FACTS ABOUT TANZANIA

Habari Gani! Tanzania is a country known for its warm and open people, and its spectacular wealth of natural beauty. The following information will be useful as you prepare for your trip to northern Tanzania to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and travel across the Serengeti. Read this info carefully and let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for choosing World Tours and Safaris Tanzania!

Passport & Visa: Visas are required for U.S. citizens traveling in Tanzania. The visa application form and specific instructions for submission can be obtained by going to the following web site http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/. The application form must be submitted to the Tanzanian Embassy in Washington DC along with a valid passport at least six months before expiry, a recent passport-size photo and stamped, self-addressed envelope. The cost of a single entry, 3-month visa is $50USD payable in cash or money order. Your visa will be valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.

Please note the following when filling out your form.
10. Name of Travel Agent/Tour Operator: WORLD TOURS AND SAFARIS TANZANIA
11. Contact Person(s) in Tanzania: MR RICHARD R. KILONZO Address: PO Box 7402, ARUSHA, TANZANIA
13. Type of Visa applied: X Tourist
14. Category of Visa applied: X Single

Map of Tanzania

You can obtain your visa upon arrival into Tanzania, but we advise you to secure it before commencing your journey. Allow at least 2 weeks to receive your visa. All visitors to Tanzania must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date of your trip. If your passport is fairly full, it may be necessary to acquire additional blank pages. It is always advisable to carry copies of your passport and other important documents with you.

Immunizations: Immunization against Yellow Fever is REQUIRED. Carry proof of your vaccinations with you to Tanzania. Diphtheria, Tetanus & Polio (boosters), Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Cholera and Meningococcal Meningitis and anti-malarial medication are recommended. Please seek expert medical advice, both medical & dental, at least 6 weeks before travel concerning all vaccinations and medications as they relate to side effects and your own medical history. If you have a history of heart disease or other medical conditions, consult a doctor with knowledge of high altitude. See the CDC website for more information: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/eafrica.htm.

Spending money, tips, gifts, etc: $300 - $500 spending money should be sufficient for main meals, extra beverages and goodies while in Tanzania, more if you plan to purchase souvenirs. Be sure to save $20 for your Airport departure Tax.

A $200 should be reserved for gratuities. It is common practice to pool and divide tips for your guides, porters, drivers and other staff if service has been good. A $75 - $100 pp contribution into the tip pool is sufficient for the crew on Kilimanjaro $75 - $100 for the Serengeti safari crew. If you receive special attention or require additional assistance from a staff member, you may want to reward that person privately. Additionally, leaving clothing/gear that you no longer need, will be much appreciated.

Small, inexpensive gifts such as pens, key chains, nail clippers, T-shirts, etc. are much appreciated if someone shows you a special courtesy or favor.

TRAINING: Climbing Kilimanjaro involves a long stretch of uphill terrain, then a long descent. This can prove physically tiring, and can put a lot of stress on your knees and on the quadriceps muscles in the front of the thighs. The best training is to walk up and down hills as much as possible. If you don't have access to hiking in the hills, training on exercise machines such as a "Stairmaster", riding a bike or jogging will be beneficial. Also, try putting a pack on your back to increase the strength training associated with walking or jogging. Take stairs whenever possible rather than an elevator. Climbing Kili will be both mentally and physically strenuous, and the time you put into physical training before you go will definitely be rewarded. Please call us to discuss your specific training program.

MACHAME ROUTE Kili is probably the most popular climb in Africa, and it's easy to see why. Terrain on the ascent varies from dusty desert, through lush forests, alpine tundra to glacial snow and ice at the top. All the while there are huge desert vistas and wonderful wildlife to admire, and the final sections around the crater rim (ideally done at dawn) are nothing short of spectacular. To reach the Uhuru Peak, we'll be taking the Machame Route, climbing a natural, rather than manmade path, which is more demanding but is the much quieter and scenic route up the mountain. We'll camp overnight in tents, which are carried and pitched by our accompanying porters. Highlights of this route are the Shira Plateau, where we will spend two nights, the Barranco Wall and the Karanga Valley; we'll be reaching the summit, Uhuru, via Stella Point. Because this route is more taxing, it is recommended that you be physically fit and take each day very slowly. With the additional day built in to our trek itinerary, you should have ample acclimatization time with a very good chance of reaching the summit.

