Kilimanjaro & Tanzania
General visitor information.

Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is the highest peak in Africa and one of the most famous mountains in the world. The history of Kilimanjaro dates back to thousands of years, with the local Chaga and Maasai people being the first to witness its majestic beauty. The mountain was also known to the Arab traders and European explorers who passed through the region in the 19th century.

In 1889, the German colonial government declared Kilimanjaro a nature reserve, making it one of the first protected areas in Africa. This was followed by a series of attempts to reach the summit, with the first successful climb being made in 1889 by German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller.

In the 20th century, Kilimanjaro became a popular tourist destination, with thousands of visitors every year attempting to reach the summit. Despite its popularity, the mountain faced environmental threats such as deforestation, poaching efforts to conserve its fragile ecosystem.

In recent years, scientists have discovered that the famous ice caps on Kilimanjaro are rapidly melting, due to climate change. This has led to increased conservation efforts and increased awareness about the importance of protecting this natural wonder.

In conclusion, Kilimanjaro has a rich and fascinating history, with its stunning beauty and cultural significance attracting visitors from all over the world. As we move into the future, it is important that we work to preserve this iconic mountain for generations to come.

Tanzania

Tanzania has a rich and diverse history dating back to the earliest human settlements in the region. The country was initially inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Hadzabe and the Maasai. In the 19th century, the region was colonized by Germany and later, after World War I, became a British protectorate.

In 1961, Tanganyika gained independence from Britain and merged with Zanzibar in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. The country has since undergone significant political and economic changes, including the introduction of a multi-party system in the 1990s and an emphasis on economic development and poverty reduction.

Tanzania is also known for its role in the Pan-Africanist movement, with Julius Nyerere, Tanzania's first president, being a prominent voice in the struggle for independence and African unity. Today, Tanzania is a dynamic country with a growing economy and a rich cultural heritage, reflecting its unique history and diverse communities.

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation.

You will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian experience is likely to be deciding where to go!

BANKING AND CURRENCY

Currency

In Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100 and 200 Shillings.

Banking

Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24 hour ATM machines.

Credit cards and travellers checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted can high service fees and poor exchangerates be expected. Major foreign currencies - particularly US $ - are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US $, please make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage and are not older than 2004. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $ 100 / US $ 50 bank notes compared to US $ 20 / US $ 10 or US $ 5 bank notes.

FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE

Most camps, lodges or hotels cater specifically to tourists and serve Western-style food, ranging in standard, but generally are excellent. Game lodges tend to offer a daily set menu with a limited selection, so it is advisable to have your tour operator specify in advance if you are a vegetarian or have other specific dietary requirements. First-time visitors to Africa might take note that most game lodges in and around the national parks have isolated locations, and driving within the parks is neither permitted nor advisable after dark, so that there is no realistic alternative to eating at your lodge. 

Tap water in Tanzania is generally not safe to drink, and most travellers try to stick to mineral water. Filtered and bottled water can be difficult to find you are travelling outside of main town and so it is advisable to stock up. Most camps, lodges and hotels have bottled water readily available.

Please note that, as of 2016, Tanzania has banned the use of plastic bags in a bid to tackle pollution and protect the environment. Travellers' to Tanzania will no longer be allowed to bring plastic carrier bags into the country. This ban targets all plastic bags that are imported, exported, manufactured, sold, stored, supplied and used. 

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. However, generally the main rainy season, or the 'long rains', lasts during about March, April and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm – which are heavier and more predictable beside the coast and on the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30°s.

The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October is when rainfall is unusual, even on the islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it's usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it's a great time to visit Tanzania. During November and December there's another rainy season: the 'short rains'. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable.

If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzania's 'short dry season', before starting to rain again in earnest in March.

CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS

It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing, preferably cotton or linen, is recommended. While on a game viewing safari, avoid brightly colored clothing, stick to whites, beiges, khakis and browns. There may be long days sitting in safari vehicles, so it is advisable to wear light comfortable clothing such as short sleeved shirts and cotton/linen trousers or shorts. Denim will become too hot and extremely uncomfortable. Walking shoes and socks will be required.

The evenings will be chilly, so long sleeved shirts and trousers should be worn. A sweater may be needed. These will also prevent you being bitten by insects. A hat should be worn at all times outside. The sun may sometimes not feel hot, but it can still easily burn, especially if it is cloudy and overcast.

If visiting Zanzibar or any coastal town don't forget to take a swimsuit, as it is invariably warm. Ladies are recommended to take cotton skirts, blouses and dresses. Sandals are a must for this environment! On the beaches and within the confines of hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity is not.

As over a third of the population in Tanzania is Muslim, it is therefore not etiquette for ladies to walk around in public displaying their legs and shoulders. Remember to dress modestly as short shorts, miniskirts, vests and tank tops will be frowned upon.

INTERNET AVAILABILITY

Tanzania has good Internet Service Providers with email and internet services offered by many hotels and lodges (free / paid). In most towns there are plenty of private business centers and cyber cafes offering email and internet access, although the speeds might be somewhat slower than what you are used to. 

ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS

Electrical sockets in Tanzania are one of three: Type G (BS-1363) and Type C (CEE 7/16 Europlug) and Type D (BS-546) electrical socket types: If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all types.

Electrical sockets in Tanzania usually supply electricity at 230 volts AC / 50 Hz frequency. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 230 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230 volts, a voltage converter will be necessary.