Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania

What part of Africa is Tanzania located in?

Tanzania is located in the eastern part of Africa on the shore of the Indian Ocean. It s one of 53 independent countries in the African continent. The islands of Zanzibar and Pemba (Tanzania Islands) are just offshore. Tanzania is neighbors to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

See Map of Tanzania - Source Merriam-Webster’s Atlas.

What is the language of Tanzania

The official language in Tanzania is Swahili which is spoken all throughout the country. Primary Education facilitated through the compulsory Universal Primary Education (UPE) philosophy in the sixties and adult education programmes in Tanzania enabled this interesting achievement. This language is also spoken widely in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda.

International media houses have taken advantage of the huge Swahili audience by having Swahili broadcasts, including Voice of America (VOA) Swahili Service, Radio Deutsche Welle Germany Swahili Service, and BBC Swahili Service.

In Tanzania, Swahili is also the official Government language although English is also extensively used to facilitate non-Swahili speakers in Government, multi-national institutions, expatriates and foreigners. English is widely spoken and understood by many Tanzanians.

English is the language in some English medium primary schools, all secondary schools and colleges and universities. Graduates from Tanzania Institutions of Higher learning have acquired sufficient English language proficiency to join universities and colleges in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and other English speaking countries.

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the northern part of Tanzania. At 5895 metres (19,340 feet) above sea level, it is the highest mountain in Africa. It is permanently snow capped. The highest point of the mountain is called the Uhuru (Swahili for Independence) peak. Many also refer to this peak as Kibo.

Is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro a feat achieved only by professional mountaineers?

No, Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed by any person who is physically fit. There are designated trek routes and professional guides and teams with porters who carry the climbers luggage and belongings during the climb. The entourage is well equipped and also conversant with emergency procedures. The ascent to the top of the mountain normally takes three days and the descent two days. Evenings are spent in camps for dinner, sleeping, resting and acclimatization for altitude. Climbing begins each day in the early morning.

Many people from all over the world of different age groups and physical fitness with no previous mountaineering experience have successfully climbed the mountain. A number of not-for-profit organizations have also been able to benefit from funds raised by different groups doing the climb. Among them, CARE International UK, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Canada, Canadian Breast Cancer Network, Save the Children, AIDS Walk Africa, ALS Society of Canada, Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation and the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia.

What are the best National Parks and Conservation Areas to visit in Tanzania??

Tanzania is endowed with some of the best parks in the world. Depending on your interests, budget limitations, and duration of stay, visits to some of the conservation areas can be the fulfillment of a life-long dream. For luxury travel, safaris, naturalist and researcher interests, exchanging wedding vows, or just being a tourist, whatever your interest you will find this in Tanzania. Your tour operators will be your best guide.

Tanzania has many designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the Ngorongoro and Empakaai Craters and Olduvai Gorge designated in 1979 ; Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara designated in 1981; Serengeti National Park designated in 1981; Selous Game Reserve designated in 1982 ; Kilimanjaro National Park designated in 1987 and The Stone Town of Zanzibar designated 2000.

On a Tanzania Safari one can engage in the following activities... game viewing (the big five and many other wildlife animals) in the national parks in the Northern circuit and southern Tanzania; witnessing unbelievable migration of wildlife; climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru; holidaying on the beautiful islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia; swimming, diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, bird watching, walking tours, cultural tours and much much more.

Where is Zanzibar located?

Zanzibar (referred to as Unguja ) and the island of Pemba together with many nearby smaller islands are part of Tanzania. These Islands are on the eastern coast of Tanzania Mainland in the Indian ocean and only one and half hour by hydrofoil or fast passenger boats from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar. There are regular international flights to Zanzibar. From Dar es salaam and Kilimanjaro International airports in Tanzania and Mombassa in Kenya, there are regular domestic and charter flights to Zanzibar. There are also flights from Zanzibar to Pemba. There are as well ocean passenger vessels which ply from Zanzibar to Pemba.

Zanzibar is a world holiday destination and was named the best Island destination in "Africa And The Middle East" by the reputed worldwide publication - "Travel + Leisure Magazine".

I am interested in doing a combined safari of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda during my vist to Tanzania. Could you advise me if this is possible?

Most of the tour operators listed in the “Travel and Tours Classifications “ of this website organize East Africa tours and certainly could organize one for you. They could also be able to work out a combined tour of Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa or other countries in East, Central and Southern Africa. The choice is yours. You need to provide details to them so they could organise the safari of your choice!!!.

I am an investor. What are the areas and opportunities for investment in Tanzania?

The government websites and the official Tanzanian Embassies in the countries they are located, the TRA, and some other international websites have all the relevant information you would need. These and many other links listed on this website in the “Important Links” section including ZIPA and PSRC are very comprehensive, and detailed. Information from these resources is helpful to prospective domestic or international investors.

I am interested in pursuing higher education in Tanzania. Can you name which institutions I can join?

For a student, this is the best time in one’s life to gain the valuable international development experience. Tanzania has some of the best universities and colleges one can imagine. Education in Tanzania can firstly be achieved at a relatively much less cost and more importantly many institutions of Higher learning have recognition, affiliations and collaborations in specified fields with world known Institutions and universities. The Ministry of Education in Tanzania has a list of all approved local Institutions of Higher Learning. Medium of instruction is English and the institutions appeal equally to undergraduate students aspiring for studies in Sciences, Liberal Arts, Accountancy, Business, Information Technology, professional degrees in law, medicine, dentistry, nursing.; also extremely well equipped resources and equipment, professorial supervision and support exist for those wishing to pursue Masters programmes, research and doctorate dissertations and degrees.

I am a professional science teacher and want to get international development work experience by working in schools in Tanzania. Are there organizations I can contact?

There are many work opportunities, both paid and volunteer based for professionals in different fields. The links in the “Education" and “Important Links" sections have valuable resources if you would like to find more information about who to contact.