Tanzania

Climate

Tanzania’s coolest months occur during the northern hemisphere’s summer, between June and October and the warmest between December and March. The climate shows considerable regional variation.

The coastal areas experience a tropical climate, with relatively high humidity. The temperatures range between 23°C and 29°C. On the plains and the lower-altitude game reserves, the temperatures from June to August are warm and mild from 20°C to 27°C and can exceed 30°C between December and March. In the northern highland temperatures can be as cool as 10°C in June and July.

Tanzania’s equatorial climate brings two seasons of rain each year. The masika, or long rains, fall from mid-March to the end of May. These rains are heavy and usually in the early mornings, often clearing up by midday and then remaining clear and sunny until late afternoon. The cloud starts to build up throughout the evening with the rain generally starting again after dark and continuing throughout the night. The mvuli, or short rains, are intermittent during November, December and sometimes into early January. The short rains are characteristically light showers in the mornings and late afternoons, punctuated by stretches of clear weather and sunshine.

Passports and Visas

All visitors require a valid passport in order to enter the country.

Most visitors to Tanzania require a visa to enter the country. Three month single-entry tourist visas are available at Tanzanian embassies in your country, price subject to nationality.

Although you can purchase a visa at the airport and at border crossings, it is advisable to obtain one prior to travelling. If you leave the country to travel to Kenya or Uganda during the three month period, you do not have to buy another visa.

Transit visas for overland travellers on their way to another destination are also available.

Time Differences

Tanzania is 3 hours ahead of GMT.

Money

The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh) and there are no smaller denominations.
Foreign exchange bureaux generally offer faster service than banks for changing currency and although the exchange rates are only nominally different, the bureaux usually offer a better rate on travellers’ cheques. VISA cards can be used to withdraw cash from Standard Chartered bank’s ATMs around the country and Barclay’s Bank ATMs allow you to withdraw cash using VISA, or MasterCards. Credit cards are only accepted at major lodges, hotels, and travel agents.

Electricity

The power supply is 220/230 volts AC. US appliances require an adaptor. Plugs are usually 13-amp square pin.

Malaria

Please seek professional medical advice as to which course of anti-malarial medication, if any, should be taken before you travel. You will usually need to start the course a week or two before entering a malaria-endemic area and for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area.
The cheapest, safest and often most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net, and the use of a good insect repellent.

Vaccinations

The yellow-fever vaccination is no longer officially required when entering Tanzania. However, because the disease is endemic many doctors will recommend it as a precaution. Other vaccinations that might be considered before you travel include typhoid, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, and tetanus. Contact your doctor for more information.

Food and water

It is advisable to drink bottled water when travelling in Tanzania. Try to avoid having ice in your drinks and be cautious about raw vegetables, and salads when eating at street restaurants.

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