all the resources. Not only is the country proud to bear witness to the highest and largest free standing mountain in the world but also to the rich and diverse wildlife concentrations, mineral and other resources available. If Africa's tourism opportunities were to be summarized by one single country that country would be Tanzania.

Tanzania, the largest of the Eastern African Countries (Kenya and Uganda) boasts of a land area of 945,097 Square Kilometres (of which 25% is gazetted as protected areas). To bring your picture a little closer, Tanzania is four times larger than Great Britain, seven times larger than England, or a little larger than Texas.

Population

Tanzania has a population of around 35,922,000. Native Africans constitute 99% of the population.

Climate

Tanzania has a tropical climate along the coast but it gets temperate in the highlands.

The range of Temperatures in Tanzania is fairly limited and always hot, running from 25 to 30 degrees C on the coast while the rest of the country apart from the highlands run from 22 to 27 degrees C.

Currency

Tanzania Shillings; however you are advised to carry American Dollars. Money changers do accept major convertible currencies including the EURO and the Japanese Yen. Travellers Cheques may be acceptable in some places, but not in the remote countryside, Major Credit Cards may also be acceptable in some large Hotels, however it is advisable to carry Cash US Dollars, which you will change on arrival.

Health

Vaccination requirements change from time to time. We suggest you consult your local doctor or health department for information on the latest health precautions. Currently, shots against Yellow fever and cholera are recommended but not mandatory. As a precaution we usually advise anti-malarial drugs to be taken before, during and after your visit to East Africa. Also, if you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have an adequate supply to last the duration of your stay and a copy of your prescription(s).

Malaria: your risk of malaria may be high in all countries in East Africa, including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription ant-malarial drug for details concerning risk and preventive medications.

Airport and Arrival Information

Three International Airports, Dar-es-Salaam, now know as “Julias Nyerere International Airport - JKIA” and “Kilimanjaro International Airport – KIA” and Zanzibar International Airport. See flights coming to Tanzania and Zanzibar.

To begin safaris in Northern Tanzania, most visitors are advised to book with Airlines whose Arrivals & Departures are at KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JRO) which is 45 minutes drive from Arusha town. See International Airlines such as AIR TANZANIA, KLM Royal Dutch with daily Flights out of Amsterdam into Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam, GULF AIR, KENYA AIRWAYS, ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES and Emirates. It is also possible to get flights arriving to Nairobi (Kenya) from where you can make arrangements to transfer to near city of Arusha.

Visas/Passports

Visas are required to enter Tanzania as of other East African Countries – Kenya and Uganda. They can either be obtained in advance through the various Embassies/High Commissions abroad, Consulates or at the airports or other ports/borders of entry.

The process is fast and easy and all one requires to have is a valid passport (at least six months).

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE AT LEAST FOUR BLANK PAGES IN YOUR PASSPORT FOR STAMPS/VISAS ETC, IF NOT, YOU MAY GET REFUSED ENTRY INTO SOUTH AFRICA.

FOR SECURITY PURPOSES, WE SUGGEST THAT YOU CARRY A PHOTOCOPY OF THE RELEVANT PAGES OF YOUR PASSPORT AND ANY OTHER IMPORTANT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WITH YOU. WE ALSO RECOMMEND THAT IN ADDITION, YOU LEAVE COPIES WITH SOMEONE AT HOME.

What to take on safari (Should be used as a guide only)

As you will want to capture as much as possible of this amazing tour, don’t forget a camera, camcorder with lots of films, tapes, and replacement batteries for all these. A torch light would come in very handy.
Sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip-balm, insect repellents and your own toiletry requirements, small first-aid kit, a spare pair of glasses or lenses if you are using one.
Don’t forget a swimming costume and you might want to include a good book for the relaxing hours. Sleeping-bags and towels if you are planning for camping safaris must be included.

What to take for mountain climbing (Should be used as a guide only)

Sunglasses/Snow goggles, Rucksack & day pack, 3-4 season sleeping-bag, Insulation pad, Balaclava or woolen hat, Long sleeved shirt, Several pairs of socks, Gloves, Waterproof trousers & jacket, Warm sweaters, Anorak/raincoat, Gaiters, Water-bottle, Wooden walking stick, Hiking boots, Pair of light walking shoes, Warm scarf, Toiletry requirements, Flashlight with batteries, Sun protection cream, Small first aid kit, Lip salve, A whistle and some plastic bags.
Baggage Limit: 1 bag 15kgs maximum. It is advisable to have your own insurance covering, travel, medical, baggage and personal injury.

Persons undergoing medical treatment should obtain approval from their doctor prior to booking the trek. The trek is taken at the clients own risk.

Water

In some places tap water is safe, but generally, it is not advisable to drink or brush your teeth with tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere and in almost all Lodges and Hotels and all supermarkets. On treks and safaris, it is better to carry sufficient bottled water.

Dress

For safaris, especially in Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha), during the day, light clothing is recommended with sturdy shoes and canvas hats. During the night in areas like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Highlands; where the altitude is between 1500 - 2500 Metres; a cardigan or pullover may be essential. In the same pack, remember your sun cream, lotions, sun glasses, a pair of binoculars, and a camera with rolls of film.

Advise regarding photography

For wildlife photography, a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that you should use, A 300-400 zoom is preferable. For bird-watchers, a 500mm or larger is necessary, and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots. Bring extra camera and flash batteries and plenty of film - you may find these quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally.

When to travel

Climate in Tanzania is always wonderful, though you might have to avoid rains from mid April to end of May to climb Kilimanjaro; however the following prediction is based on the movement of animals. It is the best time for game viewing.

Northern Tanzania:
All year round except April and May

Southern Tanzania:
June through October

Zanzibar , Pemba and Mafia:
June through October; December through March