If you have always dreamed of going on a real safari to enjoy the natural beauty and get to know the daily life of wild tropical animals, then a trip to Tanzania will certainly suit your taste!
Tanzania on the world map
The United Republic of Tanzania is located in eastern Africa.
Its eastern lands are limited by the waters of the Indian Ocean, and the northern regions connect Tanzania with and. However, the list of neighboring countries of Tanzania does not end there, since on the southern side it has a common border with, and Malawi, and on the western side the republic also borders Burundi, Rwanda and.
The total area of land occupied by the state is over 940 thousand square kilometers.
United Republic of Tanzania
Tanzania is especially popular among tourists from all over the world, which is why the local population understands English very well. It, along with Swahili, has the status of an official language in Tanzania. Although the capital of the country is considered to be a city called Dodoma, travelers are much more interested in the Tanzanian administrative center - the city of Dar es Salaam. In total, more than 48 million people live in the republic.
The territory of Tanzania is characterized by mountainous terrain, which is represented by the East African Plateau. It is in this state that the highest mountain of the African continent is located, which is called Kilimanjaro and rises above sea level by 5895 meters. The plateaus are a distinctive feature of the Tanzanian lands. Only the Indian Ocean coast is represented by a narrow strip of lowlands. It is known that Tanzania includes not only the mainland of the state, but also the island expanses of Zanzibar. This archipelago consists of a group of small islands, the most significant of which are the islands called Pemba, Zanzibar, Mafia and others. The total length of the state's coastline exceeds 1,400 kilometers.
As for freshwater sources in Tanzania, they are mainly represented by lakes. The country is home to several of the largest lakes on the continent. We are talking about the majestic Lake Victoria, Nyasa and Tanganyika, which is often compared to Russian Baikal in size, depth and purity of the lake waters. Tanzania's river network is quite small, but this deficiency is easily compensated for by deep-water lakes.
The local population of Tanzania treats its natural resources with special reverence and care. That is why there are fifteen national parks in the country. All of them are under the protection of the so-called Tanzanian National Parks Service. International studies have shown that the efficiency of this service is indeed maintained at the highest level. Tanzania has several biosphere reserves and seven UNESCO sites.
While in some regions of the world the area of protected areas is rapidly declining, in Tanzania the exact opposite picture is observed. More recently, the area of Kilimanjaro Park has been replenished with new lands in order to protect the highest point of the country. Special protected areas are also located on the island lands of Tanzania, for example, a park called Rubondo Island, located on the territory of the picturesque Tanzanian island called Rubondo. Among the most famous and most popular parks in the country, it is worth noting Mhomazi, Arusha, Lake Manyara and many others. Some of them are even located within Tanzanian cities.
The largest natural protected area in Tanzania has recently become a park called Ruaha. Kitulo Park, also called the Garden of the Gods, is also especially popular among tourists.
National flag of Tanzania
The color scheme of one of the main national symbols of the Republic of Tanzania consists of four colors: green, blue, gold and black. A wide black stripe framed in gold stretches diagonally from the lower left corner to the upper right corner. At the top it is complemented by a bright green triangle, and at the bottom with a similar blue figure.
- a state in East Africa. In the north it borders with Kenya and Uganda, in the south with Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia, in the west with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. In the east it is washed by the Indian Ocean. Tanzania also owns the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba.
The name of the country comes from the name of the united countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Official name: United Republic of Tanzania
Capital: Dodoma (legislative capital), Dar es Salaam (administrative center).
The area of the land: 945.1 thousand sq. km
Total Population: 41.9 million people
Administrative division: The state is divided into 25 regions.
Form of government: Republic.
Head of State: The president.
Population composition: 99% Africans, mostly Bantu tribes, 1% Asians (mostly Indians), whites, Arabs. In Zanzibar there are mainly Arabs, Africans and mestizos of Arab-Negro origin.
Official language: Swahili and English; Arabic is spoken in Zanzibar.
Religion: 30% - Christians, 35% - Muslims, 35% - aboriginal cults; in Zanzibar - more than 99% Muslims.
Internet domain: .tz
Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +255
Climate
Tanzania is dominated by the equatorial monsoon climate. It is warm here all year round, as the country is located near the equator. Further from the coast in the central part of the country, the climate is drier and hotter; in addition, the air temperature and amount of precipitation in Tanzania depends on the altitude of the area.
The hottest months in Tanzania are December, January and February. At this time, the daytime air temperature on the coast and on the islands rises to 32 degrees Celsius, in the central regions it can reach +35 degrees Celsius, and in some parts of the country - 38 degrees Celsius. At night, from December to February, the air temperature drops on the coast and on the islands to +24 degrees, in the central regions - up to +26 degrees, and in mountainous areas - up to 10 degrees Celsius.
The coolest month in Tanzania is July. In July, daytime temperatures in the coastal regions of the country and on the islands reach +28 degrees, in the central part of the country - 30 degrees Celsius, and in mountainous areas - 27 degrees Celsius. At night at this time the air temperature drops to +20 degrees, +22 degrees and +8 degrees respectively.
