Tanzania Travel Facts from Authentic Tanzania

Tanzania is located on the East coast of Africa and borders 8 other African countries. Whilst the political capital is Dodoma, located in the centre of the country, Dar es Salaam is very much the commercial capital, whilst Arusha lays claim to being the tourist capital.

Dar es Salaam is the gateway to the tourist attractions of southern Tanzania and the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia, whilst Arusha services the ‘northern circuit’.

MONEY

The currency used in the Tanzanian shilling with the exchange rate very roughly 1330 shillings to 1 US $ (March 2010). US$ are the most widely accepted foreign currency and most tourist establishments work in US$.

At present credit cards are still not widely accepted. City centre hotels of a good standard should accept credit cards but the more remote safari lodges will not. ATM machines can now be found in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, Mwanza and Iringa but credit cards should not be relied upon as sole source of finance.

TIME ZONE

GMT + 3 hours

GETTING THERE

There are international airports in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.

There are flights from Europe with British Airways (a direct flight to Dar es Salaam), KLM (daily to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam), Emirates, Ethiopian Airways, Swiss, South African Airways and Kenya Airways (for connections from Nairobi). Look at our links page for airline information.

British Airways is a direct flight and arrives in the morning in Dar es Salaam. There are connecting flights to Selous Game Reserve from the BA arrival making this a good logistical option for southern Tanzania safaris.

VISAS

Check with your local Tanzanian High Commission for latest visa costs and requirements. It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania but there can be long queues at the airport so it is advisable to organize your visa in advance. Please note there is also a departure tax of $25.

VACCINATIONS

Proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination is required only if arriving from an infected area, for example Kenya. Diptheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and Meningitis vaccinations are all advised.

Malaria is prevalent throughout the country, so prophylactics should be used, as well as taking sensible precautions to avoid being bitten, such as using insect repellant, covering exposed skin and using a mosquito net at night.

CUSTOMS

Tanzania is one of the most hospitable and friendly countries in Africa with a history of peaceful co existence. Please respect all local customs especially when visiting Muslim communities.

It is offensive in many areas for women to walk around with exposed shoulders and wear short skirts or shorts – as a general rule this should be observed in all areas of Tanzania.
Also passing and receiving items with your left hand is offensive to Muslim society so bear this in mind in shops and restaurants when exchanging money.
Always ask before taking a photograph. If you are asked for money think how you would feel if people kept pointing a camera at you.

When haggling remember that the average monthly wage in Tanzania is about US$50, it is best to give a fair price related to the value the item means to you. That last 50 cents could mean feeding an extra meal to a family.

TRAVEL EXTRAS - Suggestions and tips on travel insurance, UK airport parking and hotels

Challenges/Annoyances

Tanzania is without doubt one of the safest countries in Africa but there is also incredible poverty and as such there is always a slight risk of crime. However basic precautions should make your stay completely trouble free.Never exchange money on the street and do not buy drugs.Do not walk along beaches at night even with a friend – stick to well lit areas. In Zanzibar remember your new found beach boy ‘friends’ have many other ‘friends’ waiting nearby.There is a very high risk of HIV throughout Africa. In all tourist areas of Tanzania there are many male and female prostitutes. If you decide to sleep with a prostitute then make sure you take very sensible precautions for very unsensible actions, you will almost certainly be putting yourself at extreme risk.Use common sense at all times when walking around the cities, e.g. don’t walk around with anything which you do not want to lose.Keep photocopies of all important documentation separate from the originals so if you do lose anything replacement will be easier.Bus and train stations always attract petty thieves chancing their luck, be extra careful when traveling and never leave baggage unattended.On safari don’t forget that animals are in their own natural habitat, always listen to and follow the advice of your safari guide.The old adage take only photographs leave only footprints should always apply.It is illegal to take home seashells, turtle shells and animal skins – they will be confiscated if found at the airport. Please do not buy any of these items as it encourages the dessicration of Tanzania’s natural resources. For latest travel advice check the below link.

British Foreign Office

For most visitors to Tanzania some of the best memories you will take home will be of the friendly welcome received throughout the country – have a great trip and we look forward to welcoming you back.