TIPS AND INFORMATION

History: Tanzania is the "cradle of mankind" for it was here, in the Olduvai Gorge, that Dr Louis Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of Homo habilis, or "handy man," calculated to be 1.75 million years old and the forerunner of modern man.

Tanzania was occupied by various African tribes most recently the Masai from Kenya, who have retained their proud traditions. Arab merchants visited the coast some 2,000 years ago and settled in Zanzibar around the eighth century AD later establishing trade routes into the interior. The intermarriage of Arabs and local people created a new people with their own language- Kiswahili (Swahili) whose word for a journey -Safari- has become the international description of a trip into the wild.

The Portuguese established temporary settlements in the 16th century, supplemented by the Omanis in the late 17th century who developed the infamous slave trade.

The scramble for Africa by the European powers at the end of the 19th century led to occupation of the mainland by Germany although Zanzibar became a British protectorate. After World War I, Germany was forced to surrender its territory to the British.

Tanganyika, as the mainland was then known, achieved independence in 1961. Zanzibar became independent two years later and shortly afterwards joined with the mainland to become the United Republic of Tanzania.

Geographic Location: Tanzania covers 937, 062 sq km making it the largest country in Eastern Africa. Just south of the equator, it borders Kenya and Uganda and Burundi in the west; and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique in the south, and is therefore a splendid center from which to explore eastern, central and southern Africa.

Through the interior runs the Great Rift Valley, that vast fault line down the spine of Africa has created many fascinating topographical features such as the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Tanganyika. The central plateau (1,2000m above sea level) is a huge expanse of savannah and sparse woodland. To the north, the 5,890-metre (19,340 ft) Mount Kilimanjaro rises, the highest mountain in Africa.

While the interior is largely arid, the 800 kilometre coastline is lush and palm-fringed as are the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.

Climate: The coastal areas are hot and humid with an average daytime temperature of 30c. Sea breezes make the climate very pleasant from June to September. The central plateau experiences hot days and cool nights. The hilly country between the coast and the northern highlands has a pleasant climate from January to September, with temperatures averaging around 20c.

Kilimanjaro according to the season registering a low 15c during May-August rising to 22c during December- March.

For the whole country the hottest months are from October to February. The main long rainy season is from mid-March to late May.

Passport & Visas: Most visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain them in advance from Embassy and High Commissions as several airlines insist on them prior to departure. They can also be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International airports and at the Namanga Gate on the Tanzania / Kenya border.

Requirements may change so you are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalizing your travel arrangements. Although part of the union of Tanzania, Zanzibar remains independent, so passports /Tanzania visas are required even on a day's visit.

Immunization & Health: Visitors from countries infected with cholera and yellow fever must produce international certificates of vaccination, this is particularly relevant for those traveling from neighboring African countries.

The UK Department of Health recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A, Polio and typhoid.

It is essential for visitors to take a course of anti-malaria tables, commencing two weeks before travel.

Modern medical services are available in Dar es Salaam and other major centers. There are only a limited number of chemists in the country, so visitors are advised to bring their own medicines with them.

What to bring: Don't forget your camera, camcorder and binoculars, and take a torch for finding your way around your camp at night. Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods.

Take sun-glasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm- and some insect repellent, it is better not to get stung even if you are taking anti-malaria tablets.

It's best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit. A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses is also a good idea. Take plenty of film; it is difficult to obtain outside the main centers. While traveller's cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns, banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, so take plenty of cash.

Language: English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili are always appreciated.

Currency: The unit of currency is the Tanzania shilling which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors can take in any amount of foreign currency, no currency declaration is required, but import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal.

Most major currencies - particularly US dollars- and travellers' cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureaux de change in the main towns and tourist will probably be expected to pay entrance fees in foreign currency. Do not change money in the street however favourble the rate appears.

What to wear: It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing is the norm. On safari avoid brightly coloured clothes, they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and khaki are preferred. Short-sleeve shirt/blouses and short are ideal, but pack a sweater; it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening. Wear a hat to avoid sunstroke and don't forget a swimsuit.

Shoes should be sensible-walking through the bush is not like strolling through Hyde Park and for climbing Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru take thermal underwear, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots, Shorts for women are acceptable - but not too short. Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages as revealing clothes can cause offence, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas.

On the beach, and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity certainly is not.

Airport Tax: An airport tax of US$30 is levied, which may be included in the price of an air ticket.

Tipping: The recommended ones per day (from the whole group) are: Climbing: - Chief guide: 10USD, each assistant guide: 7USD, and each porter: 4USD. For safaris:-Driver: 15USD, and a cook: 7USD. Off course you can pay more if you are particularly impressed and less if you are not.