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General Tanzania Facts and Information

Area: 945,166 sq km
(364,929 sq miles)
Population: (1999 est.):
28 million
Population Density: 30 per sq km

1. Geography
2. Language
3. Getting to Tanzania
4. Leaving Tanzania
5. Climate
6. Clothing
7. Communications
8. Currency
9. Driving
10. Health
11. Local time
12. Safety precautions
13. Electricity

1. Geography                                                                      Back to top
   Located just below the equator on the east coast of Africa, Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Republic of the Congo to the west and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to 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 savannah area including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Kilimanjaro The southern grasslands including the Ruaha and Selous National Parks The coastal lowlands including the island of Zanzibar The mountains and lakes that border the Rift Valley, including Lake Tanganyika and Gombe National Park
   
   
2. Language                                                                       Back to top
   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.
   
   
3. Getting to Tanzania                                                            Back to top
   Tanzania is slowly increasing the number of international airlines, which operate flights to either Kilimanjaro International Airport (near Arusha) or Dar es Salaam International Airport. Zanzibar is a popular charter flight destination from several major European cities. Some Commonwealth citizens do not require visas. We strongly recommend you check with the nearest Tanzanian Embassy or Tourist Office to ensure you have the most up to date visa information. Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are now required only for visitors arriving from countries where these diseases are endemic. Check with your Embassy and/or local heath office for more details.
   
   
4. Leaving Tanzania                                                               Back to top
   An airport departure tax of US$30 per person, or its equivalent, is payable when leaving Tanzania. This fee is often included in your international airfare, unless stated otherwise. Please check with your agent when purchasing your international tickets. A local departure tax of US$ 5 per person, per flight is payable for internal flights.
   
   
5. Climate                                                                            Back to top
   Tanzania 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 May and the short rains during November.
   
   
6. Clothing                                                                           Back to top
   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 Tanzanian coast, and in Zanzibar, 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.
   
   
7. Communications                                                          Back to top
   Telephone, fax and some email services are available, though prone to difficulties. Most resorts, lodges and camps will have at least a radio link with their primary offices. In the major cities and on the Coast, international direct dialing should be available, if a little costly.
   
   
8. Currency                                                                         Back to top
   The Tanzanian shilling is freely exchangeable. Most major facilities accept major credit cards; Visa and Master Card are the most widely accepted.
   
   
9. Driving                                                                             Back to top
   Tanzanians drive on the left hand side of the road. It is recommended that you travel with an international driving license if you plan to drive in Tanzania.
   
   
10. Health                                                                              Back to top
    Anti-malarial prophylactics should be taken before, during and after your visit to Tanzania, 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; Eco-resorts includes Flying Doctor emergency evacuation coverage in all of our safaris, unless otherwise stated. Hotels, camps and lodges should provide either bottled water, or filtered water for drinking. Please do not drink the tap water.
    
    
11. Local time                                                                      Back to top
    GMT plus 3.
    
    
12. Safety precautions                                                      Back to top
    Common sense precautions should be taken at all times. Please check the travel advisories from the US State Department and the British Foreign Office.
    
    
13. Electricity                                                                       Back to top
    220 / 240 volts AC. Plugs are the UK-type, round 2-pin or flat 3 pin.
    
    **This information provided with thanks by the Tanzania Tourist Board and other sources.**