Fact Sheet

Tanzania is country so wealthy that it would practically take years to document all the resources. Not only is the country proud to bear witness to the highest and largest free standing mountain in the world but also to the rich and diverse wildlife concentrations, mineral and other resources available. If Africa’s tourism opportunities were to be summarized by one single country that country would be Tanzania.


Wildlife of Tanzania

The wildlife of Tanzania refers to the fauna of Tanzania. Tanzania contains some 20 percent of the species of Africa’s large mammal population, found across its reserves, conservation areas, marine parks, and 17 national parks, spread over an area of more than 42,000 square kilometres (16,000 sq mi) and forming approximately 38 percent of the country's territory.

Wildlife resources of Tanzania are described as “without parallel in Africa” and “the prime game viewing country”. Serengeti National Park, the country’s second largest national park area at 14,763 square kilometres (5,700 sq mi), is located in northern Tanzania and is famous for its extensive migratory herds of wildebeests and zebra while also having the reputation as one of the great natural wonders of the world. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, established in 1959, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and inhabited by the Maasai people. Its Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact caldera in the world.

The national parks are also part of the wetlands of Tanzania. The wild animals tend to be closer to the wetlands, particularly the water loving species such as the hippopotamus, waterbuck, common warthog, elephant, crocodile, sitatunga as well as water birds such as flamingoes and ducks.

Since the colonial era, wildlife conservation in Tanzania has been the prerogative of the government. Under this structure, the use of wildlife resources by local communities had always been restrictive, causing increased rural poverty and poaching. In recent years, the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has initiated corrective actions to involve the local community in conservation efforts, which is aimed at contribution to local economies by way of equitable benefits sharing.

Population: Tanzania has a population of around 47.6 million (UN, 2012). Native Africans constitute 99% of the population.

  • Climate: Tanzania has a tropical climate along the coast but it gets temperate in the highlands.
  • April & Mid – May = Long rains(Green Season)
  • June – Sept = Cool season
  • Nov – Dec = Short Rains
  • October – March = Hottest season

The range of Temperatures in Tanzania is fairly limited and always hot, running from 25 to 30 degrees C on the coast while the rest of the country apart from the highlands run from 22 to 27 degrees C.

  • Time: GMT + 3 hrs
  • Electricity: 240 Volts AC, 50 – 60 Hz
  • Language: Kiswahili & English
  • Area: 945,087 sq km (364,900 sq miles)
  • Monetary Unit: 1 Tanzanian shilling = 100 cents

Money - The currency of Tanzania is known as the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH, /=). There are 5 notes and 6 coins:

  • Notes - 10000 (Red); 5000 (Violet); 2000 (Brown); 1000 (Blue), and 500 (Green) denominations.
  • Coins - 500, 200, 100, and 50 denominations.

In May 2016, one US dollar was worth about 2100 Tsh. Note that Tanzanian currency exchangers usually have a different exchange rate for different US$ denominations, larger and newer bills having a better exchange rate than older and smaller bills. The difference in exchange rate between $1/$5 bills and $50/$100 bills may exceed ten percent. Older US $100 notes are no longer accepted in Tanzania, and any note older than 2003 will most likely be refused everywhere.

In general, stores, restaurants, and hotels in Tanzania expect payment in Tsh. Exceptions include payment for travel visas, entry fees to national parks (which must be paid in US dollars by non-residents), and payments for safaris and Kilimanjaro treks, which are generally priced in US dollars (though payment will be also accepted in other currencies). On Zanzibar, prices are generally in US dollars (including the ferry fare from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar), and non-residents are required to pay for hotels with foreign currency (although the hotel will change Tsh for you). Make sure your US currency is current--US dollars older than 2006 will not be accepted by vendors.

International dialling code: +255

Currency: Tanzania Shillings; however you are advised to carry American Dollars. Money changers do accept major convertible currencies including the EURO and the Japanese Yen. Travellers Cheques may be acceptable in some places, but not in the remote countryside, Major Credit Cards may also be acceptable in some large Hotels, however it is advisable to carry Cash US Dollars, which you will change on arrival..

System of government: Tanzania is a multiparty democratic republic.

Capital: Dodoma, with a population of around 325,000, is the official capital while Dar-es-Salaam, with a population of nearly 4 million, serves as the administrative capital of the country.

Security: Tanzania is a safe country to travel in.
Tanzanians are warm - hearted and generous people and are eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay. Hotels are safe and have watchmen. Tanzania is a politically stable, multi-democratic country.However, as in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still betaken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe and not walking alone at night.

  • Full Country Name: Republic of Kenya
  • Area: 583,000 sq km
  • Population: 41.61 million (UN 2011)
  • Capital: Nairobi
  • Borders: Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
  • Religion: Christian, Animist, Muslim
  • Time Zone: Standard time is three hours in advance of Greenwich Mean Time
  • Languages: English and Swahili are the official languages and are taught in schools throughout the country. However, there are many other tribal languages including Kikuyu, Luhia, Luo and Kikamba as well as many minor tribal languages.
  • Country Dialling Code: +254

Climate: The climate in Kenya varies due to the sharp variations in altitude from sea level to 5,100 metres. Due to the proximity of the Equator, Kenya generally experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year with plenty of clear sunshine all the year round and although warm by day is often chilly at night. The 'long rains' usually fall in the months of April and May. The migration usually takes place after the long rains, when from late July to October the wildebeest migrate from Tanzania to find new grazing. During the months of October and November, there are occasional scattered rains, the 'short rains', which freshen the atmosphere and vegetation and lay the dust.

