The horned viper which is being called Atheris matildae scientifically or Matilda’s horned viper is critically endangered and found in an area whose habitat is seriously degraded thus the need to keep it a secret until the scientists can be sure that its announcement won’t attract lots of people with illegal intents.

Experience has shown that on announcing the scientific description of a new found species, people have rushed in pursuit of the species leading its undoing. The horned-viper is believed to be in an area no more than 100 km square and the discoverers want to secure funding for its protection before they can announce its description and location.

The illegal trade in wildlife in Tanzania is such a problem given its high number of endemic and attractive wildlife species and announcing the forest location of this new snake wouldn’t be wise at all. In order to keep the new found species safe the three scientists who identified the snake have captured eleven of them for breeding purposes in order to ensure their survival. Of the eleven five are female, four male and the other two are young ones. The breeding of the snakes will ensure that they do not get extinct. Tanzania Safari pacakges

According to Davenport they intend to deter the collection of wild specimens by making available free of charge the first few dozen offspring of the captive horned vipers and also lowering the price of the horned viper by encouraging a more responsible captive breeding of the snake in the Countries where snakes are highly sought-after as pets.  In this way they will provide a market for the captive bred specimens.

The three scientists want the snake to be listed by the IUCN Red list as Critically Endangered given the fact that it lives in a very tiny area which is highly degraded. The closest relative to  Matilda’s horned viper is Atheris ceratophora – the forest horned viper. However Matilda is larger and has very different colors with completely different scale arrangements on its head. Serengeti Safari

The three researchers Tim Davenport, Kim Howell and Michele Menegon say the reason for this move is because they have in the past described new species being illegally and irresponsibly being hunted and traded to the point of extinction.

The snake was named after Tim Davenport’s five year old daughter. When they first captured one of the snakes and where studying it, his daughter asked to help with the feeding and got fond of it. The kept referring to it as Matilda’s snake and the name stuck thus the name Matilda’s horned viper.

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A case in point the proposed construction of a highway network through the Serengeti national park which has sparked a lot of controversy with conservationists arguing that it will affect the Serengeti annual wildebeest  migration to the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya.

Arusha. Civil society organisations (CSOs) yesterday appeared to soften their stance on the construction of a modern highway across the Serengeti National Park (Senapa) but insisted its impact on wildlife must be studied.
They said the planned tarmac road to link Arusha and Musoma was crucial for the development of the two regions and that they were not entirely against it except that they were yet to be assured if it would not harm the wildlife.

Speaking to reporters in Arusha, representatives of various CSOs involved in environmental advocacy said they were aware of a recent government announcement that the stretch across the Serengeti National Park would not be paved.
However, they stressed that the ecological consequences of the new highway must be studied first and appropriate mitigation measures taken to ensure the project does not impact heavily on the animal migration routes.

“We support the building of a tarmac road to link Arusha and Musoma,” said  Mr Joseph Tareta Masina from a non-governmental organization called the Serengeti Environmental Protection and Development Association (SEPDA) in an interview.
He said he was in a team, commissioned by the NGOs based in Mara and Arusha regions, that made an on-the-spot survey along the entire stretch where the road would pass, to get the views of wananchi regarding the project. “Many people said they were in support of the new highway because it would connect them to the rest of Tanzania,” he said, adding that many parts of  Ngorongoro District remain isolated from the country. Tanzania tours

The problem was also pronounced in Serengeti District in Mara Region where it has been difficult to monitor the activities of unlicensed tour companies taking visitors there, some from a neighbouring country.
“It has been difficult to monitor what is going on in those remote areas because of poor transport,” he pointed out. Many of the livestock keepers are forced to sell their animals to Kenya because local markets were located far away, he said. Kenya travel packages

The planned major highway across the Serengeti would link Mto wa Mbu township in Monduli District, Arusha Region; and the Makutano junction on the Sirari-Mwanza highway near Musoma town.

It would pass through Engaruka Ruins, north of Mto wa Mbu, Oldonyo Lengai volcanic mountain, Ngaresero, Lake Natron, Loliondo and Kleins Camp at the park’s gate.
The road would cut through the northern part of Serengeti, an area  famous for annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras and other animals between Senapa and the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.
However, the government has insisted that the 53-kilometre stretch of the planned highway within the park would not be tarmacked, in an effort to maintain the natural conditions of the area.

On the side that falls under Mara Region, tarmac would be laid from Tabora B (the park’s gate) through to  Mugumu (the Serengeti District headquarters), Burunga, Nata, Isenye, Kyandege, Ikizu, Butiama to the Makutano Juction near Musoma. There had been an outcry against the multi-million dollar project from local and foreign environmental pressure groups as well as major world conservation bodies and scientists for fear that it would tamper with the area’s ecology.

