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Visa
Visas are required except for citizens of some
countries of Commonwealth. Travelers can obtain
visas from the Tanzanian Embassies & consulates
as well as major entry points in the country
such as Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
International Airports, Namanga, Tunduma, Sirari,
Horohoro and Taveta.
Health
Visitors are advised to take anti-malaria
tablets before and when on safari. Personal
insurance is also advised. Hospitals provide
good medical care in the cities, and in the bush
or on safari ‘Flying Doctor’ facilities are also
available. For detailed advice on ‘medical kits’
to bring with you, consult your local doctor or
health department.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Tanzania shillings (Tshs)
Money may be changed at commercial banks or at
bureau de change. Visa cardholders can have
access to local currency 24 hours a day through
Standard Chartered Bank’s (ATM). Master Card is
accepted at Barclays Bank distributors. Other
credit cards have limited acceptance.
BANKING HOURS
08:30 – 15:00 Monday to Friday
08:30 – 12:00 on Saturday
RELIGION
Most of the population is either Christians or
Muslims with minority as Hindus, while a small
minority observes local forms of worship.
Religious harmony is a key element of Tanzanian
culture and harmonious living.
PEOPLE
Tanzanians are warm, friendly and hospitable
people. The population is mostly Bantu, the
largest being the Sukuma and Nyamwezi. There are
125 recognized tribes whose diverse Bantu,
Nilotic and Haminic Vernacular languages,
traditions and customs have great cultural
appeal. This diversity also manifests itself in
the unique way of dressing including hairstyles,
local dances, paintings (tingatinga), and
handcrafts, sculptures and gastronomy. The
population also includes the popular and
traditionalist Maasai (pastoralists) and the
Barbaigs around Lake Eyasi.
CLOTHING
On safari or walking tours: comfortable,
hardwearing footwear and light clothing for
daytime, bring some warm cover-up layers for the
night, and a rainproof jacket or coat. A sun hat
is also recommended.
IN THE HIGHLANDS
Warm fleeces or polar gear, sturdy footwear,
rainproof outer clothing. For mountain climbing,
bring your own specialist mountain gear or you
can hire it from the mountain outfitters.
IN THE CITY
Light and comfortable clothes and shoes, as well
as the ubiquitous sun hat. Tanzanians find
scruffiness or over exposure offensive, so it is
recommended not to wear thongs, bikinis or tank
tops unless on beaches or in sunbathing areas.
TRAVELING
BY AIR
Tanzania has three international airports: Dar
es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro
International Airport and Zanzibar International
Airport. Main airlines provide direct
international flights to Dar es Salaam where
connections to other cities are widely available
with local airlines, local air charters, and
train or by road and sea. Several air travel
companies operate small fleets of turbo-prop
aircraft and fly daily to Game parks as well as
to Zanzibar, Mafia and Kigoma.
BY SEA
Ferries operate regularly between Zanzibar and
main East African ports; these craft range from
sailing dhows to tourist class twin-hull fast
boats. Bookings can be made easily at the ports
in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, and through most
travel agents.
BY RAIL
There are passenger train services on Tanzania –
Zambia Railway (TAZARA) from Dar es Salaam to
Zambia, along the central line (TRC) linking Dar
es Salaam with Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika and on
the rail link to Mwanza on Lake Victoria.
BY ROAD
A Tarmac road connects Tanzania to Zambia from
Dar es Salaam, and the road north gets you to
Moshi and Arusha. Road links to game parks and
reserves are usually surface roads.
Inexpensive public buses connecting most towns
are available everyday and are reliable.
Licensed taxis have fixed rates within town area
but fares are negotiable for longer trips. |