Average annual rainfall within the East African Plateau ranges from 650 to 900 mm per year. The central part of the country is drier, receiving less than 500 mm of precipitation per year. The area adjacent to Lakes Nyasa and Tanganyika receives more precipitation than the rest of the plateau, with an annual amount ranging from 1000 to 1500 mm. In the mountains of the north-west of the country and on the island of Zanzibar the most precipitation falls - up to 2000 mm per year, and on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro up to 1300 mm.
In the northern part of the country and on the coast, two maximum precipitation is observed - from March to May and from September to November, in the southern and central parts - one, from November to April.
Geography
Tanzania is located in the southeast of the African continent and also owns the islands in the Indian Ocean - Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. The total area of the country is 945.1 thousand square meters. km, of which 881 thousand sq. km falls on the mainland. The mainland of the country borders Uganda in the north, Kenya in the northeast, Mozambique in the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the west, Malawi and Zambia in the southwest, Burundi and Rwanda in the northwest. , in the east it is washed by the Indian Ocean.
Most of the territory of Tanzania is occupied by the East African Plateau, the average height of which is 1200 m. The plateau in the meridional direction is intersected by the East African Rift Zone, which is expressed in faults of the earth's crust located in the western and eastern parts of the country. It is home to Tanzania's only active volcano, Oldonio Lengai (2890 m), known as the "Mountain of God", which last erupted in 1983.
In different parts of the country you can see isolated volcanic mountains, small mountain ranges and ridges. In the northeast are the Usambara Mountains, Mount Meru (4567 m) and Kilimanjaro (5895 m). The extinct volcano Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa and the only snow-capped peak on the entire continent. In the south, the Livingston Mountains stand out, stretching along the northeastern coast of Lake Nyasa.
The northern and western borders of Tanzania pass through lakes Victoria, Tanganyika and Nyasa. Victoria is the largest lake on the African continent and the second largest freshwater lake on Earth. Its area is 68 thousand square meters. km. It is also the third largest lake in the world. Lakes Tanganyika and Nyasa are located in the western part of the country and are confined to the East African Rift Zone. The depth of Lake Tanganyika is slightly less than that of Lake Baikal - 1470 m.
The largest rivers in the country are Pangani, Rufiji and Ruvuma.
Flora and fauna
Vegetable world
Dense tropical forests remain only around lakes in the west of the country and in the floodplains of some rivers. The most common plant formations are dry low-grass savannas with acacias and thickets of thorny bushes. There are also park forests on the plateau. Coastal areas contain native and introduced species of mango and introduced coconut palm. Even conifers, such as cedar and pine, grow on the slopes of high mountains.
Pterocarpus angola is found in the park forests, the valuable wood of which is used to make high-quality furniture and wall cladding. At the foot of the East African Plateau, humid equatorial forests grow, where mahogany and camphor laurel predominate; higher up, savannas begin, which give way to tropical steppes. The coastal plains are dominated by parkland savanna and grasslands, and the estuaries are dominated by mangroves.
Animal world
The savannas are home to several species of antelope (wildebeest, kongoni, topi, stenbok, springbok, etc.), as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, elephants and giraffes. Characterized by an abundance of monkeys, of the monkeys in the far north-west there are chimpanzees, and in the Kilimanjaro region there are gorillas. Along the rivers there are hippos and crocodiles.
The world of birds is unusually rich and diverse. There are especially many waterfowl. In the higher regions of the country, ostriches can occasionally be seen. Poisonous snakes include the black mamba and the African viper.
Attractions
Tanzania is one of the most interesting tourist regions in East Africa. Vast territories of National Parks (Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ruaha, Tarangire, etc.) with a colossal diversity of fauna, huge cones of ancient volcanoes, beautiful landscapes of the Central Plateau and the Great Rift zone, long sea coast and picturesque islands, unique culture of local tribes - all this gives the country a unique flavor and great attractiveness for guests.
Banks and currency
The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling. 1 Tanzanian shilling is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 and 200 shillings, as well as coins of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 shilling and 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.
Currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices and registered dealers. You must keep your exchange receipts before leaving the country.
Banks are open on weekdays from 08:30 to 16:00, on Saturdays - from 08:30 to 13:00.
Only major banks and supermarkets accept credit cards.
It is better to purchase traveler's checks in US dollars and pounds sterling to avoid large fees. They can be cashed at exchange offices and registered dealers.
Useful information for tourists
Traditional souvenirs are products made from ebony wood, malachite, soapstone, and beads. In Tanzania, tanzanite is mined - a blue diamond; jewelry with tanzanite is an expensive and unique souvenir.
It is customary to tip driver-guides if you like their work. Mountain guides receive an average of $10 per day, cooks and porters - $5 each. At a hotel or inn, you can give 500 shillings to the porter or servant, or leave a slightly larger amount with the accommodation service when you leave.
While staying in Tanzania, you must take medications against tropical malaria and get vaccinated against yellow fever before traveling. Tap water should not be drunk. For drinking, use only water from bottles, first checking that they are well sealed. Water intended for drinking, brushing teeth, and making ice must be boiled or otherwise disinfected.
