Overview of Tanzania
Tanzania boasts the highest mountain on the continent and the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar, as well as the famous Serengeti National Park. The park is the location of arguably the greatest spectacle of animal behaviour, the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra followed by their predators.
The Great Rift Valley gives rise to the unique geological formations found in the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is also home to one of the world's largest game reserves, the UNESCO-listed Selous, which covers an area larger than Switzerland. This absolute wealth of natural attractions makes the country a bucket-list destination for nature lovers. Tanzania is richly endowed with many animal and bird species and offers some of the finest game viewing on the continent.
Dar-es-Salaam is the largest city, a hustling, bustling and surprisingly scenic tropical seaport that is a common starting point for trips into the country. A dusty safari into the vast wilderness is superbly complemented by time spent on the refreshing Zanzibar islands, with white palm-fringed beaches, beautiful coral gardens, and the historic Stone Town, a reminder of its days as a major spice and slave trade centre.
Tanzania is home to hundreds of different ethnic groups and cultures, from the red-clad herders of the Masai tribes on the Serengeti to the modestly veiled women of Zanzibar's Islamic Stone Town. The warmth and smiling faces of its friendly people will touch the heart of every traveller.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Swahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
-
Most visitors entering Tanzania require a visa. Passports must contain one unused visa page. Visitors may obtain a visa on arrival at Dar-es-Salaam or Zanzibar airports, costing between US$ 50 and US$ 200 depending on nationality, payable in cash. Visa must be paid with notes of US $50 or US $100.
All visitors also require proof of sufficient funds and should hold documentation for their return or onward journey. Passports should be valid for at least six months from date of entry. Those arriving from an infected country must hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. The tourism industry prices everything in US Dollars and this is the preferred unit of currency. Money can be exchanged in larger towns; foreign exchange bureaux may offer a better rate of exchange than banks. ATMs are available in major towns and cities. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a surcharge.
- Electricity:
- 230 volts, 50Hz. Rectangular or round three-pin plugs are used.
Travel to Tanzania
Overview
Synonymous with the Serengeti and the tropical island of Zanzibar, Tanzania is an eco-tourist's dream, a bucket-list destination for wildlife safaris, and an idyllic beach getaway all in one. Wonderful game-viewing opportunities abound in Tanzania and the most popular parks include the Mount Kilimanjaro Game Park and the Serengeti National Park.
The former is most commonly visited by travellers keen to summit the famous Kilimanjaro, a magnificent hike which is surprisingly easy considering the height of the mountain, but should certainly not be attempted without training and planning. The Serengeti National Park, on the other hand, is a prime safari destination, its crowing jewel the annual wildebeest migration which qualifies as one of the natural wonders of the world.
Off the shore of mainland Africa, Zanzibar is known for crystalline turquoise waters and sandy white beaches on its north shore. Apart from the glorious beaches, resort attractions, and water sports, the mysterious Stone Town intrigues visitors on Zanzibar with its UNESCO-listed melange of 19th-century Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences.
The quickest and most comfortable way to travel round this magical country is to fly between cities, but for the more rural areas and game parks it's advisable to hire a car (preferably a 4x4) or join a tour. For those on a budget, taking the bus is the cheapest and easiest way to travel, but the accident rate is high due to bad roads and overloaded vehicles so caution should be exercised.
Climate in Tanzania
Tanzania is hot throughout the year and is humid on the coast and dry on the central plateau. The heavy rains last from March to June and can make road travel difficult. The hot, dry weather in January and February attracts the most tourists. Zanzibar has a warm climate year-round and its coastal resorts are tempered by sea breezes. The island is best avoided in April and May, the rainy season.
The best time to visit the Serengeti is from January to March when the grazers are calving and there are plenty of lions around. The famous wildebeest migration takes place over a number of months, roughly at the onset of the dry season and again with the first rains. Depending on where travellers want to be to watch the migration and what stage they want to witness they can visit anytime between April and mid-November.
Health Notes when travelling to Tanzania
Travellers are advised to see a doctor or visit a travel clinic at least three weeks before leaving for Tanzania. Visitors should consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, and polio. There is a risk of malaria all year and outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever occur; travellers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and take malaria medication.
Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should be avoided, as meat and milk products from animals may not have been cooked thoroughly. Sleeping sickness is a risk in the game parks, including the Serengeti, and visitors should take precautions against bites by tsetse flies.
There is a high prevalence of HIV/Aids. Cholera outbreaks are common throughout the country and visitors are advised to drink bottled or sterilised water only. Travellers climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are at risk for altitude sickness.
