Tanzania
Capital:
Dodoma
Official
Language: English
Religions:
42% Traditional Beliefs, 31% Muslim and 27% Christian
Currency:
Shilling = 100 cents
Placements:
Marine Nature Reserve
Map
Background
Step out into the vast open plains of Tanzania and you suddenly feel very,
very small. And so you should. You've just joined one of the largest, wildest
animal populations in the world. Wildebeest, monkey, antelope, lion, cheetah,
crocodile, gazelle, flamingo - they're all out there.
An economically poor country troubled by rowdy neighbours and opportunistic
colonial powers, Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife spotting
opportunities on the continent. Its famous parks make the often rather
pedestrian towns here well worth the stopover.
Special Events
The biggest annual event in Tanzania begins at the
Serengeti National Park near the Kenyan border, when huge herds of wildebeest
head for greener pastures in Kenya. Starting in April each year, more than 2
million of these animals migrate northwards across the Serengeti's plains
accompanied by zebras, antelopes, gazelles, lions and tourists. Tanzanian
Independence Day (December 9) somehow pales in significance.
Climate
If there's a time to avoid coastal Tanzania, it's during the long rainy
season from March to May, which has a brief revival from November to January.
The best time is between June and September when rainfall is sparse and
temperatures orbit around a pleasantly balmy 28°C (83°F). Inland on the plateau,
rain during the middle of the year is insignificant and temperatures sink
slightly but comfortably.
Travel Info
There are frequent, albeit expensive, flights between Dar es Salaam and
Nairobi, and between Zanzibar and Mombasa. By land, numerous bus routes connect
Tanzania and Kenya. These include Mombasa to Dar es Salaam, Nairobi to Dar es
Salaam, Nairobi to Arusha, and Voi to Moshi. It's possible to go by dhow between
Mombasa and Pemba but sailings are slow and sporadic. More regular are the lake
ferry services between Mwanza and Bukoba (from where it's then easy to continue
overland into Uganda), and cargo ships between Port Bell (Kampala) and Mwanza
(Tanzania). For Zambia the best option is the fitful Tazara railway, with trains
that run over two nights between Dar es Salaam and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, via
Mbeya and the border posts at Tunduma and Nakonde.
Visas
All visitors from Europe, North America and Australasia
require a visa. You will need proof of yellow fever vaccination only if arriving
from a yellow-fever infected area (which includes Kenya).
Safety
Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism in
Tanzania, including Zanzibar, as there is in other East African
countries.
There were simultaneous terrorist attacks on the US Embassies
in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi (Kenya) in August 1998. These killed 12
people in Dar es Salaam and 232 in Nairobi. In Mombasa (Kenya) a suicide
car bomb attack on a hotel on 28 November 2002 killed at least 15 people.
There was an unsuccessful attempt to shoot down an Israeli charter plane on the
same day.
You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate
terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places
frequented by foreigners.
Crime
Most visits to
Tanzania are trouble-free, but armed crime is increasing. In 2004 and
2005, there were four serious but isolated incidents involving British nationals
and other expatriates. The incidents occurred on both the mainland and the
islands. Some of those attacked and robbed were injured.
You should
avoid walking alone, especially in isolated areas and on beaches. Mugging
and robberies, sometimes accompanied by violence or the threat of violence, do
occur throughout Tanzania. Around Paje, on the south east coast of
Zanzibar, there has been a series of robberies from guest rooms in some of the
cheaper hotels and from tourists on foot. British gap students were
attacked, robbed and one injured in Mtwara (southern Tanzania) on 14 November
2005.
Dar es Salaam and other cities in Tanzania are relatively
trouble-free, although in February 2006, there were cases of armed crime in Dar
es Salaam, including in the peninsula area, which is popular with
expatriates. You should take sensible precautions. Avoid walking
after dark. Do not make yourself an obvious target for muggers and
pickpockets. Do not carry large sums of cash in the streets or wear
expensive-looking jewellery or watches. Be alert to the risk of thefts of
personal property from cars and taxis stationary in traffic.
Political
Situation
There was a general election across Tanzania, including Zanzibar, on 14
December 2005. This was generally peaceful, but there was isolated unrest
in Stone Town in Zanzibar. Foreign visitors were not targeted.
Local Travel
Tanzania’s national parks are popular
destinations for tourists. When camping, use official sites only.
Ensure that you are properly equipped and seek local advice when entering
isolated areas.
You should exercise caution if you intend to travel to
the area bordering Burundi. Refugee movements are common. There have
been a number of armed robberies in this area, including vehicle
hijackings. There are few facilities for visitors.
Information
about travel away from areas regularly frequented by foreigners can be
patchy. You are advised to invest in an up-to-date travel guide and use
only the services of reliable tour companies.
Road
Safety
Take extra care when driving. Road conditions are
generally poor and there are a large number of accidents. Keep doors
locked, windows up and valuables out of sight, as vehicles are sometimes
targeted by thieves.
Avoid driving out of town at night.
If
renting a motorcycle (available in Zanzibar), you should adopt the same safety
precautions as you would in the UK. Check for serviceability, wear a
helmet and ensure that you are capable of handling the machine.
If
stopped by the police, ask for identification before making any payments for
traffic violations.
UK driving licences are acceptable for visitors, but
British residents are expected to obtain a Tanzanian driving licence.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Tanzanians are welcoming and well disposed towards visitors. But you
should be sensitive to local culture. Loud or aggressive behaviour,
drunkenness, foul language and disrespect, especially towards older people, will
cause offence.
There is a high proportion of Muslims in Tanzania, especially along the
coast and on Zanzibar and Pemba. You should dress modestly. Women
should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops away from tourist resorts and in
Stone Town.
Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania (including Zanzibar).
All drugs are illegal in Tanzania (including Zanzibar) and those found in
possession will be fined. There are severe penalties, including custodial
sentences, for drug trafficking.
Health
We strongly advise you to obtain comprehensive travel and medical
insurance before travelling. This should cover you for medical
repatriation by air, if necessary. You should check any exclusions, and
that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Most visitors to Tanzania stay healthy. But you should be aware that
medical facilities are limited, especially outside Dar es Salaam.
The main health risks are malaria, stomach upsets, sunburn and minor
infections. Before leaving the UK, you should take medical advice on
appropriate anti-malaria medication and on arrival in Tanzania, ensure you take
precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes.
There are regular outbreaks of cholera throughout the country. You
should therefore boil or filter drinking water, or buy it in sealed brand
bottles. You should seek medical advice before travelling.
There is
a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
Injections required
Immunisations advised United Kingdom recommended
Diptheria/Tetanus
Poliomyelitis
Hepatitis A
Typhoid
Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required Tuberculosis
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Meningococcal
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
