TRAVEL TO EXOTIC COUNTRIES

TANZANIA  

GENERAL INFORMATION

Tanzania - the largest country in East Africa, one of the unique heritage and treasures of the African continent, which, however, needs to be discovered and studied by many. Here we are waiting for the snow of Kilimanjaro, a safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater walk into the underwater world and the island of Zanzibar. Holidays in Tanzania will give incredible adventures and unforgettable experiences.

Tanzania - the perfect place for different types of safari due also to the fact that a significant part of its territory are national parks and reserves with a rich variety of wildlife and flora. Among the most famous are the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha, Selous. Tourists here are wonderful opportunity to meet with the wild animals in their natural habitat. Numerous hotels, lodges, built in the style of traditional Tanzanian huts and camp-camp, from the most comfortable stationary and mobile to camps, located in almost all the reserves and parks. Known traditional warmth and hospitality of local people, making a safari in Tanzania, colorful and memorable.

Great place for a beach holiday in Tanzania - Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia, fringed by palm trees and filled with alluring exotic. High service hotels, white sandy beaches, a rich underwater world, excursions - all this makes the rest of Tanzania's amazing.

GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION

United Republic of Tanzania, with its capital in Dodoma, first in Dar-es-Salaam - was established in 1964 as a federation of two states: Zanzibar and Tanganyika. The state is located in the south-eastern Africa. It has borders with Kenya and Uganda, in the south - with Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia to the west - with Zaire, Burundi and Rwanda. On the east by the Indian Ocean. The total area of ​​the country - 945.1 thousand square meters. km.

Most of the country - the high plateau. In Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa - Kilimanjaro (5890 m), climbing to the top of which is available for almost any tourist.

LANGUAGE

The official language - Swahili or Kiswahili. Second official language is English, it is used by commercial elite, the administration, the hotel staff, chauffeurs - guides.

CLIMATE

Basically equatorial - monsoon. The best time to visit the country - from December to mid-March and from July to November. Two rainy seasons: the season of heavy rains - April and May, when there are very heavy rains and the season of light rain from late September to early November, when possible dozhdi.Na small islands climate is tropical and humid, the average daily temperature - plus 28-30 degrees sea ​​breezes make the weather very pleasant. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean - 24-26 degrees. In the central part (1200 - 1700 m above sea level), the average temperature - plus 22-25 degrees, the nights can be cool.

HOW TO REACH

In Tanzania, two international airports, one in Dar es Salaam, the former capital of Tanzania, and the other - in Arusha, near Mount Kilimanjaro. Of these cities begin travel itineraries for Tanzania. From Moscow to Dar Es Salaam flights fly many major airlines, most convenient flight with Emirates (via Dubai).

TIME

In winter, the time difference with Moscow is not summer time behind Moscow for 1 hour.

CURRENCY

Tanzanian shilling TSH. In Tanzania, you can import any number of currencies, but the local currency after the exchange can not be exported. Credit cards are only accepted in major hotels and very few stores and get cash for them is impossible.

TRANSPORT

To say that traffic in Tanzania dangerous - it does not say anything, given the condition of roads, depreciation of the local fleet, and local driving conditions. Therefore, a strong recommendation - to hire the services of a professional chauffeur that will be especially necessary if you have to ride on a safari. Stir in Tanzania the left. If you are going to drive in Tanzania require international law.

CUISINE

Kitchen in Tanzania is different refinement. Usually in restaurants serving British food (soups, steaks, fried chicken, boiled vegetables, puddings and instant coffee). In Asian restaurants usually cook better, but not much.

Very popular meat - BBQ "Ni'mah coma," there are a variety of seafood and tropical fruits.

The local beer is very cheap and tasty. Along with a local beer sold imported from Kenya or South Africa, but it is more expensive. As for the wine, the best - imported from Europe or South Africa. Of hard liquor - "Konyagi" - vodka papaya.

SOUVENIRS

Popular souvenirs are ebony and teak wood and its products, leather and materials for weaving. As well as: masks, figurines, statues, batik, drums, leather, wicker, coffee.