Mr Raymond Nyamasagi, a community member from Nata village in Serengeti District maintained that the planned highway would make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of many people living in the area.
He described as wise a decision by the government not to lay tarmac on the portion that cuts through the park but pleaded that he was unaware that the completion of the highway, and the anticipated traffic increase, would harm the wildlife.

By Zephania Ubwani; The Tanzanian Citzen

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This surely sets the stage for increased conflict between humans and wild animals in areas bordering national parks and game reserves.

An upsurge in the number of attacks on humans and retaliatory mass slaughter of wild animals in recent years are a direct result of people encroaching on wildlife habitats.

The government has found itself in a catch-22 situation, and has on more than one occasion had to fend off accusations that it was putting wild animals before the sanctity of human life.  There is also the debate on who qualifies for compensation after being attacked by a wild animal.

Wild animals have to be kept separate from humans, but unfortunately this is not the case in many parts of the country where rapidly expanding populations spill over demarcated areas and put pressure on wildlife sanctuaries.

When humans and wild animals come in close proximity, they are bound to cross each others path, with tragic consequences as is frequently reported nowadays.

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The information about the missing three- meter python was only beginning to reach them after it was reported in the media.The snake is between two and three years old.

The snake that can eat small animals and even babies went missing from the ministry’s headquarters. It reportedly escaped from its cage where it was being held in preparations for a journey to the Nane Nane show that ends tomorrow in Dodoma.

Yesterday, the residents blamed the ministry for not quickly alerting where the snake was possibly hiding. Unconfirmed reports indicated that the reptile had been spotted but escaped before game wardens arrived.

A deputy director of wildlife, Mr Obedi Mbangwa, confirmed yesterday in Dar es Salaam that the snake was yet to be found and 15 game scouts were still looking for it.

However, he refuted reports that no information had been circulated to the residents.

But resident Ummy Shamte said she had been unaware of the incident until yesterday.
“I have just heard this from you now, would you please brief me about the incident? I simply heard it from the pupils passing around here and no more details,” she said.

But Mr Joseph Ngede said the ministry personnel had passed the message to some residents.

When reached for comment Keko Magurumbasi Primary School headteacher Mercy Nakajumo said the school had no official information about the snake.

“I heard it over the radio and other people have been speaking about it. I could not even tell pupils because I don’t have official information,” she said.
“I was frightened when I heard that there was a snake near our school, but teachers have not been told about it,” she said.

African pythons normally eat crocodiles, pigs, goats, birds, gazelles and cats. They do not chew their food but swallow it, and strong intestinal acids ease digestion.

Experts say the python that escaped could get hungry and start looking for food a week since it was last fed before it escaped.However ministry sources allay fears that it can swallow a human being.

Source: The Citizen

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ACTIVITIES

Sightseeing – Tanzania is indeed unsurpassed Africa in the bounty of its wildfe and the beauty of the land:  Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, all of Africa’s Great Lakes; the best game parks in the world; hiking and nature trails such as in the Usambara Mountain, the fabulous Island of Zanzibar.

Watersports – with its 1000km Indian Ocean coastline and shores on the Great Lakes, Tanzania is a dream world for water enthusiasts: big – game fishing, freshwater fishing, diving, snorkeling, swimming, and just relaxing on the beaches.

Shopping – Locally made products are available at good prices: batiks, tingatinga paintings, carvings (especially the world – famous Makonde artwork), basket ware, jewellery of all kinds, textiles and more.

AIR SERVICES

International air carriers serve Tanzania’s international airports from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and from the points in Africa.

Dar es salaam International Airport – situated 42 kilometres from Moshi town.  Taxi and shuttle buses are available.  Bargain your fares before embarking on the drive.

Kilimanjaro International Airport – Situated 42 kilometers from Arusha municipality and 40 kilometres from Moshi town.  Taxis and shuttle buses are available.  As the distance is long to either town make sure you have enough money from Stone Town. Taxis are available.

Zanzibar International Airport – Situated 8 kilometres from Stone Town.  Taxis are available.

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 remove coral, shells, or starfish, which play an important role in the fragile ecosystem.  Do no litter anywhere.

The protection of culture is also everyone’s concern. The guides know the local habits and customs.  It is always advisable to ask someone’s permission before taking his or her photograph.

BANKING AND CURRENCY

Money can be changed freely at authorized dealers, banks, or bureaux de change but for safety insist on a receipt for the transaction.  There are a few foreign banks in major towns, but local banks operate far into remote districts.  Normally banks are open from 8.30 a.m. to noon on Monday to Friday, and 8.30a.m to noon on Saturday.  Some branches open Sundays. Import and export of large sums of local currency is limited to US$10,000 or the amount declared on arrival.  The basic unit is the Tanzania Shilling.  Notes: shs.500, 100, 200: It is advisable to carry American dollars.  Money changers also accept the major convertible currencies including pounds, euros, yen, etc.