You should not move away from the main streets of cities to avoid the risk of being robbed. Do not carry a large amount of money with you, do not wear expensive gold jewelry, and do not walk down the street with audio and video equipment. At night, you should avoid appearing in deserted, unfamiliar places.
Geographical position: Tanzania is an East African country located south of the equator. In the north it borders with Kenya and Uganda, in the south with Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia, in the west with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. In the east it is washed by the Indian Ocean. There is a small plain along the coast, but most of the country is occupied by a plateau, the average height of which is about 1290 m above sea level. Small groups of mountains rise in the northeast and southwest. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest point (5895 m), is located on the northeastern border of the country. The Great Rift Valley passes through Tanzania. The three greatest lakes of the continent are located on the borders of Tanzania and partly within its borders: Lake Tanganyika (western border), Lake Victoria (northwestern border), Lake Nyasa (Malawi) (southwestern border). Tanzania also owns the islands of Zanzibar (the largest coral island off the coast of Africa) and Pemba. The total length of land borders is 3402 km. The total area is 945,203 sq. km.
Capital: Dodoma is the legislative capital of Tanzania and is located in central Tanzania. Dar Es Salaam is the administrative center. The city is located on the east coast of Africa, on the shores of the Indian Ocean. It is the largest port in Tanzania and one of the largest ports on the east coast of Africa. An important economic center and seat of government.
Language: English and Swahili (official languages used for international communication). However, the mother tongue of most Tanzanians is the language of their ethnic group.
Religion: Just over half of Tanzanians (55–60%) are Christians. The largest Christian denominations are Catholics (12.4 million), Lutherans (5.8 million), Pentecostals (2.35 million) and Anglicans (2 million). The share of Muslims is estimated at 30–32%. Muslims are the majority in Zanzibar (97%) and in many coastal areas. Another approximately 12% of the population adheres to local autochthonous beliefs. Ethnic minorities include Hindus, Baha'is, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, etc.
Time: The time difference in Tanzania is 1 hour (relative to time in Moscow). The entire territory of the country is in the same time zone. The country does not switch to summer/winter time, so the time difference remains the same throughout the year.
Climate: The climate in Tanzania is tropical, hot and humid on the coast, dry on the mainland. Temperatures throughout the year can vary from +20 to +32 C, but on the coast it does not fall below +25 C. It is warmest in February and March, coldest in July and August. The rainy periods (October-November – the season of “short rains”, March-May – the season of “long rains”) are felt differently in different parts of the country. The dry season lasts 5-7 months. The best time to visit the north of the country is July-October and December-March; south – June-October; west – December-March and May-October. The best months to travel to the islands of Zanzibar and Mafia are July-October and December-March. During the “long rainy” season, the risk of contracting malaria and gastrointestinal diseases increases sharply. The hunting season is closed from April 1 to June 30, and in February-March rains in the south of the country greatly erode the soil.
Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS), equal to 100 cents. Banknotes of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500 and 200 shillings are in circulation, as are coins of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents, as well as 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 shilling. 1 USD = 1609.33 TZS. Banks are open from 8:30 to 16:00 from Monday to Friday and from 8:30 to 13:00 on Saturday. Currency can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. The exchange receipt must be kept until departure from the country. Changing money from street money changers is not prohibited, but in this case the risk of facing fraud is extremely high. Credit cards are accepted only in large hotels and in very few shops. Traveler's checks can be cashed at registered dealers or at exchange offices (it is better to take checks in USD into the country).
Mains voltage and socket type: 220/240 V, AC frequency – 50 Hz; The plug sockets have three British-type sockets (adapters for Russian plugs are required).
Customs: The import and export of national currency is prohibited, and all foreign currency must be declared. Duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, a liter of alcoholic beverages, food and household items is allowed (within the limits of personal needs). The export of gold and silver jewelry, stamps, coins, and food is allowed - within the “limits of personal needs.” Jewelry must be accompanied by store receipts. The import of small arms (without special permission), drugs and pornography is prohibited.
The export of ivory, rhinoceros horn, wild animal skins, rare plants, sea shells, gold, diamonds and some spices, such as cloves, is prohibited - without documents confirming the legality of their acquisition. To export some souvenirs, it is necessary to indicate in the declaration that they are not being exported for commercial purposes.
Population and culture: As of 2014, the country's population is about 50 million people. The population is distributed rather unevenly. About 80% of the country's inhabitants live in rural areas. The country is home to about 120 different ethnic groups, the most numerous of which are the Sukuma, Nyamwezi, Jugga, Ngonde, Haya, Hehe, Bena, Gogo and Makonde. Most of the ethnic groups belong to the Bantu group of peoples, some belong to the Nilotes and Khoisan peoples. A small proportion of Tanzania's population is of Indian, Arab, European, Chinese and other origins.
