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Located just south of the equator, Tanzania is a stable and friendly country, a diverse mix of religions and cultures living harmoniously. Formed in the year 1964, Tanzania is a union of Tanganika, Zanzibar and several small islands. A democratic republic, tourism plays a large role in the country's economy. Also adding to the economy is natural resources such as tanzanite, gold, coffee and cashew nuts. It is approximately twice the size of California. Language: The national language is Swahili but secondary schools require all subjects (excepting Swahili class) to be taught in English. In remote areas you may encounter some who only speak their tribal language. In areas used to many tourists such as Moshi or Arusha, it is possible to get by speaking English and learning just a few basic Swahili phrases. Airports: There are two major airports to fly into Tanzania. Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Dar, as it is fondly referred to, is the most important city in Tanzania. With a population of over 5 million and growing rapdily it is the economic hub. From a tourist standpoint , it is not particularly interesting but it is just a short ferry ride away from Zanzibar and other great coastal destinations. It also is a great launching point for Southern Circuit safaris. Kilimanjaro International Airport is located half way between Arusha and Moshi, both major destinations for tourism. Arusha is by far the larger of the two and has a city feel and pulse. Moshi is easy to get around and has a medium size town feel. Moshi is the closest to Mt. Kilimanjaro and has some great views of the mountain when the clouds permit. Arusha is closer to the game parks by an hour drive. Visas: Visitors from the US and most European countries are required to purchase a visa for entry. Visas are available at the airport and are payable in US dollars. The government has been known to make changes in policy and fees with little notice. At times even the Tanzanian government web site was incorrect or had outdated information still on it. As of May 2008, a single entry visa cost was USD 100. Since that was a fairly recent increase it would be surprising if it changed again soon. Irish citizens had been exempt from the visa requirement, but that has recently changed to requiring a USD 100 visa also. Health: Immunizations are recommended as is taking malaria pills. Check with your travel health clinic in your country for the latest updates. Drinking tap water is not recommended but is usually fine for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is inexpensive and readily available in all places. In towns, most items can be found that you would likely need such as toilet paper, toothpaste, etc. Feminine hygene products are now commonly found in stores. Pharmacies (Duka la Dawa) are easily found and inexpensive. The country doesn't have the infastructure for waste disposal that many other countries have, so you can do a big favor by taking all used batteries and plastic bags back to your home country when you return. The Diet:Tanzanian diet is healthy and tends to be a bit bland. When you book your tour through us, we can accomodate nearly any request. Vegetarian diets are no problem, vegan diets may be a bit challenging to achieve. Money: The currency is the Tanzanian Schilling (TSH) and as of May 2008 the exhange was approximately TSH 1,200 per 1 USD. Exchange bureaus are numerous. In areas where tourist traffic is heavy, USD are often accepted. Euros and other foreign currencies are usually not. Bureau de Change are common in larger towns. ATM's are also becoming common, but the reliability of finding one in operation without an extended wait may be a challenge. Do not expect credit cards to be accepted except in the most exclusive hotels. It is rare that they are accepted in stores or restaraunts. Tipping is not common except for tour guides and mountain porters. An average tip for a safari driver or mountain guide is $15 USD/day, $10 USD/day for an assistant guide or cook, $7 USD/day for mountain porters. The mentioned tips are total for the group, not per traveller. Taxi drivers need not be tipped. In restaraunts, rounding the bill up to a convenient figure is sufficient. Prices for most items are negociable (excepting our tours) and as a Mzungu (non African), the prices will most often be quoted rediculously high. This includes taxi drivers. Always agree on a price before you start your taxi ride. Street sellers sometimes can be persistant. Being firm is best. Saying "not today" will sometimes have them circling around you tomorrow because you "promised" them you would buy. Although tempting, do not give money to young children. This trains them to become beggars instead of attend school. There are people who can use your help however. You will run across occasional lepers or disabled that are unable to work and giving them a couple hundred shillings will be most helpful. Weather: Tanzania has two rainy seasons, the long rains in April and May and the short rains in November. During this time, it may rain daily but seldom rains all day. The rain itself tends to be refreshing but the inconvenience is the unavoidable mud. Other times of the year there is little rain and the plains become quite dusty. The temperature will vary according to location. Dar es Salaam tends to be quite hot. Arusha is higher in elevation and is perhaps five degrees C cooler. At night in the Serengeti and Ngornogoro Crater can be quite cool. Having a Polar Fleece jacket and even perhaps a knit cap and light gloves would at times feel quite welcome, especially in damp weather. The peaks of Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru are near arctic conditions and attention to the recommended packing list for these climbs is strongly encouraged. Clothing: Attire in Tanzania has an Islamic influence. Excepting the beach resorts, in Zanzibar shorts on men or women is frowned upon. Revealing clothing such as tank tops or bare midriffs is also inapropriate. The farther west in the country you travel, the the more liberal it becomes. In Moshi or Arusha shorts now are occasionally seen on men. Women wearing short skirts or tanktops there will still feel uncomfortable with the stares. On safaris, dressing for comfort is fine. Electricity: Tanzania is powered by a 220-250V, 50 cycles, AC network. Those bringing electrical items from home may wish to invest in a power breaker: Tanzania’s electricity supply is erratic, with power surges not uncommon. Plugs and sockets are mostly the British three-square-pin or European two-round-pin style sockets. Plug adapters are readily available and inexpensive. Be aware that plug adapters do not change the voltage so unless your electrical items can take 250V, this is insufficient. Telephones: Like many third world countries, cell phones have leap frogged passed land line telephones. Landline phones in Tanzania are not common and the ability for your calls to successfully be placed are sketchy. Many internet cafes offer Skype international calling. Cell phones are very common with anyone who can afford one having one or often two. If your cell phone is unlocked, all it requires is a SIM card bought for under $2 and you are fine. Airtime is by prepaid vouchers readily available everywhere. If your phone is not unlocked, you may choose to purchase a cellphone in Tanzania, available from $35. Upon your departure you may donate your phone to charities or sell it. Internet: Internet cafes are easily found. Connections are getting a bit faster recently, but still slow in comparison to most of the world. Internet rates are around TSH 1,500/hour (approximately $1.25). Wireless connections for laptops is rare. There are a multitude of other things that could be included in this page. We will instead gladly and promptly respond to any questions that you send to us. |