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- About Tanzania
- General Information
- Visa Information
- FAQs
Tanzania; a name synonymous with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar and of course - Kilimanjaro. With a population of 29 million people made up of over 100 tribes the country is as diverse in culture as it is in geography.
Tanzania covers 945 166km2 making it the largest country in East Africa. Located just below the equator (between 1oS and 11o45'S) most of Tanzania has a tropical climate although there are large regional variations.
Tanzania is the largest of the 3 East African countries of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. It was a German colony before the First World War, and was under British administration from 1918 until independence in 1961. Formerly called Tanganyika, it formed a union with Zanzibar in 1964 to become the United Republic of Tanzania.
Tanzania is mountainous in the northeast, where Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, is situated. To the north and west are the Great Lakes of Lake Victoria (Africa's largest lake) and Lake Tanganyika (Africa's deepest lake, known for its unique species of fish). Central Tanzania comprises a large plateau, with plains and arable land. The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the island of Zanzibar lying just offshore.
Tanzania
Vaccinations and Malaria
For medical advice, it is always best to consult your doctor or travel clinic. Most travelers to Tanzania will have a yellow fever vaccination and anti-malarial medication but your Doctor will have access to all the latest WHO directives and will be able to advise you.
Tanzania Currency
Tanzania has its own national currency, the shilling. One thousand Tanzanian shilling is worth approximately $1. This currency can fluctuate heavily, so be sure to check out the currency exchange rates prior to your departure.
You'll find ATM's in many banks in nearly every large city you visit. If you arrive in Arusha or Moshi in Tanzania then you'll find ATM's at Barclays banks in the heart of these cities. We recommend bringing along American Dollars from home; these are accepted everywhere in Tanzania. You can also exchange dollars for local currency. .
Credit Card
It is possible to withdraw money using your credit card at some banks, although most banks charge a fee for this. Some restaurants and souvenir shops accept credit cards. Don't forget to ask for a copy of your receipt and find out if there are additional fees for using your credit card. Souvenir shops are especially known to charge (high) commissions for payment by credit card.
Traveler Cheques
Traveler cheques are actually more or less outdated and are rarely accepted in Tanzania and when they are those who use them pay high commissions to exchange them. Because of this we do not recommend using traveler cheques during your trip.
Departure tax Zanzibar
If you fly out of Zanzibar on a (domestic) flight, you'll be charged approximately US$ 30 per person in departure tax.
IMPORTANT:
The Health Authorities in Tanzania (including Zanzibar) have reintroduced the requirement for all visitors to have valid Yellow Fever innoculations. This is primarily intended for visitors that are arriving from or have visited any Yellow Fever listed countries (including those in transit through Kenya).
All travellers to Tanzania and Zanzibar, regardless of their Country of origin, should carry their Yellow Fever Certificates as this will help to avoid any confusion and arguments at the point of entry
Kenya
Location
Located in the Heart of Africa, Kenya shares borders with Ethiopia in the north, Sudan in the Northwest, Uganda in the West and Tanzania in the south. The Indian Ocean lies to the East. The Rift Valley runs through the country north to south. There are four primary regions:
- The northern deserts, including Lake Turkana and the Laikipia Plateau.
- The southern savannah, including the Masai Mara and the Great Rift Valley.
- The coastal lowlands, including Mombasa and the Watamu National Marine Park.
- The highlands, including Nairobi and Mount Kenya.
Language
Kiswahili is the official language, although English is widely spoken in commercial areas. In remote areas, the majority of people will only speak their tribal language.
Airlines
Kenya is well served by major international airlines, which fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Moi International Airport (Mombasa). Mombasa is a popular charter destination from most major European cities.
Visa & Vaccinations
We strongly recommend you check with the nearest Kenya Embassy or Tourist Office to ensure you have the most up to date visa information. Yellow Fever and Cholera are required only for visitors arriving from countries where these diseases are endemic. Check with your Embassy and/or local heath office for more details.
Climate
Kenya offers warm days and cool, early mornings and evenings throughout most of the country. At altitude the temperatures are moderate. The coast is often humid and tropical. There are two primary rainy seasons: the long rains roughly from April to June and the short rains during October and November.
Clothing
Informal, lightweight clothing is recommended. Mornings and evenings can be cool at altitude, so bring a sweater or cardigan. A hat is highly recommended due to the sun. On the Kenya coast, ladies are expected to dress modestly in public. Nude or topless sunbathing is not only illegal, but also affects the sensibilities of the Muslim community.
