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Karibu Travel and Trade Fair
"Every May, travel agents and tour operators converge below Mount Kilimanjaro and the crater of Mt. Meru for the East African travel event of the year. Originally started to showcase East African tour operators and destinations, the Karibu Travel and Trade Fair has been so successful that its reputation has spread to the travel industry overseas, and each year attendance by exhibitors and visitors far exceeds the last.
The Karibu Travel and Trade Fair takes place in May, and is held in the town of Arusha, just hours away from main safari destinations in Tanzania. Mt. Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti are literally on your doorstep. In 2004, over 170 participants from East Africa -- lodges, tour and camp operators -- will display their products and meet with international visitors to encourage and promote tourism in East Africa."
Mwaka Kogwa
Mwaka Kogwa is the traditional Shirazi, or Persian, new year celebrations that takes place in Zanzibar and although the festival has its origins in the Zoastrian religion, the Zanzibaris have certainly taken it to heart. Although the festival is celebrated around the island, the village of Makunduchi, on southern Unguja, is the key focus of the ritual events and each year a large crowd gathers to attend the celebration.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr (in Kiswahili also called Idi or Sikuku, which means celebration) is the Muslim holiday that signifies the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is without a doubt the central holiday of Islam, and a major event throughout Tanzania, but especially observed on the Swahili Coast and the Zanzibar Archipelago. Throughout Ramadan, Muslim men and women fast from sunrise to sunset, only taking meagre food and drink after dark. The dates for Eid al-Fitr vary according to the sighting of the new moon, but as soon as it is observed the fasting ends and four days of feasting and festivities begin.
Eid al-Haj
Eid al-Haj (also called Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Kebir) is the Islamic festival of the annual pilgrimage, or haj, to Mecca. It is the second major holiday of Islam and a three-day festival of feasting and celebration in all Muslim communities in Tanzania. Eid al-Haj remembers Ibrahim (Abraham in the western tradition) and his son Ishmael (Isaac in the western tradition), who was almost sacrificed to God in obedience with his commandments. For Muslims, this holiday is about sacrifice, faith, and honouring the prophet Ibrahim.
Sauti za Busara Swahili Music and Cultural Festival
Sauti za Busara means songs of wisdom in Kiswahili, and this annual festival of Swahili music attracts the best musicians and performers in the region. Held in Zanzibars Stone Town, concerts are given in a range of traditional musical traditions, from Swahili taraab and ngoma to more contemporary genres that mix African, Arab, and Asian traditions. Most concerts are held in the Old Fort adjacent to Forodhani Gardens and the House of Wonders, a scenic location perfect for soaking up a bit of Swahili culture. |
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ARUSHA
Arusha is the gateway to most safari destinations in Tanzania. Arusha is approximately 30 miles from Kilimanjaro International Airport and sits at an altitude of some 4100 feet above sea level. The town is at the base of Mount Meru and is a wonderfully fertile area producing coffee, wheat, sisal and maize. Just a short distance from the town of Arusha is the Arusha National Park, which was described by Sir Julian Huxley as "a gem amongst parks". It consists of three spectacular features, the Momela Lakes, Meru Crater and the Ngurdoto Crater.
TARANGIRE
Tarangire National Park gets its name from the river that threads its way through the length of the reserve. The Reserve supports a great diversity of wildlife, including giraffe, buffalo, lesser kudu, eland, oryx, zebra and the predators. Unusually large herds of elephant inhabit this sanctuary, while majestic baobab trees dwarf the animals that feed beneath them. Wide panoramas of open acacia woodland and grassy savanna studded with large baobab trees mark Tarangire, a lesser-known scenic gem located in southern Masailand.
LAKE MANYARA
As you approach Lake Manyara National Park, the Rift Valley escarpment looms on the eastern horizon forming an impressive backdrop to the lake. Nestling at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment the park is noted for its incredible beauty. The mosaic of the Park's varying habitats is easily seen: the rift wall, the ground water forest, acacia woodlands, open grassland, the lake shore, swamp and the lake itself. Visitors are likely to see lion, oftentimes resting up in the acacia trees, zebra, elephants, waterbuck, hippo, baboon, and a large variety of bird life
DAR ES SALAAM
Dar es Salaam boasts one of the finest natural harbors in the world, and while it has therefore become a bustling port and economic center, it remains a place of fascination, with many reminders of its colorful past. Dhows still ply its waters. Dug-outs, filled with fish, bob by the harborside. The city also displays the many influences of its history. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Kariakoo Market where fish, fruit, vegetables, traditional medicine, herbs and livestock are traded. The maze of stalls and shops in the bazaar that surrounds the market is also worth exploring. Flights into and out of Zanzibar and the southern parks of Tanzania may well be routed through Dar es Salaam. |
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Time Zone
GMT +3 Hours.
Language Spoken
"English, Swahili is the official language of Tanzania
Swahili, Bemba, English, Gogo, Haya are other languages spoken on a regular basis in Tanzania."
Passport/ VISA
A visa is issued on arrival, and a passport valid for six months from date of entry is required.
Climate
The climate is tropical and coastal areas are hot and humid. The rainy season lasts from March to June. The central plateau is dry and arid. The northwestern highlands are cool and temperate and the rainy season here lasts from November to December and February to May. |
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