Tanzania in brief:

Capital: Dar es Salaam (Dodoma).
Most international airlines fly to Dar-es-Salaam via Johannesburg. There are no direct flights from north America to east Africa.

Currency: Tanzania shillings (TSh or TZs).

Size: 945 087 sq km including Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia islands. This is just over twice the size of California.

Population: 36 million.

Languages: Kiswahili and English.

Climate: tropical; temperate inland; coastal areas usually hot and humid with cooling sea breezes on the beaches. Average temperature: 30 degrees Celsius. There are two wet seasons - Long ‘monsoon’ rains fall between March-June each year; Short rains fall between November - January.
Hottest months are December and March before long rains falls start, and the coolest months are June, July, August - migration time.
Temperatures fall below freezing in high altitudes areas of the Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro highlands.

History: Previously British-ruled Tanganyika - re-named Tanzania at independence and reunification with Zanzibar in 1964.

Highest point: Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 metres.

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Zanzibar

The island has a fascinating history - its culture, crafts and cuisine were influenced over the centuries by a mixture of Arab, Indian, Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese, Persian and English peoples who have blended together to create a spectacular mixture of sights and sounds. Its beautiful beaches, warm seas and fragrant spice plantations invite you to enjoy the ultimate in relaxation.

Zanzibar in Brief:
Main Town: and ancient capital is Stone Town, on Zanzibar island.

Size: Zanzibar comprises an archipelago of three islands, Zanzibar (1554 sq.. km), Pemba and Mafia Island.

Population: Approximately 800 000

Economy: Zanzibar is the world’s leading producer of cloves and many other spices - including nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper - are grown in plantations on the island.
The other main industry is tourism.

History: Colonised by Persians, then Portuguese, it became a possession of the Sultans of Oman, who developed a large slave trade and also colonised a large part of the mainland opposite, developing the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam. A period of British rule followed, when the slave trade was abolished. The Sultans once again made a bid for possession. but the islands reverted to Tanzania in the 1960’s.

Home to some of the most famous wildlife reserves in Africa - the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania is a dream destination for anyone wishing to trace the footsteps of the old explorers and hunters. This is where the wildebeest migration starts, and where the lions feed. Classical Africa!
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