Medical services are available in Dar-es-Salaam and other main towns, but facilities and supplies are limited even in cities and often non-existent in rural areas. Visitors with particular requirements should take their own medicines. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Tanzania
As in other East African countries, the threat from terrorism is quite high in Tanzania and visitors should be cautious in public places, tourist sites, and hotels, particularly in Zanzibar's Stone Town. The area bordering Burundi should also be avoided.
Street crime is a problem in Tanzania, especially in Dar es Salaam, and tourists should be alert and cautious. Lonely beaches and footpaths are often targeted, and women are particularly vulnerable to attacks. Visitors should leave valuables in their hotel safe and not carry too much cash on them at any time.
Armed crime is on the increase and there have been serious attacks on foreigners in Arusha and on Pemba Island. There have also been reports of robberies and kidnapping on Zanzibar, and piracy in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden is a serious concern with commercial and tourist vessels being fired upon and several British tourists taken hostage.
Road accidents are common in Tanzania due to poor road and vehicle conditions, violation of traffic regulations and exhaustion among long-distance drivers. There have also been a number of ferry accidents in Tanzania in recent years. Caution should be exercised: if a bus or ferry seems overloaded or in poor condition, don't get on.
Customs in Tanzania
Tanzanians are known to be friendly and generally welcoming, but travellers should be sensitive to local cultural mores. Drunkenness is frowned upon and Tanzanians feel strongly about showing respect for their elders.
Visitors to Zanzibar should be aware that it is a predominantly Muslim region and visitors should dress modestly and respectfully. Beachwear is fine on the beach or around a hotel pool, but not acceptable elsewhere. Topless sunbathing is a criminal offence. Some tourists buys a local sarong, called a kanga, which can be used to cover shoulders when needed, or otherwise be used as a scalf or towel.
Smoking in public places is illegal. Tourists should be especially careful during Ramadan when public drinking, smoking and even eating should be avoided.
Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania.
Duty Free in Tanzania
Travellers to Tanzania do not have to pay duty on 250g tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and 500ml of alcoholic beverages. Restrictions apply to firearms, plants, plant products, and fruits.
Doing Business in Tanzania
Although Tanzanians come across as relaxed and friendly, it is important to observe certain formalities, especially with greetings. It is advisable to learn a few Swahili phrases when greeting, followed by a handshake.
Women and men rarely shake hands in Swahili culture; however, if the woman extends her hand, the man is obliged to take it. Tanzanians are to be addressed as Mr, Mrs, and Ms, followed by the family name.
Business dress is seldom very formal but lightweight suits are recommended for formal occasions. Business hours are similar to Western countries, but a longer lunch break is taken during the hotter months, and business continues later in the evening from Monday to Friday.
Communication in Tanzania
The international country dialling code for Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, is +255. There is good mobile phone coverage in main cities and towns, while rural areas may have limited coverage. There are international roaming agreements with most international operators. Avoid making telephone calls from hotels; they can be very expensive. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Tipping in Tanzania
Waiters in the better restaurants should be tipped around 10 percent. Guides, porters and cooks in the wildlife parks and on safari trips expect tips. The amount is discretionary according to standard of service and the number in your party.
Passport/Visa Note
Most visitors entering Tanzania require a visa. Passports must contain one unused visa page. Visitors may obtain a visa on arrival at Dar-es-Salaam or Zanzibar airports, costing between US$ 50 and US$ 200 depending on nationality, payable in cash. Visa must be paid with notes of US $50 or US $100.
All visitors also require proof of sufficient funds and should hold documentation for their return or onward journey. Passports should be valid for at least six months from date of entry. Those arriving from an infected country must hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination. Those with British passports with endorsements other than 'British Citizen' should confirm official requirements. Visitors with 'British Overseas Territories Citizen' shown on the biodata page are visa exempt for 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South Africans do not require a visa if intending to stay for a maximum of up to 90 days, provided that the passport is valid for six months from date of entry. Otherwise, a visa is required for longer stays. Visitors must hold return/onward tickets and all documents required for their next destination. Business travellers will be required to pay a fee of $200 on arrival.
