Capital

According to best-medical-schools, Tanzania has two capitals: the administrative center is the historical capital of Dar es Salaam (the largest city, about 4.3 million people), and the legislative center is Dodoma (about 410 thousand people).

Population

Tanzania is a colorful mixture of peoples and cultures. The population of the country is about 55.5 million people. Unlike many other African countries, Tanzania has avoided inter-ethnic conflicts.

Climate and weather

Tanzania is south of the equator, and due to its sheer size, the climate varies greatly from area to area. However, usually the main rainy season (aka “long rainy season”) falls between March and May. Tropical showers in the afternoon at this time are the norm- they are heavier and more predictable on the coast and islands. Humidity is high and daytime temperatures reach 30°C.

The long dry season is from June to October, when rain is rare even on the islands. Temperatures vary greatly depending on altitude and location, but generally clear skies and sunny weather are a great time to visit Tanzania.

In November and December there are intermittent rains. They are much lighter than long ones and not so permanent. If it was raining at this time, then usually over the next few months – January and February – it is dry. This time is called the “short dry season”, and in March heavy rains begin again.

Clothing recommendations

It never gets really cold in Tanzania, so bring light clothing. On safari, try to avoid bright clothes, stick to whites, beiges, khakis and browns. During the safari, you can sit in the car for a long time, so we recommend that you bring comfortable light clothing, such as short-sleeved shirts and cotton/linen trousers/shorts. Jeans can be hot and tight. Comfortable shoes like sneakers or low shoes and socks will come in handy.

Evenings in Tanzania will be cool, so you should bring long-sleeved shirts and trousers with you. You may need a sweater. Such clothes will protect you from insect bites. On the street you should wear a hat: the sun is not always felt, but you can easily burn out, and you should be especially careful in cloudy and cloudy weather.

When visiting Zanzibar or any coastal city, don’t forget to take your swimsuit as it is always warm there. Women are advised to take cotton skirts, blouses and dresses. Sandals are a must for this weather! On beaches and within hotels, regular swimwear is acceptable, nudity is not. Since more than a third of Tanzania’s population is Muslim, women should not show off their legs and shoulders in public. Remember to dress modestly outside of resorts as short shorts, miniskirts, undershirts and tank tops will be looked down upon.

Health and vaccinations

It is recommended (but not required) to have a valid yellow fever vaccination. After vaccination, an international certificate is issued. The vaccine is valid for 10 years, after which a second vaccination is required. You can get vaccinated against yellow fever in Moscow in the following organizations: Center for Medical Prevention of the DZM (only children) – Marshal Biryuzova St., 37, 39; City polyclinic No. 5 Branch No. 2 (only adults, over 18 years old) – st. Trubnaya, 19, building 1; Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital No. 1 (children and adults) – Volokolamsk sh., 63. It is recommended to drink anti-malaria pills, but consult your doctor in advance.

All more or less large cities have pharmacies, but medicines in Tanzania are mostly expensive, so it is advisable for tourists to take the necessary supply with them. It is recommended to drink only bottled water.

Time

The same as in Moscow.

Electricity

Mains voltage 220-240 V, frequency 50 Hz. Three-pin sockets (English standard). Adapters can be purchased at major airports. Some hotels and lodges can also provide adapters upon request.

Connection

Tanzania uses the GSM 900/1800 standard. Roaming with local companies is available to subscribers of the largest Russian operators. The cost of a minute of negotiations with Moscow is about 50 US cents. The international dialing code of the country is 255. The outgoing international dialing code is 00.

Tips

It is customary to tip at the end of a safari. Mountain guides receive an average of $10 per day, cooks and porters $5 each. At a hotel or lodge, you can give 500 shillings to a porter or cleaner, or leave a slightly higher amount at the reception on departure, then the staff will split your tip among themselves.

Visa

The United Republic of Tanzania (ORT) has a fairly soft visa regime for foreigners who intend to visit the country for tourism and business purposes. As a rule, visas can be issued at one of ORT’s diplomatic missions abroad, including the Tanzanian Embassy in Moscow. To do this, you must pay the consular fee and provide the following documents: a passport, 2 photographs 3.5×4.5 (colored, on a blue background) and 2 questionnaires filled out in English. The cost of a visa at the embassy is about 50 euros. In addition, a visa can be issued at the border upon arrival by filling out an application form and paying a fee of 50 US dollars.

Useful addresses and numbers

Tanzanian Tourism Authority – (22) 211-12-44. Zanzibar Tourism Authority – (24) 223-34-85/6. The unified telephone number of rescue services is 111.