Temperatures: Being only 3° south of the Equator, altitude affects the temperature as the trek progresses. Daytime temperatures on the lower parts of the mountain can be pleasantly warm, even hot and muggy (~85°F at the beginning of the trek), although a brief rain shower in the afternoon can drop temperatures to below freezing. Certainly, we will find freezing temperatures at the summit. The climatic changes experienced while climbing Kilimanjaro are roughly equivalent to hiking from the Equator to the South Pole in six days!

Altitude: Although many people successfully reach Uhuru Peak without any real difficulty, many others do not make it to the top because they suffer from altitude sickness. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) occurs as a result of failing to adapt to a higher altitude. The early symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, sleeplessness and weakness. One should never ascend to higher elevations if suffering any of these symptoms. Luckily, the majority of these symptoms will disappear quickly by returning to lower altitudes. One must pay attention and be willing to recognize them when they occur.

To prevent AMS, it is very important that you drink plenty of fluids, maintain a healthy diet, and acclimatize properly by ascending slowly and steadily each day. Keep in mind the Swahili mantra: Pole pole ndio mwendo. "Slow, slow is the way to go." Even if you are fit, you should not try to rush up Kilimanjaro. Interesting fact: Uhuru Peak is about 2000 feet higher than Everest base camp.

Toilet: There are toilet facilities at each campsite and at our lunch stops each day. You should bring your own supply of toilet paper. For dealing with stuffy nose, We recommend using handkerchiefs or bringing your own tissues.

Clothing: On the mountain, weather conditions are highly variable. Hiking at the lower elevations, lightweight trousers and shirts will work well. Gaiters and waterproof clothing are recommended. As we increase in altitude, layering your clothes will essential. Clothes for a cold, windy environment will be very important, particularly on summit day, as well as warm gloves, head cover and insulated socks. While a down jacket is not essential, it will come in handy if the weather turns extremely cold in the evenings and early mornings.

It's a good idea to break in your hiking boots by taking a couple of extended (6-8 hour) walks before coming out. As you pack, remember you'll be wearing basically the same set of clothing for consecutive days, so no need to double up on everything. Always keep in mind that a porter will be carrying your bag up the mountain; the weight limit for you bag on the climb is around 30 lbs. (See clothing and equipment list below.)

Safari clothing should be of a neutral color (khaki, green, brown, etc.). White, light and camouflaged colored clothing is not recommended. Perfume, after-shave and citrus scents should be avoided; citrus, in fact, attracts elephants!

Services included (as per itinerary): transfers from/to Kili Int'l airport; 05 nights Inn accommodation with breakfast & dinner (double occupancy); all park entry & gate fees; experienced guides, drivers & porters; 4WD game drives on Serengeti and in Ngorongoro Crater; all meals & group camping equipment (tents, kitchen equipment, etc.) on mountain & safari.

Services not included: Personal clothing & equipment; emergency evacuation, if necessary; airport departure taxes; excess baggage charges; personal expenses (e.g., phone, laundry, soft drinks & alcohol, gratuities, etc.); lunch on non-trek/safari days; transportation & guides on free days; accommodation & private transfers from/to Kili International, if arriving before or after itinerary dates; accommodation & transfers from/to Nairobi; *international airfare (Arun can arrange flights from most major US cities - supplement may apply for some dates).

