Most tourists wanting to visit this part of the world naturally tend to choose neighboring Kenya instead. For this reason, Tanzania is a destination that's managing to avoid the effects of mass tourism. You will need a bigger budget for Tanzania than for Kenya. The Tanzanian government is keeping prices high to protect the country from the ravages of large-scale tourism. The natural reserves are therefore more wild: fewer people visit them. This makes it all the more enjoyable for those who make Tanzania their first choice.
Tanzania is not just about wide, open spaces and wild animals. Though not very well known (with the exception of those of Zanzibar), many of Tanzania's beaches are quite wonderful. Fine white sand, coconut palms lining their edges, the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the wild, natural beauty all around and the scarcity of tourists – you might easily think you're in paradise.
The fearsome Massai, a warrior people, constitute the most famous ethnic group on the African continent. You absolutely must take the opportunity to visit one of the traditional villages out in the bush and meet the Massai. The sense of complete culture shock you experience is fascinating and wonderful. The dance demonstration the Massai put on is impressive, and a visit to a village will enable you to gain a better understanding of their way of life and their tribal traditions.
At 5895 meters high, the summit of Kilimanjaro dominates the landscape and is impossible to miss. Though some are content just to admire it from a distance, the roof of Africa is an irresistible draw for many hikers. The climb to the top is one of the essential things to do when visiting Tanzania ; and though it's not very technical, it does require good physical conditioning and careful preparation. The sensations felt at the summit constitute a uniquely emotional experience in the life of a traveler.
Top places to discover.
To enable you to properly prepare your trip to Tanzania and avoid any unpleasant surprises, here's the essential information to know before you depart.
A visa is required for travel to Tanzania. This can be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport. Your passport must have at least six months validity remaining, and make sure you have an ID photo and proof of a hotel booking or a return ticket with you as well as $100 in cash.
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for travelers from the UK. Vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Typhoid and even rabies (for some groups) are recommended however. Antimalarias are also recommended.
The official language in the country is Swahili. No need to worry if you have not mastered this most widely spoken of the Bantu languages however: English is spoken everywhere in the country.
Tanzania is two hours ahead of London. When it's 12:00 pm in London it will be 2:00 pm in Dar es Salaam.
International dialing code +255
Internet access is available at the numerous cybercafes and hotels found in large towns and cities.
The electricity supply is 220 or 230 volts and the sockets take plugs with three pins, two of which are flat. So you do not need an adapter.
Tanzanian embassy in the UK
3 Stratford Place
London W1C 1AS
United Kingdom
+44 20 7491 3026
tanzarep@tanzania-online.gov.uk
British embassy in Tanzania
Umoja House
Garden Avenue
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
+255 22 211 0101