tanzania

area
population
capital
head of state
official language
currency
exchange rate

(source: lonely planet)

943,000 sq km
32.9 million
dodoma
benjamin mkapa
swahili & english
tanzanian shilling
check out oanda.com
for current exchange rates

this information comes from a visit to the country in september 2003. things might have changed since then. these are my personal impressions and it's well possible that other travellers will not share my views.

in lusaka: you can get a visa in one day; apply before 11:00 in the morning and pick it up between 14:00 -15:00. visas cost usd 20 for most countries, but up to usd 50 for british and australian. bring two passport photos.

the embassy is located in the eastern part of the so-called diplomatic triangle (S 15*25,233 / E 28*18,723)

getting in and out

from kaporo (malawi) to mbeya (tansania): friendly and easy. insurance for a motorbike can be bought at the border (usd 25 for a motorbike for four months).

places to stay

mbeya: karibuni centre has decent rooms for 8000 shilling/night. it's not easy to find, here are the koordinates: S 08*54,558 / E 033*26,639

mikumi: tan-swiss on the main road in mikumi is a good place for camping. ask for josef, the swiss owner. he's great guy and will help you with anything. he's also building rooms which should be finished by the end of 2003. www.contrast.cx/tan-swiss
GBP S 07°23.693' / E 037*°00.093'

dar es salaam: the safari in (it's in all books) is safe and good value. they a safe space to leave your bike when you go to zanzibar

arusha: ok, it's in the book, but it's worth mentioning: the masai camp is fantastic!
they also have a work shop where you can work on your car or bike
it's on old moshi road, 3 km out of town, after the impala hotel GPS: S 03*23.100' / E036*43.176'

other

motorcycle repair shop in dar es salaam: go to "took took" in olympia street, just off bibi titi mohammed rd, about 10 minutes from safari inn. GPS: S 06*48,755' / EO39*16,995