Travellers’ cheques are exchangeable in some places.  Major credit cards are accepted in some banks and larger hotels Visa cardholders can get local currency 24 hours a day at Standard chartered, NBC, NMB ATM’s. MasterCard is accepted at Barclays Bank distributors.

CLIMATE

Tanzania climate is generally tropical in most areas while temperate climate is experienced in the highlands.  The central plateau is dry and arid with hot days and cool nights.  June to September is the cool season.  The “long rains” are from March to May and the “short rains” are from October to December.  The hottest months are between October and February.  On the Coast, it rains in November and December and from March to May.  Coastal areas are hot and humid although sea breezes cool the area pleasantly between June and September.

CLOTHING

Holiday travelers – For safaris in northern Tanzania, during the day, light clothing, sturdy shoes and canvas hats are recommended.  At night, casual wear with light cardigan or a pull over (for altitudes between 1,5000 metres in Arusha and 2,400 metres in Ngorongoro Crater and the Southern Highlands).  On the coast, summer or beach wears.  For Kilimanjaro or other treks, check with a mountain specialist before departure.  To bring: sunscreen, lotion, sunglasses, mosquito cream, and binoculars.

On safaris, avoid brightly coloured clothes they may alarm the animals. Browns, beiges, and khaki are preferred. Short-sleeved shirts/blouses, and shorts are ideal, but pack a sweater: it can be evening. Don’t forget a swimsuit.  Immodest clothing will offend local tradition.

Business travelers – Dressing general is informal in Tanzania, but business people and officers often choose to wear suits or coat and tie.

CUSTOMS, DUTY-FREE ITEMS

Personal effects, including binoculars, cameras, and film, may be brought in Tanzania free of duty.  A custom’s bond may be demanded from those bringing in video/filming equipment to ensure that the goods are re-exported.  Firearms require a special permit. Duty free allowances re 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grammes of tobacco plus one pint of spirits, provided the traveler is over 16.  Visitors buying local handicrafts must keep sales receipts for presentation to customs officials on departure.

Electricity

239 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs may be round or square 3-pin, fused or un-fused.

Food

There is a variety of food.  You will find international cuisine in hotels, restaurants, and lodges.  On the coast, fish and lobster with local dishes such as biryani and meat or fish curries.  Dar es Salaam has a number of Chinese, Italian, Indian, Thai, Japanese and other traditional restaurants.  If possible, sample such traditional Tanzanian food as ugali (a maize staple) or pure (maize and beans; pronounced POO-ray), yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, and various greens, and not to miss nyama choma barbecue.

GETTING AROUND

By Air – Air Tanzania and Precisionair have scheduled service to all the major towns of Tanzania.  There are also smaller companies with scheduled services and a number of charter companies based in Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and Arusha.

By Rail – There are three main railway lines:  the Northern, running from Tanga to Arusha; the Central (connecting to the Northern), from Dar es Salaam to Lake Tanganyika at Kigoma with a northern spur to Lake Victoria at Mwanza; and Tazara, the Tanzania – Zaambia railway service that runs from Dar es Salaam into central Zambia.  Train travel is comfortable and reliable, though not as fast as most bus services.

By Bus – Intercity buses abound, and you can reach almost any town, big or small, by bus. Local buses (called daladala) operate in and around most towns, and are ubiquitous in Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar; and other cities.  They are cheap, but not really recommended for visitors new to the country.

By Water – There are India Ocean ferries connecting Mtwara, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Pemba and Tanga.  There are several choices every day between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.  There are ferry services on the Great Lakes, including MV. Liemba on Lake Tanganyika.

Car Hire – There are many car hire companies in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and other major towns. They can be hired with or without drivers.  An international driver’s licence is required, and driving is on the left hand side of the road.

Taxis – Taxis abound but fares must be negotiated.  Try to learn the fair fare before bargaining.

HEALTH

Visitors from countries infected with yellow fever must produce international certificates of vaccination.  This is particularly relevant for those traveling from neighbouring African countries.  If visiting Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania, a yellow fever certificate must be produced. The British Department of health recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio, and typhoid.  It is essential for visitors to take a course of anti-malaria tablets, commencing two weeks before travel.  Modern medical services are available in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and other major centers.  Visitors are advised to bring their own medicine with them, but there are major pharmacies in the big cities.  Doctor/population ratio: 1 per 25,000 people.  Basic medical care is provided by the state and by religious organisations.  Rural areas are served by local clinics.

LANGUAGE

Swahili and English, in major towns and tourist areas, a visitor should be able to get along quite well with English only.