Tourist Offices
Tanzanian Tourist Office: +255 22 2664878/9 or http://www.tanzaniatouristboard.com
Tanzania Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Embassy of Tanzania, Washington DC, United States: +1 (0)202 884 1080
- In Canada:
-
High Commission of Tanzania, Ottawa, Canada: +1 (0)613 232 1509
- In the United Kingdom:
-
High Commission of Tanzania, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7569 1470
- In Australia:
-
Embassy of Tanzania, Tokyo, Japan (also responsible for Australia and New Zealand): +81 (0)3 3425 4531
- In South Africa:
-
High Commission of Tanzania, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 4371
Foreign Embassies in Tanzania
- American Embassy
-
United States Embassy, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 229 4000
- Canadian Embassy
-
Canadian High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam (also responsible for Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles): +255 (0)22 216 3300
- British Embassy
-
British High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 229 0000
- Australian Embassy
-
Australian High Commission, Nairobi, Kenya (also responsible for Tanzania): +252 (0)20 4277 100
- Irish Embassy
-
Irish Embassy, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 260 2355
- New Zealand Embassy
-
New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Tanzania): +27 (0)12 435 9000
- South African Embassy
-
South African High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 221 8500
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Tanzania, including Zanzibar
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Tanzania, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Tanzania. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Cholera | Cholera is a risk in parts of Tanzania. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information). | |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Malaria | Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Tanzania. |   |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Tanzania, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Tanzania
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
| Yellow Fever | Health recommendation: CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccine for most travelers to Tanzania. However, you might consider this vaccine if you are staying a long time or will be heavily exposed to mosquitoes.
Country entry requirement: The government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - see complete list: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Tanzania. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. | |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Tanzania, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Tanzania. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Tanzania. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Talk to your doctor about how to prevent malaria while traveling. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, especially if you are visiting low-altitude areas. See more detailed information about malaria in Tanzania.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Tanzania, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Tanzania
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Health recommendation: CDC does not recommend yellow fever vaccine for most travelers to Tanzania. However, you might consider this vaccine if you are staying a long time or will be heavily exposed to mosquitoes.
Country entry requirement: The government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - see complete list: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Tanzania. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Tanzania, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Tanzania. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Some diseases in Tanzania—such as dengue, leishmaniasis, and African sleeping sickness—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.
Note: Zika is a risk in Tanzania. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.
Hide If your travel plans in Tanzania include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular outdoor activities for travelers visiting Tanzania. The high altitude may lead to altitude sickness. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent and treat altitude sickness.
See Travel to High Altitudes.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Tanzania. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Tanzania’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Tanzania. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Tanzania may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Tanzania, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
For information traffic safety and road conditions in Tanzania, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Tanzania.
Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Tanzania.
- Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
- LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
To call for emergency services while in Tanzania, dial either 112 or 999. Write these numbers down to carry with you on your trip.
Learn as much as you can about Tanzania before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on Tanzania from the US Department of State.
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Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Tanzania for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Tanzania, including Zanzibar.
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If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. The tourism industry prices everything in US Dollars and this is the preferred unit of currency. Money can be exchanged in larger towns; foreign exchange bureaux may offer a better rate of exchange than banks. ATMs are available in major towns and cities. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a surcharge.
Dar es Salaam International (DAR)
Julius Nyerere International Airport
Location: Dar Es Salaam The airport is situated eight miles (13km) southwest of Dar es Salaam.
Time: Local time is GMT +3.
Contacts:
Tel: +255 (0)22 284 4324
Transfer between terminals:
Transferring between the terminals is not usually required but can be done on foot or by taxi.
Getting to the city:
Most large hotels offer airport pick-up services and it is a good idea to arrange these when possible. Taxis are almost always available. It is also possible to rent a car.
Car rental:
Car hire companies operate at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis can be easily hailed from outside the terminal building but few of these have meters so it is best to negotiate a price first. The journey to the city can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
Facilities:
The airport has a post office, ATMs, a bureau de change, restaurants, bars, duty free shops, a business lounge, and a tourist help desk. Facilities are available for disabled travellers.
Parking:
There is a car park at the airport.
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
Kilimanjaro International Airport
http://www.kilimanjaroairport.co.tz
Location: Arusha The airport is located 25 miles (40km) southeast of Arusha.
Time: Local time is GMT +3.
Contacts:
+255 27 2554252
Getting to the city:
There are no buses from the airport, however some hotels and tour operators will arrange shuttle services. The drive to Arusha takes about 45 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental agencies are located at the airport, and some have 4x4s available to rent.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport. The trip to Arusha takes about 45 minutes.
Facilities:
The airport has several shops and restaurants, an ATM, bureau de change, as well as business and VIP lounges.
Parking:
Parking is available outside the airport.
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
http://www.zaa.go.tz
Location: Zanzibar The airport is located three miles (5km) south of Stone Town
Time: Local time is GMT +3.
Contacts:
+255 24 2233979
Getting to the city:
Taxis are available at the terminal. Some hotels in Stone Town offer shuttle services from the airport.
Car rental:
While car rental companies are not located at the airport, most are only a short distance away and easily accessible from Arrivals by a short taxi transfer.
Airport Taxis:
There is a taxi rank at the terminal. Taxis will have a set list of prices, though you can negotiate them down.
Facilities:
The airport has limited facilities, with small shops selling souvenirs, gifts, snacks, and beverages.
Parking:
There is limited parking space at the airport.
