"Backpacking in Tanzania" Tanzania by georeiser

Everybody says SAFARI when they hear the name Tanzania. I didn't do it. But I had some fantastic days there anyway. See the people and be with them.

At 945,087 km², Tanzania is the world's 31st-largest country. Tanzania is mountainous in the northeast, where Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, is situated. To the north and west are the Great Lakes of Lake Victoria (Africa's largest lake) and Lake Tanganyika (Africa's deepest lake, known for its unique species of fish). Central Tanzania comprises a large plateau, with plains and arable land. The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the island of Zanzibar lying just offshore. The population is about 40 mill. people. More than 80% of the population is rural. Christian and Muslim communities are equal.

COUNTRY INFORMATION:
Visa: Visa at the airport takes 20 minutes and costs 50 USD.
Mobil phone: Roaming in Tanzania is expensive. Get a local cheap prepaid SIM card (must be registered with an ID card).
ATM: Yes, in the cities. It works and gives normal rate.
Recommended language: English, but only Swahili on the countryside.
Infrastructure: Poor, but is getting better with Chinese constructors.
Friendliness by the people: Friendly.
Attention by Police/military: Normal in African standards, but more corrupt than Kenya. The police ask for tips when doing normal policework. Education level and salary is low. Poor english skills.
Crime: Crime is increasing. Theft and violent robberies against tourists have been reported. Be careful wearing bags, cameras and phones in deserted areas.
Rainy period: March, April, May and June.
Price level: Medium cheap. Same as Kenya.
Airport departure tax: 30 USD from Zanzibar. Nothing from Dar es Salaam.

My Dar es Salaam page
My Zanzibar page

The map of Tanzania

Tanzania is located on the eastern side of Africa. It is bordered in the north by Kenya, on the northwest by Uganda, on the west by Rwanda, Burundi and Kongo. To the southwest by Zambia, and to the south by Mocambique. The country has great beaches and great possiblities for safari.

The flag of Tanzania

The flag of Tanzania was adopted in 1964. It derives from the flags of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The flag is divided diagonally by a yellow-edged black band from the lower hoist-side corner. The upper triangle is green and the lower triangle is blue. The green colour in the flag represents the natural vegetation present in the country. The Golden colour represents rich mineral deposits of the country. The Black colour represents the native swahili people of the country. The blue colour represents the numerous lakes and rivers and the Indian ocean.

• Pros:Friendly people
• Cons:Corruption by officials and tourist agents