LOCAL TIME

GMT plus 3 hours.

MEDIA

There are several English-language daily and weekly newspapers.  There are also several Swahili-language dailies and a large number of weeklies and semiweeklies.  Electronic media include ITV, DTV, Channel 10, TBC 1, and Television Zanzibar; many local and national radio stations, including radio TBC 2, Radio One, Radio Tumaini, Radio free Africa; international Radio services such as BBC World Service, voice of America, and other international stations; and various international television services via satellite transmission (especially common in larger hotels).

SHOPPING

Locally made products are available at good prices.  On the Mainland, you can find batiks, Tingatinga paintings, objects in ebony (cutlery, bracelets, sculptures, furniture), basket wear (hats, rugs), beaded Maasai necklaces, goldwork, diamonds, tanzanite, and other precious stones.  In Zanzibar, you can find textiles (wrap arounds: kikois for men and khangas for women), carved chests, perfurmes, natural lotions, and spices.  Opening and closing time for shopping centres vary between 8:00a.m and 5 or 6 p.m., later in some places; many stores close for lunch.

TELEPHONE

Most of Tanzania is now on the direct-dail system.  In major towns, there are facilities for local and international calls, either through communication companies or by phone cards.  For those calling into Tanzania, the country code is +255.  The major city codes are as follows; Dar es Salaam 22, Arusha and Moshi 27, and Zanzibar 24.  There are four mobile phone services with widespread coverage and usage in the country and visitors can purchase temporary telephone lines.

TANZANIA TOURIST BOARD

Main office, Dar es Salaam – I.P.S.,

Building, Third Floor; and Tourist Information Centre Samora Avenue.

Tel: (255-22) 211 1224/5 or (255-22)213 1555/213 491-3,

E-mail: md@ttb.ud.ortz, safari@ud.co.tz

Branch office, Arusha – Boma Road near Clock Tower, P.O. Box 2348, Arusha, Tanzania. Tel: (255-27) 250 3842/3), Fax: (255-27) 8256. E-mail: ttb-info@habari.co.tz.

VISA AND PASSES

Entry Requirements – Foreigners seeking to enter Tanzania should be in possession of a valid passport.  The passport must be presented to the immigration control office at any entry point – border station, airport, harbour – with one of the following : a valid visa, a resident’s permit, a pass.  A visitor must also present an onward or return ticket together with proof that the visitor has sufficient funds to support himself or herself while in Tanzania.

Those who require a Visa – All foreigners are required to have a valid visa unless their countries have agreements with Tanzania under which the visa requirement is waived.  The common types of visa are these:

Ordinary visa:  An ordinary visa is issued at any Tanzania mission abroad.  It enables the holder to be granted a visitor’s pass at any entry point (border, airport, harbour).  A person coming from a country where there is no Tanzania mission may be issued a visa at the entry point in Tanzania.

Business Visa: The business visa is issued to prospective investors who intend to visit Tanzania for such purposes as making feasibility studies, establishing professional and business contacts, and making arrangements for investments during the start-up period.  The validity of the visa can vary from one to six months.  The fees for the visa are determined administratively, so it is advised that prospective investors consult the appropriate authorities before making application for visas.

Multiple Entry Visa: Foreigners who, because of their business or investments, need to make frequent visits to Tanzania are issued multiple-entry visas. Their validity ranges from one month to a year. Applications for multiple-entry visas are usually submitted by local contacts on behalf of the applicants.  The fees for the visa are determined administratively, so it is advised that prospective investors consult the appropriate authorities before making application for visas.

Visa – Issuing Station and Authorities: Tanzania Mission abroad; the office of the Director of Immigration Services, Dar es Salaam, and the office of the Principal Immigration Officer, Zanzibar; entry points to the United Republic of Tanzania: principally Namanga, Tunduma, Sirari, Horohoro, Kigoma port, Zanzibar Harbour, and Zanzibar Airport; and any other gazetted entry points.

Residence Permits for Self-employed foreigners (investors): Applications are submitted to the Tanzania Immigration office.  The following items must be attached to the application form:  Certificate of competence from the Tanzania Investment Centre (T.I.C), a covering letter from the applicant, six photographs, a curriculum vitae, education certificates (if appropriate), company registration, memorandum and articles of association, evidence of the business premises, sectoral approval from any relevant ministry, share certificating nationality and validity of passport.  Those who so not qualify under the T.I.C should provide bank proof or US$300,000 to be considered for the class A permit by the director of Immigration services.

ZANZIBAR

Travel between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar: Daily flights are operated by Air Tanzania from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar and several other privately owned services.  There are many ferries, including hydrofoils. Schedules are given at the booking offices near the main passenger port in Dar es Salaam.  Tickets are sold there as well.

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