Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Tanzania
 |  | Fact File : Tanzania |
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| | | Tanzania | | Did you know?
Safari is a Swahili word for "to journey".
Language
Swahili and English.
Visas
Visas are required but rules are subject to sudden and frequent changes. Check with the tourist office.
Getting there
Direct flights from London to Dar es Salaam depart on Mondays and Thursdays. Alternatively, you can fly via Nairobi or Mombasa.
Flying time from London
Eleven hours
Getting around
Air Tanzania and several private airlines run services between major centres - some of them accept $US cash only. There are two train lines connecting major towns. Buses (dalla-dallas) run in more rural areas but are hazardous - fatal accidents are not uncommon. Driving in general is risky due to bad roads and a high incidence of accidents. Hire a four-wheel-drive vehicle if you plan to go outside major towns. Ferries operate on Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Nyasa.
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TSh)
Costs
Litre of petrol 60p; bottle of beer £1; moderate restaurant meal £6-£11; camera film £2-£2.50; four-mile taxi ride £2.50. All prices may fluctuate.
Weather
Tanzania's climate varies - in general it is hottest from December to March and coolest from June to October. The rainy seasons are from mid-March to May and around November/December. By the coast it is tropical, with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 27-29C (80-84F). The central plateau is cooler: 20-27C (68-80F) from June to August, and 30C (86F) and above from December to March.
Time difference
Three hours ahead of GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 255
Voltage
230V, 50Hz, AC. Power cuts occur but don't usually last for long; power surges are not uncommon. Plugs vary but are usually the British variety. Take an adapter to be on the safe side.
Opening hours
Government offices are open from 7.30am-3.30pm Monday to Friday. Business hours are from 8am-5pm Monday to Friday and from 8.30am-1pm Saturday. Shops may close for an hour between noon and 2pm and on Friday afternoons for mosque services.
Health - Before you go
Visit your GP at least two months before departure. You will need to take precautionary measures for malaria and vaccinations are recommended for yellow fever, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, rabies and typhoid. Medical facilities and medicine in Tanzania are limited so take all necessary medication with you including treatment for diarrhoea. Be sure to take out travel insurance.
Health - When you are there
Cholera outbreaks do occur so drink boiled and filtered or bottled water. HIV/Aids is highly prevalent. Observe strict food hygiene - if you can cook it, boil it or peel it, you can eat it. Trekkers on Kilimanjaro should be aware of the hazards of altitude sickness.
Warnings
In Zanzibar, steer clear of any political gathering as things can get volatile, and avoid deserted beaches. Be extra diligent with your belongings on public transport or the beach, and exercise caution when in vehicles; keep doors locked and windows shut. Random incidents of banditry do occur in the northern national parks.
Emergency
Dial 999. British High Commission, PO Box 9200, Hifadhi House, Samora Avenue, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Tel. (255)(51) 117 659/(255)(51) 112 950. Fax: (255)(51) 112 951.
Customs
Zanzibar is a Muslim society so it's wise to dress modestly, especially in Stone Town.
Pets
Not advisable. Quarantine rules would apply when bringing your pet back into the UK.
Tipping
Tip safari drivers, guides and porters.
Tourist office
Tanzanian Trade Centre and Tourist Office, 80 Borough High Street, London SE1 1LL. Tel. 020 7407 0566.
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