Tanzania

Welcome to Tanzania
Tanzania is a fascinating travel destination that has been blessed with real beauty and it offers something for everyone. The famous Mt Kilimanjaro, with its 5895 metre altitude is the highest mountain in Africa. The Serengeti National Park with its seemingly endless plains is one of the best wildlife resorts in the world and then there is the Ngorongoro Crater with its unbelievable density of animals.

The country also offersan amazing adventure accompanied with beautiful scenic view of trekking tours and relaxing beach stays on the shores of the Indian Ocean on either Tanzania’s mainland or on one of the beautiful islands of Zanzibar, Mafia or Pemba.

The East African nation of Tanzania has become an increasingly popular destination for visitors from around the globe due to the greatest sights in this vast, fascinating, beautiful and intriguing nation. Tanzania boasts some of the greatest parks in Africa with incredible sights of the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Ruaha and Selous. You get to have memorable encounters with the ‘Big 5’ safari animals but also meet host of wildlife that includes incredible and striking bird species.

Discover the origin of humanityin places like the Ngorongoro Conservation Area you have the chance to visit remarkable archaeological sites. Tanzania is an attractive circle of cultures resulting from generations of migrations, occupations and trading exchanges. This fusion has resulted in a rich and distinctive culture you can experience in the food, music, language and customs of the country. Tanzania has areas of outstanding natural beauty ranging from beaches to dense forests.

Map

Country facts

Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania (Swahili: JamhuriyaMuunganowa Tanzania), is a country in East Africa. It is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The country’s eastern border is formed by the Indian Ocean. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is in northeastern Tanzania.

The country is divided into 30 administrative regions: five on the semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar and 25 on the mainland in the former Tanganyika. Since 1996, the official capital of Tanzania has been Dodoma, where the National Assembly and some government offices are located. Between independence and 1996, the main coastal city of Dar esSalaam served as the country’s political capital. It remains Tanzania’s principal commercial city and is the main location of most government institutions. It is also the principal port of the country.

The name “Tanzania” derives from the names of the two states, Tanganyika and Zanzibar that united on 26 April 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. On 29 October 1964, the country was renamed the United Republic of Tanzania. The Articles of Union are the main foundation of Tanzania.

Capital: Dodoma
Currency: Tanzanian shilling
Population: 65.5 million
Official languages: Swahili Language, English Language
Government: Republic
Industry:Diamond, gold, and iron mining, oil refining, wood products, salt, soda ash, cement, shoes, apparel and fertilizer productions
Agriculture: Coffee, Tea, cotton, cashews, sisal, cloves, and pyrethrum
Climate:Tropical
Geographic coordinates:6°00′S 35°00′E

History

The East African nation of Tanzania dates formally from 1964, when it was formed out of the union of the much larger mainland territory of Tanganyika and the coastal archipelago of Zanzibar. The former was a colony and part of German East Africa from the 1880s to 1919, when, under the League of Nations, it became a British mandate until independence in 1961.

It served as a military outpost during World War II, providing financial help, munitions, and soldiers. Zanzibar was settled as a trading hub, subsequently controlled by the Portuguese, the Sultanate of Oman, and then as a British protectorate by the end of the nineteenth century. Julius Nyerere, independence leader and “baba wataifa for Tanganyika” (father of the Tanganyika nation), ruled the country for decades, assisted by AbeidAmaanKarume, the Zanzibar Father of Nation. Following Nyerere’s retirement in 1985, various political and economic reforms began.

In 1954, Julius Nyerere, a school teacher who was then one of only two Tanganyikans educated to university level, organized a political party—the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU). On December 9, 1961, Tanganika became an autonomous Commonwealth realm, and Nyerere became Prime Minister, under a new constitution. On December 9, 1962, a republican constitution was implemented with Mwalimu Julius KambarageNyerere as Tanganyika’s first president.

Zanzibar received its independence from the United Kingdom on December 10, 1963, as a constitutional monarchy under the Sultan. On January 12, 1964, the African majority revolted against the sultan and a new government was formed with the ASP leader, AbeidKarume, as President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council.

In the first few days, between 5,000 and 15,000 Arabs and Asians were murdered, women were raped and their homes burned. Within a few weeks, a fifth of the population had died or fled.

It was at this time that the Tanganyika army revolted and Britain was asked by Julius Nyerere to send in troops. Royal Marines Commandos were sent by air from England via Nairobi and 40 Commando came ashore from the aircraft carrier HMS Bulwark. Several months were spent with Commandos touring the country disarming military outposts. When the successful operation ended, the Royal Marines left to be replaced by Canadian troops.

On April 26, 1964, Tanganyika united with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The country was renamed the United Republic of Tanzania on October 29 of that year. The name Tanzania is a blend of Tanganyika and Zanzibar and previously had no significance. Under the terms of this union, the Zanzibar Government retains considerable local autonomy. Tanzania is a country in East Africa partly colonized by the German and the British.

