Tanzania

about tanzania

Tanzania – Wonder of Nature

Of the seven wonders of African nature , three are located in Tanzania : Mount Kilimanjaro (the highest on the continent), Serengeti National Park with the spectacle of the great migration of wildebeest (antelope) and the Ngorongoro Crater , the largest inactive volcanic crater in the world and for bringing together so many species of animals is known as “Garden of Eden in Africa” .

The country is well known for safaris, but it also offers visitors lakes, valleys, national and marine parks, as well as beautiful beaches. Another tourist attraction is the Zanzibar archipelago , which has an oriental influence, with Arab, Persian and African traces. It brings together paradisiacal beaches bathed by the warm and calm waters of the Indian Ocean and offers a rich cultural heritage and a wide variety of fauna and flora.

The archipelago consists of two main islands: Unguja (known as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba , but there are around 51 islets around. Zanzibar is a partner state in the United Republic of Tanzania with the continent and its name derives from a combination of two words in Arabic that means “Land of the blacks” .

Tanzanians are very friendly and are proud to transmit to visitors all the wisdom and knowledge acquired over centuries. A destination with untouched territories , in pure state, many natural shows, including the most impressive on the planet.

geography

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa , including the mainland and the Zanbibar Archipelago , together making up a total area of 943,000 km². Located below the Equator and bathed by the Indian Ocean, the nation borders Kenya (to the north), Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo (to the west), Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique (to the south). In addition, it is divided into 30 administrative regions.

The country’s terrain is flat along the coast, plateau in the center and mountainous to the north and south. The northeastern portion is quite mountainous, housing the highest point in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters above sea level .

Tanzania is one of the African countries with the greatest availability of water , as in its territory are the three largest lakes on the continent : Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi . Dar es Salaam is the country’s commercial capital and its most important city, despite not being the official capital , which is currently Dodoma , located in the center of the nation and which houses the seat of the Union’s Parliament.

The population, made up of more than 45 million people – around 70% of whom live in the countryside – has great ethnic diversity, with various religions, dances and other cultural manifestations. However, these inhabitants face several socioeconomic problems, such as low life expectancy, high rates of child mortality and illiteracy, malnutrition , among others.

vegetation

Savannah predominates in most parts of the country , but there are also forests in the south, center and west of the country. Around Lake Victoria is a leafy forest , bordering Uganda and Kenya. In the north, in the Serengeti area , the bush savanna is present , there is also a wooded area in the south and shrubs in the central zone. In the mountain region, on the border with Kenya, vegetation is abundant with forests, mangroves, pastures. On the coast, the vegetation is tropical.

climate and best season for safari

In general, the climate is warm and pleasant all year round. In the colder months, between June and October, temperatures vary around 10 ° C in the north of the country (plateau), and on the coast around 23 ° C. In lowland and lowland areas, as in reserves, temperatures are hot and moderate between June and October. On the coast, these months are the best because the day is very sunny and at night it gets a little cool because of the cool breeze from the Indian Ocean. In the period between December and March the days are very hot and generally without a cloud in the sky, with climatic variation between 20 ° C and 32 ° C.

Tanzania’s equatorial climate has two rainy periods, long rains that take place between mid-March to the end of May , usually in the early morning and in the middle of the day the weather is clear and sunny until dusk. The light rains start in the month of November until mid-December and sometimes continue until January. It usually rains at the beginning and end of the day, at other times the sun’s rays predominate.

Safaris in Serengeti are recommended throughout the year , but those who want to witness the great migration should plan between December and August to visit the country . Wildebeests can be seen in the south of the Serengeti between December and March , in addition, it is possible to see the arrival of about 8 thousand young of the species in this period. However, more than half do not reach adulthood because they are eaten by predators, especially cheetahs and lions. Then the wildebeests go to the center of the park with other animals, in the west corridor, and in the month of June they cross the river Grumeti , crowded with agile crocodiles. Those who survive the crossing continue their journey towards the Grumeti Reserve, to the north. In mid-August, the herds move on to another river and head to the Massai Mara , Kenya, where they remain grazing until November, when the rains arrive and the cycle begins again, as the animals will return to the south of the Serengeti to give light to their young.

language

Swahili and English are the official languages , but there are also many local African languages. Out of the cities, few people speak English, which is used more in commerce, in administrative areas, in primary education and higher education. In Zanzibar, Arabic is widely used .

