FACTS ABOUT TANZANIA

History
Tanzania is the “cradle of mankind” for it was here, in the Olduvai Gorge, that Dr Louis Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of Homo habilis, or “handy man,” calculated to be 1.75 million years old and the forerunner of modern man.
Tanzania was occupied by various African tribes most recently the Masai from Kenya, who have retained their proud traditions. Arab merchants visited the coast some 2,000 years ago and settled in Zanzibar around the eighth century AD later establishing trade routes into the interior. The inter-marriage of Arabs and local people created a new people with their own language - Kiswahili (Swahili) whose word for a journey - safari - has become the international description of a trip into the wild. The Portuguese established temporary settlements in the 16th century, supplanted by the Omanis in the late 17th century who developed the infamous slave trade. The scramble for Africa by the European powers at the end of the 19th century led to occupation of the mainland by Germany although Zanzibar became a British protectorate. After World War I, Germany was forced to surrender its territory to the British. Tanganyika, as the mainland was then known, achieved independence in 1961. Zanzibar became independent two years later and shortly afterwards joined with the mainland to become the United Republic of Tanzania.

Geography
Tanzania covers 937,062 sq km making it the largest country in Eastern Africa. Just south of the equator, it borders Kenya and Uganda in the north; the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Burundi in the west; and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique in the south, and is therefore a splendid centre from which to explore eastern, central and southern Africa. Through the interior runs the Great Rift Valley, that vast faultline down the spine of Africa that, in Tanzania, has created many fascinating topographical features such as the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Tanganyika. The central plateau (1,200m above sea level) is a huge expanse of savannah and sparse woodland. To the north, the 5,890-metre (19,340 ft) Mount
Kilimanjaro rises, the highest mountain in Africa. While the interior is largely arid, the 800 kilometer coastline is lush and palm-fringed as are the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.

TANZANIA GENERAL DESTINATION INFORMATION

Why Choose Tanzania
If your primary reason for traveling to Africa is to experience an abundance of African wildlife in unspoiled wilderness, then Tanzania should be your destination of choice. You simply cannot beat the wildlife concentrations found in Tanzania.
The parks and wildlife reserves of Tanzania are inhabited by vast herds of wildebeest spread out across the Serengeti savannah, huge populations of elephant and buffalo, as well as plains game and their predators. All these animals interact and roam freely, the same as they have for thousands of years. Here you'll witness an incredible diversity of ecology and will find the vegetation and bird life as fascinating as the big game. Tanzania is home to over 35 species of large four-legged mammals and has over 1000 species of birds listed. An extension to the paradisiacal Islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia after a safari or mountain climbing is worthwhile and really rewarding.

International Airports:
How to get to major cities in Tanzania;
There are several airlines that fly from US, Europe, Middle East, Asia to Tanzania;
To Kilimanjaro International Airport - KLM, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines
To Dar es salaam Airport - British Airways, Swiss Air, Emirates, Gulf Air
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ( Northwest Airlines ) fly from major cities in the United States via Amsterdam to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro.
Whilst South African Airlines fly from the US via Johannesburg to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, Tanzania can also be reached via African Regional Cities, served by Air Tanzania, Air Zimbabwe, Egypt Air, Ethiopian Air Lines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Air Kenya and Nationwide Airlines

International Airports:
There are 4 major International Airports in Tanzania;
Kilimanjaro (JRO) - 45min drive to Arusha
Dar es Salaam (DAR) - 10 minutes drive to the city centre
Mwanza (MWZ) - 10 minutes from the city centre
Zanzibar (ZNZ) - 10 minutes from Stone town.

Passports / Visa:
Most visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain them in advance from Embassies and High Commissions as several Airlines insist on then prior to departure. Visa can also be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports and at the Namanga Gate on the Tanzania/Kenya border - single entry visa cost USD 50. Requirements may change so you are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalizing your travel arrangements. Although part of the union of Tanzania/Zanzibar remains independent, passports/ Tanzania visas are required even on a day's visit.

