Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Dar es Salaam Tanzania - Vacation Destination Information

By Karl Heinz

Located on a massive harbor on the eastern coast of Indian Ocean, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania boasts an atmosphere of tranquility with enchanting beaches and lively neighborhoods. The city's bustling harbor is the main port in Tanzania, and is home to the main international airport in Tanzania; Julius Nyerere International Airport - located about 13km from the city centre.

Getting to Dar es Salaam, and Tanzania in general, requires visitors from yellow fever infected areas to obtain yellow fever international certificate of vaccination. Exemptions are made for visitors arriving from non-endemic areas such as Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand. The northwestern forest region of Tanzania is considered a high-risk area for yellow fever.

Visitors are strongly advised to take anti malaria medication commencing two weeks before travel asmalaria is common in Tanzania. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid are also recommended. In addition, all visitors are required to have a visa except citizens of some African and commonwealth countries. It is advisable to obtain visa's in advance from Tanzania Embassies and High Commissions as some airlines may require it before allowing you to board. For citizens of a few selected countries, visas can also be issued on arrival at Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro international airports and at the Namanga Gate on the Kenya /Tanzania border.

The regional Hubs of Johannesburg, Nairobi & Addis Ababa can be used to access Dar es Salaam. Airports such as Kilimanjaro international airport and Dodoma airport in Tanzania can be used to connect flights to Dar es Salaam. To cater for visitors travelling from Tanzania from Kenya there is a ferry service provided.

Transport within the city of Dar es Salaam is usually by taxis, visitors should bear in mind that this taxis charge a standard flat rate per journey within the city. If visitors are interested in visiting Zanzibar then they must produce evidence of Yellow fever certification. Transportation to Zanzibar is done through ferries where a visitor could opt to go for a choice of a catamaran, an ordinary ferry or a hydrofoil. A port charge of USD 5 is levied to the boat fare.

The temperature in Tanzania and by extension in Dar es Salaam is warm. Tourists are advised to carry light clothing for warm environments. Daily temperatures average 30C with the months of October to March proving to be the hottest period. Warm clothing such as sweaters is required to protect one from the evening and early morning chill. When you visit the highlands then short sleeved shirts, shorts and trousers for men are sufficient and so are short sleeved blouses, slacks and skirts for the ladies.

Dar es salaam has numerous historical landmarks, including St. Joseph's Cathedral, the White Father's Mission House, the Botanical Gardens, the old State House and the National Museum that proclaim their permanent residence in the city centre. Lutheran Church -probably the oldest building standing on the city, on the other hand, seems to recount the rich Christian heritage of Tanzania that dates back 18th century when the first missionaries set their feet on the country.

Nearly all visitors to Dar es Salaam end up taking a southern Tanzania tour to Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha and Selous game reserves - one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country.

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