TANZANIA
Welcome
Motto: "Uhuru na Umoja" (Swahili)
"Freedom and Unity" "Pula!" (Tswana) "Rain"
Anthem: "Mungu ibariki Afrika" "God Bless Africa"
Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordering the Indian Ocean. Neighboring countries include Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.
Capital: Dodoma
Population: 56,313 million inhabitants.
Gross Domestic Product - GDP (PPP): $186.1 billion.
Official languages: Swahili, Arabic & English.
Area: 947,303 km2.
Water (%): 6,4.
Currency: Botswana Pula.
Safety rating: Ranked 30 on the Global Peace Index with a score of 1.68.
Food
It is not in the lodges that you will discover the cuisine of the country. The food they serve, as good as it is, is international cuisine.
Meats
No problem in lodges or establishments of European standard. If in doubt, turn to the chicken instead.
Fish and shellfish
A treat for simplicity and taste, at low prices. They should be avoided in park lodges , where freshness is never guaranteed. On the east coast and in Zanzibar, on the other hand, the seafood is very fresh. Lobsters, sea cicadas and crabs are delicious and presented on the maps of many restaurants in Zanzibar, at very reasonable prices. They are served in various ways: grilled, in curry or masala, in coconut milk, accompanied by pilaf rice and ugali (cassava porridge). However, it can sometimes be quite spicy.
In the villages, the fishermen like to cook their catch themselves. Freshness guaranteed!
Further inland, you will taste the Nile perch and the tilapias caught in the waters of the great lakes.
Raw vegetables and vegetables
Beware of raw vegetables and uncooked vegetables. For hygiene reasons, avoid them. Prefer cooked, boiled, grilled or pan-fried vegetables. Most of the vegetables from Europe can be found on the plates of lodges and restaurants: tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, green beans. And also, fortunately, more local vegetables and tubers (sweet potato, cassava, okra...).
Fruits
Pineapple, mangoes, passion fruit, papaya, bananas... They are delicious and inexpensive.
Tanzanian cuisine
The most common dish in Tanzania and East Africa is ugali, a kind of polenta (mash) made from cooked corn or cassava. Taken alone, it doesn't really taste like. This is why it is usually accompanied by a stew, consisting of pieces of meat simmered in an onion and tomato sauce, and chopped vegetables.
There is also pilau rice (spicy rice) and byriani rice (Indian style rice dish). If you are with Tanzanians who love meat or vegetable dumplings and donuts, try the sambusas and other mishikaki (skewers).
Indian food
Several small Indian restaurants in the cities (Arusha, Moshi, Dar es-Salaam) and in Zanzibar. You can eat for three times nothing with a few samosas (or sambusas ; with vegetables rather than meat), a little masala rice (mixed with a spicy sauce), or chapatis , sometimes garnished. In general, it's good and convenient for eating on the go at noon. Most of the little street snacks or cheap cafeterias are actually run by Indians.
Always ask for a cold drink, not iced, as it is difficult to digest in the heat). Say " bila barafu ": without ice. Drink cool, but not cold.
Water
Never drink tap water. Also avoid ice cubes (made with plain water) in glasses, which carry bacteria. The best solution is to drink mineral water (more expensive than a soda) sold in encapsulated bottles.
Tea and coffee
Local tea, very full-bodied, is always served with boiled milk and already sweetened. If you want it plain, ask for a kavu chai . Coffee (arabica and robusta), also produced locally, undergoes the same treatment, but espressos are found quite easily.
Beer
Good beers are on sale almost everywhere (except in Zanzibar, in certain establishments run by particularly strict Muslims). There is a choice between Safari (quite strong), Kilimanjaro and Castle Lager (lighter, with less foam). In northern Tanzania, if you stop for food or drink at a small local establishment, don't hesitate to ask for banana beer. With a little luck, you will find a few bottles prepared by hand.
Imported wines
In most lodge restaurants, the wine comes from South Africa. You can forget the local wine.
Restaurant I recommend: Monsoon (Swahili food), Sambusa (Zanzibari food), The Rock, Forodhani Park Loulou & Tea House.
Transportation
The train
There are 2 rail networks in Tanzania:
-
The Tanzanian Zambia Railway (Tazara) , train that connects Dar es Salaam to Mbeya and Zambia. The railway line is 1,870 km long, while the road from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya is only 860 km. The course is very hilly, but superb. In Dar es Salaam, book your ticket at least 2 or 3 days in advance.
-
The Central Railway of Tanzania Railways Limited. 2 trains per week run from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma (Lake Tanganyika) and Mwanza (Lake Victoria). A memorable journey of at least 48 hours (1,254 km).
Lots of shaking, discomfort and fatigue, but nothing scares a rail adventurer. Attention, risk of theft, particularly during stops at stations and at night. Better to sleep in cars watched by police.
The bus
On the 2 main roads (paved) of the country, from Dar es Salaam to Arusha, and from Dar es Salaam to Mbeya (border of Zambia), the bus connections are regular, rather good, and at stable prices. There are several categories of buses depending on their comfort: luxury (luxury or deluxe) with AC and video which I recommend, semi-luxury, and ordinary (regular).
Schedules
They must always be checked on site, at tourist offices or by consulting the practical page (Notice Board) of the English-language daily newspaper Daily News. There are sometimes bus timetables, departing from Dar es Salaam, indicated by company.
Reservation
The various companies have kiosks selling tickets at bus stations. Remember to buy your ticket and reserve your place in advance (1 or 2 days before). Remember to buy your ticket and reserve your place in advance one or two days before the trip). Avoid the places above the wheels, as well as at the back of regular buses.
The plane
Several companies: firstly Precision Air, omnipresent and efficient, based in Arusha and Fastjet , based in Dar-es-Salaam.
