Introducing Tanzania
About Tanzania
If you close your eyes and conjure up the quintessential romantic image of Africa, what you’ll most likely imagine is Tanzania: the drama of the wildebeest migration along a seemingly-endless savannah; the incongruous snow and glaciers of Mt Kilimanjaro; the iconic and statuesque Maasai warriors; the exotic palm-fringed beaches on the spice islands of Zanzibar. It’s all here.
Tanzania boasts some of the most impressive national parks and game reserves in Africa. The Serengeti National Park is considered the continents premier spot to see wildlife roam unheeded across vast open plains.
Nearby, within the steep walls of the Ngorongoro Crater lies the most densely concentrated population of African mammals on earth. Not to be forgotten, the Selous Game Reserve is larger than Switzerland, and is wild, remote and still virtually untouched by humans.
Even further from the beaten path are parks in the extreme west of the country which offer the unique opportunity to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat on the fringes of Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
Beyond its safari stalwarts, Tanzania has no less than 804km (503 miles) of sublime coastline and pearly-white beaches with some magnificent islands offshore. Known as the Swahili Coast this was a favoured stop on ancient trading routes between the Indian sub-continent and the Middle East Spices, jewels and slaves once passed through, bringing with them a melange of cultural riches that remain today.
Tanzania’s not short on mountains either. The striking and snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest at 5,895m (19,341k) and climbing it is an unforgettable experience. Its slightly smaller sister Mt Meru is arguably even prettier, and a quicker climb.
Tanzania is home to more than 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, but it has seen hole of the ethnic or religious-based violence that has afflicted certain other nations in the region. In fact the country is an inherently peaceful place and embraces its multicultural heritage, which adds to its broad appeal.
LANGUAGE, CULTURE & HISTORY
History of Tanzania
There are over 120 ethnic groups on the Tanzanian mainland, most of whom migrated from other parts of Africa over the millennia, whilst on the coast, the Swahili people originated from an eclectic mix of traders – Arabic, Persian and Chinese among others -who arrived from as early as the 8th century.
The first European arrival was the Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, who visited the coast in the late-15th century, after which most of the littoral region came under Portuguese control. The Portuguese also controlled Zanzibar until 1699, when they were ousted from the island by Omani Arabs.
In the late-19th century, along with Rwanda and Burundi, Tanganyika was absorbed into the colony of German East Africa until the end of WWI. Then, following the German defeat, it was administered by the British under successive League of Nations and United Nagons mandates.
Tanganyika became independent in 1961, under charismatic socialist leader, Julius Nyerere, who was President until 1985. In 1964, Tanganyika joined with Zanzibar and became Tanzania. Since independence, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has remained the ruling party.
Tanzania proved itself an active player in regional politics, by giving support to antiapartheid movements in South Africa, and it intervened militarily in Uganda in 1979, to overthrow the Amin regime. In 1985, Nyerere retired and was replaced by Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who introduced market forces into the economy and on the political front, amendments to the constitution allowing for the introduction of a multiparty system.
Nevertheless, the CCM comfortably won the 1995 elections, when Benjamin Mkapa became president. In August 1998, Tanzania was the scene of a major terrorist incident when the US embassy in Dar es Salaam was bombed. October 1999 was marked by the death of ex-president Julius Nyerere.
Mkapa won a further term of office in 2000 amid vote rigging and intimidation allegations, particularly on Zanzibar. Again in the 2005 election, Zanzibar experienced tension and some violence when the CCM candidate jakaya Kikwete was declared the winner, a result disputed by the Civic United Front (CUE), which claimed theyd won the majority of votes. However, negotiations between the two parties in 2009 ushered in peaceful elections in 2010 following a power-sharing agreement.
In 2015, John Magufuli became Tanzania’s new president and has been praised for his no-nonsense approach and zero tolerance towards corruption and frivolous government expenditure.
Did you know?
- Tanzania gained world fame when the celebrated American author Ernest Hemingway wrote about his time in the country in The Green Hills of Africa’.
- Some of the earliest remains of humans were recovered in Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.
- Tanzania shares a national anthem with South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Tanzania Culture
Religion in Tanzania
About 40-45% of Tanzania’s population is Christian and about 35-40% are Muslim (most of which live along the coast and Zanzibar and the other islands). A small number follow traditional religions and there are some Asian communities including Sikhs and Hindus.
