Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is the southern most country in East Africa. Its mainland borders Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia in the south; Congo (Kinshasa), Burundi, and Rwanda on the west; Uganda and Kenya in the north; and the Indian Ocean in the east. Lake Nyasa forms part of the southern boundary, Lake Tanganyika, the western boundary, whilst Lake Victoria part of the northern boundary.

Tanzania’s is able to offer a multitude of attractions to visitors. Tanzania is a land of amazing beauty and home to some of Africa's greatest sights including Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, and its largest lake and second largest fresh water body in the world, Lake Victoria shared with neighboring countries Uganda and Kenya. National Parks, teeming with wildlife and bush, count for a quarter of the country's land and supports an estimate of 20% of Africa’s large mammal population. Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Added to this are less well known but equally beautiful landmarks such as Lake Tanganyika, the 2nd deepest lake in the world, Mount Meru, the 5th highest mountain in Africa and Oldoinyo Lengai (the Maasai’s Mountain of God) which is still an active volcano. Not to mention the splendor of the coastal areas such as the ‘Spice Island’ of Zanzibar, Kilwa and Bagamoyo, all of which are a historian’s dream.

Although the town of Moshi itself is home to a range of different people, the Kilimanjaro region is predominantly made up of the Chagga, who reside on the slopes of Kilimanjaro and the Pare whose home is the Pare Mountains. The fertile volcanic soil and reliable rainfall on the slopes of Kilimanjaro has probably always been a draw for human settlement. The Chagga are Bantu-speaking agriculturalists whose ancestors probably arrived in the area in the 15th century. The Chagga had no tradition of central leadership. Up to 100 small chiefdoms existed in the mid 19th century. Their efficient and industrious farming skills meant that they have always produced a food surplus and subsequently have a history of trading with the Maasai and other local groups, and later with Arab caravans. Chaggas remain self sufficient for basic foodstuffs and today the mountain is scattered with family smallholdings that produce a variety of subsistence crops. The major cash crop is coffee, which was introduced during the colonial era and has been grown by small scale farmers who sell through a co-operative. The main agricultural activity is still coffee and some of the finest Arabica in Tanzania comes from the slopes of Kilimanjaro. Coffee growing is the livelihood of thousands of people.

The Chaggas have a reputation for industriousness, and today many of Tanzania’s political and business leaders hail from the tribe.

Getting There

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
All our safaris in Northern Tanzania start and finish in Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 40 miles from Arusha and receives daily KLM flights from Europe.

Since the KLM flights continue to Dar-es-Salaam, it is possible to arrange an itinerary with arrival into Kilimanjaro and departure from Dar or visa versa. This is particularly useful for those wishing to include a visit to Zanzibar or the Southern reserves into their schedule. Arusha is a great deal closer to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, than it is to Dar-es-Salaam. The number of airlines and frequency of flights into Nairobi is much greater than those into Dar, and the prices more competitive. For these reasons, 80% of safari visitors to Northern Tanzania fly into Nairobi. We arrange shuttle bus transfers or private transportation for clients from Nairobi to Arusha. For UK residents we can book British Airways flights into Nairobi and out of Dar es Salaam- ideal for a Northern Tanzania Safari combined with a Zanzibar extension. Also, we can book flights on Kenya Airways into and out of Nairobi..

There are several charter flights from Europe into Mombasa. These are mostly booked by tour operators running package tours but space may be available on a "seat only" basis.

NAIROBI TO ARUSHA SHUTTLE
There is an inexpensive shuttle bus running twice daily between Nairobi and Arusha.

The shuttle bus from Nairobi has one early morning departure (08:00 AM) and one afternoon departure (14:00). The terminals are the Norfolk, Stanley and Hilton Hotels in Nairobi and the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. The journey takes at least 3 and 1/2 hours, dependent on road conditions and subject to formalities at the border crossing at Namanga. Clients do have the option of arranging private transportation with Ranger from Nairobi to Arusha and return at a supplementary charge.