Overview of the Attractions in Tanzania
Synonymous with the Serengeti and the tropical island of Zanzibar, Tanzania is an eco-tourist's dream, a bucket-list destination for wildlife safaris, and an idyllic beach getaway all in one. Wonderful game-viewing opportunities abound in Tanzania and the most popular parks include the Mount Kilimanjaro Game Park and the Serengeti National Park.
The former is most commonly visited by travellers keen to summit the famous Kilimanjaro, a magnificent hike which is surprisingly easy considering the height of the mountain, but should certainly not be attempted without training and planning. The Serengeti National Park, on the other hand, is a prime safari destination, its crowing jewel the annual wildebeest migration which qualifies as one of the natural wonders of the world.
Off the shore of mainland Africa, Zanzibar is known for crystalline turquoise waters and sandy white beaches on its north shore. Apart from the glorious beaches, resort attractions, and water sports, the mysterious Stone Town intrigues visitors on Zanzibar with its UNESCO-listed melange of 19th-century Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences.
The quickest and most comfortable way to travel round this magical country is to fly between cities, but for the more rural areas and game parks it's advisable to hire a car (preferably a 4x4) or join a tour. For those on a budget, taking the bus is the cheapest and easiest way to travel, but the accident rate is high due to bad roads and overloaded vehicles so caution should be exercised.
Serengeti National Park
National Parks and Reserves
Meaning 'endless plains' in the Masai language, the Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest park and one of the world's best wildlife refuges, continuous with Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve to the north. The open plains are home to an estimated three million large mammals involved in seasonal migration, and together with the birds and smaller animals it has the largest concentration of wildlife in the world. The Serengeti is famous for the Great Migration, possibly the most astounding occurrence in the animal kingdom that is known to humankind. During this time, millions of hoofed animals, predominantly wildebeest, form one massive herd and leave the dry plains of Tanzania in search of greener grazing and water to the north. Bringing up the rear of the procession are the weak, the young, and the crippled, followed closely by large numbers of vigilant predators, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. The season varies according to the rains, but the best time
to witness the northward migration is usually from the beginning of June and again on their return in mid-November. If not coming for the migration, the best time to visit this famous national park is between January and March, when the grazers are calving and the weather is dry and sunny.
Website: http://www.serengeti.org
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
National Parks and Reserves
Rising above the plains of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a vast, UNESCO-listed protected area that includes the important archaeological site of Olduvai Gorge and its main attraction, the Ngorongoro Crater. Once the site of an active volcano, the crater was formed about two million years ago when its cone collapsed on itself. Today the crater floor, supplied with permanent water and ringed with towering forested sides, serves as a natural cradle for an astounding abundance of wildlife. With an incredible width of 12 miles (20km) and a depth of 2,001ft (610m), the crater is the largest caldera in the world and is home to tens of thousands of animals, including rhino, buffalo, and large herds of zebra and wildebeest. There are also dense concentrations of predators attracted by the large variety of grazers, and prides of lion with magnificent black-maned males are one of the highlights. The lakes attract a rich variety of birdlife, including
flamingos, and wallowing hippos, while some animals can be found surrounding the crater rim or on the forested slopes, such as giraffe and elephant. The views from the crater rim are spectacular and all the lodges are situated along its edge affording superb vistas over and into the crater. Access onto the crater floor is by four-wheel drive only and a game ranger must accompany all vehicles.
Website: http://www.ngorongorocrater.org
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
National Parks and Reserves
Rising 19,341ft (5,895m) above the African plains, the magnificent solitary peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is the dominant feature of this national park. The lush rainforest on its lower slopes is home to a number of animals including elephant, buffalo, rhino, monkey, and leopard. Its dormant volcano is remarkable in many ways, not only for its snow-covered peaks and glaciers rising out of a humid equatorial jungle, but also because it is the highest freestanding mountain in the world, a huge cone unattached to a mountain range, and Africa's highest peak. Its magnetism has attracted researchers, mountaineers, and adventurers for years. It is the only mountain of its size that can be scaled by inexperienced hikers, although altitude sickness is common and can be fatal. There are six different routes with varying degrees of difficulty, and a wide range of organised treks and experienced guides. But the easiest and most popular way to reach the summit is on the Marangu
Trail, which takes about five days, with nights spent in huts along the way. Views from the top are breath-taking, especially at dawn, with the best time to climb the mountain between August and November.
