1. Advantage Tanzania
The United Republic of Tanzania comprises the territory formerly known as
Tanganyika, now mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar which is made up of the
islands of Ungula and Pemba. Tanganyika, which gained independence in 1961,
united with Zanzibar in 1964 to form the United Republic. With a total area of
945,000 km2 Tanzania is geographically well placed for international trade,
with deep-water harbours and is a passage to 8 neighboring, land-locked
countries.
Tanzania has been among the fastest growing economies in the world in the
past decade with an annual average growth of 7.2%. Inspite of the global
recession growth performance in the country remained at a respectable level
of 6.7% in 2011. The country features in the list of top five fastest growing
economies in the world in 2011-15. The key drivers of growth include private
consumption, exports, tourism revenues, and foreign investment. The
country’s relatively well-educated labor force, coupled with political stability
and the Government’s sound macroeconomic management of the economy,
will add to Tanzania’s attractiveness.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy contributing over a quarter in the
GDP formation and employing a majourity of the workforce. Tanzania’s
industrial sector is also one of the fastest growing in Africa. In the external
sector, value of exports increased by 13%. Recent banking reforms have helped
increase private-sector growth and investment, and the government has
increased its spending.
Tanzania has made efforts to encourage foreign investment. Government steps
to improve the business climate include redrawing tax codes, floating the
exchange rate, licensing foreign banks, and creating an investment promotion
centre to cut red tape.
Significant improvements have been made in improving the country’s
infrastructure. Today Tanzania is the 4th largest domestic air transportation
market in Sub-Saharan Africa and Dar Es Salaam airport is one of the top 15 in
the sub-continent. Quality of roads in the country is considered well above the
benchmark. Progress in the other sectors like power, ICT and so on cannot be
ignored either.
2. Tanzania has witnessed a steady and consistent flow of inward FDI during the
last decade. FDI increased from US$ 467m to US$ 1095m between 2001 and
2011. Tanzania’s most significant investors have been of European origin,
namely Denmark, Norway, and Germany. However, India remains an important
non western economic partner.
Indo-Tanzania Trade Relationship
Tanzania and India have traditionally enjoyed close, friendly and co-operative
relations. From the 1960s to the 1980s the political relationship was driven
largely by shared ideological commitments to anti-colonialism, anti-racism,
socialism in various forms as well as genuine desire for South-South
Cooperation. In recent years Indo-Tanzanian ties have evolved into a modern
and pragmatic relationship with greater and diversified economic engagement.
India is a leading trading partner of Tanzania's as well as an important source
of essential machinery and pharmaceutical products. Many of the top business
establishments of Tanzania are owned by members of the Indian origin
Community Development Based on TCTP
Tanzania Cultural Tourism Programme is a sustainable pro-poor tourism initiative that engages local
communities in various tourism activities for the purpose of delivering the services to earn an income from
tourism. Tanzanians are proud of receiving tourists in their rural areas where authentic Culture of the
people can be perfectly explored and various benefits gained by the community.
Cultural Tourism contributes to Community Development through providing employment to local people
who works as Tour Guides, Coordinators of Cultural Tourism Enterprises, traditional dancing, storytelling,
food service provision, accommodation service provision (home stays & camping) and through direct sales
of goods and services to tourists.
Cultural Tourism creates an opportunity for local people to sell goods and services directly to tourists. On
the other hand, communities benefit indirectly through tax or levy on tourism income or profits with
proceeds.
3. A number of development projects such as education, health, water, environmental conservation and
orphanage centres have been supported by Village Development fees which make a small portion of the
package price. Other tourists have been providing voluntary donations to support local development
projects. For the year 2010, 20 Schools have been renovated and supplied with desks and 1 new primary
and Secondary school project in Babati and Hanang communities have been executed. The school project
is $ 800,000 worth.
Sixteen (16) students with good performance completing standard 7 yearly have been sponsored for
Secondary education, College and University education in Barbaig community. An orphanage centre and
English medium school project fund operated by Matunda Cultural Tourism have been supported financially
and in-kind by tourists doing their excursions and tours on the slopes of green forests of Mount Meru.
Currently Cultural Tourism Enterprises provides direct benefits (income) to Enterprise
Coordinators, Tour Guides, Food Service Providers, handcraft makers (majority are women
groups), story tellers, traditional dancers, farmers, traditional healers, blacksmith and home-
stay service providers just to mention a few. Many poor and disadvantaged groups in rural
areas are indirectly benefiting through Cultural tourism in Tanzania. Indirect benefits include
supported development projects by development fees collected. Projects supported are
schools, hospitals, water supply, orphanage centres and much more.
