Tanzania
Perhaps it is the marriage of its innately synchronized wilderness, with the eccentricity of a refined cultural heritage, that makes the dichotomous landscape of Tanzania, truly one-of-a-kind. One word. Wildlife. The Tanzanian ecosystem is dominated by the world’s most exotic animals. Be it the zebras and giraffe, or the deer and the buffalo herds, or the feline lions and tigers, Tanzania is teeming with fauna. Its Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, boast the most expansive lands and the largest wildebeest migration. Also, these areas are ideal for birding as the country is home to birdlife of over 1400 species! These birding spots are counted among as the best tourist places in Tanzania.
The people of rural Tanzania, called the Masai, are a distinct tribe. Adorned in the most fashionable drapes and rustic accessories, the Masai people are admired the world over for their sense of style and ways of life. Famous for its fragrant spice markets, its heritage town of Stone and its pristine, picture-perfect beaches, Zanzibar, is a tourist haven. It offers one of the best tourist places in Tanzania. The restaurants here have a unique vibe of their own and as a matter of fact, are some of the most sought after eateries in the continent of Africa! Which brings us to the food. The Swahili cuisine, is Manna. Some dishes are simple, while others are layered in their gastronomic glory, but the flavourful food of Tanzania is unrivalled by another African cuisine. Finally, Mount Kilimanjaro is to Tanzania what the Himalayas are to India and Nepal. Its sweeping views, its terrain conducive to climbing and its wildlife, make Kilimanjaro another destination as popular as the Serengeti.
Tanzania Packages
Tanzania FAQ's
Travel Advice
Do not get involved in fights or brawls with anyone.
Do respect the local cultures and traditions.
Do not indulge in drugs of any form.
Make sure you do not travel alone in the night.
Girls please ensure that you do not get over friendly with someone you barely know.
Do not eat street food without checking the quality.
Make sure you drink only bottled mineral water.
Do not buy a bottle from a brand you do not know.
Before going to a restaurant, make sure you research well about the applicable dress code and dress accordingly.
Learn a few words from the local language of the region. It can be a good way to communicate with the locals and understand the local traditions and cultures.
Always book a hotel in an area that is centrally located.
Avoid staying in any shady area.
Keep the vendors at bay.
Do not entertain the touts.
Do not entertain the beggars.
- Always carry with you at least one proof of your identity at all times.
Drinking Law
What You Will Like There?
Tanzania takes immense pride in the vast number of wildlife spread all across the country. The rich biodiversity of the Tanzania can be seen from over the 3000 lions housed in Selous, frequent sightings of the African Hunting Dogs in Ruaha, Chimpanzees spotted in their natural habitat in Gombe and Mahale. For every nature or wildlife lover, Tanzania can be a great tourist attraction. To best explore the wildlife, you can undertake one of the nature safaris.
Specialized Chimpanzee Safari Program
Tanzania is a home to the majestic mountains of Mahale. It is a home to hundreds of chimpanzees. Guests who come here visiting Tanzania can undertake specialized trekking safaris to the South Western National Parks of Mahale Mountains as well as the Gombe Stream.
Active Adventure
The Natural Wonder of the World – Mount Kilimanjaro is easily accessible. Climbing it is a dream of many adventurers and athletes who wish to experience and take pride of being at the roof of Africa. There are a number of routes suited for different lifestyles to experience nature and be a bit adventurous. Seek help from an authentic and certified guide who will guide you with the tips and tricks related to the activity. If you think, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t thrilling enough, you can trek all the way up to the Ol Donyo Lengai Mountain of God which is an active volcano mountain.
Indian Ocean Beach Vacation
African Mecca visitors can spare some time from the busy schedules to enjoy a real vacation away from anything they normally undertake. The multiple Indian Ocean Islands of the Tanzania offer the guests with an opportunity to select their spot just the way they wish to. Given that less than a million visitors come to Tanzania in a year, guests can be assured to experience something which is personalized and private. When you are in Zanzibar, you can unwind near the blue waters of the beach and unwind under palm thatch umbrella.
Eco-Tourism Experience
A lot of people tend to fall in love with the African experience that they get in Tanzania. There are a number of stays and accommodations run by the indigenous people of Africa. Spending here will do good to the indigenous tribes here. Your money is going to make them self reliant and self sufficient. Besides visiting the Maasai homesteads, you can can also look for other homestays located here. Food that you get in these homestays is prepared using the freshest produce. Guests also get an opportunity to enjoy the offering such as snorkelling while learning about the effort put in by the lodge owners in preserving the sustaining ecosystem of the island and its inhabitants.