There are more than 130 tribes in Tanzania and Swahili is the mother tongue of the Bantu people in Zanzibar and the coastal region. Although Swahili is Bantu in its structure, it has an Arabic and English influence . Swahili spoken in Zanzibar is considered purer than the same language in Kenya, including many travelers arriving on the island to learn it, where the Institute of Swahili and Foreign Languages ​​is based.

history

Arab traders were the first to arrive , in the 7th century, on the east coast of Africa, but cities and commercial points were only built 500 years later by Indian and Persian immigrants. Kilwa sultanate was founded around 965 and several Shirazi dynasties settled in the area . In 1405, Sultan Hassan bin Suleiman took refuge in Zanzibar after being expelled from Kilwa.

Zanzibar became an independent sultanate in the late 15th century. The island of Zanzibar and the coast of Tanganyika were important centers of Arab trade between the 7th and 16th centuries, when they later came under Portuguese control. In 1498, Vasco da Gama’s expedition marked the beginning of Portuguese domination of the East African coast, but the exercise of power by the Portuguese for two centuries suffered a succession of revolts in all territories. In 1699, the Portuguese were expelled from Zanzibar by the sultan of Oman .

Arab control in Zanzibar was absolute for 150 years with the Omani sultanate (from the 18th to the 19th century). His administration was marked by fiefdoms of several Arab families, some native chiefs maintained their power in some isolated places. About 10 sultans followed one another during this period of the Omani people, the most influential of which was Sultan Said-bin-Sultan (1804-1856), who made Zanzibar the capital of the Omani Empire in 1840.

In 1884, the German Colonization Society began to acquire territory on the continent and then conquered Tanganyika , when two years later Great Britain and Germany signed an agreement allowing the Germans to establish a zone of influence in the continental territory; with the exception of a small area of ​​the territory along the coast that remained under the authority of the Sultan of Zanzibar.

In 1916 British, Belgian and South African troops occupied most of German East Africa . Three years later, the League of Nations gave the British power over Tanganyika. In 1929, the African Association of Tanganyika was created. In 1946, Tanganyika was occupied as a Trust Territory by the United Nations, in succession to the League of Nations , which was entrusted to Great Britain . In 1954, Julius Nyerere and Oscar Kambona transformed the African Association of Tanganyika into the TANU ( Tanganyika African National Union ) party , which emerged as the dominant political party in the 1958 and 1960 elections.

Progress was made in negotiating the independence process between Nyerere and the British governor, Sir Richard Gordon Turnbull. Tanganyika finally won an autonomous government in September 1960. Nyerere became the chief minister in that period and, prime minister, in May of the following year.

In 1964, the Zanzibar Sultanate is overthrown by the Zanzibar Afro – Shirazi party in a violent leftist revolution ; Tanganyika and Zanzibar come together to form Tanzania, with Nyerere as president and head of the Zanzibar government and leader of the Afro-Shirazi party, as well as Abeid Amani Karume as vice president. In 1967, Nyerere issues the Arusha Declaration, which calls for egalitarianism, socialism and self-sufficiency, already in 1977, the TANU and Afro – Shirazi parties merge to form the Party of the Revolution, which is proclaimed as the only cool party .