Address: The Kilimanjaro National Park headquarters is situated at Marangu
Website: http://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz
Peace Memorial Museum
Zanzibar
Home to a wealth of Zanzibar's memorabilia, the Peace Memorial Museum is a great place to discover the intriguing history and culture of the islands. With exhibits including traditional carvings and local wildlife displays covering reptiles and birds, visitors can also view relics from the age of the Sultans and early explorers such as Chinese porcelain, an old palm oil-powered bicycle lamp, and David Livingstone's medical chest. Built as a peace memorial by British architect J.H. Sinclair, the beautiful spherical design of the museum acknowledges Zanzibar's Arab influence and is reminiscent of the eastern architecture of Istanbul and India. Look out for the cumbersome land tortoises that inhabit the Museum's lush garden. Those looking for a touch of education on their tropical beach holiday should find a visit to this museum informative.
Address: Benjamin Mkapa Rd, Zanzibar Town
Northern Beaches of Zanzibar
Zanzibar
There are many superb beaches and picturesque villages around Zanzibar ideal for those wanting to get away from the bustling town life, particularly along the northeast coast. Modestly veiled women make bright splashes of colour along stretches of white sandy beach, dhows with curved sails drift along close to shore, and fishermen offer their fresh catches of the day to the simple seaside restaurants. Miles of pristine beaches are dotted with pockets of guesthouses, particularly around Kendwa and the fishing village of Nungwi, renowned for its tradition of boat building and one of the most popular locations, particularly with the younger crowd. There is excellent diving and deep-sea fishing off this coast. One of the most beautiful and isolated beaches is at Matemwe, and the small offshore island of Mnemba has a fine coral reef offering some of Zanzibar's best diving.
Old Fort
Zanzibar
The Old Fort was built at the turn of the 17th century on the remains of a Portuguese church and crumbling Arab garrison. It was constructed to protect the lucrative Spice Islands from invading Portuguese seafarers and Mazrui Arabs of Mombassa. The thick walls and castellated battlements later acted as a place of incarceration, detaining local criminals and slaves. In later, years the fort functioned as the depot for the Bububu Railway, Zanzibar's first railway, which once wound from Zanzibar Town to Bububu. Nowadays, the Old Fort houses shops and henna painting stores and the Cultural Centre where visitors can marvel at the fine artistry of local craftsmen at work. In the evening, local music and dancing at the open-air theatre brightens up the night and occasional film screenings are shown.
Address: Mizingani Street, Stone Town
Palace Museum
Zanzibar
Illuminating the lifestyle of the Sultans of Zanzibar, the Palace Museum became the official residence of the Al Busid dynasty in 1911. Built in the 1890s, the extensive white building is situated on a harbour road with breath-taking sea views. It is the most recent of the Sultans' palaces and was occupied till the revolution in 1964. The Palace Museum houses an impressive collection of the Sultans' elaborate furniture and possessions, as well as a room dedicated to the life of Sultan Sayyid Said's daughter, Princess Salme. Renowned for her manuscript, Memoirs of an Arabian Princess, this significant autobiography is the only known written account of what life was like for Arab women of the Royal court in the 1800s. Excerpts from the book, family photographs, and samples of Princess Salme's wardrobe are also on display. Outside the museum is the Makusurani graveyard where some of the sultans are buried. For those interested in the opulent lives of Zanzibar's
Sultans, this is a fascinating attraction.
Address: Mizingani Road, Stone Town
Anglican Cathedral and Slave Market
Zanzibar
The colossal Anglican Cathedral in Stone Town is located on the grounds of the island's largest former slave market. The cathedral's altar stands on the exact location of the former whipping post, a tree where slaves were brutalised to show their strength and resilience to potential slave owners. Building began in 1873 to commemorate the end of the slave trade and was conducted by Edward Steere, third bishop of Zanzibar and a fervent abolitionist. The cathedral has a combination of Gothic and Arabic styles and is noted for its Basilica shape and barrel vault roof, which the populace believed would never hold. Taking ten years to build, Edward Steere died of a heart attack during construction and was buried behind the altar. Look out for the stark memorial outside the cathedral, a sculpture of a slave family bound round the neck by a chain.
Address: Near the junction of New Mkunazini Road and Creek Road, Stone Town
House of Wonders (Beit el-Ajaib)
Zanzibar
The first building in Zanzibar to have electricity and the first building in East Africa to have an elevator, Beit el-Ajaib (which translates into the House of Wonders) was the former ceremonial palace of Sultan Barghash and was built in 1883 on the site of the 16th-century Queen Fatuma's residence. A striking white building, the House of Wonders has housed many influential tenants, used by the British as their local offices and as the headquarters of Tanzania's political party CCM. While the building is now in disrepair and not open to the public, one can still admire the architecture. The multiple verandas, Arabic arches, heavy wooden door, and embossed cannons are all a fascinating.
