Julius Nyerere Dar es Salaam International Airport Kilimanjaro International Airport
Zanzibar International Airport
Birdlife
With well over a thousand species and in fact one of the highest bird counts in Africa, Tanzania birdlife is rich and diverse ' and includes a number of endemic species and migratory species among its rich and varied habitats. Key birding areas range from coastal regions to forest areas, woodlands, savannas, wetlands and even icy mountainous areas near Mount Kilimanjaro.
Conservation
Tanzania conservation efforts are controlled well and the government has funded many successful conservation efforts. The country has a well-developed eco-tourism programme, with pristine beaches and a wide range of protected areas which rank among the worlds most beautiful and well-preserved. This makes Tanzania one of the key wildlife safari destinations in Africa, ideal for game and bird spotting.
Culture
Tanzania cultures include the following:
Cuisine and food is inspired by the East as well as traditional African cuisine
Architecture is influenced by colonial eras and Arab influence
Music and dance plays a key role in many cultures
Traditions and customs have a range of influences
Art plays a key role in traditional and current cultures
Health
Tanzania health risks are fairly low; however as the country is a third world country precautions should be taken to ensure a healthy and safe trip. The most common ailments are upset tummies, so to be on the safe side, stick to bottled water. Malaria is rife in many areas, and other insect carried illnesses include tick bite fever and sleeping sickness, so take care to protect yourself against insects.
AIDS
Tanzanian HIV/AIDS is a major health risk for many locals, with factors such as poor healthcare, lack of education, prostitution, poverty, tribal customs and inherited wives adding to the problem. Awareness campaigns are not strong enough, and very few locals can afford proper treatment and often transmit the disease due to lack of understanding about AIDS. The AIDS rate is lower in Zanzibar, which is a predominantly Muslim area.
Vaccinations
The following Tanzania inoculations are required:
Yellow Fever
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Polio
Rabies
Languages
Tanzania languages include the following:
Swahili (official language)
English
Arabic
Money
Tanzania money and banking information is as follows:
Credit cards are accepted in large hotels and in the city, but not in rural areas
US Dollars are accepted at many hotels and stores
Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks, some hotels and airports
Most large towns have a number of ATMs, many of which accept foreign cards
Banking hours are Monday to Friday 08h30-12h30 and Saturday 08h30-13h00
Phrase
Tanzania local phrases in Swahili include:
Hello/welcome! - Jambo!
No problem - Hakuna matata!
Thank you very much - Asante Sana
What is the price? - Bei gani?
I don't understand - Sielewi
Plants
Tanzania plants are mostly comprised of open grassland, woodland and savannah areas, with a range of palms and crops such as fruit trees and spice crops to be found. There is a very small percentage of forest, with over 2000 species of plant to be found within the small area. Miombo woodland, acacia woodlands and vast plains such as the beautiful Serengeti are typical vegetation to be found in the country.
People
Tanzania people includes the following groups:
Pemba
Hadimu
Tumbatu
Shirazi
Swahili
Safety Tips
Tanzania is generally safe for travel with a fairly low crime rate
Armed robbery and muggings have been on the increase in Dar es Salaam and large cities however
Keep valuables safe and out of sight, and keep certified copies of passport and ID somewhere safe
Be cautious at game parks and do not camp or walk in remote areas
Roads can be very bad, so be cautious when travelling by taxi or car
The areas near the Burundi border are unsafe and fighting is frequent
Religion
Tanzania religion groups include the following:
Muslim 35%
Indigenous beliefs 35%
Christian 30%
Zanzibar over 99% Muslim
Transport
Tanzania local transport includes:
Plane
Bus
Taxi
Car
Travel Books
Tanzania recommended travel books include:
Tanzania Lonely Planet Country Guide by Mary Fitzpatrick
Tanzania Bradt Travel Guide 5th Edition by Philip Briggs
The Rough Guide to Tanzania 2nd Edition by Jens Finke
Tanzania Globetrotter Travel Pack by Graham Mercer
Life in Tanzania by John Ndembwike
Visa Requirements
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Tanzania
Visas are generally valid for up to 3 months from date of application
A valid passport of 6 months minimum is required
A yellow fever certificate may be required if travelling from an infected zone
Return air tickets plus proof of sufficient funds are required
Wildlife
Tanzania wildlife accounts for about 90% of the countrys tourism, and the country has some of the most important game areas in Africa, including the famous Serengeti National Park and the game-rich Ngororongo Crater Conservation Area. Key species include large predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah, plus large herds of elephant. The number of mammals to be found in Tanzania totals approximately 364 species.
What To Pack
Sunglasses, sunscreen, sunhat and swimming costume
Comfortable walking shoes as well as sandals
Long skirts or long pants and t-shirts covering shoulders for women
Loose, lightweight clothing with long sleeves to keep out mosquitoes
Camera, batteries, spare film or memory cards and binoculars
What To Buy
Sleeping bag and camping mattress if you are on an overlanding tour
Disposable underwater camera plus snorkel gear
Tanzania travel guide and Swahili phrase book, plus a current map
Good backpack plus a decent moneybag to keep valuables and travel documents
First aid kit stocked with basic supplies and medicines
When To Go
Tanzania offers year-round travel with each season offering its own charm
Late June to September offers the coolest, driest weather but this can be the busiest time ' especially during August
December to February is the hottest time across the country
Rainy season is generally from March to May, with less tourists
Christmas and New Years (late December to early January) are busy times
2010 World Cup
Tanzania 2010 statistics are as follows:
The Tanzania national team are nicknamed the Taifa Stars
They have not qualified for the World Cup finals to date
Zanzibar have their own national team and are not eligible for World Cup games
The team have a very dismal Africa Cup of Nations standing with only one Round 1 placement
The head coach is Marcio Maximo of Brazil
by: Tania Wheeler
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