CCI: Tanzania Travel Guide

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Programs Abroad for Americans in Tanzania

Travel Guide

Fast Facts, Holidays                                   Getting Around

Lay of the Land                                          Money

Climate and Best Time to Go                      Food, Clothing and Modes of Dress

Passport and Visa                                      Packing Tips

Health and Safety                                      Helpful Websites

Fast Facts Stone Town in Zanzibar

Capital City: Dodoma (political) Dar es Salaam (commercial capital)

Population: 35 million

Language: English, Swahili

Dialing code: 255

Religion: Christian (45%); Muslim (35%); Animist (20%)

Electricity: 230V (universal adapter needed)

Currency: Tanzania Shilling (TZS)

Airport Code: DAR- Dar es Salaam International Airport

Lay of the Land

Officially created in 1964 when the two states of Zanzibar and Tanganyika joined together to form one country, Tanzania is roughly two times the size of California. It is bordered by Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi to the north, Zambia and Malawi to the west, Mozambique to the south and the Indian Ocean to the west. This East African country boasts home to many natural beauties including Mount Kilimanjaro, Lake Victoria, the Great Rift Valley, and famous national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro that are teeming with wildlife including lions, zebras, and wildebeests.

Swahili, also called Kiswahili, is the official language of Tanzania, however, you can still hear over 100 other languages spoken, most which have Bantu roots. English is also widely spoken and is the preferred language in high schools and universities.

The traditional capital of Tanzania was Dar es Salaam, which is still the commercial capital of the country as well as a major port city on the Indian Ocean connecting all of Eastern Africa with the rest of the world. More recently, the political capital has been moved to Dodoma, which is located in the center of the country. Agriculture is Tanzania’s main source of economic livelihood accounting for half of their GDP and almost 85% of exports. However, drought conditions over the last century have made it increasingly difficult to cultivate more land as well as further industrial development. More than half of Tanzanians continue to live in extreme poverty.

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Best Time to Go and Climate

Although the entire country is considered to have a tropical climate, the coastal regions are much more humid while the central regions are warm and dry. The best time to go is the dry season that runs from July through February. Although prices will be higher due to the influx in tourists, it may be worth it to experience a true African Safari watching the famous wildebeest migration from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in Kenya. The rainy season runs from March to May. Since the majority of roads are not well paved in Tanzania, the rainfall makes them very muddy and your travel between towns may be slowed a bit.

For the mountain climbers, the best time to scale Kilimanjaro is from July- October or January- March. If you are interested in bird watching, you can see around 160 species of migrating birds between December and February. The months after the rainy season are best to view the budding flora and fauna that line the Eastern Arc Mountains or the mangrove swamps along the coast.

Passport and Visa

Anyone from the US will need a valid passport and visa to enter Tanzania. You may also be asked to show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Be sure to apply for a passport if you do not already have one well in advance of your departure date. You can get passport photos taken at any photography shop. For a passport application and information, you can go to many federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. To find a location near you, go to http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/ and type in your zip code.

You will also need to apply for a single-entry or double-entry visa. You can obtain this visa information and application form from the Embassy of Tanzania in Washington D.C. We recommend visiting their website at http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org.

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Health

In all large cities you will be able to find hospitals and clinics that will be able to treat everything from critical emergencies to common colds. As you travel in to rural areas, be sure to take any medications necessary as clinics and pharmacies are fewer. The health care system in Tanzania is comprised of both public and private facilities, most of these which are located in urban areas. You will need to be prepared to pay for your medical expenses at the time of service so be ready with some extra cash as most facilities do not take credit cards.

You should plan to see your doctor or health care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your departure date to allow vaccines or other medications to take effect. Do not take preventative medication or get vaccinations unless recommended by your health care provider, as he or she will be able to determine how you should prepare based on prior medical history and any health conditions you have experienced. Specific vaccines for travelers going to East Africa are: Festival

Yellow Fever

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Typhoid

Meningitis

Polio

Rabies

Antimalarial medication is usually taken before your trip. Please note that Chloroquine is not an affective antimalarial drug in Tanzania and should not be taken to prevent malaria in this region. We highly recommend that you visit the CDC’s website for updated information about health precautions, travel notices and vaccinations.

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinationTanzania.aspx

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Safety

Avoid eating street food or drinking water unless it is bottled or boiled, as you can easily get sick from food sold by street vendors or bacteria in the water. Although the locals may tell you the food or drink is safe, and even eat it themselves, it is highly discouraged. Diseases and other infections can be prevented by only consuming food and drinks from people you know and trust.

Preventing mosquito bites is important, and to do that you should use bug repellent, wear longer pants or shirts, avoid being outside at dusk and dawn, and sleep in beds covered with mosquito nets treated with permethrin.

Child Mugging and petty theft or crime can happen anywhere, especially in crowded markets or while taking public transportation. Always keep your personal belongings in sight, and as stated earlier, do not carry large amounts of cash or several credit/debit cards. You should place your cash in a different place than your credit card, and also try to keep your ID separate. Putting valuables in your back pockets is a bad idea as that is the first place petty thieves look to take something. A money belt is a good way to keep important things hidden.

