Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa, covering an area of 945,166 sq km (364,929 sq miles) with a population of between 35 and 37 million.

The United Republic of Tanzania was created in 1964 when recently independent Tanganyika (1961) joined with the island state of Zanzibar, following the overthrow of the Arab government.

 

Tanzania is a peaceful, welcoming and friendly country, which has much to offer the tourist. For those who want to go on safari (Swahili word meaning journey), the game viewing in Tanzania is considered by many to be amongst, if not the best in Africa. This is not surprising when one realizes that 20% of the continent’s large mammals are to be found in Tanzania and 25% of the country is classified as national parks and Protected Area.

 

If it is beaches that you want, the Tanzanian mainland, and Zanzibar in particular, have mile upon mile of pristine white sandy beaches, fringed by coconut palms. For those wanting a cultural experience, Tanzania has considerable variety, from the strong Arabic influences in Zanzibar to the curator of the Masaai Museum tribes on the mainland.

Tanzania has so much to offer to the tourist, but only receives a small number when compared to Kenya and South Africa. This lack of tourists is particularly marked in Tanzania. For example, only 3,000 tourists visiting Serengeti National Park in 2004. When one considers that the national park is the size of Northern Ireland and has a variety of Animals especially  it is great migration of millions of Wildebeest and Zebra, make easy to see that why those  consider this part of Tanzania to be one of the best kept secrets in Africa.

 

Medical Advice

Immunizations

Medical advice has been obtained from ‘Minding Your Health Abroad’ (MASTA), a U.K. Travel Clinic and the Foreign Office.

The following immunizations are essential:

The following immunizations should be considered:

The decision as to which of the immunizations under the considered column guests should have needs to be taken in consultation with their doctor.

Fever which must be organized at least 6 weeks in advance of travel.

Malaria

There is a high risk of contracting malaria in the areas guests are visiting, especially in Dar-es-Salaam and Zanzibar. Malaria is a dangerous disease that is spread by mosquitoes that sting between dusk and dawn. The best way of preventing malaria is not to get stung. Covering arms and legs, and wearing socks during the hours of darkness helps, with Mosiguard or similar, applied to exposed parts. You can now purchase wrist bands impregnated with Mosiguard for the more fashion conscious guests!

Antimalarial drugs need to be taken. It is important to consult your doctor to find out which is most suitable for you. The three main drugs are:

this drug can make the skin sensitive to sunlight. A high factor sunscreen may help prevent this. Doxycycline can precipitate vaginal candidiasis (thrush).

Malarone 250mg atovaquone/100ml produanil Take 1 tablet daily
Take with food or a milky drink at the same time each day. You should start these tablets 1-2 days before leaving for Tanzania and continue them regularly for 1 week on your return. In the U.K., Malarone is licensed for use on trips up to 28 days, yet safety studies have shown no problems with 6 months use.

Climate

Tanzania has a tropical climate. There is

little difference in temperatures throughout the year because Tanzania is close to the equator. There are, however, considerable regional variations, Ngorongoro in the Northern Highlands, for example, being cooler and less humid than Zanzibar in  the Island . Although the coast is more humid than the interior mainland, there is often an offshore breeze, which makes it feel cooler, especially at night.

What To Wear

In Tanzania, and especially Zanzibar, guests will be mixing with Muslims and local faiths that do not look favorably on people wearing skimpy clothing. Young women and girls who wear skirts above the knee, skimpy tops and/or tops which expose their shoulders are considered by Tanzanian men to be ‘easy’. Young women and girls

wearing such clothing often experience a lot of unwelcome attention as a result.

Clothing needs to be light given the high temperature, and modest. Men will find that they are far more easily accepted if they wear long trousers and a shirt or t-shirt, rather than shorts and vest.

Visas & Passports

Guests visiting Tanzania must have a passport valid for 6 months from date of travel and a tourist visa. Visas are issued by Tanzania Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates world wide. Visas should be obtained in advance of travel.