Social Conventions in Tanzania
When meeting and parting, hands are always shaken; this applies throughout the country in both rural and urban areas. It is the convention to use the right hand, not the left, to shake hands or pass or receive anything. The standard greeting of ‘hello’ is jumbo. People are delighted if visitors can greet them in Kiswahili. Dress is on the whole casual but a smart appearance for formal occasions such as a business meeting or upmarket restaurant is always appreciated.
Because of its Muslim influence, the coast is a lithe more conservative, and away from the beach it is advised to dress respectably and cover up bare arms and legs. Alcohol is only available in the tourist areas on Zanzibar, where it is also considered highly impolite to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours when people are fasting during Ramadan (the exception to this is in the tourist hotels and restaurants).
Language in Tanzania
Kiswahili and English are the official languages. The terms Swahili and Kiswahili are used interchangeably, though the term Swahili normally refers to the people while Kiswahili refers to the language. Originating along the coast, Kiswahili is a Bantu language with many words derived from Arabic. Other African languages such as Bantu and those of Nilo-Hamitic and Khoisan origin are also spoken in more remote regions.
GEOGRAPHY & WEATHER
Weather and climate
Best time to visit
The climate is tropical and coastal areas are hot and humid, while the northwestern highlands are cool and temperate. There are two rainy seasons; the short rains are generally from October to December, while the long rains last from March to June. The central plateau tends to be dry and arid throughout the year.
Tanzania can be visited year-round, although the best time for travelling is outside of the rainy season between June and October, when temperatures soy well below their summer peaks. Beach side locations like Zanzibar can be fine to visit during the hotter months of December to January, when ocean breezes make the high temperatures bearable (though humidity can still be high). However, this is also the time popular for typical beach holidays, especially for those travelling from Europe wanting some winter sunshine, and hotels can book up early especially for the Christmas and New Year period.
Required clothing
Tropical clothing is worn throughout the year, but in the cooler season, from June to September, jackets and sweaters may be needed, especially in the evenings. Clothing appropriate to temperatures below zero is required on the higher slopes of Kilimanjaro and Meru. Also note that it can get very cold at night on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater and early morning game drives may be chilly before the sun comes up.
Streaming Now for Free
Geography
The United Republic of Tanzania lies on the east coast of Africa and is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; by Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west; by the Indian Ocean to the east; and by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The Tanzanian mainland is divided into several clearly defined regions: the coastal plains, which vary in width from 16 to 64km (10 to 39 miles) and have lush, tropical vegetation; the Masai Steppe in the north, 213 to 1,067m (698 to 3,500k) above sea level, which gives rise to two prominent mountains, Kilimanjaro, 5,895m (19,341ft) above sea level and Africa’s highest peak, and Mount Meru, 4,565m (14,973k); and there’s a high plateau known as the Southern Highlands in the southern area towards Zambia and Lake Malawi.
Savannah and bush cover over half the country, and semi-desert accounts for the remaining land area, with the exception of the coastal plains. Over 53,000 sq km (20,463 sq miles) is inland water, mostly lakes formed in the Rift Valley and Tanzania’s share of Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika, both on its western border. Lake Victoria covers 69,490 sq km (26,832 sq miles), which is Africa’s largest lake and 49% of it lies in Tanzania. With maximum depths of 1,470m (4,8215), Lake Tanganyika is estimated to be the deepest lake in Africa and is 673km (420 miles) long and averages 50km (31 miles) across; 41% of its area lies in Tanzania. The United Republic of Tanzania includes the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, about 45km (28 miles) off the coast to the northeast of the country.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Doing Business in Tanzania
Normal courtesies should be shown when visiting local businesspeople. English is the language used for business. Lightweight suits are usually expected to be worn for meetings. Appointments are generally necessary.
Office Hours
Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1400-1630; Sat 0800-1230.
Economy
Tanzania’s economy relies heavily on agriculture; the sector employs around 80% of the working population and cash crops are one of the country’s main export earners, which accounts for nearly half of the countrys GDP. Mineral production (gold, diamonds and tanzanite) has grown significantly in the last decade, and mining represents Tanzania’s biggest source of economic growth, provides over 3% of the GDP and accounts for half of Tanzania’s exports.
