Climate
Tanzania’s climate is predominately tropical. Coastal areas are usually hot and humid, but on the beaches a sea breeze cools the air considerably. The average day temperature is 30 °C. Tanzania has two rainy seasons – the long rains from late March to June and the short rains from November to January. The long rains fall in heavy downpours, often accompanied by violent storms, but the short rains tend to be much less severe. The hottest time of the year is from December to March, before the long rains begin. The coolest months are June, July and August, when the weather is often overcast. In high-altitude areas such as Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Highlands, temperatures can fall below freezing.
Entry requirements
A valid passport. Most visitors to Tanzania require a visa to enter the country. Three-month single-entry tourist visas are available at Tanzanian embassies in your country, price subject to nationality. Contact your local embassy or visit www.tanzaniatouristboard.com for further details.
Airport tax
Departure tax from mainland Tanzania is included in the price of your ticket, however in Zanzibar there is a departure tax of US $30 payable at the airport. There is a TSH 5,000 (approx US $5) tax levied on passengers within Tanzania.
Official languages
Kiswahili and English
Currency
The Tanzania shilling (Tsh or TZS), divided into 100 cents, is the national currency.
Banking
Banks and bureau de change are available at airports and in all major towns. Banking hours are from Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 3.00 pm, Saturdays 8.30 am – 1.30 pm. A few branches in the major towns are open until 4.00 pm. Please note that banks are closed on Sundays.
Credit cards and travellers’ cheques
Credit cards (Access, MasterCard, Visa, American -Express, and Eurocard) are accepted only at major lodges, hotels, and travel agents. A surcharge may be added for this service. ATM and 24-hour cash machines are available in branches of major banks. Travellers’ cheques in pounds sterling or US dollars are recommended, though it may be difficult to exchange them outside the main cities.