Think of Mt. Kilimanjaro and you think of Africa. It is here in Tanzania. It is also Africa's highest mountain. It is also here in Tanzania that you can find Lake Tanganyika which is Africa's longest and deepest lake. The Selous Game Reserve is also here which is the largest in the world and has the largest number of elephants. The beaches along the Indian Ocean are well known to be clean, beautiful, and inviting. Here in a nation which is relatively young are artifacts from early toolmakers from nearly two million years ago. Tanzania is a land of unique experiences, stunning scenery, and a very warm and welcoming people.
Capital: Dar es Salaam
Population: 28, 900,000 people
Area: 362, 884 square miles
Language: Swahili. English is widely spoken
Time: + 7 hours from New York
Electricity: 240 Volts AC, 50 and 60 Hz
Geography: Tanzania is the largest country in East africa. It has a very narrow low lying area along the coast which rises into the plains, lakes and mountains. Most of the country id highland plateau which is not useful to farming or any significant crops as it is mostly savannah, semi-desert and scrub brush. Moreover then same area is unable to maintain livestock because of the tsetse fly.
Arusha - This is the administrative, cultural and financial center of northern Tanzania which made its way through times past up to now as a trading post. Not far away is the Arusha National Park.
Dar es Salaam - The name of the city means "the haven of peace" which comes originally form its harbor which is surrounded with beautiful palms. Near the harbor is the official residence of the country's president. There is a mix of history here that is surreal. Arab mosques stand next to old German buildings which stand next to the present generation of modern structures. In the city you can find the National Museum which contains the skull of a man nearly 2 million years old. Also in the museum are excellent collections of arts and crafts from Persia and China. The Village Museum is a re-creation of a traditional African village.
Mt. Kilimanjaro - At nearly 20,000 ft high this huge mountain sits like a jewel hovering above the plains. The mountain can be climbed but it tales a great deal of stamina on the 5 day trek and a good supply of very warm clothing. Due be very aware of and careful of altitude sickness which is very common with inexperienced climbers here. The sickness is very often fatal.
Lake Manyara National Park - The park is located 65 miles from Arusha and covers an area of about 125 square miles. The park is will inhabited by a wide range of species including colorful birds, lions, elephants and buffalo.
Ngorongoro Crater - A little over 100 miles from Arusha. It is almost 10 miles wide and over 2,000 ft deep. Herds of wildebeest and zebras, lions, elephants and rhinos roam around the great lake that the crater has created.
Selous Game Reserve - This 15,500 square mile reserve is the largest in the world. It is one of the few that it is possible to take a walking safari. The best time to be here is from July to March.
Serengeti National Park - The park is only one third the size (5,0000 square miles) the Selous Game Reserve and yet is one of the best known reserves in the world. It is here that you will find millions of hoofed animals on what is seemingly a vast treeless plain. In abundant concentration you will encounter windebeaste, zebra, gazelle and antelope as well as great numbers of lion and hyena.
Tipping: A service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills. At other places and with porters and taxi drivers, leave small change.
Shopping: Shops are open from 8:30 am until noon and reopen at 2 closing again at 6 pm Monday through Saturday. Wood carvings made from ebony are very attractive. Other items to look for are primitive paintings, shells and gemstones.
Food and Drink: Typical Tanzanian foods include Nyama ya mbuzi (goat meat), Wali na nyama (beef curry), Mishikaki (charcoal broiled meats) and Ndizi na nyama (bananas with beef). Kebabs in various forms are also very popular. Soft drinks and local beers can be found everywhere with imported alcohol only available in the major cities and usually only at the larger hotels. Local wines have a distinctive flavor.
Social: There are about 30 tribal groups here of which the majority is Bantu. The population has a strong level of diversity with Arab influence strong along the coast and especially in the islands. Westerners should respect locals and not take pictures of people without their permission. Beachwear away from the beach or resorts is strongly frowned upon.
Business: Light business suits are expected in all meetings. Colors should be dark. Business cards should be made available and provided to all at meetings. Appointments are essential.
Money and Banks
Banking: Banks are open from 8:30 am until 12:30 Monday through Friday. On Saturdays they close one hour earlier at 11:30 am.
Currency: Tanzanian Schilling (TSh)
Money Exchange: Best to exchange currency at banks
Credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club
Climate
The country's geography have a huge impact on its climate. Tanzania's position relative to the Equator make it a tropical country except for the altitude of the high plateau which considerably lowers the area temperature. The coastal area along the Indian Ocean are quite hot and humid which is only tempered by the sea breezes. The mountain slopes in the north eastern area of the country is the only area that enjoys a near temperate climate all year. There are two rainy seasons. The long season occurs from March to May with considerable rain falling every day and the short season and occurs during November and December.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Kilimanjaro: climb the highest peak in Africa.
- Kizimkozi: swim with the dolphins.
- Dodoma: officially the capital. Serengeti: best known game park in Africa.
- Olduvai Gorge: famous archeological site.
- Ngorongoro Crater: largest intact volcanic crater in the world.
- Mwanza: colourful market town, centre of cotton industry.
- Bagamoyo: excellent beaches, old colonial buildings and oldest church in East Africa.
- Zanzibar: Maruhubi Palace, Persian Baths, Mangapwani Slave Caves, Jozani Forest.
CURRENCY:
Unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TSh). It is illegal to import/export local currency. In most towns and cities you can change your cash or travellers cheques at foriegn excahnge beareaus and they offer better rates than the banks. Credit cards are acceptable in expensive restauants and hotels. It is best to take travellers cheques and a small amount of hard cash.
LANGUAGE: Kiswahili is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
EXCHANGE RATE:
£1=950 TSh.
GETTING AROUND:
Travelling Air Tanzania is unreliable. Roads are in bad condition. Go by train rather than by bus, but avoid going third class as it’s crowded, uncomfortable and frequented by thieves. Ferry trips on Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, Lake Malawi. | 