4. Brief About Tanzania
The United Republic of Tanzania is located in Eastern Africa between
longitude 29o
and 41o
East, Latitude 1o
and 12o
South.
The United Republic of Tanzania was formed out of the union of two
sovereign states namely Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Tanganyika became a
sovereign state on 9th December, 1961 and became a Republic the following
year. Zanzibar became independent on 10th December, 1963 and the People's
Republic of Zanzibar was established after the revolution of 12th January,
1964. The two sovereign republics formed the United Republic of Tanzania on
26th April, 1964. However, the Government of the United Republic of
Tanzania is a unitary republic consisting of the Union Government and the
Zanzibar Revolutionary Government.
Tanzania is the biggest (land area) among the East African countries (i.e.
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania). Tanzania has a spectacular landscape of mainly
three physiographic regions namely the Islands and the coastal plains to the
east; the inland saucer-shaped plateau; and the highlands. The Great Rift
Valley that runs from north east of Africa through central Tanzania is another
landmark that adds to the scenic view of the country.
5. The country has the largest concentration of wild animals. It also has pristine
sandy beaches and Africa’s highest and snow-capped Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania is home to the world famous National Parks and Game Reserves of:
Ngorongoro Crater, Selous Game Reserve, Gombe Stream, Tarangire, Lake
Manyara, Mikumi, Arusha, Ruaha, Saadani, Udzungwa Mountains, and
Mkomazi Game Reserve. Other Game Reserves include: Amani, Kigosi,
Lukwika-Lumesule, Maswa, Monduli Mountains, Msangesi and Ugala.
Dar es Salaam is the commercial capital and major sea port for Tanzania
Mainland and it serves neighboring land-locked countries of Malawi, Zambia,
Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda, as well as Eastern Democratic Republic of
Congo. Other sea ports include Zanzibar, Tanga, Lindi and Mtwara. Other
water bodies include the three large Lakes that surround the country Lake
Tanganyika, Lake Victoria and Lake Nyasa.
Security: Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted
and generous people and are eager to help visitors get the most out of their
stay. Tanzania is a true example of tolerance and cooperation in our modern
world, with an evidenced multicultural diversity that has co-existed for
centuries and has a lot to offer the world by its example.
As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable
precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe,
which frees your mind to absorb the natural beauty and incredible sights that
will stay with you forever.
Climate: The climate is tropical and there are two rain seasons the longer
being March through May and the short between October and November.
The dry season starts from July through October with clear sky and sunshine
the whole day. The weather is suitable for beach vacation. The coastal area is
normally hot and humid.
Health Precautions
Tanzania is located in a tropical climate with different bacteria, flora, and
fauna than most visitors are accustomed to, so it is advisable to take a few
health precautions when travelling to make sure that your trip goes as
comfortably and smoothly as possible.
6. Malaria: This is usually top on the list of visitors’ worries, and prevention goes
a long way towards keeping you protected. Although it is believed that the
anopholes mosquito (the species that carries malaria) hunts only at night,
make sure that all exposed areas are well slathered in insect repellent at all
times. Sleep under a net there are some very good travelling mosquito nets
available now, but budget travellers are well-advised to bring their own since
the nets at most low-end guesthouses have holes or are invariably too small.
If you’re sleeping in a tent that doesn’t have a net, spray insect repellent
inside, close the flap, and leave for a few minutes.
Make sure to visit your doctor to get a prescription for the antimalarial drugs
that best suit your health and condition there are some very good ones
available on the market now, but tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast
feeding. If you feel achy, have chills and hot flushes, headaches, or a fever
either during your trip or up to two weeks afterwards, visit a doctor
immediately to be tested for malaria. If your symptoms persist, don’t hesitate
in seeking a second opinion. A malaria test only takes about fifteen minutes
and involves a simple finger prick, and it’s available around the country.
Treatment is widely available and recovery times are fast, provided that you
get diagnosed as soon as you notice any possible symptoms. After all this
advice, it’s worth noting that not every mosquito has malaria and that if
you’re conscientious and take precautions, it’s unlikely that you will be
exposed.
Vaccinations: The yellow-fever vaccination is no longer officially required
when entering Tanzania, yet because the disease is endemic many doctors will
recommend it as a precaution. Other vaccinations that might be considered
before you travel include typhoid, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, and tetanus.
For more information, contact your doctor.