Climate

Tanzania has a tropical climate but has regional variations due to topography.[3] In the highlands, temperatures range between 10 and 20 °C (50 and 68 °F) during cold and hot seasons respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20 °C (68 °F). The hottest period extends between November and February (25–31 °C or 77–87.8 °F) while the coldest period occurs between May and August (15–20 °C or 59–68 °F).

Seasonal rainfall is driven mainly by the migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. It migrates Southwards through Tanzania in October to December, reaching the South of the country in January and February, and returning northwards in March, April, and May. This causes the north and east of Tanzania to experience two distinct wet periods – the short rains (or “Vuli”) in October to December and the long rains (or “Masika”) from March to May – while the southern, western, and central parts of the country experience one wet season that continues October through to April or May.

The onset of the long rains averages 25 March and the cessation averages 21 May. A warmer-than-normal South Atlantic Ocean coupled with a cooler-than-normal Eastern Indian Ocean often causes the onset to be delayed.

Why choose Tanzania for travel

The scenic beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro

This easily accessible area has been a wonder to many visitors across the world, venturing in and out of Tanzania to see and climb the “wonder of the world” Mt. Kilimanjaro which is 5895 meters in altitude and the highest mountain in Africa. It is a dream for many athletes and adventurers who wish to experience and pride themselves of having been to the roof of Africa. The variety of routes suited for varying lifestyles makes Mount Kilimanjaro a must climb for people who just want to experience nature or view the ecosystems and terrains.

The beautiful and welcoming beaches along the Indian Ocean

Tanzania offers some of east Africa’s very best beaches, both on the mainland and on the islands just off the coast – including Mafia and Pemba. These beach holidays vary from relatively inexpensive through to very high quality.

Tanzania’s multiple Indian Ocean Islands provides guests the opportunity to select their beach spot just the way they prefer it. While in Zanzibar, sit out on the soft white sandy beach under a palm thatch umbrella watching the sparkling turquoise blue waters totally mesmerize you.

Spectacular wildlife and nature Safaris

Tanzania prides huge numbers of wildlife spread all over the country and each of these wildlife display their own characteristics particular to the ecosystem. With Tanzania’s national park and game reserves located so remotely such as Selous and Mahale Mountains.

Historical diversity and experience

Walk in the footsteps of great explorers and adventures that roamed Tanzania. Visit the exact spot in Ujiji, Southwestern Tanzania, where centuries ago the phrase “Dr Livingstone I presume” was uttered. Visit Zanzibar and Bagamoyo and learn about slave trade history and its effects or at Kilwa were incredible ruins that are extant till today. 

Tanzanian Cultural Experience

Tanzania’s varying tribes and cultures provides an excellent opportunity for guests to encounter other ways of life, rites and rituals. Guests visiting the various parts of the country such as the Usambara Mountains can take a tour of the local communities or can visit Zanzibar and interact with the Zanzibaris participating in their day-to-day activities.

Eco-Tourism Experience

The National Parks in Tanzania all offer unrivalled safari experiences in terms of abundance and diversity of wildlife, and variety of landscapes. The Northern National Parks include the Serengeti, famous for the annual Wildebeest Migration, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire, all offering a range of lodge and mobile safari options. A Hot Air Balloon Safari over the endless plains of the Serengeti is one of the best ways to view the migration.

Selous, Ruaha and Katavi in the south of Tanzania are some of the most untouched and wildest reserves in Africa. Game drives, boat cruises and guided walking safaris will give you the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife and bird species.

Marine Experience

Tanzania’s offers an underwater paradise for marine enthusiasts visiting Pemba, Mafia and Zanzibar with many interesting reefs featuring shallow rocky areas that suddenly drop off into vertiginous crevasses, 40 meters deep. With steep walls covered in colorful sponges and Gorgonia, divers will find such diverse life as Brittlestars, Langoustines, and Moray Eels. Some reefs are like undersea mountains, wreathed with seaweeds and corals, and teeming with colorful fish.

Travel guide

Getting to Tanzania

These days there are many ways to travel to Tanzania. Overland railways connect the country, the roads are easy to navigate and well-maintained, cruise ships and passenger liners stop frequently at the ports, and international air carriers arrive and depart daily from the many airports located around the country. Travel to Tanzania is easier and more convenient than it has ever been before. World-class airport facilities and on-the-ground assistance make sure that your visit to the country is perfect from the first moment of arrival.

Whether you’re travelling independently or with a tour operator, be sure to book your ticket well in advance and make sure your return flights are confirmed. Travel agents in major cities can assist you in making any last-minute changes to your itinerary and flights.

Flying to Tanzania

There are frequent direct and indirect flights to Tanzania by numerous international airlines. At the time of writing, international airlines that fly to Dar es Salaam include KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Emirates,Qatar Airways, Oman Air,TurkishAirlines,South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Egypt Airways, Kenya Airways,Air Uganda, LAM Mozambique Airlines and Rwanda Air.

Travel by rail

A few routes by rail have been reopened,kindly we do advise whats is possible for self travellers,

By rail note:

Driving to Tanzania

The main international road crossings into Tanzania are from Kenya. The most used is the border crossing at Namanga, about halfway between Nairobi and Arusha. The other principle border crossing is south of Mombasa on the coast at LungaLunga, from where the nearest large Tanzanian town is Tanga. There are quieter border crossings at Taveta, between Voi and Moshi, and Isebania on the main road between Kisumu and Mwanza.