Nyerere is known locally as Mwalimi, which means “teacher” and they refer to him as the ” conscience of black Africa “, he was one of the statesmen who ruled the country for more than 20 years (1964-1985). Then he was followed by Ali Hassan Mwinyi who led the country between 1985 and 1995, the third president was Benjamin William Mkapa who was in power until 2005 and the current president is Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who took office at the end of 2005 . Currently, Tanzania is a democratic and multiparty republic, where the president is elected by direct election with popular vote and governs for a period of five years, in addition, he indicates the prime minister.

visa

Any foreigner seeking to enter the United Republic of Tanzania is subject to the following entry requirements:

• A passport or Travel Document which is valid for not less than six months;
• A Residence Permit or a Pass or his name is endorsed upon the same;
• A valid Visa (where applicable) from any Tanzania Mission abroad or on arrival at any designated entry points. 

Find more at www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/en/services/visa-information

national parks and reserves

More than 42,000 km² (more than a third of Tanzania’s territory) are in areas of wildlife conservation and conservation, through national parks and game reserves . In them, there is a great variety of fauna, flora, all ecosystems are protected and many are considered World Heritage by UNESCO .

There are 15 national parks with unforgettable landscapes and each one with its charms. Many of them are inhabited by indigenous tribes , which further enrich the travel experience. In addition, the hotels and accommodations in the game reserves offer great infrastructure and the friendliness of the Tanzanians pleases any tourist.

The Serengeti National Park attracts millions of tourists due to the largest land migration in the world , it expands over 18,641 km². More than 1.2 million wildebeests ( wildebeest , a species of antelope) , thousands of zebras and other antelopes move between Tanzania and Kenya, in a circuit, in search of food and to reproduce. Golden grass, flat-topped acacias and hills make up the landscape, along with nimble cheetahs, lions, giraffes and large mammals.

The largest inactive volcanic crater in the world, on the other hand, is part of the Ngorongoro environmental conservation area , covering 8,300 km² and located in the north of the country. The Ngorongoro crater, 19 km in diameter, is known as the “African Garden of Eden” , as it is the habitat of 30 thousand animals, among thousands of zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, flamingos, hyenas, wild boars. In addition, it has lakes, shrubs and swamps. An unmissable place and with a beauty to fill your eyes, it is not by chance the eighth natural wonder of the world, in addition to being a World Heritage Site, a title granted by UNESCO.

Kilimanjaro National Park , close to the city of Moshi, is one of the major tourist attractions in the country. The highest mountain in Africa and the surrounding forests , with an area of ​​75,353 hectares, have a rich fauna , including many species threatened with extinction . The park was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . Visitors can choose from seven routes to reach the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. During long walks it is possible to spot buffalo, elephants, antelopes, leopards and primates.

Located in the heart of Tanzania and covering 13,000 km², Ruaha National Park has among its attractions elephant herds , more than 10,000 of these animals and 430 species of birds.

Lake Manyara National Park , near the city of Arusha, has an area of ​​325 km² but is famous for its water reserve that is fed by the rains, making it a true paradise for animals that migrate to the park . Flamingos tend to concentrate on the lake when the water level is high and lions climb on trees to doze .

Selous Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in the world, it is a huge sanctuary with 54.6 million km² and little changed by human presence. Visitors can see the different types of vegetation and also witness a large number of elephants, black rhinos, hippos, giraffes, crocodiles, among others.

why tanzania ?

Tanzania has many exotic, legendary, Homeric tourist spots and everything is superlative in this land: its islands one of the most beautiful in Africa, its highest mountain in the continent, it has the largest inactive volcanic crater in the world, and its beauty is one of more epic. The country is also considered by archaeologists as the cradle of humanity.

The country has more than 130 tribes with different cultures and traditions, but Bantu, Nile, Cushite, Bushmen and other ethnic groups such as Asians and the white minority predominate . The visitor can have the privilege of knowing all this diversity up close and how they live in perfect harmony.

Having contact with nature in its pure state in Tanzania’s national parks and reserves is a privilege . Each of them has different characteristics, great diversity of fauna and flora. It is possible to go on a balloon safari through Seregeti, or be impressed by the vastness and beauty of the Ngorongoro crater, declared a World Heritage Site since 1978.

