As 2020 nears its end, people all over the world hope for a better 2021. For travel lovers, this year is expected to bring good news, with the pandemic being controlled, and travel restrictions being lifted. A great vacation spot for 2021 is the gorgeous country of Tanzania where one can visit pristine locations, have exciting experiences, and learn about the rich culture and heritage. Here is a guide for travelling to Tanzania in 2021.
- Travel
The country can be reached easily through international flights. Travellers should fly directly to Dar Es Salaam, as flights to bigger cities are cheaper. Inside the country, public transport is easily available and one can move across regions via flights, ferry rides, rental cars, or buses.
- Food
Tourists can find fruits and vegetables such as coconuts, avocadoes, berries, guavas, watermelons, oranges, mangoes, pineapples, passionfruit, bananas, cauliflowers, onions, chillies, peppers, cabbage, lettuce, carrots, and beans. Street food allows tourists to enjoy the diverse cuisine, with its Swahili, Turkish, Arabic, Indian, Portugese, and British influences. Local food uses spices such as lemongrass, cumin, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, cardamom, and coriander. Famous street food includes Uji (porridge), pani puri (hollow chips filled with potatoes, chickpeas, and spices), ginger tea, sugarcane juice, Kuku Paka (spicy curry), biryani, pilao, samosa (fried filled triangles), sweet potatoes, kebabs, Muhogo (deep fried cassava), Mandazi (sweet doughnuts), and meat skewers.
- Clothes
For some cities, one must cover up and dress modestly, so keeping an extra layer such as a sweater or a shawl is a good idea. For safaris, light weight, light colored, breathable fabrics are ideal as they do not attract attention, and minimize noise when walking. Tourists should avoid white clothes as they quickly get dirty from the dust. Travellers must carry layers such as a fleece, scarf, or light jacket, to protect from the cold and hats and sunglasses to protect from the sun during the day. It is important to wear comfortable trainers, so walking around and exploring the region is easy. Tourists must also carry flip flops for comfort at the end of the day.
- People
The locals are friendly, down to earth, and helpful. In urban areas, many people can speak English, although it is a good idea to learn a few words of Swahili. It is important to be respectful to local cultures. Tourists should not violate the natural beauty of the region, nor offend the moral values of the locals. One must try to support the local economy, avoid cultural appropriation, and engage in ecotourism. Local accommodation is often comfortable, and many facilities such as WiFi, are available for tourists.
- Packing
Making a packing list beforehand is a great idea, as it allows tourists to ensure that they have everything that they might need for a comfortable trip. One must keep important documents, devices such as mobile phones, cash or credit cards, clothing, a camera and spare batteries, necessary medication, tickets, proofs of bookings, masks, gloves, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, binoculars, and body care products such as tissues and soaps.
- Budget
Making online bookings beforehand can help avail discounts and offers. In the low season, facilities are cheaper as there are less tourists. Negotiating prices is a good way of getting items at a bargain. Local food is not very expensive, and is often better than international fast food chains.
- Locations
Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most beautiful safari parks and reserves, beaches, and heritage sites. One can go to the Serengeti, Selous Game Reserve, or Ngorongoro Crater to find stunning animals such as lions, leopards, gazelles, giraffes, zebras, and cape buffaloes. The Great Migration of 2 million wildebeests is a magnificent sight to witness. Birds such as flamingos, herons, and ostriches are found at Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a breathtaking and unforgettable experience. In Zanzibar, one can visit Old Town which is a UNESCO world heritage sites, or pristine beaches such as Kendwa, Paje, Nungwi, Pongwe, Kiwengwa, and Jambiani, where one can enjoy scuba diving, swimming, snorkelling, kiteboarding, parasailing, and dhow rides. Museums such as the National Museum are home to ancient artefacts and fossils, paintings, old weapons and coins, and ethnographic collections.