NAIROBI TO ARUSHA FLIGHTS
There is a daily flight available from Nairobi airport to Kilimanjaro airport.

INTERNAL FLIGHTS
Coastal Air, Regional Air Services and Precision Air run scheduled flights between Dar, Arusha, Zanzibar and various other regional airports and airstrips. In the Northern area Regional Air Services has a flight from Arusha most days of the week visiting several game park airstrips and returning to Arusha.

In addition to the scheduled flights on light aircraft, there are charter airlines who can arrange flights between any of the destinations.

Time GMT +3.

Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz. Rectangular or round three-pin plugs are used.

Language
Swahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken.

Travel Health
Travellers are advised to take medical advice at least three weeks before leaving for Tanzania. Most visitors will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever and polio. Those arriving from an infected country are required to hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate. There is a risk of malaria all year and outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever occur; travellers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should also be avoided, as meat and milk products from infected animals may not have been cooked thoroughly. Sleeping sickness is a risk in the game parks, including the Serengeti, and visitors should avoid bites by tsetse flies. There is a high prevalence of HIV/Aids. Cholera outbreaks are common throughout the country and visitors are advised to drink bottled or sterilised water only. Medical services are available in Dar-es-Salaam and other main towns, but facilities and supplies are limited; visitors with particular requirements should take their own medicines. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Tipping
Waiters in the better restaurants should be tipped around 10%. Guides, porters and cooks in the wildlife parks and on safari trips expect tips. The amount is discretionary according to standard of service and the number in your party.

Safety Information As in other East African countries, the threat from terrorism is high and visitors should be cautious in public places and tourist sites and hotels, particularly in Zanzibar's Stone Town. The area bordering Burundi should be avoided. Street crime is a problem in Tanzania, especially in Dar-es-Salaam where tourists should be alert and cautious. Lonely beaches and footpaths are often targeted; women are particularly vulnerable to attacks. Visitors should leave valuables in their hotel safe and not carry too much cash on them at any time. Armed crime is on the increase and there have been serious attacks on foreigners in Arusha and on Pemba Island. In February 2007 a party of tourists were also robbed by armed men near Ngorongoro Crater. Road accidents are common in Tanzania due to poor road and vehicle conditions, violation of traffic regulations and exhaustion among long-distance drivers. In the most recent accident, a bus travelling to the popular tourist town Arusha plunged off a bridge into the river after the driver lost control of the vehicle, killing at least 47 passengers.

Local Customs
Visitors to Zanzibar should be aware that it is a predominantly Muslim area and a modest dress code, especially for women, should be respected when away from the beach and in public places. Topless sunbathing is a criminal offence. Smoking in public places is illegal.

Business
Although Tanzanians come across as relaxed and friendly, it is important to observe certain formalities, especially with greetings. It is advisable to learn a few Swahili catch phrases when greeting, followed by a handshake. Women and men rarely shake hands in Swahili culture, however if the woman extends her hand, the man is obliged. Tanzanians are to be addressed as Mr., Mrs., and Ms, followed by the family name. Business dress is seldom very formal, however lightweight suits are recommended for formal occasions. Business hours are similar to Western countries, but a longer lunch break is taken during the hotter months, and business continues later in the evening from Monday to Friday.

Communications
The international country dialling code for Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, is +255. The outgoing code is 000, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)24 for Zanzibar and (0)22 for Dar-es-Salaam. International calls made from rural areas may have to go through the operator. Mobile phones work in the main urban areas and Zanzibar; the network operators use GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Travellers should contact their service provider to ensure they have international roaming. Avoid making telephone calls from hotels; they can charge as much as $10 per minute. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Duty Free
Travellers to Tanzania do not have to pay duty on 250g tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, 500ml of alcoholic beverages, and 473ml perfume. Restrictions apply to firearms, plants, plant products and fruits.