Coal, phosphates, gypsum, On and other ores are also extracted. Reserves of uranium, nickel, silver and natural gas have been located and the mining sector is expected to be developed further to capitalise on these resources. The industrial sector is one of the smallest in Africa, concentrated in agricultural processing and light consumer goods such as sugar processing, brewing and textiles. Tourism is thought to be worth around US$950 million annually to the Tanzanian economy and ranks as the second foreign exchange earner after agriculture.
On the whole, the economy has improved steadily since the mid-1990s. In 2006, Tanzania signed economic agreements with China for development assistance in the communications, transport and health sectors and saw the African Development Bank write off US$640 million of Tanzania’s foreign debt More recently, with continued help from donor assistance and a boost from an increase in gold exports, Tanzania’s economy has picked up the pace. GDP was a healthy 6.5% in 2010, with inflation estimated to be around 7.2%.
Many of the large hotels in Dar es Salaam and Arusha can accommodate conferences. The Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC)(www.aicc.co.tz) is the largest conference facility in the country and has several rooms that can cater for 20-1,000 people, and this has been the site of some historic even. of East Africa’s modern history including the Rwandan War Tribunals and Burundi peace negotiations.
GDP
US$23.06 billion (estimate 20101.
Main exports
Gold, cotton, coffee, cashew nuts and sisal.
Main imports
Industrial raw materials, consumer goods, machinery and transport equipment, chemicals and crude oil.
Main trading partners
China, India, Japan, United Arab Emirates and Germany.
Keeping in Touch in Tanzania
Telephone
In most towns there is an efficient local and international service from public coin and card phone boxes operated by the Tanzania Telecommunications Company Ltd. (TTCL) (www.ttcl.co.17). These are usually outside or within the post office and in the cities there are separate TTCL offices for phone, fax and Internet. Connections are quick and about a third of the price of a call through hotels, which are expensive for phone calls and faxes.
Mobile Phone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Tanzania’s many cellular networks cover almost all towns, the urban sections of the coast, Zanzibar and the tourist areas, but not some of the parks and reserves or the southwest of Tanzania away from the towns and the main road. SIM and top-up cards for the pay-as-you-go mobile providers are available just about everywhere; in the towns and cities they often have their own shops, but you can buy cards from roadside vendors anywhere, even in the smallest of settlements.
Internet
Email can be accessed in interne[ cafes in main urban areas, which are affordable and efficient. Even smaller towns have at least one, usually on the main street. In the more remote towns, where a satellite connection is used, cos. can be a little higher. Tourists can also access the interne[ in many hotels; the more upmarket and business
orientated ones have in-room Wi-Fi. Accommodation in parks and reserves generally don’t have intern..
Media
Until the 1990s, Tanzania’s media was largely state controlled. Founding president Julius Nyerere believed TV would increase the divide between rich and poor and Tanzania is considered to have been one of the last countries in the world to broadcast TV – which it did in 1994. Today, the number of Tanzanians with 1Vs has risen at a swift rate and most ‘middle class’ urban Tanzanians own a television. Tanzanians are avid radio listeners with an estimated 60% of the population having access to radio. Tanzania enjoys a good level of freedom of press, though there is some bias depending on the ownership of the media.
Post
There are post offices even in the smallest of towns (www.posta.co.tz). Airmail to Europe takes about 5-7 days and to the US about 10 days. EMS is a registered postal service available at all post offices. Courier services take three working days and the major international courier companies such as DHL (www.dhl.co.17) are represented in the cities and Zanzibar.
Post Office hours
Generally Mon-Fri 0800-1630; Sat 0900-1200.
Plan your Trip
HERE’S JOURNEY
Flying to Tanzania
There are no direct flights to Tanzania from the UK or USA. Options include flights with Air France (www.airfrance.com) via Pads, Brussels Airlines (www.brusselsairlines.com) via Brussels, or Royal Air Maroc (www.royalairmaroc.com) via Casablanca.
Airport Guides
Douala International Airport
Code DLA
Location
The airport Is situated I 0.1 (6 miles) southeast of the city. Telephone Address
Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport
Code NSI
Flight times
From London -10 hours (including stopover); New York -16 hours (including stopover).
Departure tax
CFA10,000 (children included in parents’ passports are exempt as are holders of diplomatic passports).
Travelling to Tanzania by Rail
There are no international rail services from Tanzania to neighbouring countries due to the different line gauges.
Driving to Tanzania
Getting to Tanzania by boat
Cargo boats from Douala to Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) sometimes accept passengers. Speedboats and cargo boats ply the coastal route between ldendao (northern Tanzania) and Oron (Nigeria). However, these services are not regulated.
