Tourist information Tanzania, including all the useful things to know before leaving for a trip or vacation in this state of Africa.
Tanzania in short
- Capital: Dodoma
- Area in sq. Km: 945.090
- Population: 43,739,051 (2009)
- Religion: Christianity, Islamism and animist cults
Where is it
Tanzania is a state of East Africa, made up of the union of the state of Tanganyika, corresponding to mainland Tanzania, with that of Zanzibar, formed by the island of the same name and the island of Pemba.
Tanzania is bordered to the north with Kenya and Uganda, to the west with Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south with Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, to the east it is washed by the Indian Ocean.
The territory is formed by a flat coastal strip that rises inland with a vast plateau, 1,200 meters above sea level, which is bordered to the north-east by a volcanic system dominated by Mount Kilimanjaro, which with its 5895 meters is the highest mountain on the African continent characterized by a peak covered by a perennial glacier.
To the north of the plateau is Lake Victoria, and to the west is Lake Tanganyika. To the north Near the border with Kenya, in the African Rift Valley is Lake Natron, a shallow salt lake which takes on very intense colors during the dry season.
Hydrography
Tanzania includes in its territory some parts of the major African lakes, the southern portion of Lake Victoria, the eastern part of Lake Tanganyika, and the north-eastern portion of Lake Niassa. The major rivers that cross the country are the Rufigi, the Rovuma, the Pangani and the Kagera.
Climate
Tanzania's climate is mainly tropical, with temperatures mitigated by altitude. Along the coast of the Indian Ocean and on the Pemba, Zanzibar and Mafia islands, the climate is hot and humid, while on the plateau the rains are less and there are more pronounced diurnal temperature excursions.
The long rainy season runs from March to May, while the short rainy season runs from October to December.
Population
The population of Tanzania is made up mostly of Bantu tribes, whose main ethnic groups are the Sukuma and Nyamwezi. Other ethnic groups present are the chaga, haya, ha, hehe, gogo, ngonde, ngoni, nyakyusa, nyika, yao and masai. In addition, Indian, Pakistani, Arab and European minorities reside in Tanzania.
Time zone
The time difference in Tanzania is 2 hours ahead of Italy. 1 hour ahead when daylight saving time is in effect in Italy.
Spoken language
Tanzania's official language is Swahili. Furthermore, the various languages are spoken by the various ethnic groups.
Recommended readings- Tanzania: useful information
- Kilimanjaro: national park
- Serengeti: national park of Tanzania
Economy
Tanzania has a very poor economy, largely linked to agriculture conditioned by poor soil productivity, hampered by unreliable climatic conditions and by the use of backward technology.
When to go
In general, the best time to visit Tanzania is in the months of July and August.
Requested documents
To enter Tanzania you need a passport with a residual validity of at least 6 months from the moment you enter the country.
In addition, an entry visa is required which should be requested before leaving at the Tanzanian Embassy in Rome or the Consulate of Milan.
A visa can also be requested upon arrival in the country, at the three international airports of Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. With the only tourist visa it is absolutely forbidden to carry out any work or commercial activity, even voluntary.
Phone
- The international prefix for telephoning from Italy to Tanzania is: 00255
- The international prefix for telephoning from Tanzania to Italy is: 0039
The GSM 900/1800 network covers the coast and large cities, while some areas within the country are without cellular network coverage. It is more convenient to make calls using SIM cards from local companies that can be purchased on site.
Electricity
The electric current in Tanzania is 230 V 50 Hz. The sockets are of the English type, therefore a power adapter is required.
Money and credit card
The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. Upon arrival, it is preferable to exchange euros or dollars at the exchange offices.
Credit cards are accepted only by luxury hotels, which charge quite high commissions. ATMs are there, but they often don't work.
How to get
Air travel between Italy and Tanzania requires at least one stop, as there are no direct flights from Italy to this country.
Tanzania's main airport is Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport, which connects the city with other African countries, the Middle East, India and Europe.
Dar es Salaam is the center of the country's transport network.
Tanzania's second airport, albeit small, is Kilimanjaro International Airport, located between the city of Arusha and Moshi near Kilimanjaro.
This airport serves the Kilimanjaro area, the Arusha National Park, the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.
It is also possible to stop in Nairobi, Kenya, and reach Arusha by bus or car. Among the airlines that fly to Tanzania we list: Swiss International Airlines, Egyptair, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, KLM, Kenya Airways.
Vaccinations
To enter Tanzania, vaccination against yellow fever is not mandatory, it is required only from travelers from infected areas.
Vaccination is however recommended as it is a risk area. Other recommended vaccinations are, always after medical consultation, antimalarial prophylaxis, antitifica, anti hepatitis A and B, tetanus.
It is also advisable to follow some hygienic measures, drink only bottled water without adding ice, eat only cooked meats and vegetables, fruit only if peeled personally.
Before departure, it is recommended to take out health insurance that covers medical costs and a possible repatriation.