What to Bring

CLOTHING
2 LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS
2 COTTON T-SHIRTS
1 BREATHABLE TREKKING SHIRT
1 PAIR WALKING SHORTS/TROUSERS (lightweight, zip-off combo works well)
1 SKIRT (women)
1 VERY WARM WINDPROOF, WATERPROOF JACKET with HOOD
1 PAIR WARM TROUSERS (salopettes or fleece)
1 PAIR GAITERS or WATERPROOF OVER-TROUSERS
1 WOOL SWEATER or FLEECE
1 PAIR COMFORTABLE HIKING BOOTS
1 PAIR SNEAKERS or SANDALS
3 PAIR WARM WALKING SOCKS (e.g., wool)
2 PAIR SOCK LINERS (thin, polypropylene)
2 PAIR NORMAL SOCKS
1 PAIR LONG UNDERWEAR (top & bottom)
1 PAIR WARM GLOVES
1 PAIR WARM MITTENS
1 HANDKERCHIEF, BANDANA or SCARF
1 SUN HAT
1 WOOL or FLEECE HAT or BALACLAVA

*Plan to wear neutral colors (khaki, green or brown) on safari.

EQUIPMENT
1 MEDIUM-LARGE DUFFLE
1 DAY PACK (at least 40 liter capacity)
1 PLASTIC COVER FOR EACH PACK
1 4-SEASON SLEEPING BAG & INSULATED MAT
1 PAIR GOOD SUNGLASSES or GLACIER GLASSES
1 HEADLAMP (4.5 volts with SPARE BATTERIES/BULBS)
1 FLASHLIGHT (with SPARE BATTERIES/BULBS)
1 SM. ROLL DUCT TAPE
2 1-liter WATER BOTTLES (e.g., Nalgene type)
1 MONEY BELT or EQUIVALENT
TOILETRIES/ PERSONAL FIRST AID (see below)
EXTRA SHOELACES
WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS OR FILTER
GAS LIGHTER (BIC)
POCKET KNIFE (MULTI-PURPOSE)
SEVERAL LARGE HEAVY DUTY PLASTIC BAGS
PASSPORT/IMMUNIZATION DOCUMENTS (& PHOTOCOPIES)

Optional equipment
DOWN JACKET
TREKKING POLE(s) - telescopic
BINOCULARS or MONOCULAR
CAMERA, LENS & FILM (LOTS!)
UMBRELLA
SLEEPING CLOTHES
WATCH/ALARM CLOCK
JOURNAL/DIARY, PENS, BOOK(S)
CASSETTE/CD PLAYER & TAPES/CDs (R)
CANDLE, MATCHES
BIODEGRADABLE LAUNDRY DETERGENT
PEE BOTTLE
NUTRITIONAL SNACKS (e.g., food bars, beef jerky, etc.)
SMALL GIFTS (e.g., pens, key chains, nail clippers, etc.)

PERSONAL FIRST AID KIT
The following is a checklist to help in planning what to take. Please consult with your physician.

Over the Counter (Conservative quantities, please.)
DRESSINGS, BANDAIDS, MOLESKIN &/or MOLEFOAM
GUAZE & TAPE BANDAGES FOR SPRAINS
ANTISEPTIC (iodine or Betadyne)
ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT
ANTACID/PEPTO-BISMOL (tabs)
HYDROCORTISONE CREAM
CALAMINE LOTION
ASPIRIN or ACETAMINOPHEN / IBUPROFEN
ANTIHISTAMINE (decongestant, insect bites)
ANTI-DIARRHEA MEDICATION (Imodium)
REHYDRATION SALTS
COLD & FLU TABLETS
THROAT LOZENGES SUNSCREEN (strong)
LIP BALM (containing sunscreen)
INSECT REPELLENT (DEET-based, scent-free)

Rx Medications
BROAD SPECTRUM ANTIBIOTIC
TINIDAZOLE or FASIGYM (for giardia)
ANTI-DIARRHEA MEDICATION (e.g., Cipro)
PAIN MEDICATION (e.g., codeine)