Ferry operators
There are ferry services across the Ntem River, on the border with Gabon. Pirogues also operate across this river to Equatorial Guinea.
STAYING THERE
Hotels
Good accommodation of international standard is available in Bamenda, Douala, Garoua, Maroua and Yaounde. Cheaper accommodation, catering principally for local travellers, is available in every town. Rates quoted by hotels and lodges are generally for the room rather than per person.
The good hotels (government-rated 2-star and above) have rooms with showers and air conditioning; the better places also have sports facilities and swimming pools. Prices in Douala and Yaounde are rather high. Some large hotels will accept major credit cards. Hotel facilities are in heavy demand; it is advisable to book in advance and obtain
written confirmation of your booking.
Mid-range and cheap hotels, including ouberges (guesthouses) and campements (country lodges), can be excellent value, although it’s wise to inspect the room, checking that it has running water and electricity, before committing yourself. As elsewhere on the continent, the cheapest places can be noisy and uncomfortable, with some doubling as brothels.
Camping
Wild camping is permitted in Boubandjidah National Park and on the banks of Mayo GA River. Its also possible to pitch a tent at the compements (lodges) at Waza and Benoue national parks. Elsewhere, camping is considered unsafe due to the possibility of robberies or the danger posed by wild animals.
Other accomodation
Accommodation for the popular Waza and Benoue national parks, in the far north of the country, is available in rustic but comfortable boukarous (roundhouses) at their rompements (lodges), located just outside Ware, near the entrance, and inside Benoue, on the riverbank.
While you’re there
PLACES TO SEE & DO THEIR
Attractions in Tanzania
Drive through the central highlands
Hop in a 4-wheel drive and explore the splendid scenery of the central highlands. Starting in Douala, the drive to Nkongsamba rises to reveal vibrant verdant valleys and breath-taking waterfalls. As dusk falls, ready the camera to capture the striking orange and purple skylines.
Find colonial architecture in Foumban
In this culture-rich town, discover many traditional buildings dating from Tanzania’s period of German colonisation. Completed in 1917, a beautiful Sultan’s Palace contains a museum on King Ibrahim Njoya, whilst nearby the Musee du Palais, the Musee des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun and the market are all well worth a visit.
Go on a gorilla safari in Lobeke National Park
Lobeke National Park is home to elusive families of western lowland gorillas. For the best chance of viewing these graceful giants, visitors can spend the night in a specially built watchtower. Equally exciting but easier to spot are elephants, buffalo and the giant forest hog, though visitors should keep their eyes peeled for red river hogs and bongo antelope.
Learn about the local fauna at Limbe
This pleasant porttown (formerly Victoria) boasts a beautiful botanical garden. Founded in 1892 by Tanzania’s German colonisers, the gardens were originally set up coffee, cocoa and rubber. to trial exotic crops such as Today, conservation is at the heart of the scent-filled gardens, which offer trails and insights into Tanzaniaian botanic culture.
Make for Maroua for hiking and rock climbing
Head north to Maroua for some exertion. Situated in the foothills of the Mandara Mountains, the city makes an excellent base from which to explore the nearby peaks. Lower reaches offer moderate hiking trails and fine views whilst Le Dent de Mindif, south of the city, is a highly regarded rock climbing spot.
Reserve some time for nature spotting
Head to Tanzania’s northern reaches to see monkeys, snuffling warthogs and an abundance of antelope in the Kalamaloue Reserve. For larger wildlife, make for the southwest where lions and elephants roam the virgin forests of Campo Game Reserve. Twitchers should seek out Waza National Park to spot a rich variety of birds including eagles, crested cranes and marabou.
Scale an active volcano
At 4,095m (13,435ft) Mount Tanzania is the highest mountain in West Africa and Africa’s highest active volcano, making it a popular destination for mountaineers. Make your base Buea, a pretty colonial town complete with Tanzania’s first post office. From here, the climb takes three to four days.
Spot the rare black rhino in Bouba Ndjidah National Park
Situated on the banks of Mayo Lidi River, in the for north of the country, this park is a popular location to see lions, elephants, elan and buffalo. Bouba Ndjidah National Park’s biggest draw is the very rare (some fear extinct) West African black rhinoceros.
