Tanzania Travel Tips: Facts and Information about Travel in Tanzania.

BORDER POSTS
Just below the equator, Tanzania borders Kenya and Uganda in the north; Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi in the west; and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique in the south. Namanga Gate (between Tanzania and Kenya) is open 24 hours per day.

If you carry firearms you will require a special permit. The duty-free allowance is limited to one litre of liquor; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; and 250ml of perfume. Any other items are subject to customs duty.

RAIL TRAVEL
Tanzania has two rail lines: The Tazara line runs from Dar es Salaam to Zambia's New Kapiri Mposhi, via Mbeya and Tunduma. The central line runs from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma and Mwanza, via Morogoro, Dodoma and Tabora.

Rail is a safer but slower travel option, and food can be purchased on board. Crime is not a major problem, but do ensure you have your possessions with you at all times.

BUS TRAVEL
'Express' and 'ordinary' buses operate along Tanzania's major long-distance routes. Express buses are more comfortable, make fewer stops, and operate to a schedule, though they are slightly more expensive. Ordinary buses (generally the only option on secondary routes) are often packed to overflowing, make many stops, and deviate quite freely from the schedule. They and dalla-dallas (minivans) serve shorter routes. The latter are a slower and more dangerous option.

Buses are not permitted to operate at night. Note that roads in Tanzania have a high accident rate, and buses tend to speed. Reservations are not always possible, so get to the bus with plenty of time before the scheduled departure.

AIRPORTS
Domestic air services operate between the major airports:
»Dar es Salaam International (DAR)
»Kilimanjaro International (JRO)
»Kishni, Zanzibar (ZNZ)

There are a total of 129 airports in Tanzania, of which only eleven are paved. Air services have become the most significant form of internal transport for official and business travel. Small planes, from charter companies, fly to towns and to bush airstrips.

ROADS
There are 88,200 km of highways in Tanzania, but only 3,704 km of these are tarred. The key roads are in good condition, though the majority are bad and hazardous.

Road conditions in the reserves and national parks of Tanzania are extremely rough. During the rainy season, many roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Tanzania is definitely not recommended as a self-drive destination. Any four-wheel drive vehicles for Tanzania safaris usually have to be hired with a driver.

Watch out for cyclists, pedestrians, livestock and wild animals. Most car rental companies do not allow self-drive outside of Dar es Salaam. Driving is on the left side of the road. Your home driving licence, with English translation if necessary, is accepted.
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VISA REQUIREMENTS
(as at Dec 2007)
Important Note: This is a guide only - please check with your nearest Tanzanian Consulate for up-to-date information.

Almost all nationalities of visitor require visas, with the exception of certain countries of the Commonwealth. You should acquire a visa before travelling, because some airlines insist on them prior to departure. Depending on nationality and country of origin, a visa may be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports and at Namanga Gate on the Tanzania/Kenya border.

Despite being part of the union of Tanzania, Zanzibar remains independent. Passports and a Tanzanian visa are required for even a single day's visit. Requirements may change so you are advised to contact your nearest Tanzanian Consulate before finalising your travel arrangements.

Visas cost US$10-60 depending on nationality and are usually valid for three months. Requirements for obtaining a visa are: a passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay, two passport photographs, proof of sufficient funds, two application forms and a detailed itinerary stating the reason for your visit. Sometimes a photocopy of your airline tickets is required.
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ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
Most Tanzania safari lodges vary in size and style, and are built to blend in with the environment. Accommodation tends to be of rondawel or banda type, with a lounge, central dining area and bar in single unit hotels.

Do not be misled by the term "tented accommodation" - this usually refers to luxurious insect-proof tents that are permanently pitched on concrete bases, often including en suite bathrooms with flush toilets. They are very popular and give the visitor the true experience of being close to nature without the inconvenience and discomfort that can be associated with camping in the open.

All major towns in Tanzania have excellent luxury hotels, and all towns will at least have a good guest house. Note that the word hotel (or in Swahili, hoteli) means food and drink only, rather than lodging. It would be better to use the word guesthouse (or in Swahili, guesti). Hotels often have their own restaurants. The main meal is at midday and many restaurants are closed in the evening. Local food is readily available. In the east, facing the rich Indian ocean, you will encounter wonderful seafood as well as great tasting fruit.

National parks offer "ordinary" campsites which provide toilets, fireplaces and usually water taps. "Special" campsites usually only have a pit toilet. It is necessary to pre-book special campsites, and advisable to book ordinary ones. Camping is limited outside the national parks.

Due to the distances travelled on Tanzania safari trips, it is strongly recommended that you make all your arrangements in advance. During the migration and peak season, availability is at a premium.
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