Optional
DIAMOX
MULTI-VITAMINS
MALARIA MEDICATION

TOILETRIES (Conservative quantities, please.)
SOAP, DEODORANT & SHAMPOO (Biodegradable)
MOISTURIZER
TOWELETTES (regular &/or anti-bacterial)
TALCUM POWDER
FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS
SPARE GLASSES & CONTACT LENSES (with solution)
CONTRACEPTIVES
WASH CLOTH & SMALL CAMPING TOWEL
TOILET PAPER
MIRROR (small)

IMMUNIZATIONS (consult with your physician.)
YELLOW FEVER (Required)
TETANUS & DIPHTHERIA
POLIO
TYPHOID FEVER
HEPATITIS A & B
MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS
CHOLERA

Health Insurance: You should purchase health insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage. Give us a call to discuss the policy offered by Access America.

Luggage: On your international flight, you will be allowed to check 2 bags weighing 20 kg (42 lbs.) each and one carry-on. This said, because porters will be carrying your bag on Kilimanjaro, your baggage weight limit will be 30 lbs; heavier bags will be carried for an extra fee. (See recommended clothing and equipment list.) You will be carrying a daypack for your personal needs: water, camera, film, raincoat, packed lunch, snacks, poncho for covering your daypack should it rain, etc. The outside of each piece of luggage should be prominently labeled with your name, address and "Arun Treks & Expeditions". It's a good idea to have this information on the inside of each bag, as well, along with a copy of your itinerary and important documents. We recommend keeping personal essentials in your carry-on bag in the event of a delay or lost luggage.

Customs Formalities: Personal effects for use during tour expeditions including binoculars, camera and film, may be imported duty free. A duty free allowance is in effect for the following items for personal use: one liter of liquor; 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; and 250ml of perfume. Additional items are subject to customs duty or cash deposit or execution of security bond equivalent to tax liability. A custom bond may be required of visitors taking with them video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments and communication equipments, to ensure that the goods are taken out of the country. Exporting shells, coral, ivory and turtle shells is illegal.

Airport departure tax: An airport tax of around $20USD is required when departing Tanzania payable in US currency only. The tax may be included in the cost of your international air ticket. We'll inform you of the exact fee, if any, upon departure.

Currency and Foreign Exchange: The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh, Tzs or T.Shs). The bills are Tsh10,000, 5000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100, and coins of Tsh100, 50, 20, 10, five and one shillings(s). The rate of exchange at time of printing is approximately Tsh883 to $1USD. Visitors may bring in to Tanzania as much foreign currency as they wish, and no currency declaration form is required. Foreign currency and travelers' checks may be exchanged at most banks, designated hotels, and foreign exchange bureaus at the airport and in Arusha. Exchange bureaus are open week days and on Saturdays; rates and commissions vary. **Retain all exchange receipts; you may be asked for them upon departure. US dollars are the most convenient foreign currency, but it's best to use local currency. Travelers' checks are widely accepted in major towns, though at a lower exchange rate than for cash. Many hotels and mid-range shops accept Credit Cards (MasterCard, Visa, Amex, Access, Diners Club). However, expect a 5 - 15% commission charge. At some banks, you can get cash advances against Visa or MasterCard; this should not be relied upon for a source of cash currency. A few ATM machines are available, but not always operational.

Banks: Banking hours are: Monday - Friday, 8:30 to 2:00 & Saturday, 8:30 to 1:00.

Time: Local time is GMT + 3. Tanzania is 8 hours ahead of the US (EST) during daylight saving times.

Electricity: Electrical supply is generally 230 volts AC, 50 Hz. Electrical installations are of British standards; therefore appliances or adapters should have the 3-prong British plugs.

Post: Post offices are open Monday through Saturday; service is generally reliable.

Internet/Phone/Fax: You can make international phone calls and send & receive faxes from many locations, including the Telecom building in the main circle in Arusha Town. There are also several Internet cafes in in Arusha, so a personal e-mail account through Hotmail, AOL, Yahoo, etc. will make it easier to correspond with folks back home.

