Time Difference:

• Los Angeles: +11 hours (When it’s 12:00 PM in Los Angeles, it’s 11:00 PM in Tanzania.)
• New York: +8 hours (When it’s 12:00 PM in New York, it’s 8:00 PM in Tanzania.)
• London: +3 hours (When it’s 12:00 PM in London, it’s 3:00 PM in Tanzania.)
• New Delhi: -2.5 hours (When it’s 12:00 PM in New Delhi, it’s 9:30 AM in Tanzania.)
• Sydney: -8 hours (When it’s 12:00 PM in Sydney, it’s 4:00 AM in Tanzania.)

Language:

• Native language: Swahili
• Official language: English
  Tanzania is home to around 130 different ethnic groups, each with its own language. However, many indigenous languages are gradually disappearing. In secondary schools, classes are conducted in English. People working in the tourism industry often speak clear and understandable English, but many locals do not speak English fluently.

Airport:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest international airport to Serengeti National Park. Many safari tours operate from this airport.

Major National Parks in Northern Tanzania:

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Tarangire National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Arusha National Park

Religion:

• Christianity: 40%
• Islam: 40%
• Animism: 20%
  (*Animism is a belief that all things, including animals, plants, and even inanimate objects, possess a spiritual essence.)

Capital City:

• Official capital: Dodoma
• Largest city: Dar es Salaam

History:

• Tanzania gained independence from Britain in 1961.
• Before World War II, it was a German colony. Germans introduced Kilimanjaro coffee and Christianity to the region.
• Before the German era, Arabs and Indians had settled in Tanzania.

Population & Land Area:

• Population: Approximately 65.5 million (as of 2022).
• Land area: About 2.5 times the size of Japan.

Common Swahili Phrases:

• Jambo – Hello (used when addressing foreigners)
• Mambo – Hello (informal greeting, meaning “How’s it going?”)
• Poa – I’m good (response to “Mambo”)
• Asante – Thank you
• Karibu – Welcome / You’re welcome / Bon appétit
• Hakuna Matata (or Hakuna Shida) – No worries / It’s okay

Famous for:

• Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest peak at 5,895m)
• Kilimanjaro Coffee
• The inspiration for Disney’s “The Lion King“
• Tanzanite (a rare blue gemstone found only in Tanzania)
• Tinga Tinga (a unique style of acrylic painting)
• First female president (since 2021)
• The Maasai people
• Birthplace of Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury (Zanzibar Island)

Climate & Best Travel Seasons:

• Dry season: June to October
• Short rainy season: November to December
• Long rainy season: March to May

Currency & Cost of Living:

• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
• Credit cards: Accepted at major hotels and tourist areas but not widely used in rural areas. Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted. Carrying cash (especially USD) is recommended.
• ATMs: Available in cities but may not always work properly.

Visa Information:

• A tourist visa is required for all travelers.