About Tanzania

Useful information:

Capital: Dar es Salaam

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh.)

Approximate exchange rate: $1 = Tshs.2,240

Time code: GMT+3

Language: Kiswahili and English

Electricity: 220 volts, AC 50 Hz

International Dialling Code: +255

Tanzania: Stable Democratic state

Current Head of state President: Hon Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli

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Location

Where is Tanzania’s Location?

Located in East Africa, just south of the equator, mainland Tanzania is situated between the great African lakes (Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Malawi) and the Indian Ocean. It shares borders with Kenya and Uganda to the North, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the West, and Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia to the South.

In the northeastern region of the country, stands the world-renowned Mount Kilimanjaro, which is Africa’s tallest mountain. Additionally, the vast Serengeti plains are situated in the north, which is home to the country’s most popular wildlife reserve, the Serengeti National Park.

Location Coordinates: 6° South, 35° East

Getting to Tanzania

By air:

Tanzania has three international airports, in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. There are daily flights to any number of European destinations. There are no direct flights from the USA to Tanzania; the easiest connections are through Europe or South Africa. There are regular flights from other African countries to Dar es Salaam International Airport, mostly from Nairobi, Kenya and Johannesburg, South Africa.

By road:

From the north, paved roads connect Nairobi (Kenya) with Arusha and cross the border at the Namanga post. A number of buses, leaving twice daily between the two cities, also follow this route. From the south, the road from Malawi enters Tanzania at Karonga, but there are no viable bus services on this route. Internal roads connect Arusha and Dar es Salaam to major towns around the country. Ferry services connect, three times a day, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar Stone Town.

Weather

Tanzania’s climate is predominantly tropical. Coastal areas are usually hot and humid. The average day temperature is 30 degrees Celsius. Tanzania has two rainy seasons: the long rains from late March to June, and the short rains from November to January. The hottest time of the year is from December to March, before the long rains. The coolest months are from June to August. In high altitude areas such as Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro highlands, temperatures can fall below freezing point.

Health

We recommend consulting with the local units specializing in tropical diseases in your hometown to obtain accurate information on prevention measures. Given Tanzania’s tropical climate, it is crucial to take precautions against Malaria, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. To avoid contracting the disease, it is advisable to carry mosquito repellent and wear lightweight clothing, particularly during the hours before sunrise and after sunset. Additionally, it is imperative to protect the skin from prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful rays by using appropriate creams, given the country’s location just below the Equator.

What to wear

In general, the climate in the northern parks is warm, allowing for comfortable attire such as safari shirts and trousers or shorts. However, cooler evenings may require a pullover or jacket. It is important to note that temperatures in the Ngorongoro Crater can significantly drop during the night and early morning, necessitating the use of warm clothing. It is recommended to avoid wearing bright colors. Due to the intensity of the equatorial African sun, it is advisable to wear a wide-brimmed hat, high factor sunscreen, and sunglasses for protection.

Geography, history and culture

Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, boasts an expansive land area of 945,203 square kilometres. Situated just south of the Equator, Tanzania is renowned for its remarkable natural contrasts, ranging from the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the pristine beaches of the Zanzibar archipelago. The country is steeped in cultural heritage, with archaeological evidence revealing a rich history dating back to the origin of mankind. Olduvai Gorge, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is where early man’s remains were first discovered.

Tanzania has long been a melting pot of diverse cultures, resulting in a wealth of cultural diversity. Tanganyika gained independence in 1961, followed by Zanzibar in 1963. In April 1964, both territories signed a Union Treaty, forming the United Republic of Tanzania. Despite a low population density, Tanzania is home to approximately 45 million people, with Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism being the three major religions. The Zanzibar archipelago has a population of only 1.3 million. Agriculture and cattle herding are the primary sources of income in Tanzania, which remains predominantly rural. However, over the past two decades, tourism has emerged as a significant economic activity in various regions across the country.