Address: Mizingani Road, Stone Town
Central Market
Zanzibar
A vibrant array of colours and spicy scents lures visitors to the vibrant Central Market in Stone Town. Opened in 1904, the numerous stalls run over with tropical fruits, exotic spices, brightly coloured khangas (worn by local women), and rare provisions such as pomegranates and red bananas. Locals come daily from the surrounding areas to display their subsistence wares, and fishermen display their catch of the day with a pungent array of fresh fish from huge marlins to salty sardines. The market is chaotic and can prove a bit overwhelming for some people, but it is an exciting, colourful cultural experience and worth a quick stroll at least. Foodies will enjoy sampling the rare fruits and local specialities. Speaking of food, the best place for a sampling of traditional street food is the night market by the waterfront of the Forodhani Gardens.
Address: Benjamin Mkapa Road (Creek Road), Stone Town
Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Area
Zanzibar
The largest conservation area in Zanzibar and the only remaining natural mangrove forest on the island, the Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Area is renowned for its hairy ape residents, the Red Colobus Monkeys. Endemic to Zanzibar, these entertaining creatures attract visitors from far and wide. The species is highly endangered, now numbering only about 1,500. Due to large-scale cultivation, firewood collection, harvesting building materials and charcoal and lime making, Zanzibar's forests have been largely depleted, making the Jozani Chwaka Bay conservation area a significant natural landscape and well worth protecting. Nature lovers can walk through the 100 different towering tree species and marvel at the rich variety of birds and other small wildlife that inhabits the cool woodland area. Exploring the mangrove forest is a refreshing break from the sunny beaches.
Address: 23 miles (37km) south of Stone Town
Mtoni Palace Ruins
Zanzibar
If you are looking for a place to escape the bustle of Stone Town for a few hours, head north to the peaceful Maruhubi and Mtoni Palace ruins. Sultan Said bin Sultan first built Mtoni between 1828 and 1834 after he left Muscat and made Zanzibar his throne. It was also the childhood home of Princess Salme. The decadent Maruhubi Palace was built later in the 1880s by Sultan Barghash as a harem for his 99 concubines and wife. The structure was mainly wooden and one of the most beautiful of its time, but was gutted by a fire in 1889 and left in ruins. The rolling lawns, bathhouses, and water lily ponds are reminiscent of the affluent lives enjoyed by the palace residents over a century ago. To view a well-preserved Hammam from the 1850s continue north to the Kidichi Persian Baths, constructed by Sultan Seyyid Said for his Persian wife. Local buses stop near the palace ruins and there is no cover charge to explore, unless there is an event underway. The site is used for concerts
and lectures and travellers should find out if anything interesting is happening during their stay in the area.
Old Dispensary
Zanzibar
An architectural symbol of Zanzibar's diverse cultures and histories, the elaborate Old Dispensary was so named because it once housed a pharmacy, dispensary, and doctor. An affluent Ismaili Indian merchant, Tharia Topan, who financed the building project, laid the first brick 1887 and the building was completed in 1894. One of the most decorative buildings of the time, the Old Dispensary is adorned with ornate carved balconies, stuccowork, and stained glass windows. Restored in the early 1990s, it had a small museum which displayed old photographs of Stone Town's waterfront, but the upper floors are now mostly empty. For a stunning view of the harbour, visit the upper veranda, which is open for visitors. There are also some curio shops on the ground floor. The Old Dispensary is a beautiful building and worth passing by and photographing at the very least.
Address: Malindi Road, Stone Town
National Museum and House of Culture
Dar Es Salaam
Located next to the Botanical Gardens, the National Museum and House of Culture was opened in 1940 in the King George V Memorial Museum. A new wing was built in 1963 and King George V's car can be viewed here. Visitors can see archaeological finds such as rock paintings and a 3.6-million-year-old hominid footprint. The museum presents an overview of Tanzania's history, including displays on the Kilwa period (9th-15th century), the English and German colonial occupation, the slave trade, local rebellions, and the struggle for independence. Although by no means a state of the art museum, this simple institution has some fascinating artefacts and is a good one-stop attraction for those wanting to come to grips with the history of the country.
Address: Shaaban Robert St
Makumbusho Village Museum
Dar Es Salaam
A popular tourist attraction, the Makumbusho Village Museum displays traditional Tanzanian homes and lifestyles, representing about 18 ethnic tribes from different parts of the country. Marketed as a way to experience the whole of Tanzania in a day, the village is an interesting living museum. Visitors are taken on a tour through the homes, which include furnished huts, meeting places, and cattle pens, and can view artists and craftsmen weaving, carving, and painting. Some of the craftsmen at Makumbusho are talented artists and it is a privilege to watch them work. Traditional dance performances are held on weekends. The village is five miles (8km) from the city centre, next to the New Bagamoyo Road (Makumbusho bus stop). There is a cafe on site for refreshments.
