Tanzania travel guide

 

Tanzania

 

Meet TanzaniaTanzania weather reportGetting into TanzaniaFrom the Tanzanian kitchen From the Tanzanian barCurrency in Tanzania Major airports in TanzaniaExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in TanzaniaDid you know?

 

Meet Tanzania

 

If you want to experience the rich diversity of African life, then pay a visit to Tanzania. From the scorching plains of the Serengeti, to the snow covered peak of Mount Kilimanjaro; from the languorous sandy beaches of Pemba Island, to the hectic bustle of Stone Town Market, this country has it all.

 

Most tourists come to Tanzania to Safari through the expansive national parks, which are brimming with a variety of local wildlife. Majestic Lions, wizened elephants, and graceful gazelle all call this country home, and sighting these creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience.

 

Across the sea, the tropical island of Zanzibar, with its sparkling turquoise waters, and Portuguese colonial architecture, is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Life is quiet here, but the colourful wealth of the marine life makes snorkeling and scuba diving a great way to pass the time between sun-worshipping and swimming.

 

Those in search of more active pursuits can enjoy the challenge of the 6 day trek up the 5,895m Mount Kilimanjaro, and watch the sunrise over Tanzania from the top of this soaring summit. Whichever way you choose to spend your stay, the natural beauty of this country, and the genuine warmth of its people, is sure to give you the holiday of a lifetime.

Back To Top

Tanzania weather report

 

Tanzania is a vast country, so its climate varies with altitude and location. Humid, tropical weather is experienced along the coastline, and on the islands of Unguj, Pemba, and Mafia, where temperatures often hit 28 degrees Celsius. Central Tanzania is equally hot, but more dry and arid, while in the northern and western parts of the country, the climate is generally milder.

 

Across the nation, there are two wet seasons, which bring high humidity, temperatures in the 30s, and heavy rainfall. The main rainy season lasts from mid-March to May, and the shorter wet spell usually occurs between November and January.

 

Throughout June to October there is a long dry season, when rainfall is unusual, skies are clear, and days are hot. This is peak season to visit the country.

 

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.

Back To Top

 

 

Getting into Tanzania

 

To enter Tanzania, you will need passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay. British nationals and other members of the EU will also require a visa to enter the country.

Back To Top

 

 

From the Tanzanian kitchen

 

The typical Tanzanian cuisine is very similar that enjoyed in other East African nations, such as Kenya. The country’s history of trade with Asia has resulted in some deliciously spicy curry dishes. Soups are made rich with coconut milk, while meat and fish stews take on a truly Tanzanian character with the addition of cooked banana.

  • Ugali: this mashed cornmeal preparation is a staple food in Tanzania. It is frequently served with meat as part of an evening meal, or on its own to make a porridge-like snack.

  • Nyama Choma: roasted meat, usually lamb, flavoured with spices.

  • Chapatti: fried flat bread.

  • Pilau: reflecting the history of Tanzania’s trading relations with Asia, this dish consists of rice, spiced with curry, cumin, peppers and cloves.

  • Vitumbua: small, sweet rice cakes, often consumed with hot tea.

  • Mandazi: delicious, deep-fried cakes, frequently sold by street vendors.

Back To Top

 

 

From the Tanzanian bar

 

  • Chai: a very popular tea, often flavoured with sugar and ginger, and consumed in the morning with breakfast.

  • Mbege: a banana beer produced in the Kilimanjaro region of the country.

  • Afrikoko: a popular chocolate liqueur with a distinct coconut flavour.

  • Konyagi Gin: a local gin, which is loved all over the African continent.

  • Freshly squeezed juices, made from pineapple or oranges, and mixed with sugar, are readily available from Tanzanian street vendors.

Back To Top

 

 

Currency in Tanzania

 

The unit of currency used in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), which is subdivided into 100 cents.

The Tanzanian coins currently in circulation are the 50, 100 and 200 shilling. Banknotes are issued in 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 shilling bills.

 

Back To Top

 

 

Major airports in Tanzania

  • Dar Es Salaam International Airport (DAR)

  • Geita Airport (GIT)

  • Iringa Nduli Airport (IRI)

  • Kigoma Airport (TKQ)

  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

  • Lake Manyara Airport (LKY)

  • Lushoto Airport (LUY)

  • Mafia Airport (MFA)

  • Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)

Back To Top

 

 

Examples of food and drink spend

  • Eating out in Tanzania is incredibly cheap for tourists. You can easily get a full three course meal for under £10.

  • A pint of beer is usually priced at around 50 - 70p.

  • Soft drinks are usually priced at less than 50p each.

Back To Top

 

 

Things to have at hand in Tanzania

  • Travel Insurance

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunhat

  • Bottled water

  • Insect repellent

  • Travel insurance: leave one copy of your policy at home and take one copy with you

Back To Top

 

 

Did you know?

  • Around 39 million people live in Tanzania.

  • Tanzania has over 130 tribal groups, making it the most culturally diverse of Africa’s nations.

  • Tanzania covers an area of 945,087 sq km, making it over twice the size of California.

  • Zanzibar celebrates the Persian New Year, known as Mwaka Kogwa, in June — this is the only place on earth where this ancient festival is still observed.

  • Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer of Queen, was born in Tanzania.

Back To Top