Tanzania's culture is a mixture of cultural characteristics from various African countries, India, Britain, and other European countries, as well as Arab countries. The culture of the peoples of Tanzania has rich traditions. This is wood carving: they are famous for their masks, sculptures, and household items. In Zanzibar they keep the tradition of carving coconut shells and sawing wood. The Tingatinga style of painting, named after the author, Eduardo Saidi Tingatinga, originated in Tanzania. Tanzanians are very musical. Music, songs and dances accompany any holiday. The musicians play distinctive African harps, flutes, xylophones and various drums. Melodic songs are accompanied by intricate rhythmic accompaniment. The modern cultural development of Tanzania is greatly influenced by European theater, music and literature. There are many amateur clubs in the country that stage plays by foreign or local authors. Jazz and Western songs are widespread. The traditional African art of sculpture and painting is experiencing a new rise.
Kitchen: The cuisine in Tanzania is not distinguished by its sophistication. Typically, restaurants serve British dishes (soups, steaks, roast chicken, boiled vegetables, puddings and instant coffee). Asian restaurants usually have better food, but there aren't many of them. A large number of small African restaurants where you can try local cuisine without risking your health. The main dishes in these restaurants are dishes based on bananas (unsweetened and taste like potatoes) and meat (goat meat): nyama na ndizi (meat and bananas stewed) and bananas with meat, grilled. Most dishes are made from various types of meat from wild animals and birds. Beef and pork are traditionally expensive in these parts. Tourists are usually offered all sorts of exotic things: antelope fillet, elephant stew, crocodile meat with banana salad, fried warthog flank, slow-roasted nyama-choma or mishikaki (fried beef), nyama-kuku (chicken) ) etc. The side dish usually includes corn, legumes, various roots and rice, as well as fried potatoes and salted cabbage. Seafood is widely used on the coast. Worth checking out here are grilled lemon shrimp, excellent local lobster, octopus stew, charcoal-grilled sea fish with spices, charcoal-grilled fish in banana leaves, various shells, including local oysters, and seaweed salad.
Local beer is very cheap and tasty. The most popular brands are Safari, Kibo Gold, Kilimanjaro and Tasker (usually Kenyan). Along with local beer, imported beer from Kenya or South Africa is sold, but it is more expensive. As for wine, the best is imported from Europe or South Africa. From strong drinks: papaya vodka "Konyagi", liqueurs "Afrikoko" and "Amarula", wines "Dodoma". It is customary to end the meal with a cup of tea with milk and sugar, coffee or juice with ice. Due to the secular nature of the state, in Tanzania, even despite strong Islamic traditions, imported alcoholic drinks can be purchased in any hotel or store.
Tips: In Tanzania, it is customary to tip. Usually in a restaurant it is 5-10% of the bill amount, for carrying luggage - about $1. Tips for a safari driver are usually $5-10 per person per day.
Souvenirs: You can buy local clothes - robes and shirts. Fabrics and blankets from the Maasai tribe would be an interesting gift. These are bright fabrics with local flavor. Art lovers can purchase paintings - Tingatinga folk paintings depict the life of the Maasai or savannah animals. A good souvenir is products made from Makonde ebony. These are usually small wooden sculptures, masks, figurines of animals and people. Gold jewelry, tanzanite stone - a local variety of sapphire can turn out to be a precious souvenir of good quality. Tea, coffee, Maasai national music on CD are other popular gift options from Tanzania.
Air travel: There are no direct flights to Tanzania from Russia. Major airlines fly to all three international airports in the country: Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar (with transfers). The most convenient option is to fly with KLM to Arusha or Dar es Salaam with transit through Amsterdam. The cheapest options are flights to the same Dar with Emirates, Swiss or Qatar. The airport tax for departure from the country is 20 USD per person; it is not charged for children under two years of age and transit passengers. Airlines serving Tanzania: British Airways, KLM, Swiss International Airlines, Egypt Air, Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, Kenya Airways, Royal Swazi, Emirates Airlines and Air Tanzania.
Tanzania is one of Africa's most popular tourist destinations. It is included in the list of developing countries and has a rather weak economy, but it invariably attracts tourists with its rich and picturesque nature. The continent's highest mountain, numerous national parks with a huge variety of flora and fauna, picturesque islands and beaches - all these attractions lure thousands of visitors to the East African country every year.
Getting to know Tanzania
First, let's look at the features of the state's geographic location and historical information. We will also find out how you can get to this country.
Geographical position
The United Republic of Tanzania is located in eastern Africa and borders 8 countries: Kenya and Uganda in the north, Rwanda, Burundi and Congo in the west, and Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia in the south. The eastern part of the country is washed by the Indian Ocean. In addition to the mainland, the state owns some islands: Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia, etc.
Tanzania is located on a plateau, in the north the country is surrounded by mountain ranges. Six rivers flow through the territory, and there are also lakes in Tanzania, the most famous of which is Victoria.
Some information about Tanzania:
- Area: 945 thousand square meters. km.
- Population: 48 million people.
- Time zone: +3 GMT (no difference with Moscow time).
- Language: Swahili, English, African dialects and dialects.
- Currency: Tanzanian shilling.
- Capital: Dodoma.