Health
Anti-malarial prophylactics should be taken before, during and after your visit to Kenya, especially if you visit the coast. Good medical facilities are available in the major cities. Membership with groups such as the Flying Doctors is also recommended;
Drinking Water
Hotels, camps and lodges should provide either bottled water, or filtered water for drinking. Please do not drink the tap water.
Electricity
220 / 240 volts AC. Plugs are the UK-type, round 2-pin or flat 3 pin.
Passport & Visa
In order to enter Kenya and Tanzania you'll need to have a passport with a validity of at least six months after your departure from Kenya and Tanzania. You'll need a separate visa for each country. The islands Zanzibar and Pemba are a part of Tanzania, so you won't need to get an additional visa for them.
Visa for Tanzania
A visa for Tanzania can be requested through the Visa Section of the Tanzanian Embassy in London. Its address is: 3 Stratford Place, London, W1C 1AS, Tel: 020 7569 1470, Fax: 020 7491 3710. More information on attaining is visa or to download a visa application form visit the Tanzania High Commission website.
Alternatively you can obtain your visa at all entry points into Tanzania from the immigration desk. This is extremely easy and will cost you $50 per person.
Useful links:
- Tanzania High Commission in UK
- Tanzania High Commissions / Embassy Abroad
- VISA application forms
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
Tanzania is a year round destination; however, our Consultants can help you plan your trip around the activities that interest you and your priorities.
Tanzania is also a year-round destination for bird watching boasting over 1000 species, but the best time to visit for birding in Tanzania is at the height of the northern hemisphere's winter (December to February), when some 160 species of migrating birds make their way south.With its habitats ranging from Afro-Alpine to semi-desert Tanzania is dream for botanists.
The Wildebeest Migratory Route
November
Once the southern Serengeti's short November rains have fallen, thousands of large mammals travel fast, heads down and hooves stomping, to the Serengeti's southern plains and the Ngorongoro Highlands.
December - March
The southern section of the Serengeti is where all the action plays out during this time. This is when the game animals give birth to their young and start preparing for the northern trek. Over 8 000 calves are born per day in the calving season; yet less than half will live to see their five-month birthday.
Predators like the Serengeti lions and cheetah pick and choose from the thousands of potential victims.
April
The adults and surviving young shift their attention to the central areas of the park, moving towards the Serengeti's western corridor. This funnel-shaped piece of land runs from the Central Serengeti in a western direction to the park boundary.
June
Arriving at the Western Corridor around June, the millions of grazers are forced to cross the Grumeti River. There is usually an unpredictable waiting period of one to two weeks as the animals prepare for the life-threatening crossing.
July
From here attention shifts north as the migration heads northeast, to the Lobo area.
August
In this June to August period the migration reaches the far northern area There are a few excellent camps in this area from which you can witness this natural phenomenon.
Mid-August to early November
August is another 'jump month' as animals cross the Sand River and into the Mara They will stay in the Masai Mara where water is always available, until the November rains in the south beckon once again and the cycle begins anew.
Is there a “best time” for Game Viewing?
Game viewing in Tanzania is a year round activity depending on your priorities the best locations for you can be planned.
What kinds of animals will I see on safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania is home to over 35 species of large mammals and has over 1,000 species of birds. On a typical safari in northern Tanzania you can expect to see elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, baboon, monkeys and a variety of plains game such as wildebeest, hartebeest, zebra, impala and gazelle. Most people see lion and hyena, and possibly cheetah or leopard.
In The Ngorongoro Crater you may see one of the few remaining black rhino to be found in Tanzania, in addition to bull elephant, lion, gazelle, hyena, wildebeest, African buffalo and more. You'll undoubtedly also see several different species of mongoose, hyrax and other smaller mammals you may not expect on safari. If you're lucky you'll see one or more of the smaller cats, foxes, wild dog or the more reticent antelope like lesser kudu, bushbuck, oryx or eland.
What weather can we expect?
Located at an altitude of 5,000 to 7,600 feet, northern Tanzania has a dry, sunny climate the weather is spring-like year round, with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s, evenings in the 60s. From June until August, temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from the upper 50s to the mid-70s during the day. The coastal and lowland areas tend to be more tropical in temperature.
What is the food like?
You will be pleasantly surprised by both the quality and the variety of the food available on safari. In most lodges, meals are served buffet-style so you can choose what you like. The food is prepared according to western tastes, with some curries and local cuisine included.