Emergency Contact Information: Should someone need to reach you, they should contact you through your personal e-mail address or call the following World Tours and Safaris Tanzania number: 255 27 2504160/2500277 or cell:255744281317/255748281317 . It will be very difficult to reach you while you are on the mountain. These numbers should be used for an emergency situation only.

Moshi: Moshi (800m or 2,624ft) is about 30 miles west of Kilimanjaro Airport and is located at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Moshi is the capital of the region, one of Tanzania's major coffee growing regions and an important educational center. The downtown area has a nice market with a Hindu temple, several mosques and many Indian traders. The "Moshi Guide" contains all sorts of interesting information about the area, can be picked up at several places around Moshi Town. You will be responsible for the cost of transport to and from Moshi.

Transportation: All airport transfers & group transportation is included in your trip as per itinerary only. We'll use well-maintained, comfortable 4WD vehicles staffed by experienced drivers & guides who have intimate knowledge of the National Parks of Northern Tanzania. During free time, you can get around by bus, taxi or on foot.

Accommodation: We will be staying at the Ilboru Safari Lodge 2.5 km from the center of Arusha and near the main gate to Kilimanjaro National Park. Driving time to the Inn from Kilimanjaro Int'l Airport is approximately one hour on good tarmac roads. All accommodation is double occupancy unless otherwise arranged** and is included in the cost of your trip. The Inn has en-suite toilets and showers providing a comfortable base from which to prepare for (and recover from!) our climb of Mt Kilimanjaro. There is a lovely garden and dining room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with both set and a la carte menus. Meals, depending on the weather, may also be taken on the wide verandahs overlooking the gardens. The small, fully stocked bar is a great place to meet up with fellow trekkers, as well as at the many tables in the gardens, on the lawns or under shade trees. The Inn has a climbing shop for any last minute equipment needs you many have. Any items you won't need while on the trail can be left in storage at the Inn.

** Let us know if you would prefer a single room; single supplements apply.

When climbing Kilimanjaro and while on safari, we'll be sleeping close to nature in high-quality tents. Plan on sharing a tent with one other person, unless otherwise arranged.

Food & Restaurants: Breakfast will be served at the Ilboru Lodge, but you will be on your own for lunch. Arusha offers a nice variety of restaurants, including traditional foods at local food stalls and western-style restaurants, including wholegrain breads and cheese. There are also numerous coffee shops to get great local coffee and homemade pastries.

The main meal in Tanzania is generally at midday; many places close in the evening. One of the most common local dishes is ugali, a staple made from maize or cassava flour and eaten with sauce usually containing meat (kuku - chicken & mbuzi - goat), fish, maharage (beans) &/or greens. Rice, nyama choma (grilled meat) and cooked plantains are also served frequently. You can also try uji, a thin, sweet porridge made from bean flour, as well as bread and hard-boiled eggs. It's easy to find a basic bean and rice dish most places as vegetarian fare.

When climbing Kilimanjaro, you'll be served lots of fresh seasonal fruits & vegetables, fresh meat, bacon and carbohydrates that are recommended on the mountain. Food will be prepared in the traditional methods, cooked and shallow fried. Our guide can cater to those who are vegetarians. When on safari, food will be similar as on the mountain but with "more feeling and taste"! All group kitchen gear will be provided.

For drinking water on the mountain, we recommend you bring 2 Anlagen-type water bottles or bottles that can accommodate hot water. We'll provide boiled water during the day for filling up your bottle. You should bring your own purification treatment such as iodine tabs or a filtering system.

Shopping:Arusha Town is an interesting place to shop with its markets, craft shops and Indian traders. Excellent examples of "Agriculture" abound, including leatherwork, basketry, sculpture, woodcarving, textiles and paintings. When shopping at markets and craft stalls, bargaining conducted in a friendly, spirited way is standard practice.

Laundry: Laundry services are available at the Mountain Inn; the cost is on a per item basis. You may want to bring a small quantity of biodegradable detergent for your own use.

