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Tanzania offers a medley of varying experiences from relaxing on the idyllic beaches along the coast, and encountering some Masai Warriors, to climbing to ‘the roof of Africa’, Mount Kilimanjaro, and watching thousands of wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti plains.
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Destinations > Tanzania
Tanzania is a land of extremes. With its balmy climate, rich tapestry of culture, delightful locals, and fantastic game reserves packed with wildlife all wrapped up in one adventurous and welcoming package, it is a nirvana for travellers. From the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro to the depths of Zanzibar’s coral reefs, the forested hillsides to the moss covered ruins of ancient Swahili city states, Tanzania is Africa at its spectacular best and is sure to thrill even the most experienced traveller.
The best time to travel to East Africa is during the dry season. East Africa has two dry seasons - December to February/March and June to October. The annual migration of wildebeest and zebra herds takes place year round between the Serengeti (approx. November to June) and the Masai Mara (approx. July to October).
MT KILIMANJARO A dormant volcano, the snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro rises from the plains of Tanzania. The highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, Mt Kilimanjaro can be trekked at any time of the year.
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK The Serengeti is one of the world’s most spectacular game parks. Expect to see wildebeest and zebra in large concentrations but also watch out for lions, cheetahs and giraffe. Those looking for a unique Serengeti experience can opt for a hot air balloon ride over the park.
NGORONGORO CRATER As the world’s largest caldera, Ngorongoro Crater is an eco-system of grasslands, lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests and a parched area of ever-changing dunes. Packed with wildlife and barricaded by dense forest, the park encompasses the crater and sides of a huge extinct volcano.
ZANZIBAR Known as the “Spice Island”, Zanzibar is a charming mixture of quaint shops, bazaars, mosques, courtyards, squares, palaces, cathedrals, colonial mansions and beaches with world class watersports.
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK Sprawling near the foot of Mt Meru, Arusha National Park is one of the jewels of Africa but often overlooked by travellers despite its diversity of habitats and wildlife. Its forest is inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys and colourful turacos.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK Tarangire National Park is famous for is its birdlife and herds of elephants, which mass here in enormous numbers during the dry season between June and December to scratch the dry river bed in search of water.
Country Code for Tanzania: +255 Tourism Information Offices: Dar es Salaam - (022) 211 1244 Arusha - (027) 250 3842 Emergency Services: 111 or 112 The emergency services number may not be available in all areas. English speaking staff should be available.
Tanzanians are proud of their disciplined upbringing. The ability to keep control of one's temper and emotions in public is highly valued. Young men and women in rural areas are not supposed to show mutual affection in public in daylight, although this rule is often broken in urban centres. Boys and men, however, are commonly seen in public holding hands as a sign of friendship or camaraderie. In many rural areas, women are not supposed to smoke, talk in a raised voice, or cross their legs while sitting or standing. Traditionally, elders are honored and respected by the rest of the community, although youth are increasingly challenging such customs as arranged marriages. Although the use of silverware is increasing, traditional customs prescribe eating all foods, including rice and meat sauces, with the right hand. Children who attempt to eat with their left hands are disciplined appropriately at very early ages. This custom is related to the perceived symbolic purity of the right hand, compared to the left hand which is often used for cleaning after using the toilet.
Electrical Socket: British Voltage: 220-240 volts Modem Plug Type: UK
Given the size of Tanzania and the condition of its roads, charter flights are considered the best way to get around the country. Road transfers and game drives in Tanzania are conducted in open-sided 4X4 vehicles though visitors to Gombe and Mahale will enjoy a boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika.
Swahili and English (official), Arabic is widely spoken in Zanzibar.
Items are different to those from the parks to those of Zanzibar. Around the parks and especially on the roads you will find lots of wood, stone and textile items. Wood frames (Zan style) are well made at the Old Fort. Also, be on the lookout for Antique shops in Stone Town.
Tipping lodge staff and drivers/guides is customary for good service on a Tanzania safari but check first to see whether a service charge has been added to your bill. Tipping is always in addition to the price quoted by your operator and the amount varies depending on the size of your group, the level of luxury of the safari, and whether you thought an exceptionally good job was done. When traveling in the major Tanzania cities, a 10% tip is customary in restaurants and bars when a service charge is not included.
The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travelers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa, and more using the Sherpa travel tool.
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Swahili, English
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