TANZANIA
Tanzania holds the distinction of being the ninth country worldwide with the highest number of neighbors. Covering a vast area of 945,087 square kilometers (364,900 square miles), it claims the title of the largest country in Eastern Africa. Situated between Kenya to the north and Mozambique to the south, its other neighbors, proceeding clockwise from Mozambique, include Malawi, Zambia, Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda.
To the east, Tanzania is blessed with the stunning turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, which wash against its shores, creating a mesmerizing expanse of glistening snow-white coastline. Adding to its allure is the archipelago of Zanzibar, renowned for its spices and aptly dubbed the “Spicy Island.”
Tanzania is among the 14 countries worldwide with multiple capitals. Its administrative capital is located in Dodoma, while its commercial hub is situated in Dar es Salaam.
Renowned as a masterpiece of natural wonders, Tanzania boasts numerous marvels. It is home to the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, and vast national parks such as the Serengeti, famous for hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration. The country features an active volcanic mountain, Ol Doinyo Lengai, alongside the nearby shifting black dune. Additionally, its central rift lakes, including Lake Natron known for mummifying animal carcasses, offer breathtaking scenery. Tanzania is also rich in diverse cultures, including those of the Iraqw, Maasai, and Swahili people.
TANZANIA'S GUIDE
LANGUAGE
Swahili is the official and national language. English also holds official status and serves as the primary language for commerce, administration, and higher education. In Zanzibar, Arabic is widely spoken
CLIMATE
SAFETY
- Never walk in solitude in apparently deserted areas, especially within cities. It is preferable (and usually more enjoyable) to walk with a companion or in a group.
- Beware that pickpockets create a distraction. Hold on to valuables (or money belt) if in such a situation
- Beware, con artists target travellers. Walk away if an encounter with a local becomes convoluted and involves money or valuables
- Never carry more than a day’s supply of cash.
- Do not carry travel documents and cash in plain sight.
- Keep copies of travel documents, flight tickets and passport separately from the originals.
- Lock all valuables in the hotel safe. In case one is not provided, enquire at the hotel reception.
- Get adequate travel insurance coverage before travelling.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Passports must be valid 6 months after the anticipated travel date. Leave a blank page for each country to be visited. It is advisable to obtain visas in advance, from Embassies and High Commissions or online at https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ visa/ VISAS can also be obtained on arrival at all entry points.
MONEY
FOOD
- Full breakfast is served from 07:00 hrs to 09:30 Hrs
- Buffet lunch is served from about 12:30 Hrs
- Tea and coffee is served from 16:00 hrs to 17:00 Hrs
- Dinner is served from 19:30hrs to 21:30 Hrs
HEALTH
COMMUNICATION
TIPPING
- Many travellers budget between 2% and 3% of their trip cost for all tips
- If travelling in a group, every group member does not have to give the same amount.
- At the end of the safari, a volunteer group member can ‘pass the hat’ and present a collective tip to the drivers/guides. Many travellers give between $5 to $ 10 per safari day. Drivers can also be tipped individually.
- The preferable tipping currencies are US$ Dollar/Euro/Pound Sterling.
- A tip of 1 to 2 units is appropriate for airport and hotel porters as well as housekeeping staff.
- It is not necessary to tip in any establishment if they charge a service fee, usually 10%.
- Otherwise, a tip of between 5 and 10 % of the total bill is considered usual and customary.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TIME DIFFERENCE
DRINKING WATER
ELECTRICITY
DONATIONS
SHOPPING
BUSINESS HOURS
- Monday – Friday: 8.00 am – 5.30 pm
- Saturday: 8.30 am – 12.30 pm
LUGGAGE
- Leave any luggage that will not be in use during the safari at the City Hotel, for collection upon return.
- Carry a piece of small luggage if staying at The Ark and leave the rest of the luggage at the base hotel (ABCC) for overnight.
- Note that international airlines allow a luggage allowance of 20 – 30 Kgs whilst LOCAL carriers allow 15 Kgs only – especially those flying into and out of the bush (Parks and Reserves)
- On Check-out / departure day, place all luggage at the door while heading for breakfast to cue the porters to take it to the reception, to await check-out.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE AT HOTELS
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- Upon arrival at the hotel, register at the reception to get the room key.
- Check-in is generally from 12.00 hrs while check out is at 10.00 hrs
- Check out for day-use rooms is at 6.00 pm.
- For concessions on late check-outs, it is recommended to contact/liaise with the Hotel Reception, the night before.
- Upon checkout, return the key to the reception while settling the bill (if possible, settle all bills the night before to avoid the long queues in the morning).
- Once checked out, request for a luggage ticket, which is required to leave the hotel.
THE WILDLIFE CODE
- Observe the animals silently with minimum disturbance of their natural activities.
Loud talking on a game drive can frighten the animals away. Noise may also antagonize fellow visitors.
- Stay in the vehicle at all times, except at designated picnic or walking areas.
Animals are wild and can be unpredictable.
- Never attempt to attract an animal’s attention.
Don’t imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound on the vehicle, or throw objects.
- When viewing wildlife, keep to a minimum distance of 20 meters and pull to the side of the road to allow others to pass.
- Please respect the driver-guides’ judgement about proximity to wildlife, particularly lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
- Don’t insist on getting closer for a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.
- Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds.
- Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot.
This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
- Refrain from smoking during game drives.
The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can harm hundreds of animals.
- Minimise the disposable items brought on the trip. Leave film boxes, wrappings from new clothes, and other un-needed items at home.
- Please note that the use or importation of plastic carrier bags was banned in Kenya in August 2017.
- Be conscious of disposal of tissues, lens paper, water bottles and caps, food wrappers and other trash.
Avoid using the trash containers on the road-side stopping places since the garbage will not find its way to the dumping site. Instead, keep a small trash bag and empty it back at the hotel or camp each night.
- Entry into the National Parks and Reserves is restricted between 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.
- Night game drives are NOT allowed, except in private wildlife conservancies.
- Off-road driving is prohibited in the Parks and Reserves. Stay on established trails to preserve grass and other plants.
- Don’t pick any vegetation, or carry any item of biological interest, including eggshells, feathers and bones of any kind as souvenirs.
- Consider picking up litter left by other visitors. It is important to be mindful of the environment.
PHOTOGRAPHY
- The President and/ or his entourage
- The police or uniformed personnel
- Military installations, ministers, official and military buildings, airports, and border posts
- The national flag, the tomb of Jomo Kenyatta and official residences
CAMERA TIPS
Tanzania’s popular Destinations
Other Popular Destinations