Helicopter Crash in Kenya

   NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - A Kenyan official says a helicopter has plunged into Lake Nakuru in the Rift Valley moments after taking off from a nearby hotel.

   National Disaster Management Unit Deputy Director Pius Mwachi said Saturday it's not clear yet how many people were on board the helicopter and who they were.

   Mwachi says a search-and-rescue mission is underway. Lake Nakuru, located 170 kilometers (105 miles) northwest of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, is famous for flamingo colonies that turn the shoreline pink at their peak.

   Environment degradation has threatened the lake and the wildlife that depend on it.

Taxi Cab Assaults in Dar - Warning to U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Security Message for U.S. Citizens

 

Taxi Cab Assaults in Dar

 

November 10, 2012

Over the past several weeks, the U.S. Embassy has received many reports of U.S. citizens being assaulted and robbed while riding in taxis in Dar es Salaam.  Being the victim of a crime is not always preventable, but there are some steps you can take to protect yourself.  The assaults follow a similar pattern: a person enters a taxi, often hailed by a third party.  Another person is already in the car, or someone else gets in shortly thereafter.  Then they demand your money.  If you resist, they beat, threaten, and frighten you.  They drive you from one ATM to another to withdraw funds until you reach your limit.  Victims report they are being hit, cut, and bruised if they do not cooperate.  When the victim's fund source has been depleted, the assailants drop off the victim.  The perpetrators call themselves the "Tanzanian" or "Little Mafia."  Please note these assaults are happening during the day as well as night. 

We strongly urge you to observe these safety suggestions:

·        Use only use a licensed taxi* selected by a reputable hotel or restaurant, or one parked at an official taxi stand. 

·        Never get in a taxi hailed by someone you just met.

·        Avoid riding in group taxis (daladalas and bajajis).

·        Do not travel alone.

·        If a taxi stops to pick up another passenger, exit immediately.

·        Do not carry a credit or debit card unless absolutely necessary.

·        Keep only a small amount of cash that you need for that specific activity.

·        Keep your passport in a secure location; put a photocopy in your pocket.

·        Avoid carrying a bag, jewelry, or any personal electronics.  If you must carry a bag, ensure it is  'quick release', i.e., one that you can drop before being dragged or injured.

 

·        If assaulted or robbed, report the incident to the police and ask for a written report.  (You will need the report for insurance or other future claims.)

·        If you are the victim of violent crime overseas, you may be eligible for benefits offered by your state's victim compensation fund.  Follow this link for more information.

·        Be mindful of your safety at all times. 

·        Please contact us if you are the victim of a violent crime in Tanzania.

*What Does a Licensed Taxi Look Like?

(Please note we cannot vouch for the safety of any vehicle or driver, this is just a checklist to determine whether a taxi might be licensed.)

·        A white car with a white (never yellow) license plate

·        A colored stripe running laterally on the side panels of the vehicle

·        A number inside a circle on both passenger doors

·        Specific windshield stickers, namely:

o   A valid insurance certificate

o   TRA sticker indicating the maximum number of passengers

o   A motor vehicle license certificate

o   A municipal council parking stand sticker

·        Does the driver's i.d. match the name of the car registration and taxi licenses?

Please be safe when you use public transportation.

 

The U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam encourages U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for the most up-to-date safety and security information.  Keep all of your information in STEP up-to-date by maintaining your current phone numbers and email addresses where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

You can stay in touch and get updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam website.  You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well, or you can download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App for travel information at your fingertips. 

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or a regular toll line at-1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 

U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani

Tel: [255] (22) 229-4000

Fax: [255] (22) 229-4721

Email: drsacs@state.gov

After-hour emergencies:  Call the switchboard and wait for an operator to answer.

CNN Waipiga Jeki Utalii Tanzania

Watalii kwenye mbuga ya Wanyama  SerengetiTanzania

CNN imepiga jeki utalii Tanzania.  Wametoa article safi sana kuhusu mbuga za wanyama nchini Tanzania.

