Tanzania key facts
Airport
Dar es-Salaam international airport (DAR) is 13 km (8 miles) southwest of the city. A shuttle bus service is provided (travel time 25 to 30 minutes) and taxis are available. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) has shuttle bus service and taxis to Arusha.
Climate
Tropical climate, hot and humid along the coast. The rainy season lasts from March to June. The northwestern highlands are cool and temperature, with a rainy season from November to December and January to May. The central plateau is arid and dry.
Customs
Visitors may import the following goods, duty-free : 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco, 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages ; 1 pint of perfume.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 AC, 50 Hz. Plugs may have round pins, or three square pins.
Essentials
If you are going to the coast, plan to take light but modest clothing in order not to cause offence. On safari, cotton garments are the most suitable. Remember that the nights can be cool. Sturdy, low-heeled walking shoes are a must. Bring along, too, a swimsuit, torch and insect repellent.
Health
Protect yourself from the sun. Hat, sunglasses and sun cream are indispensable at this latitude. Never bathe in a lake or river, often infected with the bilharzia parasite.
Language
The official languages are Kiswahili and English.
Money
The Tanzanian unit of currency is the Shilling (Tsh). Banknotes are issued in denominations from 200 to 10,000 Tsh; coins from 5 cents to 200 Tsh.
Safety
Be careful. On safari take few or preferably no risks. At the coast do not wear jewellery or carry large sums of money. Women should not carry a handbag. Use the hotel safe for all your valuables and documents.
Time
GMT + 3.
Transport
In Dar es-Salaam, buses and minibuses operate on a flat fare basis. They are very crowded and it is best to use authorized taxis. All national parks have airstrips and several charter companies operate flights to any town or bush airfield. There is a daily speedboat service between Dar es-Salaam and Zanzibar (60 to 90 minutes), as well as a hydrofoil and a catamaran service. There is also a crossing from Zanzibar to Pemba Island. Steamers cross Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria with first-, second- and third-class seating. Railways link Dar es-Salaam to Mwanza on Lake Victoria and Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika.