- Religion: Christianity (60%), Islam (30%), paganism (10%).
A little history
The history of this country officially began on April 26, 1964, after the unification of two colonies - Zanzibar and Tanganyika.
However, in general, the history of Tanzania consists of three most important periods:
- Pre-colonial. Lasted from the time of settlement of this territory by indigenous South African peoples (Bushmen and Hottentots) until 1885. About one and a half thousand years ago, the Swahili people began to form on the territory of the country, which, in addition to indigenous tribes, included people from Arab countries. The main activity of the Swahili was international trade: slaves, gold, ivory were exported from the country, and imported goods included handicrafts, fabrics, and food products. Since the mid-19th century, Europeans and Americans began to come to the country.
- Colonial. Lasted from 1885 to 1964. The period of less than a hundred years turned out to be very rebellious, but productive for the state. Initially, the protectorate over the territory belonged to Germany, but after the end of the First World War the country came under the guardianship of Great Britain. During this time, agriculture was actively developing, cotton, coffee, sisal and rubber plants were grown in the country. During the reign of the Germans, many railways were built. The British continued the development of the country.
- Independent state. During the period of independence, Tanzania was ruled by communism for a long time until a multi-party system was formed in 1995.
Did you know? Albinos are born more often in Tanzania than in other countries: approximately one newborn in 3,000, while in the rest of the world this occurs 7 times less often.
Independence Day is celebrated in December - it was on December 9, 1961 that Tanzanians gained independence from Great Britain, and a year later they became a republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
How to get there
There are no direct flights into the country from Russia and Ukraine. You can get to Tanzania by air only with transfers. With one transfer, the travel time will be about 13-20 hours.
The most convenient way to arrive in the largest city and former capital of Tanzania - Dar es Salaam is with the following airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airlines, KLM, Swiss.
Transfers will take place in Amsterdam, Doha, Dubai and Zurich. Accordingly, there are many direct flights to the country from European cities.
Regular flights to Tanzania are provided by Dubai, Kenyan, Qatar and Oman airlines. There are several international airports in Tanzania: Julius Nyerere, Kilimanjaro, Arusha. By the way, the capital airport in Dodoma is not international.
You can get to Tanzania from neighboring countries by car or bus, and there are also ferry connections with Uganda, Zambia and Burundi. There is a railway connection with Zambia.
Weather and climate
Thanks to the subequatorial climate, we can confidently say that eternal summer reigns in Tanzania. Seasonality is weakly expressed, the climate is slightly different in coastal areas and more distant from the sea, as well as in the mountains - for example, in the north of the country, near the mountain ranges, the temperature stays in the range of +20...+23 ° C, and near the coast it rises by 5 degrees.
It gets cool at night. The islands are the hottest, where the temperature reaches +32 °C, but is easily tolerated due to the high humidity and constant sea breeze.
The hottest months are the winter months. During this period, the temperature in the mainland of the country reaches +35 °C, in some places it reaches +38 °C. July is the coolest month. At this time, the daytime temperature is +27...+32 °C, and at night it drops by 10-15 degrees, for example, in the mountains it reaches +8...+10°C.
The country experiences rainy seasons: in the northern part - twice a year, during the spring and autumn months, in the south of the country the rainy season occurs once a year, from November to April. The sea is very warm - the water temperature reaches +26°C.
Main beaches of the country
The beaches and sea of Tanzania can make you fall in love at first sight and confidently take a place on your list of the best coasts. The main advantages of Tanzanian beaches are snow-white, fine sand and clear, blue water.
Did you know? In 1962, Tanzania (then Tanganyika) experienced an epidemic of laughter among children and adolescents. The attacks of laughter lasted from several hours to several days, and all this lasted for 18 months, “infecting” about 1000 people.
First of all, it is worth considering the beaches of the island of Zanzibar. Obviously, for beach lovers, the island will seem like a paradise, because it is one of the most picturesque and attractive places in the country.
When it comes to a beach holiday or a tour to Tanzania, it is the beaches of Zanzibar that are most often meant; there are more than two dozen of them. Keep in mind that the western beaches have calm seas, while the southeastern ones always pamper visitors with waves. The most interesting places:
- Nungwi. Located in the northern part of the island. Turquoise water, white sand, deep sea in which the tides are not felt, and also fantastic reefs. This is a very popular diving spot. The beach itself is surrounded by large banana and coconut plantations. Nungwi is truly considered the best place in Zanzibar.
- Kizimkazi. South Beach will delight visitors with waves, romantic coves for privacy, and the opportunity to admire dolphins. Here you will also be able to observe the life of local fishermen from the village of the same name.
- Located on the eastern part of the island. There are many luxury hotels along the coast. A significant advantage is the small number of tourists.
- It is located in the eastern part of the island, therefore it has a disadvantage typical for this side - during periods of low tide the sea becomes significantly shallower and you have to walk a long time to reach deep water. Paje is a great place for kitesurfing. In addition, here you can watch flamingos, peacocks and camels.
