Nomadic Thoughts - The Personalised Travel Service

Tanzania

Nomadic Thoughts Top Tip

Prepare for the pace of Zanzibar

Nomadic Thoughts Backgrounder

Nomadic Thoughts Backgrounder
Area 945,087 sq km (364,900 sq miles).
Population 34,569,232 (2002).
Capital Dodoma (administrative capital designate). Population: 1,698,996 (2002). Dar es Salaam remains the capital for the time being. Population: 2,497,940 (2002).
Climate The climate is tropical and coastal areas are hot and humid. The rainy season lasts from March to June. The central plateau is dry and arid. The northwestern highlands are cool and temperate and the rainy season here lasts from November to December and February to May.
Language Kiswahili and English are the official languages. The terms Swahili and Kiswahili are used interchangeably, though the term Swahili normally refers to the people while Kiswahili refers to the language. Originating along the coast, Kiswahili is a Bantu language with many words derived from Arabic. Other African languages such as Bantu and those of Nilo-Hamitic and Khoisan origin are also spoken.
Religion Muslim, Christian, Hindu and traditional beliefs.
Time

GMT + 3

 

Highlights

Tanzania can be considered as a safari heaven with some of Africa's largest and diverse national parks. This country has a wealth of wildlife as well as plentiful flora and fauna. It is also home to one of the world's natural wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater and the highest mountain in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro. Another 'not to be missed' attraction in this region is the Zanzibar Archipelago, lying on the Indian Ocean. As well as boasting some of East Africa's most attractive white sand beaches, Zanzibar is one of the continent's most important historical locations with the Old Stone Town retaining all its character - the old port and seafront have hardly changed since David Livingstone was there. A photographer's haven, Zanzibar is as an exotic, charming island with a mixture of exciting culture, rich history dominated by the overt friendliness of the local people - there is a constant smile on Zanzibar!

 

Country Facts

The United Republic of Tanzania (the present country came into being in 1964 with the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar) lies on the Indian Ocean and is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, by Burundi, Rwanda and Zaire to the west and by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The Tanzanian mainland is divided into several regions: the coastal plains, which have lush, tropical vegetation, the Maasai Steppe in the north and a high plateau in the southern area towards Zambia and Lake Malawi.

Zanzibar, known as the 'Island of Spices' due to the nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon grown there, is a fabulous island positioned off the Tanzanian East Coast, a short distance from Dar es Salaam. Throughout history Zanzibar has attracted people from afar, evoking romantic images with past visitors including the Sumerians, Assyrians, Indians, Ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, Portuguese, Arabs, Chinese, Malays and several celebrity explorers - Zanzibar is one of Africa's jewels.