Information about Tanzania: Location, area, health,customs

Tanzania, covering 937,062 sq. km. is situated on the East Coast of Africa and lies between 10 – 11 degrees South of the Equator. It borders Kenya and Uganda in the North, Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi in the West and Zambia and Mozambique in the South. The country embraces the Island of Zanzibar and Pemba which occupy 2,614 sq. km. and Mafia in the Indian Ocean. Its mainland has a coastline of some 804 km. of beaches, most of the palm fringed. Extremes of topographical relief of the African continent also lie within its territory. Mount Kilimanjaro has a permanent ice cap at 5,895 m. above sea level while the deep trough, like depression within the Great Rift Valley is Lake Tanganyika 772.4 metres deep, the world’s second deepest lake. The country rolls from forested mountain in the north and south through the great central plateau of rich brown Savanna grass and bush, down to the tropical coastline.

Health issues :

Health services are well developed in Tanzania. There are many hospitals, health centers and other permanent medical facilities all over the country. Visitors originating from countries infested with cholera and yellow fever, should have with them valid vaccination certificates. There are good mosquito control measures and although the high altitude of northern and southern Tanzania greatly reduce the risk of Malaria nevertheless visitors are advised to take prophylactic against Malaria as a preservative measure. Hence, a weekly preventive dose before, during and after the tour is recommended.

CURRENCY

The unit currency is the Tanzania Shilling (TShs.) which is divided into 100 cents. Visitors can bring with them Tanzania any amount of foreign currency. No declaration is required. It is against the law to import or export Tanzania currency, foreign currency in cash or travelers’ cheques may be exchanged at any branch of the Commercial Banks through authorized dealers and at the several Forex Bureaux (Bureau de Change) operating at the international airports, major towns and border posts.

CUSTOMS

Personal effects including binoculars cameras film, may be imported (temporarily) and free of duty. A customs bond may be demanded from visitors bring in video/ filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Fire arms require a special permit. Liquor (1 pint), tobacco 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams are taxi free for individuals over 16 years. Visitors buying local handicraft must keep cash sales receipts for presentation to customs officials on departure. Departure: An Airport tax of US $ 20 (subject to review) or its equivalent in convertible foreign currency is levied on all visitors departing the country. Baggage is weighed at check in countries and may be inspected by customs officials. Banks Banking hours are from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 8.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon on Saturdays.