TANZANIA

The United Republic of Tanzania is a state of the western coast of central Africa. It borders Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the east.

All the territory of the archipelago covers 945,090 square kilometres.

The number of inhabitants is lower than 37 millions.

Dodoma.

Dodoma, Dar es Salama, Zanzibar.

International Airport of Zanzibar

Although recent excavations brought to light some remains of Homo Erectus, we know very little about this Country's real prehistory. The first written documents date back to 1800, when Maasai warlike tribes migrated from Kenya to Tanzania. The first European explorers arrived in this region towards the middle of the XIX century: the most famous explorers were Stanley and Livingstone. This area, called Tanganyika, was a German colony from 1880 to 1919, when a railway was built and a strong trade was started. From 1919 to 1961 the territory was managed by the United Kingdom with a mandate of the League of Nations and then under UNO's trust. On 26th April 1964 Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged and gave birth to the United Republic of Tanzania. Tanganyika obtained its independence in 1961 and the following year it became a Republic with Nyerere as its first President. Zanzibar, independent in 1963, became a people's Republic after the revolution of 12th January 1964. The radical socialist Nyerere nationalized economy, as well as many leaseholds, and deeply taxed moneyed classes in order to redistribute wealth of the Country. Despite such reform attempts, economy did not take off. The federal Constitution acknowledges wide autonomy to the Isle of Zanzibar, which has its own President, Parliament, Constitution, judicial system and flag. Although this isle used to be one of the richest Countries in Africa, its annexation caused new problems. Since 2001 Zanzibar has been exhorting for secession, affecting the Country's unity. CUF, Zanzibar's main party, reported irregularities during elections in 2003, when the former single party CCM won also in the isle. For this reason the central government reacted by rigidly stifling the uprising of the opposition; since then, crisis is even more serious. Despite big natural reserves, including gold fields, Tanzania remains one of the poorest Countries in the world. Nevertheless, the recent opening of natural gas exhaustion plants in Songosongo, along with the increasing tourism have given the Country's economy a very positive contribution.

The 26th April: Union Day.

Presidential Federal Republic.

The official language is Swahili and English.

Christians 30%, Muslims 35%, aboriginal cults and beliefs 35%. More than 90% of the population in Zanzibar are Islamic.

The time zone is two hours ahead Italy.
When in Italy the Daylight Saving Time is in use, the difference is one hour.

For tourism purposes, Italian tourists must have their passports and an entry visa. A visa can be requested before departure at the Embassy of Tanzania in Rome or at the Consulate of Tanzania in Milan. The form can be downloaded from the website www.tanzania-gov.it. If, for any reason, you cannot apply for it in Italy, you can get one on arrival at Zanzibar international Airport for 50 USD (this cost may vary).

The country's monetary unit is the Tanzanian shilling.

CHECK THE CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

The main international credit cards are only accepted in high category hotels and shops.
We recommend to leave with a certain amount of cash.

Although no vaccination is required to enter Tanzania, local health service lacks in terms of staff, medical equipments, and specific drugs. Blood transfusions are not risk-free. Malaria is endemic. AIDS is very spread and represents the second cause of death after malaria. Avoid any unprotected intercourse and before leaving ask your doctor for an advice about the prophylaxis of malaria. It is advisable to underwrite an adequate insurance policy, including not only medical expenses, but also a possible emergency repatriation or transfer to another Country.

Along the coast and in Zanzibar temperatures are high from November to April; temperatures are pleasant from May to September and in the hilly regions of the Country's inlands. The big rainy season goes from February to May; the small rainy season usually starts in November or December. In order to visit Serengeti when at its best, you had better avoid the dry season, because all animals go "on holiday" to Kenya.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECASTS IN REAL TIME

It varies from 110 to 240 V. There are British-type sockets, with three slats; you may need an adaptor in case you would like to use your appliances.

To call Italy from Tanzania dial the country code for Italy 0039, then the Italian area code - including zero for fixed net numbers - and the number you wish to call.
To call Tanzania the international code is 00255.
GSM network is available, but only in the main cities at very high rates. Internet café are common.

There are no restrictions to take pictures or make videos for private use. As in any other country, it is advisable to politely ask local people for their permission before taking pictures of them.

This is the perfect place for any kind of shopping, but haggling is advisable. We recommend to halve the price they require and then start negotiating.
Tanzania typical objects are carved wooden crafts, copper and leather objects, paintings on carpets and fabrics, any kind of ore and gemstones.