- A clean and beautiful beach is located in the northeastern part. You won't be able to be alone here, but you can certainly have a lot of fun. It is very crowded, noisy and fun thanks to the many entertainment venues.
However, you should not ignore other island and mainland beaches:
- Ideal for lovers of a relaxing holiday, observing nature and local colorful life. There are no cafes or nightclubs on the beaches of Pemba; it is quite quiet and peaceful here. However, you won't be bored thanks to the opportunities to go diving, deep-sea fishing or watch humpback whales, hammerheads or whale sharks.
- The highlight of the island is the prison, built by a British general, in which there were not a single prisoner. The island still has the same azure water and white sand. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can go snorkeling, diving or hand-feed giant turtles, many of which are over a hundred years old!
- City beach in Dar es Salaam. Here you can watch the local colorful crowd, but women are not recommended to swim in bikinis and too revealing swimsuits. The disadvantage of the beach is the shallow sea at low tide and muddy water.
What to see for a tourist
Of course, in addition to the sea and beaches, the African country has many more must-see attractions. Perhaps the most famous are Tanzanian natural parks, the total area of which is about 30% of the entire country.
Nature and national parks
Tanzania has many national natural parks, thanks to which the country has managed to preserve a huge diversity of flora and fauna. The predominant type of vegetation in the country is savanna.
When visiting the country, you should definitely go on a safari to see giraffes, lions, elephants and black rhinoceroses, hippos and crocodiles with your own eyes. Tickets to national parks are inexpensive, ranging from $50-60, but you will have to pay a hefty sum for renting transport and guide services.
Renting a car can cost from $300, you will also need to pay for gas and food. Sometimes it may take 2-3 days to more or less fully explore the park, so it will be necessary to rent accommodation.
Important!Visiting national parks is only allowed (!) in special safari jeeps accompanied by a certified Tanzanian guide.
- This national park is distinguished by its enormous size (about 15 thousand sq. km), occupies a leading place among all reserves in Africa in terms of species diversity and the number of animals inhabiting the territory, and is also included in the UNESCO heritage list. The most common places to visit the Serengeti are to watch big cats in the wild, especially lions and lionesses, cheetahs and leopards hunting. By the way, this park has the largest population of lions in the world - over 3 thousand individuals.
- Also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The park is unusual, as it is located almost entirely in the middle of the largest crater on the planet. There is very rich vegetation here, which is why the reserve resembles an oasis among the relatively poor savannah. The main highlight of the park is the opportunity to watch pink flamingos on Lake Magadi.
- Despite its relatively small size (more than 2.5 thousand sq. km), the park’s territory is inhabited by more than 300 species of birds, which is why it is especially popular among ornithologists. Here you can go on a classic jeep safari, as well as go on foot and night safari.
- The park is located around the lake of the same name, the oldest on the planet - it was formed more than 3 million years ago. The territory of the park is inhabited by a huge variety of animals: here you can meet all the “classic” inhabitants of the hot continent. Ernest Hemingway called this park the most beautiful place in Africa.
- The lake of the same name is also located here. It is famous for the fact that several times a year it turns pink due to salt deposits. The territory is home to the original Maasai tribes, and is also home to the world's largest flocks of flamingos.
In addition to the listed parks, the following places are no less popular: Selous Game Reserve, Udzungwa Nature Reserve, Mount Kilimanjaro Park, Meserani Snake Park and other beautiful reserves.
Did you know? At the legislative level, the use of plastic bags is prohibited in the country, including for packaging products in the supermarket. If you brought anything with you in plastic packages, it is better not to use them, much less throw them away, otherwise you may receive a fine of $2,000.
Historical landmarks
In addition to the untouched beautiful nature, Tanzania has a large number of historical attractions. There are not many of them in the official capital Dodoma, but in the old capital and largest city of the country, Dar es Salaam, there is something to see.
Here you should definitely admire the Clock Tower, Sultan Majid Palace, the railway station building, numerous cathedrals, mosques and churches.
Famous museums of the city:
The local markets are definitely worth visiting: Mwenge Ebony Market, Magagoni Fish Market, Kiriakoo Spice Market. It is worth walking through the colorful Asian streets of Indian Street and Kisutu Street.
What else can you do?
Tanzania offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities. Beautiful coral reefs and beaches allow you to enjoy water and hiking sports. Here you have the opportunity to hunt and bring home exclusive trophies.
Important! When exchanging currency, you must keep the receipt for the entire period of your stay in the country. Also remember that you can pay with a card only in large cities and coastal towns (mainly in supermarkets, banks and large stores). In provincial cities it is almost impossible to pay with a credit card, and for withdrawing money from a card the bank will have to pay up to 8% commission.
Leisure
Tanzania has many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. It is truly one of the best places in the world for diving and other water sports, and mountain climbing, trekking and hiking are also very popular.
- This type of active recreation will be suitable for physically trained tourists, because they will have to climb to a height of almost 6000 m! However, the fantastic views and watching the sunrise/sunset will forever remain in your memory and compensate for all the efforts.
- Descent to the Ngorongoro crater. The giant crater houses the national park of the same name, which we talked about above. To get to the bottom, you will have to overcome a height difference of 600 m.
- Diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing. For divers, the waters of Tanzania will seem like a real paradise. Picturesque coral reefs, many rare underwater inhabitants, and excellent visibility underwater create all the conditions for diving. Here you can dive in freshwater reservoirs, near coastal areas, on islands, and you can also go on multi-day diving tours on board special vessels. We recommend that you pay attention to diving on the island of Pemba, Zanzibar, on Lake Tanganyika.
- Hunting in the Selous Game Reserve. You can book tours for 10, 16, 21 and 28 days of hunting. It can be passed only during the daytime and on foot; hunting with a car is prohibited. The cost of the tour usually includes accommodation, services of a professional hunter, meals, field preparation of trophies, as well as preparation for export. However, this is a rather expensive pleasure, which can cost several tens of thousands of dollars.
Also, do not miss the opportunity to go rafting on the rivers of Tanzania, paragliding, and deep-sea fishing. Unforgettable impressions will remain after the safari, and there are several types to suit every taste.
Night life
If you prefer nightlife, you may be a little disappointed - Tanzania is definitely not a country with interesting nightlife. You can mostly have fun at resort hotels and in big cities.
On the island of Zanzibar, it is worth visiting the Kendwa Rock Hotel, where the Full Moon Party is held once a week.
In Dar es Salaam, pay attention to the following establishments: Q-Bar, Msasani, and Sea Cliff Casino.
Did you know? The lead singer of the legendary rock band Queen, Freddie Mercury, was born in Zanzibar.
Where to stay and eat
Since the main destination for many tourists is the unofficial capital, let's look at where to stay and eat in Dar es Salaam.
There is housing in the city to suit every taste and budget.
It is also worth being knowledgeable about local cuisine. Dishes made from the meat of wild animals and birds are traditional for the country. It is worth trying the national grain dish ugali. If you wish, you can taste the meat of antelope, elephant, crocodile or warthog.
For special gourmets, dishes made from locusts and termites are offered. In coastal areas you can enjoy seafood. Vegetarians will also not go hungry, as many restaurants and cafes offer dishes without animal products. For drinks, you can try local beer or strong cognac gin.
In Dar es Salaam you can find establishments of different price categories. So, there are cafes with local cuisine and fast food, gourmet restaurants, pizzerias, restaurants with an emphasis on seafood dishes, establishments with Chinese, Indian and American cuisine.
Possible danger
You should be aware of the potential dangers before visiting the country. In general, Tanzanians are a very open, friendly and sociable nation, however, due to refugees from neighboring countries and a low standard of living, you can stumble upon fraud and theft.
It is also worth understanding that there are many Muslim areas here, so you should avoid wearing too much revealing clothing. A huge problem for the country is the availability of clean drinking water.
Important! There are many pickpockets in tourist areas, and armed poachers are present in nature reserves.
- Before visiting, be vaccinated against yellow fever, tetanus, hepatitis A, typhus, cholera, and malaria.
- Before use, be sure to boil water, thoroughly heat-treat animal products, wash and peel vegetables and fruits.
- Swimming is necessary in specially designated areas due to the large number of strong coastal currents and the presence of dangerous animals under water.
- Swimming in reservoirs within the country is not recommended due to the risk of contracting schistosomiasis.
- Documents and precious things should be kept in a hotel safe, always have a photocopy of your foreign passport with you, and only walk the streets in a group at night.
- You cannot take photographs or videos of local residents without permission.
- When visiting parks, be sure to use sunscreen, repellent, wear wide-brimmed hats and comfortable high shoes with closed toes, and clothing that is as closed as possible.
- In Muslim parts of the country, wearing short shorts, skirts and other provocative clothing should be avoided. You should also refrain from publicly showing attention to your significant other.
What to bring
In addition to numerous bright photographs, you should definitely bring souvenirs from Tanzania; besides, the choice is impressive, they are varied and colorful. In big cities, shops are open until 10 pm, but most shops are open from 8 to 12 pm, and in the afternoon from 2 to 6 pm.
During Ramadan, many shops may be closed. You can buy souvenirs in the most famous souvenir centers: an art gallery, a village museum and in shops on Samora Avenu. While on the island of Zanzibar, it is worth visiting the Memories of Zanzibar and One Way stores.
- A lot of minerals are mined in the country: tourmaline, garnet, diamond, ruby, sapphire, but tanzanite, a mineral discovered in 1967, has become the real symbol of the country. “Blue Diamond,” as the stone is also called, is found exclusively in this country, among the volcanic deposits of Kilimanjaro.
- Products. From Tanzania you can bring spices, herbs and roots, which are recommended to be purchased at the Kariakoo spice market.
- Figurines and paintings. It is advisable to buy carved wooden figurines of the Makonde tribe in small souvenir shops.
- National clothes, batik.
- Tanzania has huge coffee plantations; about 6% of the country's population is involved in servicing them, which is quite a lot. The choice of aromatic drinks here is huge.
