Tanzania is a country located in Africa with name that begins with letter T. The East African Republic of Tanzania is three times the size of Poland and is home to 33 game reserves and 14 national parks, including Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. The animal paradise on the Indian Ocean shows its visitors a multifaceted face with a bush landscape, savannas and snow-capped peaks of volcanic origin.
The highest point in Africa is located on the border with Kenya: Kilimanjaro (5,895 m), also known as Kibo or Uhuru Peak. Lake Victoria, through which the border with Uganda and Kenya runs, is located in northern Tanzania.
While the coastal region of the country is determined by lush tropical vegetation, most of the country consists of wet and dry savannas as well as semi-deserts on the central plateau and mangrove swamps in the south. Check Countryaah to find more countries that begin with letter T.
Visa and entry
A passport (valid for at least 6 months after departure) and a tourist visa are required for entry. The visa, which is subject to a fee, can be applied for at the Tanzanian embassy approx. 3-4 weeks before departure, but is also available when entering Tanzania.
Climate
Tanzania is in the tropics. Due to the proximity to the equator, it is warm to hot all year round. In the coastal region and on the islands it is hot between October and February with high humidity, from June to September the temperatures drop at night and it is less humid. On the Tanzanian central plateau, the days are often hot and dry and the nights cooler. In the areas at the foot of Kilimanjaro it can be hot and stuffy day and night due to strong, warm savanna winds; On the way to the summit you cross all climatic and vegetation zones, and from 4,500 m it can always snow.
Clothing and cultural characteristics
“Hakuna Matata!” – means: No problem, as long as you remember that you are traveling through Africa and developing the appropriate serenity, if everything cannot be done immediately and in the usual quality. A small note: Out of consideration for local conditions and customs, female travelers should refrain from revealing clothing.
Health
Medical care is far from meeting European standards. Here are a few tips in advance – you will receive detailed information together with your travel documents:
- To prevent gastrointestinal infections, never drink tap water and use drinking water to brush your teeth or wash the dishes.
- Insect repellants and mosquito nets can protect against both the tsetse fly (sleeping sickness) and the anopheles mosquito (malaria).
- Sun protection is mandatory in these latitudes; as well as the active adjustment to the altitude when you set out for Uhuru Peak.
- We strongly recommend that you take a first-aid kit with you. Get advice from your family doctor or a tropical medicine institute in good time before you start your journey.
- A visit to the dentist before departure is also recommended in order to avoid problems on vacation.
Special legal provisions
Homosexuality is a criminal offense in Tanzania.
Climate
Tanzania is a tropical country. Due to its location near the equator, it is hot all year round and the days and nights are the same length. On the coast and on the islands it is usually 25-35 °C with high humidity. In June-September it cools down a bit. In the interior of the country there are dry and hot days, but at night it usually cools down. Arusha and Moshi are very hot (38 °C) and there is often strong wind blowing from the savannah. In the mountain regions it is pleasant all year round and there are also cool nights. From 4,500m on there is sometimes snowfall.
Rainy season
From October to December there is a small rainy season “Kazkazi” with small showers or thunderstorms. Travel is still possible during this time, as most of the roads are passable and it does not rain constantly.
From the end of March to the end of May, the southern monsoon “Kuzi” brings more rain with it. In some regions there are floods and impassable roads. In parts of the country, the two rainy seasons merge into one big one. The best travel time is therefore July to September, as the temperatures are moderate and it is also the “high season” for animal migrations.
All about money
Currency
Tanzanian Schilling (TZS)
1 € = 2,595 TZS (as of 08/22/18)
Money
Changing money from Europe is rather difficult. You can withdraw
money in Tanzania with your ATM card. In cities like Arusha it is not a problem, in villages it is advisable to
take US dollars with you to change. Credit cards are rarely accepted and only in large hotels, travel agencies, etc.
* Since Tanzania is a very poor country, you should keep your money and valuables always stow away well.
* You should keep copies of your passport details and flight documents separate from the originals.
* Walks after dark and lonely streets should be avoided.
* Revealing clothing for female tourists should be avoided.
Tips
Tips are an important issue for many customers when it comes to rewarding the guide.
The travelers usually have no idea of the value of the local currency and the
purchasing power of money in the host country. We believe that a tip of one euro (or the
equivalent in local currency) per head and per day is sufficient.
As always when it comes to tipping, the decision on the amount is entirely up to you. If
you think that the service
justifies a low tip, no tip at all, or a particularly high one, you should express this through your tip decision.
In the various national parks, local guides and animal hunters are always available.
Please always expect tips here, too, as this is part of the income of these people.
Cost around 1-2 euros per person per guide / animal seeker
Other essential information
Time
difference The time difference to CET is +2 hours in Tanzania.
Electric current
The voltage is 220 volts. You need a travel plug. The electrical outlets in Tanzania
are inconsistent and we recommend purchasing an international travel plug. Socket type D, socket type G.
Escort protection
During the hikes in the national park an armed ranger will accompany you for security reasons. This is considered protection from the animals.
