Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Eid al-Fitr
The end of Ramadan, and East Africa's most important Islamic celebration;
celebrated as a two-day holiday in many areas.
Eid al-Moulid (Maulidi)
The birthday of the Prophet Mohammed.
Ramadan
The annual 30-day fast when adherents do not eat or drink from sunrise to sun-
set.
Approximate dates for these events are shown above. Although Ramadan is not a public
holiday, restaurants are often closed during this time on Zanzibar and in other coastal areas.
Safe Travel
Tanzania is in general a safe, hassle-free country and can be a relief if you've recently
been somewhere like Nairobi. That said, you do need to take the usual precautions. Al-
though Somali piracy hasn't yet been an issue for general tourism in coastal Tanzania as it
is in neighbouring Kenya, it's worth getting an update on the situation while planning your
travels.
»Avoid isolated areas, especially isolated stretches of beach.
»In cities and tourist areas take a taxi at night.
»Only take taxis from established taxi ranks or hotels. Never enter a taxi that already has
someone else in it other than the driver.
»When using public transport, don't accept drinks or food from someone you don't know.
Be sceptical of anyone who comes up to you on the street asking whether you remember
them from the airport, your hotel or wherever.
In tourist areas, especially Arusha, Moshi and Zanzibar, touts and flycatchers can be
quite pushy, especially around bus stations and budget tourist hotels. Do everything you
can to minimise the impression that you're a newly arrived tourist:
»Duck into a shop if you need to get your bearings or look at a map.
»Don't walk around any more than necessary with your luggage.
»While looking for a room, leave your bag with a friend or reliable hotel rather than walk-
ing around town with it.
»Buy your bus tickets a day in advance (without your luggage).
»When arriving in a new city, take a taxi from the bus station to your hotel.
»Be very wary of anyone who approaches you on the street, at the bus station or in your
hotel offering safari deals or claiming to know you.
»Never pay any money for a safari or trek in advance until you've thoroughly checked out
the company, and never pay any money at all outside the company's office.
In western Tanzania, especially along the Burundi border, there are sporadic outbursts of
banditry and political unrest. Things are currently quiet, with better roads and armed guards
on buses, but it's worth getting an update locally.