TRIPPING

Tipping is usually given at a rate of approximately 10% of the cost of services in the local currency or U.S. dollars. Porter in the Lodge and Camp is recommended to give the equivalent of 1USD, tipping the driver-guide on a safari is 7-10USD per day.

VISA

For Russian citizens need a visa at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Tanzania in Moscow or at any border crossing Tanzania. Visa requirements change frequently. Minimum period of registration in Moscow - 2 days. Consular fee equivalent 50evro. For registration you must have two photos and two forms in English. Holidays in Zanzibar.

CUSTOMS

The import of foreign currency is unlimited, national - is prohibited. Duty-free import of cigarettes - 200 pcs., Alcohol - up to 1 liter., Food, household items - in the range of personal needs. Subject to a 100-percent duty Audio, photos and video. The import of firearms, drugs, pornography. The export of ivory and its products, rhino horn, skins of wild animals, gold, diamonds, pink (without proof of purchase.) The export of jewelry made of gold and silver, stamps, coins, food, between personal needs.

SAFETY

A recommendation is a vaccination against yellow fever is valid for 10 years. ten days prior to departure to take pills for malaria, the drug of "Lariam".

Get more advice from doctors and can be vaccinated at the following centers in Moscow:

- Central point vaccination city clinic № 13 the address:. Neglinnaya, 14, tel. (495) 621-9465 Mon-Fri - 09:00-19:00.

- Institute of Medical Parasitology and Tropical Medicine: Metro Sports, st. Malaya Pirogovskaya, 20, Tel. 246-2696 (information), 245-7522 (doctor)

It is not recommended to drink tap water and buy fruit from street vendors. It goes drink only bottled and canned packaging, but with fruits and vegetables before eating clean off the peel or wash well.

Swim is recommended only in specially designated areas.

In general, stay safe in Tanzania, but there are some rules that must be followed. During his stay on safari in the national parks is prohibited:

- Go beyond the places of residence of unaccompanied,

- At the time of the safari out of the car is prohibited without permission from the guide.

- You can not take pictures of local people without their consent, the representatives of some of the tribes have come to expect payment for posing for the picture.

- Their own, without a guide, go to the home Maasai

- Forbidden to feed wild animals.

It should not be removed from the main street to avoid the risk of being robbed. Do not carry a large amount of money. Do not wear expensive jewelry. Do not walk on the street with audio and video equipment. Use the services of a taxi only reputable companies hire.

There are festivals, the date of which depends on the lunar calendar: IDD el Fitr - the end of Ramadan, IDD El Hajj - the Feast of Sacrifice, passionately Friday, Easter.

WHAT  TO SEE

Dodoma - Tanzania's capital since 1973. It is located almost in the center of the country. The city was founded in the late 19th century on the trade route from the coast to Lake Tanganyika, as one of the German colonial settlements. For tourists the city is not very interesting. Of the attractions can be distinguished building of the National Assembly and the complex of government agencies, the city market, the two churches, the sacred temple of the Sikhs and the Geological Museum. Reserve is located to the south of Dodoma Keesing, where you can hunt wild animals.

Dar es Salaam is situated in the northern part of the coast of Tanzania on the shore of the harbor. The city was founded in 1862 by the Sultan of Zanzibar Mejid ibn Said. It is the largest city and main commercial port of the country. Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania since 1961 and prior to the decision in 1973 to postpone it to Dodoma, but so far here are the majority of all the ministries and foreign embassies.

The main streets of the city originates from the port harbor, here are the main attractions. Stretches along the harbor promenade lined with coconut palms, many shops and restaurants. The architecture of the Dar es Salaam mixed German, British, African and Asian styles. Among its attractions can be distinguished from the Asian Quarter streets of India and Indira Gandhi, the market Cariaco, Clock Tower, the Cathedral of St. Joseph, University of Dar es Salaam, St. Peter's, the palace of Sultan Majid and numerous mosques outside mosques.

The city has several museums - the National Museum with a collection of archaeological and anthropological collections, the Village Museum, the exhibition, which tells about the life of the peoples of Tanzania and the Art Gallery Nyumba-I-san with a collection of local crafts.

