Tanzania General Information
Tanzania is situated on the East Coast of Africa, covering 937,062 sq. km's. It lies between 1 degree to 11 degrees south of equator. The country embraces the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. Zanzibar and Pemba occupies 2614 sq. km's in the Indian Ocean. The population is over 30 million. For the protection of wildlife the Government has reserved a total of 247,537 sq. km's as protected areas.
Climate
The climate in Tanzania varies throughout the country. On the coast, on the islands and in Selous the climate is tropical. However, within Tanzania's interior, where the other National Parks reside, the climate is mostly temperate but can be very hot when the sun is out due to the close proximity of the equator. October to mid-march is the hottest period of the year, while June to September is the coolest. However, the range of temperatures is fairly limited and it is always hot (between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius) on the coast and in the North (between 22 and 27 degrees Celsius). There is light rainfall in November and the rainy season is usually from mid-march to the end of May. The ocean temperature remains between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius.
Visas
Visas are required for visitors from all other countries except citizens of the commonwealth, Scandinavian countries and the Republic of Ireland. Before departure, you can obtain a visa from the Tanzanian Embassy. You can also get your visa at our major entry points such as : Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar International Airports, Namanga, Tunduma, Holili, Taveta, Sirari and Horohoro.
Health
Yellow fever vaccination: recommended on the mainland and compulsory in Zanzibar. Visitors are advised to take anti-malaria tablets for beach holidays. Contact your doctor before departure. Personal insurance is advised. "Flying doctors" facilities are also available.
Official Language
Kiswahili and English.
Local Time.
GMT + 3
Airports
Three international airports: Dar es salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Several international airlines connect Tanzania with the rest of the world. British Airways fly three times a week, from Heat to Dar es Salaam, via Nairobi. Other carriers who operate to Tanzania via Europe:- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, ( From Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro). Swissair - From Zurich to Dares Salaam. Gulf Air - Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar via Muscat. Emirates - Dar es Salaam via Dubai. Tanzania can also be reached via African gateways saved by Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Airways, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways.
Currency
Tanzanian shilling. It is advisable to carry American dollars. Money changers also accept the major convertible currencies including the yen. Travelers cheque's are exchangeable in some places. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels but it is advisable to carry cash or traveler's cheque's.
Clothing
For safaris in the north, during the day, light clothing. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Canvas hats. At night casual wear with a light cardigan or a pull over (for altitudes between 1500 m in Arusha and 2400 m in Ngorongoro). On the coast summer wear. For Kilimanjaro or other treks, check with a mountain specialist before departure. Place like Zanzibar and Moslem areas women should wear acceptable clothes, as revealing clothes can cause offence.