Country Gees

Today’s Tanzania, in essence, is a union of two previously independent states – Tanganyika and Zanzibar (which includes the islands of Zanzibar, Unguya and Pemba). The modern history of Tanzania has three fundamental changes in the state system from colonialism to socialism, and then to capitalism. As a result, Tanzania’s development has not been as fast-paced as that of its northern neighbor Kenya: cities have fewer modern buildings, living standards have remained virtually unchanged since Tanzania’s independence in 1961, and agricultural and tourism resources are only partially used. However, since the beginning of the 2000s, there have been some changes in the situation: roads have been partially put in order, foreign investment in tourism has increased sharply, existing hotels and lodges have been renovated and new ones have been built, including those of a high international level,

GEOGRAPHY

According to THEDRESSEXPLORER, Tanzania is located in East Africa below (i.e. south of) the equator and has the longest coastline of any East African country. Tanzania borders Kenya and Uganda to the north, Burundi and Congo to the east, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. Most of the country’s territory is high plateaus. But Tanzania also has swamps, forests, low hills and high mountains, volcanoes and coral reefs. The Great Rift Valley runs through Tanzania.

Tanzania has two international airports – one in Dar es Salaam, the de facto capital of Tanzania, and the other in Arusha, near Kilimanjaro. All tourist programs in Tanzania begin from these cities.

Natural resources in Tanzania are quite rich: diamonds, gold, precious stones (rubies, emeralds, sapphires, tanzanites, which are mined only in this country, and many others).

CLIMATE

The climate in Tanzania is quite dry. The big dry season starts in June and ends in October. There are fewer clouds on Kilimanjaro at this time, and the temperatures are the lowest (up to minus 10C at the top). In November and December, a “short” rainy season begins on the plain: rains of medium strength are possible every day. They tend to focus on Kilimanjaro, as it is a solitary mountain. The period from January to March is usually hot and quite dry. This is the main season for climbing Kilimanjaro, although it rains on the mountain almost every day in the afternoon for two hours. At the end of March, the main rainy season begins, which peaks in April and May, when regular heavy rains, mudslides and an increase in tropical diseases are observed. Therefore, for the May holidays, we do not recommend going to Kilimanjaro, and on safari to East Africa. If you want to go on a safari, but there is no other time, it is better to go toSouth Africa for one of our programs.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The flora and fauna of Tanzania is largely similar to that of Kenya, almost all the main animals of Africa live here, and in huge numbers. Luxury safari in national parks is recognized as one of the best in the world.

KITCHEN

Cuisine in Tanzania is not very sophisticated. Typically, restaurants serve British dishes (soups, steaks, fried chicken, boiled vegetables, puddings and instant coffee). Asian restaurants tend to have better food, but there aren’t many of them. Food that is sold on the street in kiosks is better not to buy, because. this is associated with a health hazard. Chips and other products in factory packaging, as well as bottled drinks, do not pose a danger. Fruits and vegetables require very thorough washing with boiled water. Water from the tap and jugs in the hotel can not be drunk. For drinking, it is better to use store-bought bottled water, soft drinks and boiled water. If this is not possible, then it is necessary to use water purification tablets. Local beer is very cheap, for an amateur ($1 per liter). Along with local beer, imported from Kenya or South Africa is also sold, but it is 3 times more expensive. As for wine, the best is imported from Europe or South Africa ($6 per bottle). Local is very different in quality and taste. Therefore, you should consult with the guide what is worth buying and what is not.

MONEY

The national currency is the Tanzanian shilling; 1 USD = about 1000 TSh.

IMPORTANT

When traveling to Tanzania, it is necessary to take measures against tropical malaria. In addition, a yellow fever vaccination is highly recommended. For more information on health care in Southeast Africa , see the article on our website here .

In Tanzania, it is customary to tip, on average 10% of the cost.