AboutVicky Stirling Expertise If you have any questions on travel related issues to Tanzania I run my own travel company and can help you organise a holiday mainly for midrange to upmarket holidays but I have also travelled and camped throughout the country on a budget.
Experience I have visited Tanzania many times and am an independent travel advisor to East& Southern Africa. I have travelled through out Tanzania by car, bus, boat and plane and visited the majority of parks and safari and beach destinations
Organizations I am a memeber of the Travel Trust Association
Expert: Vicky Stirling Date: 1/23/2001 Subject: Things new or unexpected to a US traveler.
Question Dear Vicky,
I am from the US and considering a trip abroad through Southern Africa, including a stop in Tanzania. I had a number of questions, basically concerning the contrasts I will be confronted with here as opposed to the US. My specific areas of interest would be traffic laws that may differ, penalties for violations which would be unexpected, and other laws which would stick out as uncommon or unexpected to a resident of the US. (The laws against chewing gum in Singapore come to mind.) In addition to this, any customs/traditions or points of etiquette that should be observed on traveling through Tanzania would be greatly appreciated as well. Again, I am looking primarily for instances which would be outside the norm for a resident of the US. I would appreciate any help you can offer me,
Best Regards,
David Rosenberg
Answer Dear David
Officially the traffic laws in East and Southern Africa are based on the British laws and therefore not much difference to US except we drive on the left.
Unofficially Africa is a law unto itself. There are no hard and fast rules.
The main thing about driving is that in the majority of countries the roads are in a terrible condition and you have to very careful. Some of the main roads are paved but usually in a bad state of repair. The majority of roads are dirt roads.
In rural areas you have to be careful of animals, such as goats and cows and wild animals which walk and lie on the roads and also pedestrians and bicyclists can be very unpredictable.
I have driven the length of Africa and you just have to be very careful. People do drive very fast out there, especially the buses and with the bad roads there are alot of accidents.
Southern Africa is different, south Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia generally have good roads. South Africa especially all the roads are paved and its like driving at home but you still have the problems in rural areas of animals and a lot of pedestrians.
The police in some countries have road blocks to stop speeding and illegal vehicles but they generally let tourists through. You can be stopped though and if you are they can give you on the spot fines which basically is money into their back pockets. The police are poorly paid and its a perk of the job. You will see more road blocks up before Christmas and public holidays and on a Friday so they have some cash for the weekend.
If you are stopped you can pay the fine and get on your way, its very little money, or if you have the time you can argue your case and usually they will get bored and let you off but not always.
Most of what happens in Africa is outside the norm of Western life. You need to just go and see it for yourself and you will I am sure love it.
It is a very poor place but the people are dignified and very friendly and helpful they will share what little they have with you as is their custom.
There is poverty and there are always conmen out there so be wary, you are white so you are rich don't wear expensive jewelrey or a flashy watch. Keep your money ina moneybelt and cameras etc in your bag. Be sensible and aware but don't be paranoid about it just careful. There are alot of oppertunists around.
On the Tanzania coast the people are predominantly Muslim and you must respect their customs and laws. Women should be properly dressed with shoulders covered.
Be careful about taking photographs, ask if they mind before you take a photo. There are many taboos in Africa about cameras and alot of people do not like their photo to be taken.
Its a truely amazing continent I am sure you will love it but it is very different to the US.
Have fun
