Travel with Lasi Tours and Safaris

History

The present country of Tanzania came into being in 1964 with the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. There are over 120 tribes on the mainland, most of which migrated from other parts of Africa. The first Europeans to arrive were the Portuguese, who controlled most of the coastal region. The Portuguese also controlled Zanzibar until 1699 when they were ousted from the island by Oman Arabs. In the late 19th century, along with Rwanda and Burundi, Tanganyika was absorbed into the colony of German East Africa as a consequence of a deal between the British and Germans.

Following the German defeat in WW l, the territory was administered by the British under successive Language of Nations mandates. Tanganyika became independent within the Commonwealth in 1961 after a period of self- government during which the principal nationalist party, the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), emerged as the dominant political force. Its charismatic leader, Julius Nyerere, held the post of President from independence to 1985. In 1964, Tanganyika joined with Zanzibar and became Tanzania.

Geography

The United Republic of Tanzania lies on the Indian Ocean and is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; Burundi, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo to the west; and by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The Tanzania mainland is divided into several clearly defined regions – the coastal plains, which have lush tropical vegetation , the Maasai steppe in the north, 200- 1000 metres ( 700-3500feet) above sea level, and a high plateau in the south towards Zambia and Lake Nyasa. Savannah and bush cover half the country, and semi arid desert accounts for the remaining land area. Volcanic highlands can be seen in the northeast and southwest of the country. Over 53.000 Square kilometres are inland water, mostly lakes formed in the Great Rift Valley. The United Republic of Tanzania includes the island of Zanzibar and Pemba. About 45km (23 miles) off the coast to the northeast of the country

Capital

Commercial capital: Dar es Salaam

Administrative capital: Dodoma

Climate

The climate is tropical and coastal areas are usually hot and humid but regulated by sea breezes. Average day temperature is 30 degrees centigrade. There are two seasons of rain in Tanzania: the long rains run from late March until June and the short rains from November until January. The long rains fall in heavy downpours, often accompanied by violent storms . The short rains tend to be much less severe. The hottest time of the year is December to March, and the coolest months are June, July and August. In high altitude areas such as Kilimanjaro or the Ngorongoro Highlands temperatures can fall below freezing.

Entry Requirements

A valid passport; a valid visa for those not exempted.