CURRENCY & BANKS: The Kenyan currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KSH), which is divided up into 100 cents, and it is now permitted to take local currency into the country.
US Dollar notes printed before the year 2000 will not be accepted. Barclay’s Bank in Kenya has implanted a new policy where they will no longer accept notes printed before 2000. Clients who carry US Dollar notes printed before 2000 will be compelled to accept a rate of exchange lower than normal.

ELECTRICITY: In Kenya the general voltage is 240 and the frequency is 50 Hz. The British three rectangular blade plugs are common. Some lodges and camps only have power in the early mornings and evenings. Batteries may be recharged in camps during the day but it is wise to double check with the camp manager.
As the sockets can vary a ‘Travellers Adaptor Set’ is recommended. Voltage sometimes fluctuates and whilst power cuts are rare, they are not unknown. It is useful to carry a torch.

HEALTH: Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend you speak to your local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice. The following information is to be used as a guide only.
Malaria: It is recommended that precautions against malaria are taken for travel to most regions in Africa. We suggest you contact your doctor for advice on which prophylactic is recommended.
Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination is required. All travellers must carry proof that the Yellow Fever vaccine has been administered at least 10 days prior to travel.

ROAD TRAVEL: Kenya like most countries in Africa is a third world country. Therefore please be aware that the infrastructure in certain areas is not up to the standard you would find at home. Specifically some of the roads are often very rough and short journeys can take much longer than expected. For example a journey from Nairobi to the Masai Mara which is 300 km’s takes 5-6 hours and from Lake Nakuru to Amboseli 6-7 hours. Some days will be very long and bumpy due to Kenya’s road conditions. The views and spectacular scenery encountered usually make the trip well worthwhile.

VISA INFORMATION: At the time of writing, a visa for Kenya is required for Australian Passport Holders. The visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport or at border posts.
Kenya has enforced a ‘blank pages’ condition of entry". This means that all those requiring a visa to enter Kenya must have at least two blank pages available in your passport upon arrival. Failure to meet this requirement may result in an entry visa being refused.
Single Entry Visa: USD $50 per person on an Australian Passport (subject to change).
Multiple Entry Visa: Please note that if you are travelling within East Africa (Tanzania, Zanzibar or Uganda or Rwanda) you can request free re-entry into Kenya. You will however be required to pay the normal visa charges for the other countries but may re-enter Kenya freely.
Transit Visa: USD $20 per person on an Foreign Passport. Transit time in Kenya cannot exceed 24 hours (subject to change).

We hope that you will find this country Information on Kenya useful for reference when preparing for your holiday. All the information above was correct at the time of writing and is to be used as a guide only.

Health, visa and other specific details should be double checked by your travel agent at the time of booking.

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Area: Situated at the southern tip of Africa, South Africa has a landmass of 1 233 404 km edged on 3 sides by a nearly 3000km coastline washed by the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic. Capitals South Africa has 3 capitals: Cape Town (Legislative), Pretoria (Administrative and Bloemfontein (Judicial).

Tourism: Since the demise of apartheid, international tourist arrivals have surged, making tourism one of the fastest growing sectors. The tourism industry is well-established with an exciting sector of emerging entrepreneurs. The country is strong on adventure, sport, nature and wildlife travel and is a pioneer and global leader in responsible tourism.

Population: The South African population of more than 49m people is extremely diverse. Africans are in the majority, approx. 80% of the population, followed by the white population approx. 4,4m; the coloured population approx. 4,2 million and the Indian/Asian population at approx. 1,2m.

Currency: South Africa's currency is the rand, which offers visitors great value for money. The rand comes in a range of coins (R1 = 100 cents) and note denominations of R10, R50, R100.

Climate: South Africa has a temperate climate and is known for its long sunny days, hence the title: 'Sunny South Africa'. Most of the provinces have summer rainfall, except for the Western Cape (winter rainfall). Winter is from May to August; Spring from September to October; Summer from November to February and Autumn is from March to April.

Communications: Country Dialling Code is + 27. South Africa has an exceptionally well-developed communications infrastructure. Internet and Wi-Fi are easily accessible in most urban areas.

Languages: South Africa is a multi-lingual country and English is widely spoken.

Water: Tap water is potable. However, ensure that you take bottled water with you when travelling to remote rural areas and the bush.

Electricity: The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. With a few exceptions (in deep rural areas) electricity is available almost everywhere.

Airports: The 3 major international airports in South Africa are: OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport (Durban) as well as 90 regional airports including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit.

Travel by Road and Rail: South Africa has an extensive road infrastructure including national highways and secondary roads. Speed limits are set at 120 kilometres on highways; 100 kilometres on secondary roads and 60 kilometres in urban areas.

Entry requirements: South Africa requires a valid yellow fever certificate from all foreign visitors and citizens over 1 year of age travelling from an infected area or having been in transit through infected areas. For visa requirements, please contact your nearest South African diplomatic mission.

Health and safety: There are many world-class private hospitals and medical centres around the country, especially in the urban centres. Most of South Africa is malaria-free, but always check with the game reserves you're planning to visit and take precautions if necessary. Make sure you have the latest safety tips from the establishment where you will be staying and take common sense precautions as you would when travelling