Tanzania
Tanzania lies on the east coast of Africa and it is covering an area of 937,062 sq km. It bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; by Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west; by the Indian Ocean to the east; and by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The Tanzanian mainland is divided into several clearly defined regions: the coastal plains, which vary in width from 16 to 64km (10 to 39 miles) and have lush, tropical vegetation; the Masai Steppe in the north, 213 to 1067m (698 to 3500ft) above sea level; and a high plateau in the southern area towards Zambia and (LkMalawi / Nyasa). Savannah and bush cover over half the country, and semi-desert accounts for the remaining land area, with the exception of the coastal plains. Over 53,000 sq km (20,463 sq miles) is inland water, mostly lakes formed in the Rift Valley. The United Republic of Tanzania includes the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, about 45km (28 miles) off the coast to the northeast of the country. Tanzania is a country of stunning beauty, a kaleidoscope of landscape, wildlife and people.
Languages
Swahili is the national and official language. English as a second official language is widely spoken especially in major cities, to a lesser extend in rural areas. Arabic is spoken in Zanzibar and Pemba, to a lesser extent though. Tribal languages are widely spoken as well.
Religions
Tanzania is among few countries where religious harmony is prevalent; people of different religions live in harmony and inter religious marriages are common. The main religions are Christianity and Islam, minority religions are Buddhism, Hinduism and traditional religions. The islands of Zanzibar and Pemba are predominantly Muslims ( 98 percent ).
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 off-shore islands of Zanzibar and Pemba people are very conservative, therefore, wear clothes that cover your body. Sun bathing on the 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.
Currency
Shilling is the unity currency divided in 100 cents. Major Banks and bureau de changes are found in all major cities. Where bureau de changes are not present money has to be changed in banks. Do not change money in black markets; it is illegal and you risk going to a jail or being swindled. Credit cards are widely accepted especially in major hotels, sometimes exorbitant surcharge of 5%-10% is levied on a transaction.
Climate
The climate is tropical and coastal areas are hot and humid. The rainy season lasts from March to June. The central plateau is dry and arid. The northwestern highlands are cool and temperate and the rainy season here lasts from November to December and February to May.
Tanzania Safaris
Tanzania Safaris is a comprehensive internet travel and tour information guide on Tanzania safaris, tours, holidays, adventure travel and affordable getaways to all the National Parks of Tanzania’s the famous Northern Circuit Safari, the wild parks of Southern Safari, the remote safaris of Western Safari and the Beaches of the Coast and Islands. Tanzania’s three safari areas are as are very different but all combine we with trips to the beach! Looking at each in more detail.
Northern Tanzania Safari
Tanzania’s first safari areas were in the North, and this “Northern Circuit” remains its most famous safari area. The main Parks here are : Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and Mkomazi National Park…….
Southern Tanzania Safari.
The Parks in Southern Tanzania cover huge areas and offer great game viewing in remote areas, based at small lodges where local safari guides(often real experts) drive you around in open 4WDs. The game is excellent and you will relish the real feeling of wilderness here and complete lack of crowds. The parks here are Ruaha National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park , Udzungwa Moutain National Park and Kitulo National Park……..
West Tanzania Safari.
Safari in Western Tanzania are in a large of their own with superb contrasting wildlife experiences , Tanzania safaris here usually expensive and so receive very few visitors but of course having few other visitors sharing your experience is a real attraction in itself. The three main parks here are , Katavi National Park, Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park….