Tanzania - Useful Information

General Info
Tanzania is located on the East Coast of Africa, bordering Kenya and Uganda. The spectacular landscape of Tanzania offers differing terrain, tribes and an intense concentration of wildlife. Tanzania hosts centuries of history embedded throughout the country and has seen influences of various groups of people going through the land. Visitors come across colourful local tribal villages, modern bustling cities and eons of Arabian culture still living through the coastal cities. All this has integrated as one and co-exists with a blanket of peace and tranquility hard to find elsewhere.
 
Dar es Salaam, where most international flights arrive into is about 8-10 hours flying time from major European cities, and 16-20 hours flying time from North American cities. 
Geography
Tanzania is the biggest of the East Africa countries (i.e. Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya). The country has a spectacular landscape of mainly three physiographic regions namely the Islands and the coastal plains to the east; the inland saucer-shaped plateau; and the highlands. The Great Rift Valley that runs from north east of Africa through central Tanzania is another landmark that adds to the scenic view of the country. The rift valley runs to south of Tanzania splitting at Lake Nyasa; one branch runs down beyond Lake Nyasa to Mozambique; and another branch to north-west alongside Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya and western part of Uganda. Tanzania contains three of Africa's best-known lakes i.e. Victoria in the north, Tanganyika in the west, and Nyasa in the south. Mount Kilimanjaro in the north, 19,340 ft (5,895 m), is the highest point on the continent. The island of Zanzibar is separated from the mainland by a 22-mile channel. From the highlands and the central saucer plateau flow the drainage system to the Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and the inland drainage system.
Climate
Tanzania has temperate to warm weather throughout the year, with high levels of humidity on the coast and dry on the central plateau. The heavy rains last from March to June. The hot, dry weather in January and February attracts the most tourists. The best time to visit the Serengeti is from January to March when the grazers are calving and there are plenty of lion around, or to witness the wildebeest migration to and from Kenya which occurs at the beginning of the dry season and returns again with the first rains, usually the beginning of June and mid-November. Zanzibar has a warm and humid climate year-round and its coastal resorts are tempered by sea breezes. The island is best avoided in April and May, the rainy season. 
History
The history of human habitation in Tanzania dates back almost two million years, and the fossils found at Olduvai Gorge by Louis and Mary Leakey now stand among the most important artifacts of the origins of our species. Artifacts of later Paleolithic cultures have also been found in Tanzania. There is evidence that communities along the Tanzanian coast were engaging in overseas trade by the beginning of the first millennium AD. By 900 AD those communities had attracted immigrants from India as well as from southwest Asia, and direct trade extended as far as China. When the Portuguese arrived at the end of the 15th century, they found a major trade center at Kilwa Kisiwani, which they promptly subjugated and then sacked. The Portuguese were expelled from the region in 1698, after Kilwa enlisted the help of Omani Arabs. The Omani dynasty of the Bu Said replaced the region's Yarubi leaders in 1741, and they proceeded to further develop trade. It was during this time that Zanzibar gained its legendary status as a center for the ivory and slave trade, becoming in 1841 the capital city of the sultan of Oman. 
In Tanzania's interior, at about the same time, the cattle-grazing Masai migrated south from Kenya into central Tanzania. Soon afterward the great age of European exploration of the African continent began, and with it came colonial domination. Tanzania fell under German control in 1886, but was handed over to Britain after WWI. Present day Tanzania is the result of a merger between the mainland (previously Tanganyika) and Zanzibar in 1964, after both had gained independence. Tanzania has like many African nations experienced considerable strife since independence, and its economy is extremely weak. However, political stability does appear to have been established in recent years. y
Customs and Culture
When meeting, parting, passing and receiving anything, hands are always shaken. Use the right hand. This applies for rural areas as well as urban areas. If your right hand is occupied, offer your right elbow. Never offer your left hand, as it is used for hygienic purposes. While in the national parks, always follow the park regulations. Do not litter. Do not collect or purchase any bones, skins, horns, teeth, feathers or shells, and on the coast, do not collect coral, shells or starfish. Ask for permission before taking anyone's photograph. Ask your guides about the local customs in the area you are visiting. The majority of the population along the coast are Muslim, so avoid revealing clothing. Cover up your shoulders and knees while in this area. Topless and nude bathing are prohibited. Practised religions in Tanzania include Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and traditional beliefs. When looking for souvenirs, batiks, wood carvings, Zanzibar handmade wooden chests and Masai jewellery are among the items worth taking a second look at. Always expect to bargain, as the price first offered will be considerably higher than the real price. During weekdays, most shops are open from 9am to 8pm, often closed for lunch. Also open on Saturdays, some shops do business a few hours on Sundays. Please do not give sweets and money to the local people. It encourages begging and is demeaning. While on safari, you might find children on the roadside begging for ball pens and money. Bear in mind that if you give them anything, this encourages them to spend their day on the roadside waiting for tourists, instead of going to school or helping their family in the village. If you wish to make a donation, go to the administrators of schools, hospitals etc.
