In 1964, the mainland called Tanganyika and the islands called Zanzibar unified. It was at this point that the United Republic of Tanzania was born.

The merger wasn’t possible until both countries became independent from the British. Tanganyika reached independence in 1961, while Zanzibar only managed the feat in January 1964. 3 months later, Tanzania became united.

The country of Tanzania is known as “the Cradle of Mankind” as it holds the oldest human fossils in the world. With 120 different indigenous groups in the country, and very little emigration or colonial settlement in their history, Tanzania has kept a lot of its original history intact.

There are two official languages in Tanzania – English, and Swahili. Although English is spoken by many people in the country, it is only taught in higher education. Swahili is taught in the first 7 years of education and continues until the end of a pupil’s schooling.

Because the country is so vast and diverse in culture, there are many unofficial languages spoken by the locals too. For example, many of the 120 ethnic groups have their own language, and due to Asian influences Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujarati have become popular.

The concept of kin and family is critical to Tanzania’s culture. No matter the struggle or inconvenience, family matters and occasions are given the highest priority. The transport system in Tanzania has much to be desired, but that won’t stop a family member from arriving for a celebration.

Art and history are also extremely important in Tanzania’s culture. Storytelling through dance and speech creates the majority of entertainment. And because scientists from around the world study human ancestry in Tanzania soil, the concepts of history and nature are woven into one

Guided road transfers and game drives in Tanzania are conducted in closed 4x4s with big windows and pop-up roofs, although visitors to destinations like Mahale will enjoy a boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika. Most safari destinations have extensive road networks and closed vehicles are therefore the norm when doing long-distance road transfers between airstrips, camps and lodges in Tanzania. A closed 4x4 game drive vehicle generally has three rows of seating and features a pop-up roof hatch that can be raised for game viewing and taking photographs.

Almost all visitors to Tanzania require a visa. You must contact the relevant issuing authorities in good time (ideally, several months in advance) to ascertain the entry requirements to Tanzania, and to arrange the necessary permits and visas. We strongly encourage all clients entering Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International Airport to obtain their visas online at the Tanzania Immigration Department before arriving in Tanzania. E-visas can take 2 to 3 weeks to be issued.

Visitors to Tanzania must possess a passport that is valid for six months after the initial date of travel.

Lying between the two arms of the Great Rift Valley, Tanzania's huge central plateau is bounded on the west by Africa's great lakes, the north by mountains (including Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak) and the Indian Ocean in the east. Most of the country is covered in grassland, open woodland and savannah, but significant pockets of rainforest exist in remote mountain ranges.

Home to 20% of Africa's large mammals, Tanzania is one of the continent's premier game viewing destinations. More than 25% of the country is given over to conservation and several Tanzania animal reserves rank among the biggest in the world. Most visitors head for northern Tanzania, where the most famous and accessible animal reserves are. But it’s in south and central Tanzania where you’ll find huge, virtually unvisited savannah and rainforest reserves that deliver genuine off-the-beaten-track safaris.

Main International Airports

Kilimanjaro International Airport – Tanzania's second international airport – serves the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. However, you need to transfer to nearby Arusha Airport for charter flights to these safari destinations. International flights often arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport late in the day, so an overnight stay in Arusha is usually necessary.

Dar-es-Salaam International Airport – Tanzania's main airport – is the gateway to the Indian Ocean coast and Zanzibar, as well as Nyerere National Park (previously Selous) and Ruaha National Park.

Regional Airports

Arusha Airport – the gateway to northern Tanzania's safari airstrips – is located about 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzania Shilling.

Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars, South African Rand and other major currencies can be exchanged locally or in advance of departure. Additionally, exchange facilities are available at various bureau de changes and banks in major towns have ATMs. It's advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities.

Traveller's Cheques are not recommended as they're often difficult to exchange and incur high fees.

Before travelling to Tanzania, it’s recommended to ask for advice about the following vaccinations:

• Yellow Fever
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Meningitis
• Polio
• Tuberculosis

If you are staying for longer than two weeks, some doctors recommend getting vaccinated for Typhoid. And if you are interacting with animals directly, (such as petting or working on a farm) some doctors recommend including rabies vaccinations.

Speak to your doctor about what vaccinations you have already received, as many people have protection against illnesses such as meningitis during their childhood.

In Tanzania, robberies are widespread. When Americans hail cabs at airports, bus stations, hotels, or streets, they become victims. Victims are detained until they disclose credit/debit card credentials and are then taken around town to empty their accounts at all available ATMs. Hours afterwards, the victims are routinely discharged. Several people have been robbed on their way to the airport. Travelers should use designated or well-known means of transportation to reduce risk. They might also consider leaving their ATM cards at home and only bringing a small number of credit cards with them to Tanzania.

• Walking on beaches, pathways, and highways, especially in Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha, should be done with caution.
• When out in public, avoid carrying a bag, wearing flashy jewellery, or utilizing personal electronics.
• If you must carry a bag, hold it loosely by the handle so you may swiftly release it and avoid injury if someone in a passing vehicle tries to seize it. You should not wear the strap over your chest because you risk being dragged and seriously hurt.
• Stay vigilant to your surroundings while on safari, visiting parks, hiking, mountain climbing, and reporting anything strange to your tour guide, park ranger, or poacher.
• If you are robbed, instantly hand over all of your possessions, agree with the demands, and avoid making eye contact with the perpetrators.