General Information
Climate
Climatic conditions of course varies with the geographical location.
Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings in June through to October. Short rains may start in November through to Mid – December. Long rains may start in February through to May but the seasons can vary.
The coastal strip is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing though other parts of the mountain regions have a semi-temperate.
The plateau region is drier, with considerable variations of temperature. Rainfall is higher in the northern and Lakes regions.
Temperatures vary depending on the location and is between 20 and 30 degrees.
Airport Tax
On International flights there is a tax of US$ 30.00 per person.
In Zanzibar this tax is paid directly at the airport as opposed to being collected on the ticket.
Time
Tanzania is GMT plus three hours
Visa
Most European nationals require a Tanzanian visa which can be obtained through your travel agent or from the Consular section of the Tanzanian Embassies and Consulates. Also check current requirements with them.
How to get there
The three international airports are at Dar Es Salaam Julius Kambarage Nyerere International, Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) and Zanzibar. From Europe there are daily flights served by British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, Swiss, Lufthansa, Emirates, Quator, Kenya Airways, Egypt Air among others.
Shopping
The tourist areas and hotels sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewellery and trinkets. Don’t be afraid to haggle at roadside curio stalls. It is a great part of Tanzanian culture and helps to develop a good rapport between buyer and seller
Money
Tanzania has the shilling which is divided into 100 cents. Tanzanian currency comes in notes and coins of different denominations, the Tanzanian shilling is the main Trade currency accepted through out Tanzania. It is illegal to import or export the currency.
Visitors may bring in as much foreign currency as they wish without declaration. This can be changed at banks, some hotels and bureaux de change. Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and shops. Traveller cheques are recommended.
In Zanzibar foreign currency has to be declared and changed at official exchange offices.