Historical Experience
Cultural Experience
The varying cultures and tribes of Tanzania are an opportunity to understand different ways of life, rituals and rites. You plan a tour of the local communities or visit the Zanzibar while interacting with the Zanzibaris and participating in their day to day activities. You can also take up the spice tours. These tours are undoubtedly going to make you fall in love with the aromatic spices which go in the local food here.
Marine Experience
Tanzania offers a phenomenal paradise for marine enthusiast who visit Mafia, Zanzibar and Pemba along with the different interesting reeds which feature the shallow rocky areas that suddenly drop off into the vertiginous crevasses that are some 40 meters deep. Given its steep walls that are covered in the Gorgonia and sponges, you will get to experience diverse life as Moray Eels, Brittlestars and Langoustines.
Relaxation, Peace and Pristine Beauty
Tanzania offers immense relaxation and peace program for the guests to take off to the remote places such as Kigoma that is located on the shoreline of the majestic Tanganyika Lake. You can spend your days gazing at the pristine beauty from the comfort of your rooms and admire the majestic vistas here. Guests can also enjoy the warm breeze of the Indian Ocean and enjoy the very best moments of their life in Africa.
Eight Wonder Of The World
If all of the above things have not made you fall in love with Tanzania, the very presence of the Ngorongoro Crater is sure going to lure you to the country. Ngorongoro Crater is an undocumented "Eight Wonder of the World". Sitting and relaxing in the balcony of your hotel room or a lodge you can relish on the majestic views of the crater.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
The best time to visit depends on the purpose your trip revolves around.
Wildlife
The best months for wildlife are during the dry period from Late June to October.
Kilimanjaro
For climbing Kilimanjaro, July to October and January to March are the best months.
Zanzibar
The ideal time to visit coastal Tanzania is between August and October.
Therefore, all keeping in mind all three purposes of visit, the months of July, August, September and October are when tourism in Tanzania is at its freshest.
How to reach Tanzania?
There are three airports which cater to Tanzania;
- Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam,
- Kilimanjaro International Airport and
- Zanzibar International Airport.
Most flights land at the Dar air hub. Kenya Airways offer daily flights to Tanzania from all major airports in India.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania? How does one get a Tanzania visa?
Yes, a visa is compulsory for travelling to Tanzania. The type of visa depends on your purpose of travel. Visa on arrival is available at Rs. 3000 change and is is valid for a 3 month tenure.
The Tanzania High Commission in Delhi has a list of strict visa regulations by which you have to comply to apply for other types of visa. After applying, your visa needs to be processed. The processing time is 24 hours. Note that the THC does not accept cash and payment has to made via bank draft. Application fee depends on type of entry: Single, Multiple and Business and costs Rs. 3250, Rs. 6500 and Rs. 16250 respectively.
What is the currency of Tanzania and where can I get my money exchanged?
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency of Tanzania.
You can buy local currency on arrival in Tanzania, or use Travellers’ cheques. An international debit or credit card may also be used. Exchange only the money you want to use, because otherwise converting back from a higher currency to TZS will give you a lower rate. It’s good to know that ATM machines are everywhere in Dar.
What are the things to do in Tanzania?
- Tanzania is best known for its Serengeti Safari. Go animal-spotting at the Serengeti National Park and view herds of buffalo and deer, groups of elephants, giraffe, serval cats, African jackals and species of eland, topi, impala and gazelle.
- When here, climb and hike your way through the rich wildlife and rugged craters of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Additionally, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Tanzanian wildlife from a balloon in an exclusive Balloon Safari above the Serengeti Migration.
- Savour a boat-ride on the limpid waters of Lake Manyara.
- Make a trip to Stone Town, in Zanzibar for its rich heritage and its spice markets. It’s a UNESCO heritage site.
- Explore the waters off the coast of Zanzibar island, outlined by languid palms. Non-tidal beaches are conducive to swimming while some other island sections boast coral cliffs and lagoons.
What is the local food of Tanzania? Which are the best places to taste this food?
Swahili cuisine dominated by Maragai, the local food of Tanzania. Zanzibar is teeming with the best local restaurants.
- Archipelago is known for its creative curries and spiced tea.
- Radha Food House in Stone Town, is another hot spot.
- Monsoon, another eatery here, serves the most vibrant cocktails.