Regional Air, Coastal Travel, Fly Safari Air Link, Auric Air, Flight Link, As Salaam Air and Zan Air also provide regular connections with the 4 corners of the country, especially between parks equipped with an airstrip. Remember to reconfirm your flight.
The boat
Between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar as well as Pemba, several companies provide a daily connection on catamarans (ferries). The one I used was Azam Marine.
The dala dala
Like the matatus in Kenya, the dala dala deserve the gold palm of inexpensive transport. In Zanzibar, a dala dala resembles a van, with passengers seated in the back (or even clutched outside) on 2 wooden benches opposite one another. These are classic minibuses. To find a place there is sometimes a real struggle. Be patient and not fear crowding, heat and sporty driving.
The taxi
It takes around 3,000-5,000 Tsh a day for a city run (more expensive in Dar than in the provinces). But obviously it all depends on the length of the race. The price is to be discussed on departure, but only pay once you arrive at your destination, and after collecting your bags or luggage.
The car
They drive on the left. There are no paved road crosses the parks and reserves (except Mikumi National Park). The car is ideal for those who want to roam freely, independently, without having to wait for an improbable dala-dala. The rented vehicles are generally small Suzuki 4x4s (2 doors, 4 places). The road is in excellent condition in general. Major international rental companies are present at international airports and in Dar es Salaam. International license and passport is required (provide photocopies). The scooter, very nice, driving a motorcycle is nevertheless dangerous, even if the roads are in good condition, and the traffic outside of Stone Town is not heavy. Good for exploring a given area but not for an entire stay.
Best things to do
Tanzania is one of the flagship safari destinations in Africa. Travelers in search of safaris will inevitably be conquered and seduced by the national parks of Tanzania where the exceptionally rich large wildlife can be observed. From north to south, Tanzania has several national parks where you will experience unforgettable safari moments with unique face-to-face meetings in the heart of breathtaking natural landscapes, aboard open 4X4 vehicles driven by driver guides, wildlife experts and enthusiasts.
Tanzania is also a favorite destination for hiking trails including the famous ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, known as "the Roof of Africa". Between safaris, hiking and trekking, and meetings with local ethnic groups, Tanzania also offers real moments of relaxation in the heart of the Zanzibar archipelago with its coasts of white sand beaches, its coral reefs in the islands of Mafia, Chumbe or Pemba, if suitable for diving or a cultural immersion in the old town of Stone Town on the main island of Zanzibar.
Tanzania remains a high-end destination where the cost of travel remains high, but where real change of scenery takes on its full meaning. Admire the snowy cone of Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Go on an adventure along the volcanoes of the Grand Rift. To be surrounded by almost all the animals of creation in the vast crater of Ngorongoro. Contemplate the alkaline waters of Lake Natron bordered by the iridescent fringe of pink from hundreds of thousands of flamingos. Go on a safari and meet face to face with a lion, a leopard or a rhino in one of the many national parks.
Best time to visit
Tanzania enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year, but with significant regional variations. Overall, it has two seasons, a dry season from June to October with maximum temperatures approaching 29°C towards Dar es Salaam and a rainy season which varies in duration depending on the region. Across the country, June to September are the coolest months and December to March are the warmest months.
In the northern part where the Serengeti or Tarangire parks are located, the rainy season occurs twice a year: the longest rainy season, "the masika", takes place from March to May with intense rains and the short season "les mvuli" between November and December with less heavy rains which mostly fall at the end of the day. January and February are two hot, humid months with scarcer precipitation. In terms of temperature, in Arusha, temperatures range from 16°C during the dry season to 18°C during the rainy season.
On the coast and Zanzibar, the climate is hot and humid for most of the year with temperatures that exceed 30°C between December and March. Avoid the months of April and May which are the rainiest months by the sea. In the hinterland, the altitude significantly modifies the climate, the central plateau is rather cool and arid, while in the northern and southern regions, the temperatures sometimes drop below 15°C.
I recommend the months of June to September to see the land of wild animals and to enjoy not too hot temperatures and dry, sunny weather, even if there is no "bad time" to visit Tanzania. To observe the animals and in particular the wildebeest, the rainy season is the most favorable to attend the migration, a fascinating spectacle which takes place in the region of the north where thousands of animals move towards the green pastures.
Quick tips
Before going on a trip to Tanzania, for more precautions, plan to photocopy all important papers such as passport, plane tickets, vaccination booklet… Do not put the copies in the same place as the originals but rather save a copy of these papers on your phone so it can be accessed wherever you are.
Note that it is impossible to find Tanzanian Shillings, because they are not exportable. The US dollar is accepted everywhere and the euro is welcome in Zanzibar but bad exchange.
To enter Tanzania a visa is mandatory but it is possible to establish one upon your arrival in Tanzania.
Apparently, the little yellow booklet proving your vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory in Tanzania. If you do not have it, you will be vaccinated as soon as you enter Tanzania. However, I have been there several time and they never requested it.
If you are planning a safari in Tanzania or even another type of stay it is better to have a good flashlight. It sounds like nothing, but before you go, plan on one or two. Buy some you will see that you will often need them and on the last day of the trip you can give them to the locals who will be very grateful to you.
Other practical information for the trip to Tanzania: there is neither summer nor winter timetable. Only one hour shift in summer, two hours in winter. It's really the big advantage of traveling in the Indian Ocean compared to the Caribbean because you won't be disturbed by jet lag.
In Tanzania Swahili is the official language. Arabic and English are spoken everywhere. Some beach hotels like Breezes, Chapwani, CocoBeach, Karamba, La Cachettes des Colobes, Shooting Star, Unguja Lodge have French-speaking staff.