Hospitals & Drug Stores: The Mount Meru Hospital is located in Arusha. Emergency medical services are also available in Nairobi. While medicines can be obtained by prescription at pharmacies in Arusha, it is advised that you bring your own personal first aid kit including any necessary prescriptions or hard to find medicines. (See recommended medical & immunizations list.)

Entertainment: Arusha, like most towns in Tanzania, has bars & nightclubs. You can take in live music and performances of traditional dancing or drumming (ngoma or drums). Traditional instruments you are likely to see include the marimba (metal strips that are plucked with the thumb), kayamba (shakers made with grain kernels), siwa (horns), tari (tambourines) and xylophones. Tanzanian music has been influenced by German and British military brass bands and more recently Zairean jazz. Zairean-born Remmy Ongala with his flowing dreadlocks is often referred to as the Bob Marley of Tanzania.

Photography/Videography: You should bring a full supply of film (and extra camera batteries) from home. You can buy and develop film in Arusha, but it's expensive. Video battery chargers should have a UK standard square plug adapter for 220 volts, but extra batteries are necessary while on the mountain and on safari. As mentioned, visitors taking with them video equipment may require a custom bond to ensure that the goods are taken out of the country. A single lens reflex (SLR) camera is recommended which can take a long focal-length lens. A 300mm or 400mm lens is ideal for wildlife photography. Telephoto lenses also give good results, though you must carry a separate lens for the various focal lengths. Zoom and telephoto lenses require 200 or 400 ASA film. While most locals are happy to have their photo taken, it's best to establish a relationship and ask their permission first.

People: Tanzania is a country of exceptional cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence. In fact, Tanzania is the only country in Africa whose indigenous inhabitants include members of each of the continent's 4 major ethno-linguistic families. More than 100 different tribal groups live within its borders, each with its own language and customs.

The Maasai, one of Northern Tanzania's most colorful tribes, are pastoral nomads, grazing cattle for centuries in the Serengeti, the Crater Highlands and in surrounding parts of the Great Rift Valley. The Maasai have actively resisted change, and still follow the same lifestyle that they have for centuries. Due to wildlife conservation efforts, the Maasai and their cattle have been forcibly excluded from much of their traditional homelands. (See reading list below.)

Language: Kiswahili (Swahili) is the national language and English is the official language. While English is widely spoken in major towns, it's useful (and appreciated) to know a few Swahili phrases. Other African languages such as Bantu, Nil Hermitic and of Hadzabe origin are also spoken.

Religion: Tanzania is one of the least urbanized countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of the population is composed of either Christians (1/3) or Muslims (1/3). The remainder adhere to traditional religious practices that center on ancestor worship, the land and various ritual objects. There are also communities of Hindus, Sikhs and Ismaelis. Religion is not a major factor in the contemporary political life of Tanzania. People of all religious beliefs live harmoniously.

Social customs: Due to western influences many customs in Tanzania will seem familiar. There are, however, some important cultural guidelines to keep in mind. Politeness, respect and modesty are highly valued in Tanzania. Immodest attire, public displays of affection, and open anger are frowned upon.

·Pleasantries are very important; several minutes of verbal greetings when meeting and departing are common, and may be accompanied by a long handshake.
- Learning a few words of greetings and responses in Swahili are most welcome.
- Dress is important for both men and women. You will find you are met with more respect and openness if you dress modestly and neatly. Dress in Arusha is casual. The traditional cloth garment worn by many Tanzanian women is a long skirt known as a kanga. Therefore, skirts below the knee or loose-fitting long pants, and modest top with sleeve are the best option for women. For men, long pants and shirts with sleeves are most appropriate. This type of dress also provides protection from the sun.
- Use your right hand to give an object and when eating; use both hands when receiving something.
- An offered gift or invitation to a join a meal should be accepted; to refuse may shame the giver.
- Spoken thanks aren't common; don't be concerned if you aren't thanked for a gift.
- Family and community are a priority in Tanzania; personal interests and gain are secondary.
- Courtesy and respect for elders and professionals is expected.
- Time and deadlines are flexible; "now" and "tomorrow" may have many different meanings.

