LANGUAGE
The official language is Swahili
(Kiswahili), which is generally spoken, and various
local languages abound. Kiswahili is the language
the primary schools teach in. English is the second
official language and the country's commercial language
as well as the main teaching language for all the
scientific subjects in secondary schools and higher
education institutions. Arabic is widely spoken
in the coastal areas, particularly in Zanzibar.
CULTURE
Tanzania's culture is a result of African, Arab,
European and Indian influences. The African people
of Tanzania represent about 120 tribal groups. The
largest group are of Bantu origin including Dukuma,
Nyamwezi, Makonde, Haya and Chagga. The Maasai are
of Nilotic origin, as are the Arusha and the Samburu.
Tanzania is one of the least urbanised countries
in Sub- Saharan Africa, but traditional African
ideals are being deliberately adapted to modern
life. The Tanzanians are friendly people, to foreigners
and amongst themselves. Politeness, respect and
modesty are highly valued. It is recommended that
you learn some Swahili greetings (see "Language").
Handshakes are very important and you may continue
holding hands during conversation. Note that the
right hand is usually used for eating, while the
left is traditionally used for toilet duties. Immodest
attire, public affection and open anger are disrespectful
to the Tanzanian people. In Zanzibar, it is important
for women to dress modestly out of respect for Muslim
cultural beliefs. Men should not wear shorts on
the main island, and women should wear dresses that
cover their shoulders and knees. This does not apply
on Mnemba Island.
Getting around
BORDER POSTS
Just south of the equator, Tanzania borders Kenya
and Uganda in the north; Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi
in the west; and Zambia, Malawi and Moçambique in
the south. Namanga Gate (between Tanzania and Kenya)
is open 24 hrs per day. If you carry firearms you
will require a special permit.The duty free allowance
is limited to one litre of liquor; 200 cigarettes,
50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; and 250ml of perfume.
Any other items are subject to customs duty.
RAIL & BUS
Tanzania has two rail lines. The Tazara line links
Dar es Salaam with New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia via
Mbeya and Tunduma. The central line links Dar es
Salaam with Kigoma and Mwanza via Morogoro, Dodoma
and Tabora. Rail is a safer, though a slower option
of travel. Food can be purchased on board. Crime
is not a major problem, but ensure you have your
possessions with you at all times. Express and ordinary
buses operate along major long distance routes.
Express buses are slightly more expensive but are
more comfortable. Ordinary buses tend to make more
stops. Reservations are not always possible, so
get to the bus with plenty of time before the scheduled
departure. Buses are not permitted to operate at
night. Ordinary buses and dalla-dallas (minivans)
serve shorter routes. These are a slower and more
dangerous option. Note that Tanzanian roads have
a high accident rates, and buses tend to speed.
Probably
the most spectacular way to arrive in Tanzania is
on board the epic Rovos Rail annual train journey
to Dar Es Salaam. (More Details .....)
AIRPORTS
Domestic air services operate between the major
airports:
» Dar es Salaam (DAR)
» Kilimanjaro (JRO)
» Kishni, Zanzibar (ZNZ)
There are a total of 129 in Tanzania, of which only
ten are paved. Air services have become the most
significant form of internal transport for official
and business travel. Small planes, from charter
companies, fly to towns and to bush airstrips.
ROADS
There are 88,200 km of highways in Tanzania, but
only 3,704 km of these are tarred. The key roads
are in good condition, though the majority are bad
and hazardous. Road conditions in the reserves and
national parks of Tanzania are extremely rough.
During the rainy season, many roads are passable
only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Tanzania is
definitely not recommended as a self-drive destination.
Any four-wheel drive vehicles for safaris usually
have to be hired with a driver. Watch out for cyclists,
pedestrians, livestock and wild animals. Most car
rental companies do not allow self-drive outside
of Dar es Salaam. Driving is on the left side of
the road. Your home driving licence, with English
translation if necessary, is accepted.
General Accommodation Info
Most safari lodges vary in size and style,
and are built to blend in with the environment.
Accommodation tends to be of rondavel or banda type,
with a lounge, central dining and bar in single
unit hotels. Do not be misled by the term "tented
accommodation" - this usually refers to luxurious
insect-proof tents that are permanently pitched
on concrete bases, often including en suite bathrooms
with flush toilets. They are very popular and give
the visitor the true experience of being close to
nature without the inconvenience and discomfort
that can be associated with camping in the open.
All major towns in Tanzania have excellent luxury
hotels. All towns will at least have a good guest
house. Note that the word hotel (or in Swahili,
hoteli) means food and drink only, rather than lodging.
It would be better to use the word guesthouse (or
in Swahili, guesti). Hotels often have their own
restaurants. The main meal is at midday and many
restaurants are closed in the evening. Local food
is readily available. In the east, facing the rich
Indian ocean, you will encounter wonderful seafood
as well as great tasting fruit. National parks offer
"ordinary" campsites which provide toilets, fireplaces
and usually water taps. "Special" campsites usually
only have a pit toilet. It is necessary to pre-book
special campsites, and advisable to book ordinary
ones. Camping is limited outside the national parks.
Due to the distances travelled in Tanzania it is
strongly recommended that you make all your arrangements
in advance. During the migration and peak season,
availability is at a premium.