Bongoyo Island
Dar Es Salaam
Located one and a half miles (2.5km) north of Dar es Salaam, Bongoyo Island is an uninhabited island that makes up part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. Popular with tourists and other travellers seeking leisure activities, this island offers some fantastic snorkelling opportunities as well as beautiful sandy beaches and great hikes. For those who tire of enjoying the beach, there are two well-maintained hiking trails through the interior. A small hut serves beer and grills fresh fish for lunch, but you can also bring your own picnic. The island can only be reached by means of a private boat but it is easy to find somebody eager to make the journey. The trip takes only about 30 minutes, making Bongoyo the easiest island to visit from Dar es Salaam and a great favourite with travellers.
Mafia Island
Zanzibar
Mafia Island, along with Pemba and Zanzibar, form the famous Spice Islands off the coast of Tanzania. While the name conjures images of shady criminals and glamorous heists, the real riches of Mafia Island lie underwater in its magnificent coral reef system. Mafia Island is a top diving destination for those in the know. Limited accommodation means it's a great place to hide from the tourist crowds on Zanzibar, and provides additional opportunities for fishing and swimming with whale sharks. There are also land-based activities, including trips to the bustling village on tiny Chole Island and the ruined one on Juani Island.
Website: http://www.mafiaisland.com
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
National Parks and Reserves
Said to be the most biodiverse national park in Tanzania, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is less a magnet for game viewing than for hiking. A network of forest trails criss-crosses the peaks and offers treks to hidden waterfalls and majestic vistas. A popular hike is the half-day trip to Sanje Waterfall, while the two-day hike along Mwanihana Trail provides panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Other spots to hike to include cultural and historical sites like the Mwanaruvele and Magombereka Caves. While Udzungwa Mountains National Park isn't known for its game, there are still plenty of exotic animals to spot, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterfly, and other creatures. The Iringa Red Colobus Monkey, and the Sanje-Crested Mangebay, both found only in Tanzania, can be spotted in the park. The best time to visit Udzungwa Mountains National Park is between June and October, which is the dry season (although rain is possible any time of
year).
Pemba Island
Zanzibar
The small and unspoilt Tanzanian island of Pemba is becoming a popular alternative for visitors seeking a quieter and less developed alternative to Zanzibar, located approximately 31 miles (50km) to the north. Pemba is known as the 'Green Island' in Arabic and is one of several islands that make up the Zanzibar Archipelago. The island trio consisting of Pemba, Zanzibar, and Mafia is traditionally referred to as the Spice Islands. This undulating, fertile island hosts a number of small and large scale farming enterprises. This backdrop of cultivated countryside makes for some interesting and fragrant sightseeing. Pemba offers some great dive sites with abundant marine life, untouched corals, and dizzying vertical drop-offs. The towns of Chake-Chake (the capital), Mkoani, and Wete have some interesting cultural and archaeological attractions influenced by the local Arab and Waswahili peoples; the island is recognised as a national centre for traditional medicine
and witchcraft. There are also bullfighting events to watch, a throw-back of the island's 16th century Portuguese colonisation. Getting to Pemba Island isn't too much of a problem - there are regular domestic flights from Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam to Pemba Airport (also referred to as Wawi or Karume Airport), located 4 miles (7km) from Chake-Chake on the east coast of the island. There are also ferries to Pemba from Zanzibar.
Scuba Diving in Zanzibar
Zanzibar offers an excellent combination of shallow water reefs around the surrounding offshore islands, ideal for beginners, and high walls, deep channels and shipwrecks for the more experienced. The best and most varied diving can be found along the northeastern coast around Mnemba Island, with beautiful coral gardens and wall dives. Stone Town has some interesting nearby wrecks and well-preserved coral reefs. Mafia Island, just south of Zanzibar and also part of the Spice Islands and Tanzania, is also a great scuba diving destination.
Scuba diving is possible in this region all year round, with warm weather and warm water. The most popular seasons for diving are between July and September and December and January, but this has more to do with popular tourist seasons than dive conditions. Other good times to dive are in February and March, when animal life is plentiful, and in October, when the ocean is at its calmest. Around March the giant but gentle whale sharks stop here on their migration and meeting these majestic creatures often proves to be the highlight of a dive of these islands. April and May should perhaps be avoided by serious scuba divers as this is the rainy season and visibility is reduced.
Zanzibar is a comparatively safe and comfortable diving destination, with gentle currents, perpetually warm water and good visibility most of the year. There are dive schools affiliated to many big hotels in Zanzibar, and they are numerous in Stone Town and Matemwe, making arranging a dive and getting equipment easy.
