Tanzania: At a Glance

Although Tanzania is a year-round destination, it pays to time your visit carefully if you want to get the best out of the country. Don't expect the Serengeti, for example, to be swarming with wildebeest every month. The migration is a seasonal phenomenon, just as conditions for climbing Kilimanjaro or diving Zanzibar's coral reefs reach their peak during certain periods. A quick glance at our Travel Calendar (above) will put the year in perspective, while the notes below should help you target some of Tanzania's highlights.

[IMAGE1] To See the Great Migration
You stand a good chance of seeing thousand-strong herds of wildebeest in the Seronera Plains between early December and late April. The big trek north usually takes place during May, reaching a frenzy in June or early July during the crossing of the Grumeti River. Having negotiated this crocodile-filled hazard, the herds disperse into Kenya's Masai Mara and the northern and western Serengeti. The return march begins around late October, with wildebeest arriving back in the Seronera Plains around late November.

To Avoid the Crowds
Perhaps not surprisingly, the main rainy season, March-June, is also when you're likely to have many places to yourself. The landscape looks green and rejuvenated, while good deals can be had on accommodation and activities. However, you may have less choice. Some lodges close during this period and many secondary roads may be impassable.

To Climb Kilimanjaro
Although trekking is possible year-round, trails through the lower forest areas can become slippery during wet seasons and snow can block the final approach to the summit. At any time of year, be prepared for extremes of temperature (20oC on the lower slopes, to well below freezing above 4000m).

To visit Zanzibar
Another year-round destination, Zanzibar is coolest and driest from June to October. Temperatures average around 27-29oC, but this is often tempered by ocean breezes.

Tanzania: The Essentials

CHECKLIST
Languages: Officially KiSwahili and English.
Time: GMT+3
International Dialling Code: +255.
Money Tanzanian shilling (Tsh), currently Tsh1,550 to the UK £. Take traveller's cheques and cash, with a credit card as back-up. The latter are accepted at many lodges, hotels and restaurants, while cash advances can be made from ATMs in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Mwanza.
Visas Required by most visitors, costing between US$30-60. Tanzania High Commission, 43 Hertford Street, London W1Y 7DB, tel: 0207 499 8951. Visit www.tanzania.go.tz.
Getting There Airlines serving international airports at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro include Air Tanzania, British Airways, Gulf Air, KLM, Lufthansa and Swissair.
Getting Around Scheduled flights connect highlights such as Zanzibar, Arusha and the Serengeti, while ferries link Dar es Salaam with Zanzibar. Express coaches ply most major routes.
Accomodation From top-end, all-inclusive lodges (US$250+ per night) to simple, budget guesthouses (US$20 per room). The greatest variety of facilities are in major towns and on Zanzibar.
Health Check that your tetanus, polio, diphtheria and hepatitis A vaccinations are up-to-date. Cholera inoculation is no longer required, although you should consider hepatitis B and rabies for long trips in remote areas. Malaria is widespread and it is essential that you start a course of preventative pills before travelling. You will need proof of yellow fever vaccination if travelling to Zanzibar.