Tanzania

Birthplace of Humanity?

Information - Tanzania

Tanzania is home to 57 million people, and is situated in East Africa. Tanzania is known for the Serengeti and its wildlife. Not far off shore is the Island of Zanzibar, well worth a visit while in this neck of the woods.
Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro and also a marine park with whale sharks and other marine species. Ngorongoro crater as well as home for many native animals and is also where Tanzanite an unique and rare element, blue in colour and used for jewelery.
Olduvai Gorge is an important paleoanthropological site and possibly the site of the oldest human habitation, making it a great place to visit.
Because of this variety, it makes Tanzania a great place for a traveller who likes taking photographs.

QUICK FACTS:

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling

Language: Bantu,Swahili and English

Visa: E-Visa

Power: 230 volts AC. Plug types D & G

Safety: Tanzania is generally a safe country, but that said you do need to take normal precautions and avoid isolated areas.

TRANSPORT

Buses are a cheap and easy way to get around overland and flying between major areas is an option. For travel into National parks though the hire of car and driver or self drive is the best way to go.

Rail system connects major centre’s. Taxi’s are in main towns only so not always practical. In rural areas there are local ute”s/trucks which are slow and uncomfortable but will get you around. Most roads are not sealed so this can be problem in the wet season.

FESTIVALS:

1. Karibu Travel and Trade Fair
2. The Four Corners Cultural Programme Festival – Haydom
3. Mwakakongwa Festivals
4. Zanzibar International Film Festival – ZIF
5. Kilimanjaro Marathon
6.Serengeti Cultural Festival

Biggest event is Wildebeast migration in July/Augus

BUDGET:

Accommodation:-
Dorm beds 100,000 TZS
Basic Double Beds with air cond 300,000 TZS
Mid range Double 460,000 TZS
Luxury 690,000 TZS

Food:-
Stalls /fast food 25,000 TZS
Local restaurants 46,000 TZS
Resort or similar 80,000 TZS plus

Transport:-
Car hire from 96,000 TZS per day
Fuel 2,200 TZS per litre

Planning

Weather is very changeable and can be hot and humid or wet and cold at higher elevations. June and July are best for Wildebeast migration and February is the best time for Wildebeast calving. Hot and Humid on the coast, hot and arid in land but cooler at higher elevations down to 5 oC.

Packing:
Multi layered natural materials in pastel colours as bright colours not good for Safari. Take a rain jacket. Do not forget Camera and Binoculars.

BUDGET:

Accommodation:-
Not Recorded
Food:-
Only ate in resorts as part of Safari
Transport:-
Only used Safari Vehicle as public transport very slow and unreliable.