Tanzania

Back to Country Page

Overview

Tanzania's popularity is not surprising for a country that boasts Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar. Tanzania is definitely a country to be recognised both in terms of wildlife and beauty. For many, it is the ultimate safari destination. With national parks extending over some 33,660 sq km (13,000 sq miles), Tanzania has more land devoted to national parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. Everything from pristine coral reefs to the Crater Highlands, remote game reserves and the famous national parks, is protected by government law.
The Serengeti National Park is a plain-dwellers' stronghold of 14,763 sq km (5,678 sq miles), claimed to be the finest in Africa. Here are 35 species of big mammals, including wildebeest and zebra, and also an extensive selection of birdlife. The Selous Game Reserve is larger than Switzerland and covers one-sixth of Tanzania's land surface.
The capital city and also a major port, Dar es Salaam is the natural starting point for trips in Tanzania. It is near Mount Kilimanjaro, Dodoma and Zanzibar, and many beautiful beaches are within easy reach of the city, such as those at Kunduchi, Mjimwena and Mbwa Maji. Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895m (19,341ft), is Africa's highest mountain and the most famous tourist attraction in Tanzania.
As a contrast to the exciting game areas and the mountain, Zanzibar is a beautiful jewel in the Indian Ocean with a fascinating spice and slaving legacy.
In addition to its beautiful landscape, Tanzania is home to approximately 120 tribal groups. Tribal diversity is prized and far from being a source of division, Tanzanians place a high value on their country's multicultural heritage. Over the past few years, cultural tourism has become an increasing attraction for visitors and visits to tribal villages are often a highlight of safari itineraries. The Masaai are perhaps the most well known of Tanzania's tribes and inhabit the northern regions of the country. Masaai tribal life revolves around protecting and caring for their herds of cattle and finding ample grazing land in their region.
The 'Spice Islands' of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba, Mafia, and the entire Tanzanian coast is home to the Swahili people, a vibrant mix of Arab, Indian and Bantu origins who historically based their livelihoods around Indian Ocean trade. The Swahili Coast, as the region is called, is a predominantly Islamic region with old mosques and coral palaces found throughout the area. Swahili culture centres around the dhow, a wooden sailing boat powered by the seasonal wind. Fishing remains a mainstay of coastal income in small villages throughout the area, and coconut and spice plantations continue to form an important source of export.
Whether you enjoy the tranquillity of the Swahili coast or the challenge of ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has it all.
The United Republic of Tanzania became independent in 1961 and merged with Zanzibar in 1964. Mainland Tanzania has on the whole been, and still is, peaceful and stable with few tribal or regional divisions. It stands out as a stable democracy in a region that has witnessed some of the most vicious civil conflicts in Africa.
It could be said, however, that 15 years after the introduction of multi-party politics, ruling party Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) still behaves as if the country were a one-party state. Particularly on Zanzibar, which has its own parliament and president, the political situation has been more volatile since multi-party politics were introduced, with occasional violent conflict between opposition parties and the government.

Area - 945,087 sq km (364,900 sq miles).
Population - 38.4 million (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density - 40.6 per sq km.
Capital - Dodoma. Population: 1.7 (2002).
Government - Federal Republic since 1964. Tanganyika gained independence from the UK in 1961. In 1964, Tanganyika joined with Zanzibar, which had been a British protectorate until 1963, and became Tanzania.
Language - Kiswahili and English are the official languages. The terms Swahili and Kiswahili are used interchangeably, though the term Swahili normally refers to the people while Kiswahili refers to the language. Originating along the coast, Kiswahili is a Bantu language with many words derived from Arabic. Other African languages such as Bantu and those of Nilo-Hamitic and Khoisan origin are also spoken.
Religion - Muslim, Christian, Hindu and traditional beliefs.
Time - GMT + 3.
Social Conventions
When meeting and parting, hands are always shaken; this applies throughout the country in both rural and urban areas. It is the convention to use the right hand, not the left, to shake hands or pass or receive anything. The standard greeting when addressing an individual is Jambo to which the reply is also Jambo. The greeting for a group is Hamjambo to which the reply is Hatujambo. People are delighted if visitors can greet them in Kiswahili. There is no fixed protocol to do with hospitality. Dress is smart and a good appearance is highly regarded. Suits and ties or safari suits are worn by men and suits or dresses by women. Ashtrays are usually an indication of permission for a visitor to smoke. Smoking is prohibited in cinemas and on public transport.
Photography: In some places, a charge will be levied on visitors wishing to take photographs; elsewhere a permit may be required.
Electricity - 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs may be round or square three-pin, fused or unfused.
Head of Government - Prime Minister Edward Lowassa since 2005.
Head of State - President Jakaya Kikwete since 2005.
Zanzibar is semi-autonomous and has its own parliament and president (President Amani Karume since 2000).