Food and water: It’s best to drink bottled water when travelling through
Tanzania numerous brands are widely available and served in all restaurants
and lodges. Steer clear of ice, raw vegetables, and salads when eating at
street restaurants. High-end lodges and restaurants will clean their produce in
antiseptic solution, but should you feel wary about anything on your plate,
leave it. Try to avoid eating in empty restaurants the food may have been
sitting out for some time and order your meat well done. On the coast,
seafood and fish are usually fresh, but again, make sure everything is well-
cooked. While on holiday, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
7. Visa: Coming to Tanzania has been made easy for visitors. It is easy to obtain a
Tanzanian visa and there are two ways to obtain: You can get a visa from a
Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission from your country or during your
arrival at the port of entry that is, airport or at the border port. The above
procedure is applicable for North America and European citizens. For more
details about Visas please contact the nearest Tanzanian Embassy or High
Commission in your area or visit Tanzania Ministry of Home Affairs
website http://www.moha.go.tz
Tanzania's International Airport: Tanzania has two international airports, one
outside the commercial capital Dar es Salaam (airport code: DAR) and the
other near Arusha (and Mount Kilimanjaro) called Kilimanjaro International
Airport (airport code: JRO). Charter flights and some international operators
fly directly to Zanzibar Island (airport code: ZNZ)
Getting to Tanzania: If you're planning to visit Northern Tanzania, the best
airport to arrive at is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). KLMhas daily
flights from Amsterdam. Ethiopian and Kenya Airways / Precision Air also fly
into KIA.
If you're planning to visit Zanzibar, southern and western Tanzania, it is ideal
to fly to the capital city of Dar es Salaam. European carriers that fly into Dar es
Salaam include British Airways, KLM and Swissair (which code shares with
Delta). There are long-distance bus services between Tanzania, Kenya and
Uganda.
Attractions: The country has a lot to offer educationally, historically, leisure
and adventures. These adventures are safaris (game drive in the National
Parks), historical sites such as museums, landscapes, mountains, beaches,
lakes, rivers and culture.
Social life: The country has more than 120 tribes. Each tribe has its own
vernacular. Although there are many languages "Kiswahili" was adopted to be
the National Language since 1961 right after independence. The language has
spread and is being used in the neighbouring countries of Uganda, Kenya and
Central Africa. English is the second official language of the nation. You will
find that Tanzanians are very welcoming and friendly.
Political system: Tanzania is perhaps the leading country in the continent of
Africa for its political stability, peace and tranquility. The political system is
8. multi-party and the government is democratic. Freedom of speech is
encouraged and accommodated. Political and religious conflicts are resolved
through dialogue. In short, religious and tribal conflicts are very rare in the
country because every citizen is free to worship as he/she please provided
that one does not violate the law of the land.
Currency: The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh) and there are no
smaller denominations. It’s best to carry as little cash as possible when
travelling to avoid further inconvenience if anything should be lost or stolen.
That said, major currencies (like the US Dollar, the English Pound, and the
Euro) are easily changed in large towns, although US Dollars are sometimes
preferred as well as Traveler’s Cheques in sterling pounds and US dollars are
acceptable.
Forex bureaux offer faster service than banks and although the exchange
rates are only nominally different, the bureaux usually offer a better rate on
travellers’ cheques. Banks around the country have ATM machines that allow
you to withdraw cash from your VISA card and other Bank ATMs allow you to
withdraw on both VISA and MasterCard accounts. Credit cards are accepted
only at major lodges, hotels, and travel agents.
Religions: Because of its historical diversity Tanzania is a land of various
religions. Nevertheless, major religions are Christianity, Islam, Hindu and
African Traditional Religions. In the east coast Dar es salaam, Bagamoyo,
Zanzibar and Tanga the dominant religion is Islam and Hindu. This is due to
the advent of Arabs and Eastern Indians which led to the spread of the two
religions. The mainland is dominantly Christian and this is due to the fact that
European colonists like Arabs spread Christian religion to indigenous.
Infrastructure & Accesibility: Major roads are paved and accessible
throughout the year. Side roads and those around and within National Parks
are muddy and rough. For this reason, a 4WD car is required for safaris. Four
Wheel cars include: Toyota Land Cruisers, Land Rovers and Toyota Hiace 4WD.
This is the type of cars commonly used. The Railway is also used mostly in the
eastern, southern, central and western parts of the country.
Time: The time zone is GMT + 3 and the electricity is 220 - 240 V AC, 50 Hz.