Ngorongoro is truly a unique spectacle , the largest volcanic crater in the world was formed 2.5 million years ago when a volcano that existed there (it was the size of Kilimanjaro) exploded and collapsed, collapsing into itself. Approximately 8,000 wildebeests, 7,000 zebras, 3,000 buffaloes, 400 hyenas, 100 lions, 70 elephants and a multitude of birds live there. The walls of the 600-meter-high crater are not a geographical barrier to the movement of many animals, since there are also migrations there.

Kilimanjaro has many meanings , in Masai it is “white mountain” or “bright mountain ” in Swahili. This volcanic mountain is formed by 3 peaks and falls asleep in the middle of the African savanna. There are seven routes for those who want to explore the mountain, Machame is the most suitable because it offers an extra day for adventurers to get used to the altitude of 4 thousand meters . Having the opportunity to see its 5,885 meters with all its charms around is really challenging and unforgettable.

In Arusha, the national park houses a mystical mountain , called Mount Meru , considered by the Persians and Hindus as the axis of the world, the backbone of the Earth . Mount Meru is surrounded by lush forest and its top is covered with snow. Only by enjoying the beauty up close can it be understood why many consider it as the abode of the gods . It is considered the training hill for those who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

During the dry season, Lake Natron turns a bright red and the image looks like a lake of blood . This is because of the cyanobacteria that proliferate and color the waters. In addition to this peculiarity, the lake also draws attention for the amount of flamingos that inhabit the place and for the panorama presented with the image of Mount Lengai .

In the Zanzibar archipelago there are several natural tourist attractions, from parks with wildlife, to marine parks, it is possible to take a boat trip during the beautiful sunset , and even know the spice tour . The cultural and historical attractions are due to the art galleries, dances, forts, ruins, museums, sultans’ palace, among others.

Zanzibar is a perfect island for a relaxing holiday , visitors can enjoy its paradisiacal beaches , have a greater contact with nature and local culture. In addition to practicing water sports ( diving , swimming, kitesurfing , windsurfing , etc.) or doing outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling , but above all enjoy Tanzanian tranquility.

Pemba is the second largest island in the archipelago, it is called Al-Khudra “The Green Island” by Arab sailors. It is famous for its clove production and offers some of the best diving experiences in East Africa.

what to wear ?

Before organizing your bags, you must remember that the climate in Tanzania is cold, but it has very hot solar radiation, this is due to the high altitudes and the tropical sun that make the climate unique and very varied . Temperatures vary in each region and during the day, so tourists need to be prepared both for the conditions of cold, heat and a lot of dust during the tours. The indication is to analyze the tours chosen to plan the suitcase.

Essential items for a safari: binoculars, insect repellent, flashlight, brimmed hat or cap, lip balm, sunscreen, camera and sunglasses. In general, prefer cotton clothes in light and neutral tones , as they blend well with the local vegetation and do not compromise the observation of animals. Always wear closed, comfortable shoes with laces. Always carry a light coat in your backpack due to the sudden changes in temperature and it will also help in protecting against insects at the end of the day.

Does your travel plan include visits in many regions? Prefer stiffer and more resistant bags , also to dust conditions. Pay attention to baggage restrictions on internal flights , especially on local airlines that are smaller.

Backpacks are recommended for those going up Mount Kilimanjaro , in addition to orthopedic supports. Sturdy shoes suitable for long walks. A cap is essential, in addition to sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, flashlight, pocket knife and repellent. A first aid kit is recommended, in addition to antacids, hydration sachet, pain medication, diarrhea, allergy and flu. Also take water-purifying substances and in the case of eyeglasses or contact lenses, take an extra pair.

transport

The roads in Tanzania are not in perfect condition , some sections are in good condition and others are narrow and full of holes. They get more difficult in the rainy season. Dust also makes many roads impassable at that time and many traffic accidents occur.

If you rent a car, know that the steering is in the English hand , keep a considerable distance from the cars. Car hire companies do not allow you to enter border areas. Prefer tall cars, with great visibility, a 4 × 4 vehicle is more suitable.

