Karagwe

Tanzania, Africa, -- a secondary school in the Karagwe District
KARASECO INFORMATION - click here
http://www.tanzania.go.tz/districts/karagwe/karagwef.html

Health hazards

Tanzania Visa/Travel Documents:
The following information is for US citizens going abroad. If you are a non-US citizen, you must check with the consulate in your country regarding travel documents including passport and visa requirements.

A passport and visa are required for travel to Tanzania. U.S. citizens with valid passports may obtain a visa either before arriving in Tanzania or at any port of entry staffed by immigration officials. U.S. passports should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date the visa is btained, whether it is acquired beforehand or at the port of entry. Also, foreigners are required to show their passports when entering or exiting the islands of Unguja (more commonly known as, and hereafter referred to as, Zanzibar) and Pemba. Visitors are required to have a valid yellow fever inoculation stamp on their international health cards. Please check with the Amizade office for the necessary information needed to fill out the visa application.

Please visit the following website for information on the entry requirements for US Citizens traveling abroad: http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html

USA Visa Appliation form download      
http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/visa/visa.html

UK: http://www.tanzania-online.gov.uk/visa/visa-who.html

Cuisine: There is a variety of food.  You'll find international cuisine in the hotels, restaurants and lodges.  On the coast, fish and lobsters with local dishes such as biryanis and meat or fish curries.   Specialties: spiced tea or coffee and "Halua", a sweet desert with almonds.  Drink only boiled or bottled water.

Behaviour: The protection of nature is everyone's concern. On safari, do not collect or buy bones, skins, horns, teeth, feathers or shells. And on the coast do not bring back coral, shells or starfish which play and important role in the fragile ecosystem. Do not litter.  The protection of culture is also everyone's concern.  Keep this in mind when visiting remote cultures.  The guides know the local habits and customs. It is always advisable to ask someone's permission before taking his/her photograph, especially Maasai with spears.

Shopping: Locally made products are available at good prices.  Negotiation is expected.  On the mainland, you can find batiks, tinga tinga paintings, objects in ebony, cutlery, jewelery, sculptures, furniture, basket ware, beaded Maasai necklaces, precious gems (gold, diamonds, tanzanites and other stones). In Zanzibar, you can find textiles (wrap-around - kikoi for men and khanga for women), carved chests, perfumes, natural lotions and spices.

Public Transportation:  Busses and taxis are available in most larger towns.  Bus fares are low and taxi fares are negotiable.  Trains are cheap, slow and subject to delay.  Do not rely on timetables, book in advance.  1st, 2nd and 3rd class compartments are available;  1st differs from 2nd only in the number of beds per compartment, 2 instead of 6.  Third Class is said to be uncomfortable and risky.  There is ferry service between Zanzibar and the mainland.

Car Hire:  Available in larger towns, offering a range of vehicles from small, two door to 4 wheel drive.  Most charge a daily rate plus mileage, insurance and petrol.  You can also hire a driver.  Payment is usually in foreign currency.

Religion: There is freedom of worship in Tanzania.  Approximately 32% of the population adheres to traditional beliefs.  33% Christian, 33% Muslim and 2% Hindu.

Tipping: In better hotels, tips are included in your bill.  If you want to tip someone who has been especially helpful, 10% is generous.  Remember that too small a tip is an insult, while an overly generous tip makes it awkward for those who come after you.  Be sure to tip your guide.

Medical Services:  Medical services are for the most part, under developed and would not be considered adequate by Western standards.  It is advisable to carry medical evacuation insurance and check with your insurance company before you leave home.

Chemists/Pharmacies: Medical supplies are limited in Tanzania so bring all medicines you will need with you.  An exception to this is malaria medication which is widely available and most likely cheaper than you will find it in the Western world.

Communications: The post is well organized but phone calls are expensive and lines are limited.  Hotels add a hefty surcharge to international and local calls and the connections are often unreliable.  E-mail services and internet access are available in a few of the larger towns but often hard to find and expensive.  Be prepared to wait and to try more than once before getting connected.