Tranvel Information
Local Time:
GMT + 3 Hours.
Currency
There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into any of the East African countries. It is advisable to change the foreign currency into local currency only in banks and forex bureaus. Before you leave you can change the local currency back into your currency but you may be asked for the initial exchange receipt. US$ are acceptable for payments in most tourist establishments and are more commonly used than the Euros. Many hotels and all National Parks quote their rates in US$ for visitors.
The local currency is Tanzanian shillings, Tsh, in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and in some exchange facilities, but the rate is not as favourable as for cash or travellers cheques. Banks are open from Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm, Saturdays closing at 1pm and closed on Sundays.
Visas and Travel
There are 3 international airports, namely Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Upon departing Tanzania via airports, a tax of 30 US$ is required. This can not be paid in local currency. Remember that import and export of the local currency is illegal. Visas can be obtained at all points of entry (airports and borders).The fees vary for different nationalities and between Tanzania, Tanzania and Uganda. When travelling between the 3 countries multiple entry visas are advisable. Visitors are not allowed to engage in any paid or unpaid employment during their stay except with written permission from the Department of Immigration Apart from personal effects visitors may bring along with them cameras, films, binoculars, non - consumable provisions, cigarettes, perfumes and spirits in such quantities as are in the opinion the authorities consistent with the visit. Gifts are dutiable while firearms; illicit drugs and obscene literature are prohibited. 1 liter of wine or spirit, 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco) and 250ml of perfume can legally be imported to Tanzania. Please remember that the following products can not be taken into the UK, USA and many other countries. They will be confiscated at your port of exit or entry and you could also face legal proceedings: Elephant: all ivory products, leather, goods and tusks are prohibited Rhino: All trade in rhino horn products is banned internationally. Sea Turtle & Shells: Shells, shell jewelry, coral and turtle related products are prohibited. Cats: The purchase of exotic cat fur is ill advised and few can be traded legally.
Communication
Phones and fax facilities are available in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, some lodges and major towns. Postal services are available though tend to be slow. Internet cafe's are popping up everywhere, and the rates are favourable, for a little over 1 US$ you can surf for one hour. Some internet cafes also offer internet phone services, which is much cheaper than calling from a normal line. Telefax facilities are available in many Government-and-business offices as well as tourist hotels. Telegrams can be sent from the post office. Daily communication exists between our drivers and the head office. This ensures your safety at all times and allows for easy communication for any messages you may have to receive or send. Mobile phone usage is possible within all major towns and in some national parks. A few however have not been covered on the local mobile phone networks.
Security
Nairobi is like any major city in the world be it New York, London or Paris. Take care of your valuables concealing jewellery and watches and hold handbags tightly when walking on the streets. Gold neck chains can be snatched with ease and it is inadvisable to wear them. Keep valuables in the hotel safe. Do not leave money, passport, jewellery or watches in the rooms or tents; carry them with you at all times. Be careful late at night in towns or whilst on a lonely beach.
Airlines
Tanzania's national carrier is Air Tanzania. British Airways flies direct to Dar es Salaam from London, taking about 11 hours. A few European carriers fly to Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro via European hubs. Gulf Air and Emirates fly to Dar es Salaam using mid eastern connections. Other airlines flying to Tanzania include Air Tanzania - the national carrier, Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, South African Airways and Swiss. Tanzania can also be reached through regional hubs at Nairobi and Johannesburg and to a lesser extent Addis Ababa. There are more flights into Nairobi than Kilimanjaro and a popular route for those heading for the northern parks is to fly into Nairobi and then connect to Arusha by shuttle bus service. There is a ferry service between Mombasa in Kenya and Dar es Salaam.