GENERAL INFORMATION: The United Republic of Tanzania was born on 26 April 1964 out of the Act of Union between Tanganyika (former territory with British trusteeship under UN mandate) with Zanzibar, Pemba and other islands in the Indian Ocean (former British colony). Its extraordinary natural resources make it be one of the last sanctuaries of this continent and its ancient and modern history makes Tanzania to be one of the most outstanding African nations. Some of the World and Africa's most famous symbols are situated within its vast territory: Mount Kilimanjaro the Roof of Afrika, the World's wonder of Ngorongoro Crater, the evidence of the origin of Mankind in Oldupai Gorge, a number of Game Reserves and National Park, and the African Great Lakes.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION: The United Republic of Tanzania is located in the Eastern African Continent between longitude 290 and 410 East: Latitude 10 and 120 South: Most Northerly point: Bukoba 10 South latitude; Most Southerly point: Mtalika 120 South Latitude; Most Westerly point Kigoma 290 East of Greenwich and Most Easterly point: Mtwara 410 East of Greenwich.

It borders on the Indian Ocean to the east, and has land borders with eight countries: Anti-clockwise from the north, Kenya 796 km, Uganda 396 km, Rwanda 217 km, Burundi 451 km, the Democratic Republic of Congo (across Lake Tanganyika) 478 km, Zambia 338 km, Malawi 475 km and Mozambique 750 km, making a total of 3900 km. The country includes Zanzibar (Consist of the Main Island Unguja and Pemba).

TIME: Local time is GMT + 3

CLIMATE: The climate along the coast is tropical with an average temperature of 26.70 c and rainfall varying from 1016 to 1930 mm annually. The coolest months are July and August (around 250 c), the hottest and wettest months are February and March until the period of the rains (320c). The huge inland plateau has a drier climate with rainfall from 508-762 mm annually. In the south-west higher areas have a semi-temperate climate with more rainfall. During the coldest months of the year, the temperature in the mountain areas can sometimes drop to close to zero just before sunrise. The Islands enjoy a special climate with sea breezes tempering the heat all year round.

The rainy seasons vary from area to area, with considerable variations in the periods in which they occur. There maybe considerable fluctuations in rainfall from one year to the next. We can very approximately refer to a period of maximum rainfall from March to May and a period of lighter rains around November. It should be mentioned that in many areas it rains for only a few hours a day.

SOCIETY: Most of the people are of Bantu origin representing 95%, with some 120 ethnic groups on the mainland, none of which exceeds 10% of the population, others are of Asian, Arab and Afro-Arab and European. The biggest African group is the Sukuma: others include Maasai, Haya, Gogo, Nyamwezi and Chagga. There are people of mix blood in the coastal area known as Swahilis as well as Asian, Arabs and expatriate minorities. In general, it goes without saying Tanzanians are the most hospitable, respectful, polite and friendly people in East and Central Africa if not in the whole World. The word “Ndugu” which means “Blood Relative” Preserve our value of dignity. It is preferable to use your Right Hand in Shaking Hands, Giving and Receiving.

CULTURE: Tanzania is a country rich in culture; a blend of African, Arabian, Indian and European influences. Tanzanians are very generous and hospitable yet conservative. They are very welcoming but want people to treat their culture with respect. In the offshore islands of Zanzibar and Pemba people are very conservative; therefore, wear clothes that cover your body. Sun bathing at beaches should be traded with care. Respect the Holly months of Ramadan if you happen to be in the Islands. Do not eat in public during fasting periods. It is advisable to enquire for the code of conduct before getting to Zanzibar.

LANGUAGE: Swahili, which is spoken throughout the country, is the official and national language. It is an advantageous for the visitors visiting Tanzania to come with some few Swahili Greetings and appreciation words like “Jambo”, “Habari Gani?” “Ahsante” and go home with more than what you come with. English is the second official language, the country's commercial language, and the teaching language mainly spoken in the major cities and to a lesser extent in the rural areas. To a lesser extent, Arabic is spoken in the coastal area especially in Zanzibar and Pemba. Tanzanians are Proud to their Tribal languages and are widely spoken as well.

RELIGION: Tanzania is among the fewest country in the World where the religious freedom and harmony are prevalent, people with different religious background lives together in Harmony and inter religious marriage are also common. Main religions are Christianity and Islam, minority are Buddhism, Hinduism and traditional religions.

HOW TO GET TO TANZANIA: There are many flights from Europe to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airports and to Zanzibar Airport. You can also get to Tanzania through the border of the neighboring countries.

ENTY REQUIREMENT: A valid Visa and Passport are required for all except for the citizen for the Commonwealth, Scandinavia countries and the Republic of Ireland. You can obtain your Visa from Tanzania Diplomatic Mission before leaving your country or at the Tanzania International Airport and at Country entry borders.

BORDER CROSSING PROCEDURES: Personal effects including binoculars, camera and film, and mountaineering gear may be imported temporarily duty free. A customs bond may be demanded of visitors bringing in video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Firearms require special permit.

A duty free allowance is effected on one litre of liquor; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco; and 250 ml of perfume. Additional items are subject to customs duty.

AIRPORT TAX: A USD 20 departure tax in cash is payable by all passengers departing on international flights. Departure from Zanzibar into a destination within Tanzania, the tax is TSHS. 200. An additional 10 per cent of the ticket value will be paid as sales tax on all tickets issued in Zanzibar.

FINANCIAL MATTERS: The National currency is Tanzania Shilling (Tsh.), which is divided into 100 cents, with notes available of 10,000; 5,000; 2000; 1,000; and 500. Foreign currency may be changed at authorized banks, forex bureau and designated hotels, preferably US Dollars. Top tourist hotels, lodge and tour operators around the country accept credit cards (Access, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Euro card and Dinners). Sometimes exorbitant surcharge of 5-10% is levied on a transaction. Banks and forex bureaux are available at the airport and in all main towns. Banking hours: Monday – Friday 0830 hrs -16000 hrs and Saturdays 0830 hrs – 1300 hrs.

There is no limit to the amount of money that you could bring in to the country.

ELECTRICITY: Electrical supply for domestic use is generally 230 volts AC, 50 Hz. All installations are British standard and all appliances should be fitted with pin plugs of British specification. You can obtain other plug pins at the departmental stores in the country. (Please check without).

HEALTH: An evidence of a valid Yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory at the port of entry and compulsory in Zanzibar. It is advisable to take anti-malaria tablets before entering in to the country. It is advisable to contact your physician for your health and nearest Tanzania Diplomatic Mission requirements and regulation for they are subjected to change at short notice.