Tanzania

All you need to know about travelling in Africa

 

Cities; The following cities form as gateways into African culture and society. Also, they form as base camps for exploring Tanzania’s mountains, safari routes and volunteer work.

Arusha;

The gateway to exploring the Northern Safari circuits and also hiking Mt Kilimanjaro’s lesser known sister Mt Meru

Accommodation starts at $10 a night for basic level stay, with it increasing in further incriminates in value

The town has a western influence due to the nature of resort-style safari bases operating out of it; this means Western food and restaurants, along with supplies available to the student traveller

Night markets and tourist markets allow for authentic shopping

 

Moshi ;

The town at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, it forms as the base camp for hikers and tourists alike. This town therefore has a mish-mash of cultures and nations as it struggles to combine  a traditionalist African society with the modern influx of foreigners. 

  Due to the hikers; accommodation is cheap and plentiful; with good, clean resources in backpacker and hotel options. Further, safe baggage holding services operate for those with extra packed than their hiking material 

A large mosque is located close to the town centre; respect must be paid by travellers in the form of females wearing operate clothing, and men acting with respect to their traditions

 Due to the travellers; numerous ‘Western’ restaurants and cafes operate in Moshi; look forward to ‘safe’ milk, and good dial up internet connection

Moshi also allows a connection to volunteer work and organizations that allow the traveller to give back to beautiful country they are enjoying. Volunteer work can be for a day, a week or a couple months, depending on your commitment. The rewarding nature allows a remarkable insight into the worlds poorest, but happiest members.

Zanzibar;

The ‘Hawaii’ of Africa, this island located a 40 minute ferry ride from Dar is a stunning paradise of history and new age elegance in its splendour

A ferry ride from the capital, Zanzibar is reknown for its trading and sea port background; the ‘Stone Town’ a historic fort a relic of this

Zanzibar, operating in the Stone Town also holds a fantastic local market that allows the keen traveller to haggle its way into some loved possessions

Beautiful beaches are galore, with diving and snorkelling options open; be sure to trust legitimate, safe schemesThe glamorous resorts make way for a ‘Western influence’, so the homesick traveller can feel welcome not to experience a culture shock

Dar es Salam;

The overcrowded capital of Tanzania, these dirty small streets give way to the modern Africa life; its apartments representing the change from traditionalist living to the modernist approach. Be careful not to lose sight of the ‘true’ Africa that forms itself in the smiles and laughter of each citizen

Mountains;

1.     Mt Kilimanjaro

The famous ‘Mother’ mountain of Africa; the highest peak on the continent forms as a formidable, and inconquerable peak for many travellers. The right training, guides and technique will find of you top of the most beautiful height in awe at the world below

2.    Mt Meru

Mt Kilimanjaro’s sister mountain, the second highest peak at 4,668ft above sea level serves as a lesser and shorter hike to the heights of Kili. Also serving up a beautiful view above the mountains, Mt Meru remains the option for the time and training wise traveller

Game Parks & Safari;

The game parks and safari’s of Tanzania are considered the best in the world. Famous names; the Serenegti, the Ngorgoro Crator and the Lake Manyara lushlands allow the keen traveller an extraordinary insight into the worlds untouched origins. Beauty is unparalleled, where the avid photographer can collect stunning encapsulations. A highlight for many is the Great Migration of the African animals through the game parks.

Tours and stays can be organized through numerous reputable firms. The traveller can choose to embark with a comfortable Western firm, or remain honest to the true African nature of the local tours.

International Australian travel advice from Smart Traveller (a government website); http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Tanzania

Excersice a high degree of caution, especially in Zanzibar due to the crime rates
Pay close attention to your security
Avoid all protests and demonstrations
Ferries are known to be overloaded or unseaworthy
The Australian Consulate is located in the capital, Dar ees Salam; there is also one located in Kenya
A Yellow Fever Certificate that is valid