"When the pursuit of natural harmony is a shared journey, great heights can be attained."
Lynn Hill, climber

Natural Attractions

Tanzania is one of the few countries in the world that is endowed with a vast range of natural wonders. More than 25% of Tanzania's land area (about one million square miles) is covered with magnificent game reserves and national parks. Tanzania has 12 national parks, 29 game reserves, 40 controlled conservation areas and a marine park. It is bordered by several great lakes including Lake Tanganyika (the world's 2nd deepest), Lake Victoria (the world's 2nd largest, where Burton Speke discovered the Nile River source) and Lake Nyasa. Olduvai Gorge is where Dr. Louis and Mary Leaky discovered the oldest remains of the 4 million years old homohabilllis.

Tanzania is the home of the everlasting snow capped mountain MOUNT KILIMANJARO. The crown of Tanzania, Kilima is the Swahili word for "little mountain" or "hill". Jaro has less certain roots. Theories on the name's origin include: Njaro, a "devil" characterized by eternal cold and Ngare, the Maasai word for "water source".

The view of this majestic mountain's gigantic snow-capped summit dome, rising high above the surrounding savannah is one of Africa's classic images. At 5,896m (19,344 ft), Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and one of the highest volcanoes in the world, attracting trekkers and climbers from all over the world. The attraction is even greater because with adequate time and preparation, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit without technical mountaineering equipment or experience.

The Kilimanjaro massif has an oval base about 130 - 200 miles across, and rises spectacularly above the surrounding plains. The two main peak areas are Kibo, the flat-topped dome at the center of the massif, which dips inwards to form a crater, and Mawenzi, a group of jagged pinnacles on the eastern side. The highest point on Kibo is the 19,344' Uhuru Peak and our summit goal! Although Kilimanjaro lies just 3° south of the equator, both Kibo and Mawenzi have permanent caps of snow and ice. The peaks of Mawenzi are for mountaineers only. Kilimanjaro has been designated as a National Park by the government of Tanzania. The third peak, Shira, is on the west end of the massif and is lower and less distinctive than Kibo and Mawenzi. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower Gillman's Point Peak.

SERENGETI: The open, treeless plains spanning more than 9,000 sq. miles form the spectacular Serengeti, Tanzania's largest and most famous national park. During the great wildebeest migration one can see millions of animals on the move. The Serengeti is home to thousands of zebra, cheetah, gazelles, large herds of giraffe, and the largest population of lions on earth.

NGORONGORO CRATER is located about 112 miles from Arusha in the Great Rift Valley. At an altitude of 1600m (5248ft), the bottom of the Crater has an area of about 100 square miles and shelters 30,000 animals. The Ngorongoro Crater belongs to the Crater Highlands ecosystem and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) that covers about 8300 sq. km (5,146 sq. miles). Twelve miles wide, it is also one of the largest calderas in the world. Within its walls are a variety of animals (lions, elephants, rhino, buffalo, wildebeest, gazelle, zebra, reedbuck, flamingos, etc.), moving in and out of the crater, and vegetation, including swamps, grasslands, forests, salt pansa and the freshwater Magadi Lake. There is permanent water and grassland on the crater floor and local Maasai tribes have grazing rights there.

GEOGRAPHY Tanzania covers 937,062 sq. km (580,978 sq. miles) making it the largest country in Eastern Africa. Just south of the equator, it borders Kenya and Uganda in the north; Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi and Mozambique in the south.

Through the interior runs the Great Rift Valley, the vast fault-line down the spine of Africa that, in Tanzania, has created many fascinating topographical features such as the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Tanganyika. The central plateau (3936 ft. above sea level) is a huge expanse of savannah and sparse woodland. To the north, the 5,890m (19,344ft) Mt Kilimanjaro rises, Africa's highest mountain.

While the interior is largely arid, the 800-kilometer (500 mile) coastline is lush and palm-fringed as are the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.

