subject: Tanzania Holiday Tour and Safari [print this page] Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa. The country got its independence in 1961 after being colonized by the Portuguese, Germany and the British. Julius Nyerere was the first president and ruled from 1961-1985. There are about 120 tribes in Tanzania and Dar es Salaam is the capital city. Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo to the west and the Indian Ocean in the east. The most famous sites include the Serengeti National Park, Mt Kilimanjaro and the Ngoro Ngoro crater. Many visitors tour Tanzania to witness the millions of wildebeest in the Serengeti with their own eyes as they photograph the big five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo).
There are two main rain seasons, the long rains and short rains. The long rains start in the months of March to June while the short rains begin from the month of November to January. The hot season is between December and March while the cold season is between June and August. Mt Kilimanjaro and Ngoro Ngoro highlands have high altitudes and sometimes, temperatures can go even below freezing point. If your safari includes climbing Mt Kilimanjaro and the Ngoro Ngoro crater, it is advisable to carry enough warm clothes to keep your body warm.
If you are planning your safari to Tanzania, make sure you get a valid passport and visa some months before your journey. The Tanzanian Shilling is the national currency. However, credit cards such as Euro cards, Diners, visa, Master card, and the American Express are also accepted in all tourist hotels. Visitors' cheques which are in US dollar, pounds sterling are also acceptable. The banking hours are from Monday-Friday starting from 08h30-12h30 and on Saturday from 08h30-13h30. There are many banks and bureaus in major town and located in the airports.
There are three main international airports namely Kilimanjaro International Airport, Dar es Salaam International Airport and Zanzibar International Airport. However, you need to go for a health check-up in a legitimate hospital in Tanzania or travel health advisor before your departure. Kiswahili is the official language and English is well spoken by most people. Drivers, cooks and tour guides are well trained. The tour operators are also experienced in their work therefore you will not get disappointed by your safari experience. The best time to tour the Zanzibar and the coast beaches is between the months of June and March.