A sort of porridge prepared with cereal flours (millet, sorghum, maize, wheat)is cooked both in Tanzania and in the rest of Africa. In Tanzania this porridge is called Ugali and it is usually prepared using maize flour or rarely cassava flour. A typical lunch includes a single dish of Ugali or rice, with a sauce and some vegetables, for instance Mchicha (a sort of spinach); in richer houses a typical side-dish is meat. Bananas are also cooked, and in particular a special variety of pink bananas called Ndizi. Here, as in Kenya, they usually cook 'nyama choma' (grilled meat), especially in restaurants with bar. Along the coast and on the Isle of Zanzibar and Pemba, you have a vast choice of swahili traditional dishes, made of fish cooked in coconuts, with or without spices. Actually, in tourist places cuisine is international.

Music and dance are Tanzania's culture. This Country's inhabitants have always accompanied their religious rituals, feasts and their work on singing. Rhythms are vibrating and verses are intense. Swahili music tradition is still very lively thanks to dynamic dance groups. Remmy Ongala is Tanzania's most famous musician. On the other hand, Zanzibar is the pulsating heart of the characteristic taraab, the traditional sung poetry. The queen of this music style with haunting rhythms is Siti bint Saad, the first Eastern Africa singer who recorded some commercial songs back in 1928. Taraab is played (and danced) in many places.

Tanzania and Zanzibar are naturalistic destinations. So spending the night in one of the wonderful restaurants on the beach enjoying the sunset on the sea is very lovely. Or even better, during a safari, spotting the proboscis of an elephant from your tent, and hope it will not get too close... Otherwise, there are some old Arabian buildings elegantly renewed with carpets, colourful lamps and kilim cushions where you can relax and listen to Arabian music. Obviously, tourist places offer any kind of night entertainment.

The most important yearly event in Tanzania takes place in Serengeti National Park, close to the border on Kenya, where enormous droves of wildebeests move towards Kenya's green lands. From April more than two million heads migrate through the southern plains of Serengeti, along with zebras, antelopes, gazelles, lions... An indescribable event.

You are in a very poor Country where people have nothing, often live in shanty towns and children wear rags, so please do not get annoyed if they try to sell you anything at any time. It is often their unique source of life. Be very patient. In Tanzania the motto pole pole,
that is to say "slow slow" is in force. They take it literally, they make everything extremely slowly, which may be annoying for western people. Get ready for it. Anyway, Africa has got a lot to teach you.

1) The city of Dar es Salama
2) The National Museum of Dar es Salama, which shows the history of Zanzibar's slaves trade.
3) Zanzibar old town
4) Mount Kilimanjaro at the National Park, the highest peak of the continent
5) Serengeti National Park
6) Nungwi beach in Zanzibar
7) Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where Maasai tribes still take their animals out to pasture
8) Makonde highland (enthralling but not within easy reach)
9) Selous Game Reserve, the biggest faunal reserve in the world (54.600 square km).
10) Pemba Island and its coral reef, one of the most beautiful in the world.

1) Safari
2) Trekking on Kilimanjaro
3) Balloon tour over Serengeti
4) Snorkelling off Pemba and Mafia Islands.
5) Diving in Kiwengwa, Zanzibar.

-Tips: Tips are not compulsory, but giving a tip to guides, drivers, rangers, trackers, porters, waiters and taxi drivers is a good habit.

- Safety: In Tanzania's main cities, on urban buses, on isolated beaches and along interurban roads frequent pick-pocketing and robberies of money and documents happen. You just need to follow standard precautions. On the other hand, hotels and private houses with burglar alarms are safe.

- Garments: For a safari we recommend practical and light clothes, comfortable shoes, a hat and sun glasses. In order to protect yourself from insects, at night you had better wear long sleeve-shirts and trousers. Remember to bring some repellents. For excursions on the Kilimanjaro we recommend warm and comfortable garments, as temperature may reach 0° at high altitudes. Please remember to limit your luggage to the strict minimum, and bring bags/backpacks instead.

Via Cesare Beccaria 88 - Rome (Italy)
Phone: 0039 06 3600 5234/3216 611

Via S. Sofia 12 - Milan (Italy)
Phone: 0039 02 5830 7126

Embassy of Italy in DAR ES SALAAM
316, Lugalo Road - Upanga - Dar es Salaam
Phone: 00255 22 2115 935/6
Fax: 00255 22 2115 938
Email: segreteria.dar@esteri.it

Vice-Honorary Consul of Italy in Zanzibar
P.O.Box 4700 - Zanzibar
Phone: 00255 24 2239 452
Fax : 00255 24 2232 743