Buses are a cheap option, especially for those who want to cross the country’s borders. But due to road conditions and habits of drivers who drive at high speed, it is best to avoid and use local airlines to move between cities and regions.

Mini vans are known as “dala-dala” and are the most popular options. However, avoid using them because, in general, they are not in a good state of maintenance, they are usually crowded and drivers are reckless in traffic. It is more reliable to use taxi for long distances , which are even available 24 hours in some hotels. The most recommended is to combine the price before departure with the taxi driver, as they usually change prices for tourists.

currency

Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).

Foreign currencies such as Euro, Dollar and British Pound are easily exchanged in major cities, although the dollar is preferred in these transactions . Foreign exchange transactions are carried out at banks and exchange offices ( Forex bureaux ) and rates are different between them, although exchange offices offer better rates for travelers ‘ checks. It is not advisable to exchange money outside these entities , as the tourist will easily find people on the streets, interested in buying dollars, especially in Dar.

Major international credit cards and travelers checks are accepted . ATMs are spread throughout the cities and withdrawing money can be done with VISA or Mastercard . Be careful with the amount of money in your wallet during tours and when traveling around cities, and be aware that many national parks, shops, only accept cash.

vat (value-added tax)

The country has a 18% tax on the circulation of goods (VAT) that is added to the price of most products and services.

important to know

The country’s voltage is 220V .

It is essential to present the International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever at the entrance of the country . And the visa can also be obtained on arrival in the country.

Use only bottled water, from trusted brands that are open in your presence . Under no circumstances take ice, drink tap water or brush your teeth with it, use only bottled, filtered or purified water in your presence.

Avoid buffet or reheated food and exposure to flies . Always prefer food that is well cooked and served hot. Also, do not eat raw fruits and vegetables , unless you are sure they have been washed in purified water. In the tropics, the fruits with the least risk of contamination are bananas and papayas .

Always check the allowable amount of pounds per bag , especially if your travel plan involves many international and then domestic connections in Tanzania. Baggage usage conditions may vary depending on the airline or mode of transport.

Tanzania has the steering in the English hand , that is, the steering wheel of the car is on the left side.

travel insurance

We advise you to purchase reliable international insurance before boarding. It must cover sickness, accident, theft, air evacuation and hospital expenses.

yellow fever

Local and tourism authorities in Tanzania recommend vaccination against yellow fever and cholera. Vaccines against Hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are also indicated. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all people living in regions and countries where the disease is endemic, that is, it is essential to present the International Yellow Vaccination Certificate, issued by ANVISA .

curiosities

The time system in the country is different and even a little difficult , as it is based on sunrise and sunset and the day is divided into 12 hours in the day and another 12 hours in the night. So, after one hour of the sun’s birth, it is the “first hour of the day”, at 8 am it is the “second hour”, at noon it is the “sixth hour” and so on, until 6:00 pm in the afternoon you reach the “twelfth hour”. The day ends and the night begins and continues to count as in the morning, that is, at 7:00 pm it is the “first hour” and so on.

The snow on Kilimanjaro , which has already yielded Hemingway’s tale and the film starring Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner, is disappearing because of global warming. It is estimated that only 15% of the ice cap measured in 1912 remains, the year in which the first analysis took place, and that the snow will disappear completely in 2020 .

The country has Kilimanjaro beer and the advertisement shows that it is made with snow water from the highest mountain in the continent .

The Portuguese language has influenced Swahili considerably , there are about 59 words of Portuguese origin in Swahili.

Tanzanians live their lives in the hakuna matata style , which means “no problem” , everything is done smoothly or as they usually say “ Pole Pole” .

The Ngorongoro crater , which totals 8,300 km², is larger than the city of Recife , in northeastern Brazil.

In the Ngorongoro crater there are only male elephants because the herds that include the females tend to be very large and do not find enough food there.

Farrokh Bulsara is a local singer best known internationally for his fans as Freddy Mercure .

Zanzibar is present in the stories of sultans in the tales of Thousand and One Nights , where sailor Sinbad moored his ship.