Immunization / Health:
Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce international certificate of vaccination, this is particularly relevant for those traveling from neighboring African countries.
Most overseas departments of health recommend vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. It is essential for visitors to take a dose of anti malaria tablets, commencing two weeks before travel. Modern medical services are available in Dar es Salaam and other major centers. There are only a limited number of chemists in the country, so visitors are advised to bring their own medicines with them.

Climate:
Tanzania is a land without winter. Temperatures in Northern Tanzania range from 60-75 Degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 40-50 Degrees Fahrenheit at night from May to October. From November to March, the day time temperature varies from 70-90 Degrees Fahrenheit and 60-75 Degrees Fahrenheit at Night.
Please note that weather is highly unpredictable.

What To Take:
Don't forget the camera, camcorder and binoculars and take a torch for finding your way around your camp at night. Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods. Take sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm and some insect repellent, it is better not to get stung even if you are taking anti-malaria tablets. It is best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit. A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea.
Take plenty of film it is difficult to obtain outside centers. While travelers cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns, banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, so take plenty of cash.

Travel Light:
Some Safaris/ Air charters limit baggage to a 10-15 kg maximum, so try to travel light.
Bring along an extra bag incase you have extra items to be stored whilst on a scheduled trip.

Language:
English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili are always appreciated.

Currency:
The unit of currency is Tanzania Shilling, which is divided in to 100 cents.
Visitors can take in any amount of foreign currency, no currency declaration is required.
Import & Export of Tanzanian currency is illegal.
Most major currencies particularly US Dollars, Pounds, Euros; cash or travelers cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureau de change in the main towns and tourist areas.
Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates and can in some instances have a prohibitive surcharge of up to 10%!
Do NOT change money in the street how ever favorable the rates appear. You risk being given fake currency.

On Safari:
Distances in Tanzania are vast, and travel by road can be tiring. It is wise to spend more time in fewer parks. You will see more and wont return home exhausted.
Keep your distance from animals and be quiet to avoid distressing them. Always follow the instructions of your ranger or guide.
Don't leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places.
Keep to recognized tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.

What To Wear:
It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing is the normal. Avoid brightly colored cloths on safari, they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and khaki are preferred. Short-sleeve shirts / blouses and shorts are ideal, but pack a sweater; it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening. Wear a hat to avoid sun-stroke and don't forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible - walking through the dust is not like strolling through Hide Park. For climbing Kilimanjaro or Mt Meru take thermal underwear, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots.

Shorts for women are acceptable - but not too short. Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages as revealing cloths can cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas. On the beach and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity certainly in not.

Tipping:
Not normally obligatory but a tip for exceptional service - a maximum of 10% - will be appreciated. Tip $10-15 per day for drivers or tour guides but remember an excessive tip can make it difficult for the next customer.

Aiport Tax – International & Domestic Flights:
An airport tax of US$ 30 is levied for international flights and US$ 6 for Domestic flights within Tanzania, which may be included in the price of an air ticket. Clarify whether included or not when purchasing tickets.

Insurance:
You are strongly advised to have your own insurance to cover travel, baggage, personal injury or accident and medical attention.

Pictures / Photography:
It is prohibited to take pictures of State house, airports, military installations, police stations, government facilities, any border post, soldiers or police or any person.
Please always seek advice from your driver guide before taking pictures. While on safari, make sure you have some way of protecting your camera from dust. As most of the safari game viewing takes place in the early morning and late afternoon, 100 or 200 ASA film is probably best to use. A telephoto or zoom lens is recommended.

Security:
As in most major international cities, sensible security measures should be observed. Keep a close watch on purses, handbags, wallets and cameras. Avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewellery. It is advisable to hire a taxi if you wish to move around at night and for your personal safety, avoid dark, deserted lanes and streets. If you are with our driver guides then it is best to leave the cameras and other equipment with him when you are walking around