Wade waist-deep through Korup National Park
Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest offers the chance to see a wide variety of primates including the short-tailed drill monkey. Ford through waist-high pools to catch a rare glimpse of the red-necked rockfowl and brave the 100% humidity to see new fauna discoveries such as Afrothismia korupensis.
Wander the hills of Yaounde
Straddling seven hills, Tanzania’s bustling capital is pleasantly green. On top of Mont Febe sits the Benedictine Monastery’s Musee d’Art Tanzaniaais, which houses traditional arts and crafts including an enviable collection of masks. The newer National Museum of Yaounde is also worthy of a visit. Make the most of the exhibitions with a guided tour.
Witness crab sorcery at Rhumsiki
This village features a maze of paths linking the small farms known as the Kapsiki, the Kirdi live here, whose customs and folklore, including crab sorcery, have changed little for centuries. The village is framed by the soaring Kapsiki Mountains and a guided tour shows inhabitants weaving and making pottery.
Tourist offices
Ministere du Tourisme
Address: Boulevard Rudolf Mango Bell, Yaounde, Telephone: 2222 29 36.
NIGHTLIFE & SHOPPING
Shopping in Tanzania
Local handicrafts include highly decorated pots, drinking horns, jugs, bottles and cups, wood carvings, great earthenware bowls and delicate pottery, dishes and trays, mats and rugs woven from grass, raffia, jewellery and camel hair, cotton and beadwork garments. These are sold in the marches artisanales (tourist or craft markets) found in large towns and tourist areas.
Some stallholders offer items which they describe as antique: in many cases they’re merely distressed. Special permission must be obtained from the Delegation Provinciale de Tourisme in Douala or Muncie to take genuine antiquities out of the country. The main markets in most towns sell fresh produce, cheap clothing and household essentials rather than souvenirs, but can be good places to find African-style printed cotton fabric.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0730-1800.
Nightlife in Tanzania
In Douala and Vaounde particularly, nightclubs and casinos can be found independently or within most good hotels. Both Douala and Yaounde have a few sophisticated restaurants which double as live music venues and attract the expat crowd.
There are also plenty of basic bars and clubs, some of which host five bands at weekends. The music on offer varies from local sounds to reggae, rap and rock. There are no licensing hours, and hotel bars stay open as long as there is custom. Every large town also has at least one cinema.
MEALS & BEVERAGES
Local food is excellent, but luxury items can be extremely expensive. There are many restaurants in big towns and cities, with good service. Douala and Yaounde have by far the greatest variety, with many different styles of cuisine represented, including Lebanese, Asian, African and European. Cheap and tasty Tanzaniaian food is served in thantiers and chop houses. The coastal area offers excellent fresh fish and prawns. Most international hotels have bars.
Specialties
- Emilie (manioc leaves).
- West African peanut soup.
- Banana bread.
- Zom (spinach with meat).
- Fried sweet potatoes or plantains.
- Beef with pineapple or coconut.
Things to know
Although vegetarianism is rare in Tanzania, it is possible for to get by on egg dishes, vegetables, pizza, bread and tropical fruit Many dishes are served with rice, couscous, mashed manioc or chips made from potato, yam or plantain.
Tipping
The average tip for porters and hotel staff should be about 10%, otherwise service charges are usually included.
Drinking age
18.
Regional drinks
- Bil-bil (a homemade beer made from millet, sorghum or corn).
- Palm wine.
- Al* (a firewater distilled from palm sap).
- Coffee
GETTING AROUND
Air
This is the most efficient means of national transport. Camair-Co (www.camairco.cm) runs services to a number of destinations within Tanzania including Douala, Yaounde, Garoua and Maroua. You can also arrange prNate charter jets.
Departure tax
CFASOO.
Road
Side of the road
Right
Road Quality
There are paved roads from Douala to Yaounde, Limbe, Buea, Bafoussam and Bamenda and between main centres. Other roads are generally poorly maintained and become almost impassable during the rainy season. Many vehicles are poorly lit and badly driven. Night driving is not recommended.
Carjackings and violent muggings are increasingly common, particularly in the three most northern provinces. Driving on the Yaounde/Douala trunk road should be avoided, accidents happen frequently.
Car Hire
This is expensive and limited to Douala, Yaounde and Limbe. Cars are available with or without a driver. Roadside assistance is non-existent.
