Flights and Travel Guide to Tanzania

Geography

Tanzania is located in the Eastern side of Africa and is the largest in size. The borders of Tanzania are shared with the following countries.

• East: Indian Ocean
• West: Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo
• North: Kenya and Uganda
• South: Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique

Climate / Weather in Tanzania

The climate in Tanzania can be classified as “Tropical” on a larger scale.

• Summer: November to February
• Winter: May to August
• Rainfall: December to April

Best time to Visit Tanzania

The weather is pleasant and nights are colder in winter months therefore it is recommended to travel from May to August when the temperature is around 15 to 20°C.

Getting In Tanzania

To get in Tanzania, you may need to know the following facts:

Passport / Visa Information for Tanzania

As of now, there is no visa restriction for citizens of Namibia, Rwanda, Romania, Hong Kong and Malaysia as well as commonwealth country citizens with only exception for nationals of United Kingdom, Nigeria, India, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and Bangladesh. These countries require a Tanzanian Visa for entrance.

It is recommended to have a valid passport with enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Also, one must check for up to date requirements and information from the concerned consulate or embassy for the respective travel dates.

Capital City of Tanzania

The capital and popular Tanzania city is Dar es Salaam. In comparison to the rest of the country Dar es Salaam is a well developed city with better infrastructure and amenities available for foreign travelers.

Other Cities of Tanzania

Although the only most frequented city of Tanzania is Dar es Salaam, the country ’s capital but only next to it, travelers also visit:

• Zanzibar
• Arusha
• Tanga
• Kilamanjoro
• Serengeti

Airports in Tanzania

Tanzania ’s main entry points or the major International Airports include:

• Dar es Salaam: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
• Mount Kilimanjaro: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Zanzibar: Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)

Airline to / from Tanzania

Tanzania is served by many International Airlines that connect it with the rest of the world. Travelers flying from Europe Usually prefer:

• KLM Royal Dutch Airline
• British Airways
• Lufthansa
• Swiss International Airline
• Air France
• Emirates Airlines
• Qatar Airways
• Etihad Airways
• South African Airways
• Ethiopian Airline
• Kenya Airways

Also, the vast network of the national carrier Air Tanzania facilitates a wide domestic connectivity that makes attractions like Mount Kilimanjaro within easy access, of a traveler on vacations in Tanzania.

Hotels and Accommodations in Tanzania

As tourism is booming in Tanzania, one can find all kinds of accommodations and lodges. There are a few 4 stars as well and the famous ones include the Resorts and clubs. Some hotels also offers bars and adjacent night clubs.

• Golden Tulip Dar Es Salaam
• Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
• Zanzibar Safari Club
• Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
• Tamarind Beach Hotel
• Pakachi Beach Resort
• Doubletree by Hilton Zanzibar (4 Stars)
• Al Johari By Resort Bokings
• Karafuu Hotel Beach Resort
• Zanzibar Serena Inn (4 Stars)
• Dream of Zanzibar
• Ocean Paradise Resort
• Mivumo River Lodge
• Selous Wildlife Camp
• Royal Mirage Hotel
• Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam Mawe (4 Stars)
• Moevenpick Royal Palm Hotel Dar (4 Stars)

Getting Around in Tanzania

Like the rest of the developing countries, getting around in Tanzania requires either a great set of skill in rough driving or hiring a native driver.

Infrastructure / Transport in Tanzania

Renting a car is the most common means of roaming around in Tanzania. Here you can also book SUV and all kinds of big motors. The roads in the city centre are congested while the surrounded areas have narrow roads and traffic jams are common. Therefore one must leave early in order to get to the point timely and keep maps at all times as Tanzania sure is the largest country in Eastern Africa. Travelling by bus and boat is also common practice.

Places to See in Tanzania

The top attraction or magnet that drives tourists in Tanzania is the wild life Safari where you can see Wild at its Wildest.

• Serengeti National Park Tanzania
• Mafia Island Marine Park Zanzibat
• Pemba and Zanzibar Islands ecstatic beaches
• The historical Slave Trade sites,
• The coastal blues of Kayak
• Isimilia Gorge Stone age site near Iringa
• Manyara Safari Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Selous Game Reserve
• Mikumi National Park
• Ruaha National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area hosting the African wildlife
• Katavi Game Reserve
• Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa
• Gombe National Park

Many companies offer Wild Life Safari and excursions in the above mentioned parks, either as excursion only or as a complete hotel, accommodation and flight reservation package.

Things to Do in Tanzania

Where there are so many amazing national parks, wild life safari rules all other activities. However other recommended things to do in Tanzania are:

• Climbing the Mount Kilimanjaro
• Diving in Zanzibar Beaches
• Snorkeling at Pemba Island
• Trekking and Horse Riding
• Game Viewing
• Camping and more

Food and Shopping in Tanzania

The Kariakoo Market in the capital city Dar es Salaam, is well crowded however it is a must visit to get the complete Tanzania feel and also to buy items like, beaded jewelery, textiles, carved soapstone sculptures, wood works, handicrafts, fresh fruits and the famous ting tinga paintings.

Beef is the most common ingredient and barbecue with traditional method is a must to try. Also, milk is used to prepare most recipes. Sweet dishes include Mandazi, a Tanzanian form of Donut.

Locally fermented beer and gin-like drink, Konyagi is replacing the regular beers while the best to try is Tanzanian Coffee in a coffee hut.

Events and Festivals in Tanzania

Following is a list of national holidays and festivals celebrated in Tanzania by a majority of Christianity belief and Muslims.

Christian Festivals

• New Year Day on Jan 01
• Good Friday, Easter & Easter Monday or Dyngus Day
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day on 25 & 26 December respectively

Islamic Festivals

• Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet) according to Islamic Calendar
• Eid ul-Fitr or Id-Ul-Fitr (End of Ramadan) as per Islamic Calender
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) as per Islamic Calender

National Holidays

• Zanzibar Revolution Day on Jan 12
• Union Day or Unification Day on April 26
• Workers or Labour Day on May 01
• Sabasaba (Industry Day) on July 07
• Nane Nane (Farmers Day) on August 08
• Nyerere Day on October 14
• Independence Day on December 09

Travel Advice for Tanzania

Tanzania is a safe country however the general precautions must be taken to avoid any bad experiences at all.

Travel Tips for Tanzania

If you are going for a wild life safari or game viewing, taking Malayoia and Yello fever vaccinations is much recommended.

• Please note the roads are very crowded in Tanzania and driving can be rough
• Please keep a note of the opening and closing timings of the park gates
• Do not burn rubbish during camping or throw a cigarette butt as the fire in wild can spread in seconds destroying the precious nature
• Keep money in more than one places and also take travelers checks
• Observe the legal age of consent and drinking to avoid harsh punishments
• Do not go out alone after dark
• Shopping in Tanzania needs good bargaining skills
• The corruption level in Tanzania is high such as taking bribe or over charging tourists, so stays alert.

Is it Safe to Travel to Tanzania?

As per the fco advice, Tanzania is safe to travel as of now however one must check for updates on the fco website before commencing travel.