About Tanzania and Travel Information
The Republic of Tanzania lies just south of the Equator in East Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean. The area of the mainland is 93,706 sq. km, while Zanzibar Island is 2,760 sq. km. Over 25 % of its land area is protected as either national parks or conservation areas/ game reserves. The terrain and vegetation varies from mountains and highlands to savanna, open grasslands and forests. Inland waterways comprise 53,000 sq. km. Lake Victoria, in the northwestern section, is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world, while Lake Tanganyika, on the western border, is the deepest and second largest lake in Africa.

The population: is about 32 million with over 120 distinct linguistic groups, none exceeding 13 % of the total. Language is Swahili while English is spoken in major urban areas as well. Tribal languages predominate in the rural areas away from the cities. The people are warm, friendly and gracious and are eager to tell you about themselves and their culture. Religion is about equally divided among Christian, Muslim and local religions.

Climate and terrain: There is no real winter here! In the northern area from May to October, expect daytime temperatures to range from 14-22 C (60-70 degrees F), with nighttime temperatures of 3-10 C (40-50 degrees F). From November to March, temperatures are 22-33 C (70-90 F), 14-24 C (60-75 F) at night. Long rains occur between April and June, short rains in November and December.
Visa: All visitors must have a valid passport. The need for a visa is dependent upon your country of origin. Please contact the Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate in your home country for requirements, applications and cost. Visas are also available at ports of entry into Tanzania.
Regarding immunizations and health issues: Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is no longer required, however, your physician or travel clinic may recommend other immunizations. Anti-malarial prophylaxis should be started prior to your departure.

The local currency: is the Tanzanian shilling. Payment for safaris is generally in US dollars or US dollar traveler's cheques. It is difficult at best to use credit cards for direct payments and if cash advances from ATM machines are desired, they are only available in a few places. You will receive Tanzanian shillings with a cash advance.

Tanzania is home to such world-renowned parks as Serengeti. Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Mount Kilimanjaro in the North, and Ruaha and Selous game reserve in the south, to name a few. The scenery and wildlife are spectacular. Purchase a good guidebook and read up on the details for yourself before you come.