- Enjoy grill by the waterside at Mercury’s, named after the late great Freddie Mercury, who was born in Zanzibar.
- Have a sumptuous Swahili breakfast at Serengeti Restaurant, Dar es Salaam.
- Green Bamboo Barbeque in Moshi, is famous for its selection of meats.
What is the best public transport to commute around Tanzania?
Dalla-Dalla’s
Dalla-Dallas are an example of the best public transport systems. They comprise buses and minivans, but on the flipside, they’re usually overflowing with people.
DART
In the city, these are replaced by DART buses, which is the new-age Dar Rapid Transit. Buses run from the city centre to Ubungo for an average of 600 TSH for 20 minutes.
Railways
However, research shows that several national parks in the country can be reached by railway! Also, trains are much cheaper than buses.
Do I need to have any vaccinations before the trip to Tanzania?
Yes. The WHO recommends the following vaccines for Tanzania:
- Hepatitis A,
- Hepatitis B,
- Typhoid,
- Cholera,
- Yellow Fever,
- Rabies,
- Influenza and
What is the local language in Tanzania and which are the most commonly used greetings? (mention at least 4) (Hello, Thank you, Good morning/night, What is the price of ____?, How far is _____?)
Swahili is the local language in Tanzania. However, English and French are widely-spoken too. Some common greetings translate as:
Hello - Jambo.
How are you? - Habari Gani?
Thank you - Asante.
Good morning - Habari za asubuhi.
Good night - Usiku mwema.
What is the price of_____? - Je, ni bei ya ______?
How far is_______? - Jinsi mbali_______?
Which are the best shopping places in Tanzania and what are they famous for?
- The streets of Stone Town in Zanzibar are bustling with busy shops that sell local crafts, fashion, spices and souvenirs.
- Check out the spice markets on the coasts of Zanzibar.
- Kivukoni Fish Market in Dar offers some of the biggest catch in Tanzania.
- Quality Centre Mall is a premium mall located in Dar es Salaam.
- Watch woodworkers at work and invest in the craft of Mwenge Carvers’ Market.
- Tingatinga Centre is the best exhibit of the renowned Tingatinga art.
- What are some popular places for wildlife safaris in Tanzania?
- Nothing compares to the African Serengeti, also known as The Land That Moves on Forever. The area is rich in elephants, deer, antelope and giraffe. The hot balloon safari is an exclusive balloon tour of the Serengeti landscape, which is a worthy experience.
- Ngorongoro Crater, is another popular area for a wildlife safari. Go cheetah and tiger spotting here.
- In addition, the Tarangire National Park boasts an ecosystem of zebras and wildebeest.
- A Safari around Lake Manyara, includes stunning views in addition to the exotic appeal of the tree-climbing lions!
What are some famous historic sites in Tanzania?
- The entire Stone Town district of Zanzibar is a UNESCO heritage site.
- The Christ Church Cathedral here, with the sad Slave Museum, is a beautiful monument, which narrates the heavy stories of slavery and its subsequent abolishment.
- On a lighter note, visit the Mtoni Palace Ruins and enjoy a candlelight dinner in its haunting ambience.
- The Isimila Stone Age site, Iringa, is another spectacular dilapidation with a small, but relevant museum in its vicinity.
- Olduvai Gorge is a literally a trip down memory lane with a palaeoanthropological section devoted to the prehistoric man and evolutionary science.
- The Kilwa Kisiwani was visited by the preeminent traveller of yore, Ibn e Batuta. Take a guided tour of this once trade centre, now in ruins.
Here are the best tips Thrillophilia has to offer for your trip to Tanzania
- Go vaccinated. Nothing like bad health to wear you down on vacation.
- Take time planning your trip. Try extending your travels to at least a fortnight to truly soak in the Tanzanian environs and lifestyle.
- Take the quaint train, as opposed to commuting by bus. Infact, one railway goes through the lush rainforests of Udzungwa National Park. For more information, check out the TAZARA website.
- We know lions and tigers are the cynosure of all eyes on a Safari, but the devil is in the details. Focus on the serval cats, the jackals, the migrating wildebeest, the deer and the bushbabies for a more authentic experience of a Safari.
- Carry a professional SLR. Even if your phones boast the best cameras, there is nothing like an SLR or video camera to shoot the Tanzanian landscape and distant flora and fauna with.
- Carry hiking gear including a pair of good boots, but travel light, because you will be moving in an out of tents and camps while you are here.