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Getting Around

There are several modes of transportation while traveling in Tanzania allowing you to get from wherever you are to where you need to go!

Dalla-Dallas: A dalla-dalla, or mini-bus, is a very popular mode of transportation for the locals. They are privately owned and are a great way to travel shorter distances between towns or within bigger cities. There are set routes but a passenger may disembark where he pleases. If you hop on a dalla-dalla, be prepared to squeeze your way on as they are very crowded. Make sure to keep your eye on your personal belongings!

Train: There are two major railway lines in Tanzania that carry passengers and both are connected to Dar es Salaam. The main way to connect from city to city is by way of the Tanzania Railway Corporation offering many destinations and frequent departures. Tazara Trains operate between Dar es Salaam and Zambia.

Tanzania Girl

Air: This is a quick way to travel within the country and domestic flights are not too expensive. Two recommended airlines to use are Air Tanzania and Precision Air.

Bus: There are plenty of buses available in Tanzania and it is by far the most economical way to get around. When traveling between cities, there are a few different bus lines to choose from and tickets generally cost between 5 and 25 USD. Often you can choose between a first class seat and economy, although make sure you mention it while purchasing your ticket! Buses are also the preferred mode of transportation within a city as well. These buses are often extremely crowded and not as well maintained.

Car: Car rental is available in Tanzania but may not be the safest or cheapest way to get around. Most of the roads are not in great shape so driving can take longer and a car with 4WD is a must. You will most likely need to show proof of an international driver’s license as well as a major credit card to secure your rental. Also, watch out… Tanzanians drive on the left side of the road!

Taxi: Taxis are available in all major cities and towns. Make sure you know where you are going since you will need to bargain with your driver to get a fair price. Bicycle taxis and motorbike taxis (moda-modas) are also common; just hop on the back and get ready for a ride.

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Money

The unit of currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania Schilling (TZS). 1 USD is equivalent to 1,167 TZS. It is easy to exchange U.S. dollars upon your arrival in Tanzania. You will want to make sure you keep a variety of bills, some of them smaller to use for bus fares and tips. For up to date exchange rates, please visit www.xe.com.

Father with child You can find ATMs in all large cities that are quite easy to use. Traveler’s checks are an option but not advisable. You

will have to make sure you change them at a large bank or currency exchange location in order to get the highest rate and whether or not the bank decides to change them can be hit or miss. Major international credit cards are only accepted at high-end hotels and restaurants and with many safari tour operators.

Bartering is very common in Tanzania in public markets and on the street. It is expected that you will attempt to negotiate the price and vendors will generally come down a bit from their initial offer. However, if you are in an established business or restaurant, prices are usually set and you are expected to pay that price.

As always, be careful with your money. It is advised to wear a money belt and not to carry all your credit cards or cash with you at the same time. While taking public transportation and shopping in markets, be sure to safeguard your wallet.

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Food

There are many different foods that you will find in Kenya and trying all of them is definitely an experience. Ugali, a polenta dish accompanied by stews and meats that is traditionally eaten with your hands, is said to be Tanzania’s unofficial national dish. It is common for families to pass down their variations of this recipe for many generations. Other local favorites include Mtori, cooked beef and bananas, and Mchicha, a vegetable stew often containing meat or fish. Chips Mayai, chips cooked in an omelet, is a very popular snack that one can find almost every street vendor selling. If you want to try a favorite drink, ask for Chai Maziwa, chai tea with milk and a whole lot of sugar! Of course you can find many tropical fruits such as coconut, mango, banana, and pineapple.

Clothing and Modes of Dress Blue door

Like many other developing countries, fashionable dress and clothing styles are becoming more similar to those of Western Europe and North America, yet still have a distinctively African feel. However, sporting tiny tank tops or shorter skirts and shorts may still be seen as inappropriate apparel unless you are getting ready for bed or sunbathing.

A kanga, or sarong, is adorned with bright colors and Swahili proverbs, and is typically worn by women around the waist or torso. It has a number of other uses, such as aprons, baby carriers or picnic blankets and can be purchased almost anywhere in Tanzania.

It is important to note that you may encounter the native Maasai people who are dressed in colorful tribal garb and want to snap a few photos. This is ok to do, however, out of respect, you should always ask permission first and they will expect a small payment in return for the photo opp.

Packing Tips

It is important that you pack lightly while traveling and make sure you only take the things you will really need. Bringing an electrical converter and plug adapter is essential if you plan to use hair dryers or other electronics. The voltage in Tanzania is 230V, plug type D & G, and any universal converter and adapter kit should be fine. Here are a few items you do not want to leave home without:

-sunscreen

-insect repellent with DEET

-2 pair of lightweight pants

-long sleeve shirts, lightweight

-hat and or bandanas

-closed toed, sturdy shoes comfortable for walking

- Prescription medicines you take every day

-An extra pair of prescription lenses, if you wear them, and/or extra pairs of contact lenses

-Medicine for diarrhea, usually over-the-counter

-Antimalarial drugs prescribed by your doctor

-Mosquito nets

-small first aid kit