Culture

Food and Drink
Most hotels serve local Tanzanian food while the major hotels offer Western and other international food.
Things to know: Table service is normal in restaurants. Bars generally have counter service. Tanzania is a secular state and alcohol is not prohibited. Zanzibar's population is predominantly Muslim. Alcohol is available in some tourist hotels and restaurants, but should not be drunk in public.

National specialities:
o Seafood such as prawns and lobsters.
o Tropical fruit such as coconuts, pawpaws, mangoes, pineapples and bananas.

National drinks:
o A good lager, Safari, is produced locally.
o Konyagi is a popular gin.
o A chocolate and coconut liqueur called Afrikoko.
o A wine called Dodoma, which comes in red or rosé.

Tipping: Not generally encouraged, though waiters in tourist hotels and restaurants may expect to be tipped.

Nightlife
In Dar es Salaam, there are several nightclubs, cabarets and cinemas. Generally, the nightlife centres are in the top tourist hotels and restaurants.

Shopping
The city and town centres usually have markets which sell curios such as African drums, old brass and copper, carved chess sets, jewellery, and a speciality, large wooden salad bowls carved from a single piece of teak, mninga or ebony. Haggling is accepted, indeed often expected.
Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1400-1800, Sat 0830-1230. Some shops open on Sunday.

Environment

Climate
The climate is tropical and coastal areas are hot and humid. The rainy season lasts from March to June. The central plateau is dry and arid. The northwestern highlands are cool and temperate and the rainy season here lasts from November to December and February to May.

Required Clothing - Tropical clothing is worn throughout the year, but in the cooler season, from June to September, jackets and sweaters may be needed, especially in the evenings.

The United Republic of Tanzania lies on the east coast of Africa and is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; by Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west; by the Indian Ocean to the east; and by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The Tanzanian mainland is divided into several clearly defined regions: the coastal plains, which vary in width from 16 to 64km (10 to 39 miles) and have lush, tropical vegetation; the Masai Steppe in the north, 213 to 1,067m (698 to 3,500ft) above sea level; and a high plateau in the southern area towards Zambia and Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi). Savannah and bush cover over half the country, and semi-desert accounts for the remaining land area, with the exception of the coastal plains. Over 53,000 sq km (20,463 sq miles) is inland water, mostly lakes formed in the Rift Valley. The United Republic of Tanzania includes the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, about 45km (28 miles) off the coast to the northeast of the country.

Money

Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of TZS10,000, 5000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of TZS200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1, and 50, 10 and 5 cents.

Currency Exchange
Money may be changed at banks, authorised dealers and bureaux de change. A receipt should be obtained and kept until departure.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Major credit cards are accepted in larger hotels. Cash can be withdrawn from some ATMs using Visa or Mastercard.

Traveller's Cheques
May be cashed with authorised dealers or bureaux de change. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival.

Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1230 (some places are open until 1600), Sat 0830-1300.

Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Tanzania without incurring customs duty:
o 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.
o One bottle of alcoholic beverages.
o 570ml of perfume.

Traveller's Guide

Passports
Passport valid for at least six months required.

Visas
Required by all except: 1. nationals of Cyprus and Malta for stays of up to three months and issued with a visitor's pass on arrival, but may still need entry permit clearance. It is possible for British nationals to obtain a tourist visa for single entry at any one of the main port of entries to Tanzania, subject to the fulfillment of all immigration requirements. All other visitors must obtain visa prior to travelling to Tanzania.
Visa Note
(a) The high commission does not issue multiple entry visas for tourist or business purposes. All multiple entry visas should be applied for at the Immigration Head Office in Dar es Salaam through your host.

Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist and Business: £38 (single-entry) (prices are for application at high commission in London).

Validity
Tourist single entry: three months from date of issue; Business single entry: two months.

Working Days Required
Normally three. Up to 10 for postal applications.

Contact Addresses

Tanzania Tourist Board
PO Box 2485, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Tel: (22) 211 1244/5.
Website: www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

High Commission for the United Republic of Tanzania in the UK
3 Stratford Place, London WC1 1AS, UK
Tel: (020) 7569 1470.
Website: www.tanzania-online.gov.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1230 (visa applications) and 1400-1530 (visa collection only).

Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in the USA
2139 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 939 6125/7.
Website: www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org

Health Care
Private health insurance is recommended. There are numerous hospitals and clinics and some Christian missions also provide medical treatment; however, facilities are limited outside Dar es Salaam and medicines are often unavailable. All treatment must be paid for.

As a UK specialist for independent travel, Footloose Adventure Travel can tailor-make all your holiday, trek, hotel, transport and tour requirements. We offer the security of booking with a UK company and the benefit of our experience and local knowledge.