Border crossings from other neighbouring countries include the Songwe border with Malawi and the Tunduma border with Zambia, both of which are in the southwestern corner of Tanzania and are reached by a good (but long) road from Dar es Salaam. There is a crossing with Uganda at Mutukulu, northwest of Bukoba, but this is a rough road and a remote region to get to. The easiest way to get to Uganda from Tanzania is via Nairobi in Kenya, from where there are daily bus services to Kampala. There is a border crossing with Rwanda at Rusomo, although again this is in the remote northwestern part of Tanzania although there are bus services between Mwanza and Kigali. Tanzania does share a border with Mozambique to the south, but road access between the two countries is very limited.

Getting to Tanzania by boat

The main port is Dar es Salaam (www.tanzaniaports.com) which is served by commercial ships but no passenger services from other countries. It does however serve as the departure point for ferry services to Zanzibar.

• Cruise ships: Some cruise ships dock at Zanzibar.
• Ferry operators:Passenger ferry services run on Lake Tanganyika to Mpulungu (Zambia). They also used to run to Bujumbura (Burundi), and this service is likely to start up again in the future. There is sporadic and unreliable ferry service on Lake Nyasa linking Tanzania with Malawi.

Best Travel Period

The best wildlife viewing months in Tanzania are during the dry season from late June to October. The best chance of seeing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is during June and July and the time to see the wildebeest calving is late January to February. The southern and western circuit parks are best visited during the dry-season (June to October), unlike the more popular northern circuit parks that can be visited year-round. Tarangire is the only exception, since its wildlife viewing is considerably better in the dry-season as well.

What to dress/ wear

Light, neutral-colored clothing is generally advised. Bright colors aren’t recommended on game drives and dark colored clothing, particularly dark blues and black, tends to attract the diurnal (active during the day) tsetse flies more than light colors. It will get warm (or even hot!) during the day (low 30 C or high 80s F) and depending on time of year or your location, evenings can get downright chilly.

Safari dress code is casual and comfortable and modest. You may wish to bring something slightly nicer for dinners at the lodge but it should still be light weight and easy to pack.

Luggage

Don’t forget your bag pack especially when going for trekking activities!

Documents and Visa entry fees

Most non-Tanzanian citizens are required to have a Visa for entry into Tanzania or east Africa Visa. While it is advisable to obtain the visa at your local embassy prior to arrival in Tanzania, it is possible to purchase them at most major points of entry to the United Republic of Tanzania: principally Namanga, Tunduma, Sirari, Horohoro, Kigoma port, Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar Harbour and Zanzibar Airport. Many people come to Tanzania via Nairobi, Kenya, in which case two visas will need to be purchased, one for Kenya and one for Tanzania. It is not difficult to purchase your visa at the Tanzanian airport and the price of the visa will not be higher if it is purchased there. However, during peak travel times queues/lines are likely to be long, so please consider which option is best for your needs.

Visas are valid 90 days from date of issue and passports must have six months remaining before expiration. More information on the various types of Tanzanian visas can be found here.

Exemptions: Citizens of Commonwealth countries are not required to obtain visas unless they are citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, or India.

Camera and video

Most animal activity occurs during crepuscular hours (dusk and dawn) which provide excellent photography lighting. An SLR camera with a telephoto lens is advisable, and while 200mm is adequate, anything from 300mm and higher is recommended for good detailed shots. Tripods are also advisable for larger lenses (300mm and greater). For night drives, you may even wish to bring a night vision camcorder or camera.

Health requirements

Stay hydrated. Parts of Tanzania are arid and the sun gets very intense during the day. One of the best ways to help adjust to the new time zone and climate is to ensure you’re drinking enough water.

Only drink bottled water. Most of the time this will be easy to remember, and in all restaurants, etc. you will only be served bottled water. However, don’t forget to use it when brushing teeth and to try not to open your mouth in the shower.

Stay bite-free. When it comes to biting insects, the two main culprits are mosquitoes and tsetse flies. Mosquitoes carry the risk of malaria, so in addition to taking malaria tablets, it’s wise to ensure you keep yourself covered when they are most active – once the sun goes down.

Thetsetse fly is not present in all areas of Tanzania, but in areas where it is present, your first encounter with it won’t take long! Tsetse flies are diurnal (active during daylight). Dark colors do attract them more than light colors, but you will inevitably get bitten a few times if you’re in an area where they are present. Tsetse flies do carry trypanosomes and some can cause trypanosomiasis – otherwise known as sleeping sickness. However, it is rare for it to be transmitted to human and most cases are of animal sleeping sickness. The bite feels similar to that of a horsefly. Often times you’ll see the fly land on you and if you’re quick, you’ll get a chance to get them before they get you

Tourist attractions

National Parks

Into Africa Safaris will arrange a customized Safari for you to the following tourists’ destinations, please feel free contact us For more details;

MAP OF TANZANIA SHOWING NATIONAL PARKS