Climate
Tanzania does not have winter, spring, summer and fall but rather the rainy season and the dry season. The primary rainy season is from mid-March to late May. The short rains are from mid-October to the end of November. While the rains feed the crops and give the locals a break from the relentless sun, don't count on catching a glimpse of Kilimanjaro during these months. The coastal areas are hot and humid with an average daytime temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, although sea breezes moderate the climate from June to September. At an elevation of 1200+ meters above sea-level, the central plateau has cool nights but bakes under the equatorial sun during the day. Around Kilimanjaro and the Northern Highlands, temperatures range from 15 degrees Celsius from May through August to 22 degrees Celsius from December to March. For any of the trekking trips, you will be subject to unpredictable alpine weather. The summit of Kilimanjaro is snow-capped year round, and flurries can move in and out several times throughout the day.

Geopraphy
Tanzania, covering 937,062km2, borders Kenya and Uganda to the north, Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi to the west, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the east. Formerly called Tanganyika, the Republic of Tanzania was formed when the mainland joined with the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. Tanzania hosts the greatest extreme of topographical relief in Africa: from its 804km of palm-fringed beaches to the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895 meters above sea-level. From the forested mountains in the North and South, through the rich, brown savanna grass of the central plateau to the tropical coastline, Tanzania's geography is home to a diversity of plants and animals equally as diverse.

Language
The national language is kiSwahili, although kiSwahili is the second tongue of most Tanzanians as Tanzania is home to over 120 different ethnic groups each with its own tongue. In addition to kiSwahili, the Tanzanian education system has maintained English as the medium of instruction in secondary schools from the times of British imperialism; for this, most people have a good working knowledge of English.

Clothing
Light, washable summer clothes are suitable all year round, however you may want to bring an extra layer or two if you plan to stay in the more elevated regions around Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro or the Usambara Mountains. A wide-rimmed hat, suntan oil and sunglasses are recommended for any type of holiday as the equatorial sun has no mercy. A rain coat and insect repellent are also recommended for all regions,all seasons.

Currency
The unit of currency is the Tanzania Shilling (Tsh). In April, 2007, the rate was 1,243TSh per US dollar. Visitors can bring into Tanzania any amount of foreign money; no currency declaration is required. It is against the law to import or export Tanzanian currency. Foreign currency in cash or travelers' cheques may be exchanged at any branch of a commercial bank or through authorized 'Bureau de Change.' Changing money is available at airports, all major towns and border posts.

Customs
Personal items including binoculars, still cameras, and film may be imported (temporarily) free of duty. A customs bond may be demanded from visitors bringing in video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re-exported. Firearms require a special permit. Liquor (1 pint), tobacco (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars) are tax-free for individuals over 16 years. Visitors buying local handicrafts must keep cash sales receipts for presentation to customs officials on departure.

Health
Deciding which immunizations are appropriate for your journey depends on your destination, length of stay, whether you will be in rural areas or remaining in the resorts, which vaccinations you may have had in the past, your allergies and any current medications you are taking. Although there is an ongoing debate concerning which malaria prophylaxis is best, your physician should be able to refer you to a travel clinic or public health department that will have the most up-to-date information. In short, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE YOUR TRIP. As a general rule, an appointment with your physician should be made at least 6-8 weeks prior to travel. If you are interested in doing some research yourself, we recommend the United States' Center For Disease Control website.