Game Viewing in Tanzania
Tanzania boasts outstanding opportunities for viewing wildlife in its natural habitat and offers some of the finest game viewing on the continent. A vast amount of the country is protected within parks and reserves and of these the vast open plains of the Serengeti, famous for the annual migration of millions of animals, is the most well-known. Africa's Eden, the unique Ngorongoro Crater, is another popular safari destination.
The word 'safari' actually has its origins in Tanzania, which should give travellers some idea of the region's game viewing prestige. Safari is a Swahili word meaning 'journey', and there are unlimited safari options in Tanzania that can be tailor-made by any number of capable and well-established tour operators, with accommodation ranging from luxury lodges to simple camping. A journey by vehicle, foot, horseback or hot air balloon into prime game-viewing country is an experience not to be missed.
The best time of year to go on safari in Tanzania is generally between June and October, during the dry season, but there is some variation depending on region and desired activities. The Great Migration is best viewed in June and July in the Serengeti, but this famous national park is also special in January and February when it is calving season. The southern and western parks are at their best between June and October. The wet season in April and May is best avoided as road travel can become difficult and game viewing can be compromised.
Witness the Great Migration
The wildebeest migration which takes place between Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park is celebrated as the greatest natural show on earth and is a bucket-list experience for lovers of wildlife. Twice a year over two million animals, including hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's gazelle and buffalo, migrate in search of greener pastures. The herds of herbivores move in giant groups, making the Great Migration a sort of buffet for the predators of the region, with animals like lions, cheetahs, wild dogs and crocodiles on the hunt, often picking on the young or weak animals that bring up the rear. River crossings are particularly dramatic to witness as the huge herds stampede through the water, wary of crocodiles trying to make a catch.
The best time to experience this migration is between June and August when the wildebeest cross the Grumeti and Mara rivers with their attendant hungry crocodiles. The exact dates of the migration change from year to year, and the herds spend a few months in the Masai Mara before gradually heading back to the Serengeti in December and January. Most tourists watch the show from a four-wheel drive vehicle but other exciting options include riding alongside the wildebeest on a horseback safari or hovering above in a hot air balloon.
Climb Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world and regarded as the highest mountain conquerable by someone with no formal training or experience in climbing. Children as young as 12 have made it to the highest point, Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet) and about 65 percent of the 35,000 hikers attempting the mountain annually make it to the top. Summiting Kilimanjaro, however, is not a venture to take lightly. The journey entails at least five days of near constant walking, weathering wind, ice, heat and a rapid change in altitude. A certain degree of fitness and the go-ahead from a doctor are strongly recommended before attempting this arduous, though ultimately rewarding, task.
The climb in itself is not only a physical experience but an adventurous journey. You will have to brave Kilimanjaro's five ecological zones on your route to the top. First is the cultivated farmland, the slightly populated mountainside grazing area where locals herd their livestock. The second zone is the rich rainforest area, which boasts scenic rapids, assorted exotic greenery and monkeys by the dozen. Leopard, civet cats and several antelope might also be spotted if you keep your eyes open. In the third zone, the moors, you will encounter less wildlife but an abundance of odd low-lying vegetation, some of which is endemic to the mountain. The next zone, the alpine desert, is nearly pure desert with sub-zero temperatures at night and sweltering heat by day. These extreme fluctuations are represented in the presence of both rocky and icy fields within the same plain. Finally comes the summit itself, where the ascent becomes as steep as it gets and the oxygen supply is
half what it was at sea level. The views from the top, however, are among the best Africa has to offer.
There are six routes to the top of Kilimanjaro, not all of which end on Uhuru, and potential climbers should carefully consider their preferences before deciding on the trip. Several tour operators work on the mountain and they will map your route, guide you and carry your luggage - so compare prices and routes carefully before booking your Kilimanjaro experience.
Public Holidays in Tanzania
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| Zanzibar Revolution Day |
Sun. January 12 |
Sun. January 12 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Birth of Prophet Mohammed |
Wed. October 29 |
Sun. October 19 |
| Good Friday |
Thu. April 10 |
Wed. April 2 |
| Easter Monday |
Sun. April 13 |
Sat. April 5 |
| Worker's Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Saba Saba |
Mon. July 7 |
Mon. July 7 |
| Farmers' Day |
Fri. August 8 |
Fri. August 8 |
| Eid al Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
Sat. May 24 |
Tue. May 13 |
| Nyerere Day |
Tue. October 14 |
Tue. October 14 |
| Independence Day |
Tue. December 9 |
Tue. December 9 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| Boxing Day |
Fri. December 26 |
Fri. December 26 |
| Union Day |
Sat. April 26 |
Sat. April 26 |
| Karume Day |
Mon. April 7 |
Mon. April 7 |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
Thu. July 31 |
Sun. July 20 |