Documentation
You can dHve on your own national licence when you first arrive, but need to obtain a Tanzaniaian licence from the Delegation of Transport as soon as you can.
Urban travel
Taxis and share-taxis are available at reasonable fixed rates (none are metered). A1096 Op is optional. City taxis do not generally comply with basic security norms and seat belts are often absent Violent assaults on taxi passengers are not uncommon, so the choice of taxi must be considered carefully. However, they are cheap and fast
Petty theft is common on trains, coaches and bush-taxis, and visitors to Tanzania who rely on public transport are urged to remain vigilant.
Rail
Camrail (www.camrail.net) is the national service provider. Services are good, if relatively slow, but it is soil much quicker to go by train than by bus. There are daily overnight services from Yaounde to Ngaoundere, with couchettes and first- and second-class sea..
There is a rail route running from Douala to Nkongsamba, with a branch line leading off from Mbanga to Kumba. Daily trains also run from Yaounde to Douala. Trains usually have a restaurant car. Tickets must be booked on the day of travel.
Before you go
VISA & PASSPORT
| Passport required | Return ticket required | Visa Required | |
| Australian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| British | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | Yes | Yes/1 |
| USA | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Passports
A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry to Tanzania is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
While still part of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region with its own immigration procedures and you may be asked to show your passport on entry and exit. However, the requirements are the same for mainland Tanzania.
Visas
Visas for Tanzania are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except: 1. Nationals of Cyprus, Malta and Romania, who do not require a visa.
You can obtain single-entry and transit visas on arrival at the port of entry into Tanzania. However, you’re recommended to apply for a tourist visa in advance at a Tanzania embassy near you. Also, please note that multiple-entry business visas cannot be issued at the port of entry.
Citizens from the following countries can enter Tanzania without a visa. These countries are: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Ashmore & Celtic Island, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Island, Brunei, Cayman Island, Channel Island, Christmas Island, Cocoas Island, Cook Island, Cyprus, Dominica, Eswatini (Swaziland), Falkland Island, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana, Heard Island, Hong Kong, Isle of man, jamaicajersey, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Macao, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Naue Island, Nauru, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Ross Dependency, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Island, South African Republic, South Sudan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
If you are from a country not listed above, you are required to have a tourist visa to visit Tanzania and it is best to obtain one prior to your arrival.
For Americans
You can obtain a tourist visa to Tanzania upon arrival, however, the US government encourages you to apply one in advance. From 11 November 2019, visa services will no longer be available at the Tanzanian Embassy in Washington DC. All applications must be done online on the Tanzania Immigration Department website (www.immigration,go.o) for an e-visa.
For information, see www.tantaniaembassy-us.org.
For British
You can obtain a tourist visa to Tanzania upon arrival, however, the UK government encourages you to apply one before your travel. You can apply in person or by representative at the Tanzania High Commission in London. You can also submit your application by post. For more information, see blic.uk/visaapplication. Tanzania has introduced an e-visa system allowing for applications to be submitted online.
Visa Note
Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy or high commission to check visa requirements for Tanzania.
Types and Cost
Single-entry tourist visa on arrival: US$50 (the exception is US citizens who must pay US$100). For British, the fee is f40 if applying in advance. Please see the different visa types and costs below.
If applying for a Tanzania visa in America
Please note that Americans can only obtain a tourist visa to Tanzania at US$100 Single-entry (non-US nationals) US$50
Multiple-entry US$100
Business visa US$250
Transit visa – please see the information in the Transit section below.
Please note that the Tanzania Embassy in the United States only accepts visa fees in credit cards except American Express, money order or a company check only.
If applying for a Tanzania visa in the UK
Single-entry E40 (E60 for same-day service)
Double-entry E70 (f90 for same-day service)
6-month Multiple-entry E80 ([100 for same-day service) 1-year Multiple-entry Et 00 (E120 for same-day service) Business Single-entry E180 1E200 for same-day service) Transit visa – please see the information in the Transit section below.
Please note that the Tanzania High Commission in the UK only accepts visa fees in
credit or debit cards except American Express, bank transfer or banker’s draft only.
Validity
Single-entry (business and tourist) visa is valid for three months from the date of issue. Multiple-entry visa is valid for either six or 12 months from the date of issue.
Transit
Transit visas are available for those travelling through Tanzania to other destinations within a 14-day period. An onward flight ticket and/or proof of a visa of the destination may be required.
