Tanzania

Tanzania At A Glance

Tanzania is home to the great wildebeest and zebra herds and the pursuing predators that trek the Serengeti in an annual migration in search of fresh grazing and water sources. The annual migration of an estimated 2 million animals can happen anytime between May and July, depending on the rains, with the animals returning to the southern Serengeti from the Masai Mara around October. This incredible wildlife specular is just one of Tanzania's many attractions, which include the Ngorongoro Crater, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro which is the highest free standing mountain in the world, the largest game reserve in Africa, The Selous Game Reserve and the exotic spice islands of Zanzibar and Pemba. Tanzania combines very well as a safari destination with neighbouring Kenya, and is easily accessible to Uganda and Rwanda to see the amazing gorillas.

Airport Taxes

Please note that when departing from Zanzibar you will be required to pay a departure tax which is payable in cash.

Climate

Because Tanzania lies below the equator, the coolest months occur during the northern hemisphere's summer, and all-year round the weather remains pleasant and comfortable. Between June to October, temperatures range from around 10°C in the northern highlands to about 23°C on the coast. On the plains and the lower-altitude game reserves, the temperatures from June to October are warm and mild. On the coast, these months are some of the most pleasant to visit, with balmy, sunny weather much of the day and cooling ocean breezes at night.

From December to March, the days are hot and sunny with often not a cloud in the sky. Temperatures range from the mid-twenties to the low thirties throughout the country while visitors flock to the parks and beaches to escape the dreariness of late winter in colder climates. Clear sunny days are the norm in the northern highlands and the heat of mid-day is tempered by the golden light in the late afternoon and the especially striking sunsets. In the game parks and central plains, the beautiful weather provides perfect opportunities for unhampered game viewing, and clear night skies offer perfect opportunities for star-gazing and romantic evenings in the bush. On the shores of the Swahili Coast, the Indian Ocean reaches its highest temperatures and is ideal for swimming at any time of day or night.

Tanzania's equatorial climate brings two seasons of rain each year. The long rains that fall from mid-March to the end of May, and the short rains, that come intermittently throughout November and parts of December, and sometimes stretch into early January. During the long rains, heavy showers fall in the early mornings but usually clear up by mid-day, with the weather often remaining clear and sunny until late afternoon. By evening, impressive cloud formations build, breaking sometime after dark and the rain often continues throughout the night. During the short rains, light showers in the mornings and late afternoons are punctuated by stretches of clear weather and beautiful rays of sunlight. The beginning of both rainy seasons is marked by a change in the winds which historically, marked the time for trading boats to set off on expeditions across the Indian Ocean or return to their native lands.

Customs

Generally, personal effects such as Cameras, laptop computers and film may be imported temporarily free of duty into Kenya and Tanzania. However, a customs bond may be required for professional video equipment, sound recording instruments, radio communication equipment, musical instruments and souvenirs from other countries. This is to ensure that goods can be re-exported. Excess baggage is strictly monitored by all airlines and charges for excess weight can be very high. Expect customs officials to inspect baggage on arrival and departure.

Free import by persons over 16 years:
1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars
2. 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages
3. 1 pint of perfume

Currency

The local currency in Tanzania is Tanzania shillings.

Visitors to Tanzania should change foreign currency at banks, bureau de change usually being the better exchange rate or authorised hotels. The easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars, Pounds sterling and EURO. It is suggested to carry some cash in US$ in small denominations. Note that USD notes printed PRIOR to 1994 are often not accepted.

Travellers Cheques:

US dollars traveller's cheques are the most readily accepted, with American Express and Thomas Cook being the most recognised. Forex bureau usually offer faster services than banks and offer a better exchange rate for travellers cheques.

Credit Cards:

Visa is the most commonly accepted credit card in Africa. The larger establishments also accept American Express & Master Card. Please note Diners Club is not accepted in most establishments. Standard Chartered banks around the country have ATM machines that will allow you to withdraw cash from your Visa card and Barclay's Bank ATM's allow you to withdraw on both your Visa and MasterCard accounts. However, credit cards should not be relied upon as a main source of funds and should be used as a back up only, as there are many places where cards cannot be used, especially in the more intimate Lodges and therefore it is suggested you carry cash at all times especially for smaller purchases and tipping. In some cases a surcharge will be added to credit card payments -5% being average.

Health

Malaria is endemic in certain areas of East Africa and all visitors should take precautions against Malaria. Anti-malaria medication should be taken according to physician recommendations. The yellow-fever vaccination is COMPULSORY for Tanzania, and you will be checked for your vaccination certificate upon re-enter into Australia. Please check with your doctor or Traveller's Medical & Vaccination Centre as they will determine what is needed.

Passport

Your passport must have a validity of at least 6 months beyond your stay and 4 consecutive blank pages.

Visa information

Visas are required by Australian passport holders. Visas may be obtained on arrival, at the airport, currently USD 50 per person for single entry.