tanzania

tanzania

The 7 Top Travel Tips For First Timer To Tanzania

The 7 Top Travel Tips For First Timer To Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the most beautiful countries to visit, but there are some tips that first-timers should know about. These tips will ensure that you have a good time in the country and that you know everything that you need to do.

Getting A Visa

Citizens of most European countries, the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia will need a visa to enter Tanzania. You will be able to find out more information about getting a visa from the Tanzanian Embassy websites. It is important to note that the tourist visa which is issued will be valid for 6 months from the date of issue. This means that you will not want to get the visa too far in advance.

The Risk Of Malaria

To enter Tanzania, you will not have to show proof of any immunization, but you need to be aware of the risk of malaria. Tanzania is home to a resistant strain of malaria and you need to be careful with this. It is important that you tell your doctor that you are going to be visiting Tanzania in particular so that you can get the right anti-malaria medication.

Follow Basic Safety Rules

Tanzania is known for the friendly and laid-back attitude of the people, but this does not mean that you should not follow basic safety rules. These rules will include not walking on your own at night in the cities or along an empty beach. You should also be careful with the cash that you carry. There have also been some instances of thieves posing as police officers so you need to be aware.

When You Should Visit The Country

Depending on what you want to experience in the country, you need to time your visit correctly. March to May and November to December is the rainy seasons and this causes roads to wash out and certain parks to close. However, this will be the best time for deals on safaris and enjoying the country with fewer tourists.

You should look at climbing Kilimanjaro in January, February or September when it is dry and warm. The annual migration will take place between February and March and during the dry season. The beaches are best enjoyed from July to October when there are fewer tourists.

Getting To Tanzania

There are a number of ways that you can get to Tanzania depending on where you are coming from. Most people will fly into the country with the best airport being Kilimanjaro International. There are daily KLM flights from Amsterdam. If you are heading to the southern and western parts of the country, you should fly to the capital which is possible with a range of different European airlines.

Getting Around Tanzania

To get around Tanzania, you can fly, take the train or take the bus. Flying will be the fastest option and you can choose from a range of different carriers. All major towns will have several scheduled flights, but smaller towns will not. If you are going to take the train, you should be aware that there are 2 railway lines that offer different classes. First and second class travel should be booked a few days in advance.

Renting A Car

It is possible to rent a car from all of the major car rental agencies. These agencies will generally provide you with a 4WD vehicle, but will not offer unlimited mileage. If you are going to be renting a car, you will have to carefully calculate your costs. It is also important to note that the roads in Tanzania are not always the best and they can be washed out in the rainy seasons.

rental car

tanzania food

The 5 Tanzanian Dishes That You Have To Try

The 5 Tanzanian Dishes That You Have To Try

If you are taking a trip to Tanzania, there is a lot for you to do, see and eat. Tanzania food offers a lot of different dishes that you need to try while in the country. Some of the dishes might look like ones that you are used to, but others will be completely foreign.

Nyama Choma

When you translate Nyama Choma is literally means grilled meat and this is exactly what it is. The most common meat used for this dish will be goats’ meat that will normally be taken off the animal carcass and grilled in front of you. Once the meat is on the grill, it will be left to cook very slowly over hot coals which provide a smoky flavor to the meat.

When you eat this dish, you will notice that the meat is gamey and chewy when compared to the steaks back home. It is best to enjoy Nyama Choma with a group of friends and to take your time because a single plate can take 45 minutes to an hour to cook. However, there is nothing better than eating this dish while sipping a beer in the Tanzanian sun.

Mshikaki

Another meat dish that you have to try is Mshikaki which is skewered chunks of marinated meat that is cooked over open coals. This is a favorite street food in the country and you will often see it being sold in markets and in the small hours of the morning to party goers. It is recommended that you order a few plates, because you will find yourself wanting more.

Chipsi Mayai

The name of this dish is Swahili for chips and eggs and this dish is one of the most common comfort foods in the country. If you get this dish in the purest form, you will find that it is a French fry omelet. This is actually where the beauty of this dish lies because it is so simple.

It is important to note that the fries you find in Tanzania will be different to the ones that you are used to. They will generally be hand-cut and fresh before being fried until crispy yellow. You will be able to find this dish at most outdoor food stands and eateries.

Ugali

One of the staple foods in the country that you need to try is Ugali. This is an easy to cook food which is also very affordable. It is made with maize flour and water which is cooked slowly until it has a dough-like consistency.

The correct way to eat this dish will be the break a chunk of it off and roll it into a small ball in your hands before dunking it in your main dish. You will then pop the ball into your mouth and enjoy the flavors. It is important to note that Ugali is generally served as a side dish along with another main dish and will be served with most dishes. It is most commonly served with nyama choma and mchuzi.

Zanzibar Pizza

Zanzibar pizza is most popular on the island which provides the name. This pizza is actually one of the best dishes you will eat in the country and it all starts with the sheet of dough. This dough is filled with onions, peppers, meat, a slice of cheese and raw egg. This is all wrapped up and then placed in a pan to fry.

The pizza will come out crispy and chewy, similar to an oversized dumpling. There are many variations of the pizza for different times and occasions. Some will be filled with chocolate while others will be full of bananas.

If you like what you see, why don’t you get in touch with us.