Tanzania flights and travel guide

Language

Kiswahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken.

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Communications

The international country dialling code for Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, is +255. The outgoing code is 000, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)24 for Zanzibar and (0)22 for Dar Es Salaam. International calls made from rural areas may have to gothrough the operator. Mobile phones work in the main urban areas and Zanzibar; the network operators use GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Travellers should contact their service provider to ensure they have international roaming. Avoid making telephone calls from hotels; they can charge as much as $10 per minute. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

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Tipping

Waiters in the better restaurants should be tipped around 10 per cent. Guides, porters and cooks in the wildlife parks and on safari trips expect tips. The amount is discretionary according to standard of service and the number in your party.

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Safety

As in other East African countries, the threat from terrorism is high and visitors should be cautious in public places and tourist sites and hotels, particularly in Zanzibar's Stone Town. The area bordering Burundi should be avoided. Street crime is a problem in Tanzania, especially in Dar Es Salaam where tourists should be alert and cautious.

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Health

Travellers are advised to take medical advice at least three weeks before leaving for Tanzania. Most visitors will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever and polio. Those arriving from an infected country must hold a yellow fevervaccination certificate. There is a risk of malaria all year and most doctors will recommend medication. Sleeping sickness is a risk in the game parks and visitors should avoid bites by tsetse flies. HIV/Aids is a serious risk. Cholera outbreaks are common throughout the country and visitors are advised to drink bottled or sterilised water only; there is currently an outbreak of cholera in Zanzibar and Pemba, as well as in Dar-es-Salaam. An outbreak of measles has also been reported in Dar-es-Salaam, and visitors should ensure they are up to date with immunisations against measles, mumps and rubella before traveling. Medical services are available in Dar Es Salaam and other main towns, but facilities and supplies are limited; visitors with particular requirements should take theirown medicines. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

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Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Square or round three-pin plugs are used.

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