Tanzania Travel Guide

You can get your money exchanged at a Forex office or a bank.The exchange rates at Forex offices are better than those of banks. The main banks in Tanzania are National Bank of Commerce and Standard Chartered Bank. ATM cash points are always available and provide same exchange rates as banks. The ATMs only dispense Tanzanian Shillings.

Although Tanzania isn't known for its night life, it is still quite decent. It is a lot more mellow and down to earth instead of being loud and flashy. Most of the clubs, bars, and lounges are in Dar es Salaam and Moshi town.

Tanzanian cities and towns mostly sell things like animal skin drums, beaten brass and copper ware, wooden carvings, textiles, chess sets in bone, ivory and wood and ethnic jewellery.The most sought after item that captures the attention of the tourists would be the Makonde (ebony carvings).Some good souvenirs would be beaded jewellery, decorated gourds, and sarongs worn by the men and women. Bargaining is possible in the street markets. The stores stay open till evening but some Muslim-owned businesses close on Friday afternoon. However, may be open on Sundays.

Tanzania is a multiethnic country where the people respect each other's religious differences. Eid-ul-Fitr, Christmas, and Diwali are celebrated here. Some of the festivals of Tanzania include the Wanyambo festival held in Dar es Salaam which explores the music, food, costumes, The unique and dance of Tanzanian people.Another such vibrant festival is the Mzalendo Halisi Music Festival which portrays traditional Tanzanian music by local performers along with art and cultural exhibitions. The Festival of the Dhow Countries features the Zanzibar International Film Festival. It takes place in early July and lasts The unique festival is Mwaka Kogwa Festival which is a four-day event in July/August that takes place in Zanzibar. Here, village men thrash each other with banana stalks to settle arguments from the previous year. Women dress up, sing and dance, a straw hut is set on fire, and a feast ensues. The Bagamoyo Arts Festival presents traditional and contemporary music and dance. The week-long event in September also includes grand exhibitions, workshops and acrobatics shows. All the adventure lovers swoon over the Kiliman adventure challenge and the Kilimanjaro Marathon which is a road race that takes place on Africa's highest mountain.

Malaria is something to be aware of. Travellers are advised to carry mosquito sprays and get anti-malaria pills. However, if one doesn't go out at night, and takes the necessary precautions, it can be avoided. Vaccinations that need to be taken before visiting include - Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanusRabies, Typhoid, Booster Tetanus, Diphtheria and Measles. While a yellow fever vaccination certificate is not officially required to enter Tanzania unless you're coming from an infected area, carrying one is advised. One should drink bottled water only.

Elders are very respected in Tanzanian culture and are always greeted by saying shikamo, whereas they reply marahaba. Tanzanians do not use their left hand while eating, handing something to someone,or while handshaking. Also, one shouldn't touch anything with one's left hand, such as produce at the market. It is considered rude to let the bottom of one's foot or shoe point at someone. Feet should also not be propped up on chairs or tables. In many rural areas and in Zanzibar, women are expected to dress in a modest way; skirts below the knees and shirts with sleeves. In urban areas guidelines are more flexible and women are seen wearing long pants. For men, it is inappropriate to wear short pants. Outside of tours, tipping is not generally required for other services such as taxis, barbers and restaurants. If service is very good at a restaurant, you may conside rounding the bill to a convenient amount.

Get anti-malaria tablets and mosquito sprays since the tropical environment does give rise to diseases like Malaria. However, the chances of encountering with malaria carrying mosquitos are only at night so it can be avoided if precautions are taken. Drink bottled water only. Make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.Don't wear flashy/expensive jewellery. You shouldn't carry too much cash with you.Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.

The native cuisine varies due to Tanzania's multi-ethnic culture. However, most of their meals consist of cereals like millet, sorghum, chickpeas cornmeal, beans, chickpeas and potatoes are eaten as main dishes. Raw and ripe plantains are served as ingredients in stews.The native population of Zanzibar eats pilaf dishes, rice cooked with spices such asÊcloves, saffron,Êcinnamon,Êfruits pomegranate juice,Êmeats. ÊThe Indian settlers brought with them their curries and wheat flour breads. The British added their own dishes including grilled meats, boiled vegetables and meat stews.East African cuisine is famous for dishes containing a variety of insects. Locusts, grasshoppers and flying ants are trapped and then are either fried or sun dried. Termites are another delicacy along with caterpillars and lake flies. Other than these, plenty on international cuisines are available in Tanzania and wonderful dishes are created using the delicious seafood , spices, and tropical fruits. Some of the famous dishes of Tanzania include Mtori soup, Mchicha, and Mandazi.

Ocean freighters, passenger liners, ferries and steamers connect the port city of Dar es Salaam and the island of Zanzibar to other destinations in and around the region.The MS Sepideh runs services between Tanzania and Mombasa. Regular ferry services run on Lake Tanganyika, connecting Bujumbura, Kigoma, and Mpulungu.