It is in Tanzania that you will have the opportunity to experience and see real East Africa. The originality, local flavor and picturesqueness of the country will not leave anyone indifferent.
Tanzania gives you the opportunity to climb to the highest point of the continent, swim in the second deepest lake on the planet, and the largest lake in Africa. Highly recommended for all exotic lovers!
The region where Tanzania is located is known to European tourists as a paradise well south of the equator. The coast of the Indian Ocean, on the shores of which the republic is located, makes it attractive for lovers of a leisurely beach holiday.
Where is Tanzania?
The United Republic of Tanzania, as this country is officially known, has a completely unique location, giving the country a significant advantage in the international tourism market. The republic is located in the southeastern part of the African continent.
To begin with, the country is located on the coast of the warm Indian Ocean. Numerous hotels receive hundreds of thousands of tourists from Europe and America every year.
In addition, the region where Tanzania is located is famous for the so-called Great African Lakes, which are located in the area of the East African Rift.
Great Lakes of Africa
In Africa, where Tanzania is located, there are lakes second only to Baikal in area and volume. The largest of them is Victoria, which has worldwide fame. This lake is located on the territory of three states: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
In addition to being the second largest freshwater body of water in the world, Lake Victoria is also famous for feeding the White Nile, one of the world's great rivers.
Despite the fact that some experts tend to classify only Lake Victoria, Edward and Albert as the Great African Lakes, the full list of lakes located in this region is as follows:
- Victoria.
- Tanganyika.
- Nyasa.
- Rudolf.
- Edward.
- Albert.
- Kivu.
In addition to their area and fresh water reserves, the lakes are also notable for the fact that they are home to about ten percent of all fish species known to science, many of which are not found in other regions.
Geography and population of the country
The favorable climate of East Africa creates all the necessary conditions for highly productive agriculture and the formation of surplus products. It is for this reason that there have always been numerous small states in the region, the largest of which were Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. Today Tanzania borders Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and
This number of states is due to the fact that the eastern part of Africa is very diverse culturally, ethnically and linguistically. And these factors were taken into account when drawing the boundaries of new states that were formed as a result of the liquidation of the colonial system on the continent.
However, despite such a large number of state entities, each of them is quite densely populated. For example, in Tanzania, according to the UN, more than fifty million people live, belonging to one hundred and twenty different ethnic groups, speaking more than one hundred languages.
Nature and climate
The unique natural resources of the region where Tanzania is located require a special attitude, which is expressed either in a gentle level of human use, or in a complete refusal to exploit natural resources.
It is worth paying tribute to the government of the republic, which, to the best of its ability, is trying to protect the country’s nature from human pressure. About 38% of the country's territory is allocated to national parks and reserves, of which there are sixteen.
One of the most remarkable natural monuments of Tanzania, the coordinates of which are as follows - 3 ° 12 S 35 ° 27 "E - is Ngorongoro National Park. The name of the park comes from the sound made by the bells on the necks of cows belonging to the local nomadic Maasai tribes.
The national park occupies the territory of a huge crater, which is a type of caldera. Today it is the largest inactive volcanic crater on Earth. This crater has been inactive for so long that the first traces of human activity on its territory appear three million years ago. The remains of a hominid discovered on its territory gave the name to a new species - Olduvai man, discovered in the Olduvai Gorge.
Seven Wonders of Africa
In addition to Ngorongoro, Africa's natural wonders also include the Serengeti region, which shares a common border with Tanzania's Ngorongoro Nature Reserve and Kenya's Masai Mara Nature Park.
The Serengeti Park covers an area of 14,763 square kilometers and for many millennia these vast wastelands, which today attract many tourists, had no permanent population. Only a little over a hundred years ago, the nomadic Maasai tribes came to the prairies and remained there. The history of the Serengeti Conservation Zone begins in 1951, when a small private reserve was transformed into a National Park, second in size only to the Selous Reserve in Tanzania.
The Selous Game Reserve was established at the beginning of the twentieth century, as it quickly became clear that it represented a unique region in terms of flora and fauna. Selous is home to over 350 species of birds, numerous species of savannah animals and almost 2,000 species of plants.
Tanzania. Where is Zanzibar?
Stretching along the eastern coast of Africa, the archipelago consists of seventy-five islands, some of which belong to the autonomy of Zanzibar, which is part of Tanzania as a Free Republic.
From a geographical point of view, the archipelago is a cluster of islands, the largest of which are Ugunja, Pemba and Mafia. Ugunja Island is the largest and is often mistakenly called Zanzibar, giving it the name of the entire archipelago.
It is on the western coast of the island of Ugunja that the largest city of the archipelago is located - Zanzibar, whose population is about one hundred and twenty thousand people. It is worth noting that in the period from 2008 to 2009. The city's population has decreased significantly.
In modern conditions, Tanzania, where there are numerous natural monuments, is becoming increasingly attractive to travelers who prefer to combine an upscale holiday with visits to national parks, reserves and safaris, which are popular with wealthy hunting enthusiasts. The islands of Tanzania are especially popular, embodying the dream of a paradise on Earth, surrounded by turquoise water and hot sun.