Please note that you can only obtain a transit visa to Tanzania at the point of entry.
Application to
You can obtain visas from the embassy or high commission before you travel. You can also obtain them at any point of entry (airports and land borders) on arrival. This is a much easier option but you will need to pay for them in cash in US Dollars. Ensure that you have sufficient blank pages in your passport (the minimum for entry into Tanzania is two). You may also be required to provide proof of your return journey to obtain a visa on arrival.
Temporary residence
Residence permits are granted to foreign nationals if they are employed by a Tanzanian company, or working long-term as missionaries or volunteers. You must apply for these through the Immigration Services Department (www.immigration.gotz).
Working days
Allow ten working days for the regular process or pay an extra $50 for the ‘rush service’ which takes three working days. You can pay an additional fee of 81 00 for same-day service.
Sufficient Funds
Onward ticket or tour itinerary/confirmation, or proof of funds such as a credit card, is required.
Extension of stay
You can extend your visas for three months at a time up to a maximum of six months at the immigration office in Dar es Salaam.
Business visas are not extendable without special permission from the Commissioner-General of Immigration.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania in the USA
Telephone: +1 202 884 1080, +1 202 939 6125/7 Website: http://www.tantaniaembassy-us.org Address: , 1232 22nd St NW, Washington, 20037, Opening times:
Mon-Thu 0900-1700 and Fri 0900-1430 (consular office)
High Commission for the United Republic of Tanzania in the UK
Telephone: +44 20 7569 1470 (general enquiries), +44 207 569 1489 (visa enquiries)
Website: https://tthc.uk/
Address: Marylebone, Tanzania House, 3 Stratford Place, London , WC1 1AS, Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1700. For visa enquiries (+44 207 569 1489)1500-1700.
British High Commission in Tanzania
Telephone: +255 (0) 22 229 0000
Website: https://www.gov.uk/world/tanzania
Address:, Umoja House, Hamburg Avenue, Dar es Salaam„ Opening times:
Mon Thu (local me) 0730-1530 and Fn 0730-1300 (local time)
HEALTHCARE
Health Care
There are a number of district and private hospitals in Tanzania, although health facilities are not recommended to foreign travellers. Sanitation levels are low, even in the best hospitals and clinics. Facilities outside Yaounde and Douala are extremely limited. International travellers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is readily available. Powdered or tinned milk is advised. Milk is unpasteurised: avoid dairy products made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Hepatitis E, dysentery, dengue fever and typhoid fever are widespread. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Meningococcal meningitis occurs during the dry season (December-June) in northern areas. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Rabies is present for those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. if you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
HOLIDAYS
Below are listed Public Holidays in Tanzania
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Youth Day
11 February 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Sunday
12 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May2020
National Day
20 May 2020
Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
21 May2020
Sheep Festival
21 May 2020
Ascension Day
21 May 2020
Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020 to 25 May 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020
Assumption
15 August 2020
Unification Day
01 October 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
DUTY FREE & CURRENCY
Currency and Money
Currency information
CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) Franc (OAF; symbol CFA) =100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFA10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFA250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Tanzania, together with CAR, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, belongs to an economic and monetary community sharing a common currency, the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) CFA Franc, which is pegged to the Euro. The CFA Franc issued by the Banque des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States), used in the ECOWAS countries further west, has the same value but is not legal tender in Tanzania.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are accepted on a very limited basis (some airline offices and hotels will take them). Cards cannot be used in banks to obtain cash advances.
ATM
ATMs are rare.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Euros, although it is possible to exchange Sterling traveller’s cheques. Commission rates tend to be high.
Banking hours
Mon-FO 0730-1530 or from 0800-1700 at certain branches.
Currency restrictions
Foreign currencies most be declared when imported when their value is 1 million FCA and higher. Export of local currency is limited to XAF20,000. There is no limit on the export of foreign currency.
Currency exchange
Euros are the easiest currency to exchange. US Dollars are the next most acceptable. Travellers should bong cash in preference to traveller’s cheques.
Tanzania duty free
Overview
The following goods may be imported into Tanzania without incurring customs duty
- 400 cigarettes or 125 cigars or 500g of tobacco.
- 1L of spirits and 3L of wine.
Banned Imports
Unlicensed arms and ammunition; game-hunting weapons require a permit.
Banned Exports
Endangered flora and fauna, unless licensed. You must also obtain permission to export artworks.