72 km north of Dar es Salaam is the town of Bagamoyo, where the closest thing to get to the island of Zanzibar. It is the most ancient city of Tanzania. In the village of Caol, which is 5 km south of Bagamoyo, the ruins of two mosques, made of coral stone, and tombs dating back to the 13th century. Also interested in building the Roman Catholic Church, it is the oldest Catholic church in East and Central Africa (1868). Here in 1874 the body was kept Livingston before sending it home.

The city of Arusha in the north-eastern part of Tanzania at the foot of Mount Meru at an altitude of 1500 m was founded in the early 20th century by the Germans as the administrative center of the colony. Now here is the center of the East African Community and the International Tribunal for the genocide in Rwanda. Arusha - the starting point for safaris in the northern part of Tanzania. Here is where most of the tourist office, offering a tour of the national park, and a lot of hotels. The most popular destinations for a safari through northern Tanzania are the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Park Lake Manyara and Tarangire Park.

Kigoma town is located on the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in its northern part. This is the final point on a railway line from Dar es Salaam, as well as the main port of Lake Tanganyika. The city is modern enough. At its center is a square, which runs only one main road. From Kigoma can go to the National Park and Gombe National Park Mountains Mahal.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar island is located 40 km east of the African continent. This island - one of the oldest shopping centers in the world. More from the 5th century Zanzibar became a hub for the Persian, Arab and Indian traders. Asia significantly influence here and now - the majority of people - Muslims, and the architecture is dominated by Arab motifs.

The main attraction of the island - the old part of the city of Zanzibar Stone Town ("Stone City"). Its construction began in 1831. He is now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage. Here on the streets of many small mosque are 51, 6, Hindu temples and 2 Catholic churches, as well as a large number of buildings of coral stone. The most interesting old Arab fort, it was built in the 18th century. Now you can have a snack and even spend time to time in the buildings of the fort and concerts are held. Attractions can also distinguish Christ Church Cathedral, St Joseph's Cathedral, one of the oldest mosques in the area - Malindi conical minaret (in East Africa such mosques only 3), and the palace of Beit El Adzhaib, who previously served as the residence of the Queen of fate and was so named because he was the first house with a lift. Be sure to visit the National Museum, which tells the history of the island, Natural History Museum and the Palace Museum, which is dedicated to Princess Salme, the daughter of Sultan Said, where the rooms are decorated as well as under the rule of the sultans.

The island also has many places that are of interest to tourists. North of the town of Zanzibar, 2 km away are the ruins of the palace complex Maruhubi. It was built in 1880 for the harem of the Sultan Barkhasha and became the most beautiful apartment building on the island. The remains of the main building with columns have survived to this day. Not far from them visible gardens. They are believed to have been planted after a visit to the Sultan of Richmond Park in London.

With Maruhubi neighbor Mtoni Palace ruins, which was built in 1840 by Sultan Said. 3 km north of the Mtoni Palace is Kibveni - the only palace on the island, which is used for public purposes, stop here the president and important guests Tanzania. From the ruins of old buildings on the island are not less interesting Kidichi with remnants of Persian baths of the 19th century, Chuini and lookout tower, with remnants Kizimbani rural residence of Sultan Said and Fukuchani dating from the 16th century.

20 km north of the city is the city of Zanzibar Mangapwani, which are the main attractions of Coral Cave and complex slave caves. At the bottom is a small coral caves freshwater lake, which has become an important source of fresh water in the area. Slave caves are damp, dark dungeons, where in the 19th century, slaves were hidden after the ban slavery.

In the south-east of the island is conservation area - the forest Dzhozani where mangroves with giant ferns and vines crossed wooden bridges. The forest is known that it supports the large number of monkeys - red gveretsev. They are not afraid of people and go to the contact with the tourists.

From Zanzibar arranged trips to spice plantations, because more than half of the island occupied by plantations of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices. Zanzibar is located in the south of Menai Bay conservation area, where the protected sea turtles, which sail to these shores to lay their eggs. Also not far from the coast of the city is the island Prison, which was once a place of detention of slaves. The island is interesting because here you can watch the giant land tortoises. They were brought here many years ago from the Seychelles and are now the inhabitants of this island.