CLIMATE The coastal areas are hot and humid with an average daytime temperature of 30°C (86°F) . Sea breezes make the climate very pleasant from June to September. The central plateau experiences hot days and cool nights. The hilly country between the coast and the northern highlands has a pleasant climate from January to September, with temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F). Temperatures vary around Kilimanjaro according to the season registering a low 15°C (59°F) during May-August rising to 22°C (72°F) during December-March. On the whole, the hottest months are from October to February. The main, long rainy season is from mid-March to late May.

The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, especially just after the rains have finished and the vegetation is lush and green. East Africa has two rainy seasons, the long rains which normally start at the end of March and last until June, and the short rains which normally occur in October and November. The rainy seasons are the months when rain can be expected as opposed to the dry seasons where it will be unlikely, but it does not mean that it rains all the time. Naturally conditions on the mountains can become very slippery in the rains and snow can become a problem on some of the routes to the summit. Dry season months of June to September and December to February can usually be counted as the best months for trekking.

Country Facts - Tanzania
Land area: 945,087 sq. kilometers (~586,000 sq. miles)
Population: 33 million (est. 1999), 120 tribal groups
Population Growth Rate: 2.8 percent per annum
Official language: Kiswahili (Swahili) and English
Capital City: Dodoma
Commercial City: Dar-Es-Salaam
Currency: Tanzania Shilling - 1 T.Shs. = 100 cents
Exchange Rate: 1 US $ = 1000T.Shs. (October 2001)
Inflation Rate: 5.8 percent (Bank of Tanzania, August 2000)
Main Exports: Coffee, Cotton, Clove, Sisal, Tea, Minerals.
Value of Exports: US $543 million (BOT 1999)
Main Imports: Oil and Oil products, Raw materials, Intermediate Goods, Capital Goods and Consumables.
Value of Imports: US $1,368.2 million (BOT 1999)
Trade Balance: US $(-825.00 million) (BOT 1999)
External Debt: US $7,595.7 million (BOT June 2000)

HISTORY Tanzania is the "cradle of mankind". It was here in the Olduvai Gorge that Dr. Louis Leakey discovered the fossilized remains of Homo habilis, or "handy man", calculated to be 1.75 million years old and the forerunner of modern man.

Arab merchants visited the coast some 2,000 years ago and settled in Zanzibar around the eighth century AD, later establishing trade routes into the interior. The inter-marriage of Arabs and local people created a new people with their own language - Kiswahili (Swahili) whose word for a journey - safari - has become the international description of a trip into the wild.

The Portuguese established temporary settlements in the 16th century, supplanted by the Omanis in the late 17th century who developed the infamous slave trade. The scramble for Africa by the European powers at the end of the 19th century led to Germany's occupation of the mainland; Zanzibar became a British protectorate. After WWI, Germany surrendered its territory to the British.

Tanganyika, as the mainland was then known, achieved independence in 1961 and became a republic in 1962. Zanzibar became independent two years later in 1963 and shortly afterwards, after a revolution that toppled the Sultanate regime, the Isles joined with the mainland to become the United Republic of Tanzania. More than 120 tribes mostly of Bantu and Nilo Hametic origins currently occupy Tanzania.

GOVERNMENT The government of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) was formed on April 26, 1964 subsequent to the union of Tanzania Mainland (then Tanganyika) and Zanzibar Isles of Unguja and Pemba. A United Republic of Tanzania government was formed thereafter, dealing with all union matters. The Zanzibar government was left to deal with Zanzibar matters.

Geographically, Tanzania mainland has 26 regions and Zanzibar has 5 regions headed by Regional Commissioners. Each region has several districts headed by District Commissioners. The Current President of Tanzania is Hon. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.
Corruption has been recognized as a crime in Tanzania since independence. The current government sees corruption as a big problem in the society as it threatens security, tranquility and dignity of the nation. The president and his government recognize that sustainable social, political, cultural and economic development of people can be achieved if corruption is arrested and high level of transparency and accountability is attained.