Kutoka CNN.com

(CNN) -- The thunderous sound of more than a million wildebeest trekking across wide open plains in the Serengeti is not one you're likely to forget. Tanzanian safaris serve up all kinds of memorable moments.


The country's bountiful wildlife, vast array of landscapes, relatively safe environment for tourists and temperate climate near the equator make Tanzania a desirable year-round destination for a safari. You just need a knowledgeable guide to help you make the most of the seasonal patterns of the animals while you're there.

For the best experience, most travel experts suggest planning and booking your trip with a safari operator, and it's worth your time to obtain quotes, research and compare differences between a few of them before deciding.

Accommodations in Tanzania can range from high-end luxury lodges and tented camps to mid-range and budget lodges or basic camp sites. Mid-range lodges in Tanzania may cost on average $350 to $700 per night for a double room and upscale operations may run visitors between $750 and $3,000 per night.

The most popular Tanzanian safari destinations are in the north, in what's commonly referred to as the northern game circuit. Here are five stunning parks to explore:

Mnaweza kusoma habari kamili kwa kuBOFYA HAPA:

Tanzania Imechaguliwa Kuwa Mjumbe wa Baraza la Utendaji la Shirika la Dunia la Utalii - UN WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION

PRESS RELEASE

JAMHURI YA MUUNGANO WA TANZANIA

WIZARA YA MALIASILI NA UTALII

TAARIFA KWA UMMA

TANZANIA IMECHAGULIWA KUWA MJUMBE WA BARAZA LA UTENDAJI LA SHIRIKA LA DUNIA LA UTALII

(UN WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION)

Tanzania imechaguliwa kuwa mjumbe katika Baraza la Utendaji (Executive Council) la Shirika la Utalii Duniani – United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). Nafasi hiyo ilipatikana wakati wa Mkutano Mkuu wa Shirika la Utalii Duniani (UNWTO General Assembly) ambao ulianza za siku ya Jumamosi tarehe 08 Oktoba, na utakamilisha shughuli zake tarehe 14 Oktoba, 2011 nchini Korea.

Katika Mkutano huo, ujumbe wa Tanzania unaongozwa na Waziri wa Maliasili na Utalii, Mheshimiwa Ezekiel M. Maige ambaye ameambatana na viongozi na wataalam waandamizi kutoka wizara hiyo.

UNWTO ni shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa linaloongoza masuala ya Sera, Mafunzo, Uendelezaji na Utangazaji katika sekta ya utalii duniani.

UNWTO inatekeleza majukumu na maamuzi kuhusu maendeleo ya utalii na kutetea maslahi ya nchi zinazoendelea. Aidha, Shirika hili linahimiza utekelezaji wa Maadili katika Utalii kwa kuhakikisha nchi wanachama zinanufaika kiuchumi na wakati huo huo kupunguza athari za kijamii na kimazingira.

Hadi wakati wa Mkutano huu wa Korea, UNWTO ilikuwa na nchi wanachama 154. Idadi hii itaongezeka hadi kufikia 155 baada ya Liberia kukubaliwa ombi lake la kuwa mwanachama.

Kazi kuu ya Baraza la Utendaji la UNWTO, ambalo Tanzania imefanikiwa kuwa mjumbe ni kuchukua hatua zinazostahili, kwa kushirikiana na Katibu Mkuu wa Shirika hilo kutekeleza maamuzi yanayotolewa na Mkutano Mkuu (UNWTO General Assembly). Baraza hukutana mara mbili kwa mwaka. Tanzania itakuwa mjumbe wa Baraza hilo hadi Mwaka 2015.

Akizungumza baada ya uchaguzi huo, Waziri Maige alielezea sababu ya Tanzania kugombea nafasi hiyo muhimu ni kutaka kuwa ndani ya chombo cha maamuzi na hivyo kushawishi maamuzi yatakayoinufaisha Tanzania na kujitangaza zaidi Duniani katika uwanja wa kimataifa wa masuala ya Utalii.

Tanzania is Safe for Tourists - Tanzania ni Salama Kwa Watalii

THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOURISM

PRESS RELEASE

Tanzania is a Safe Tourist Destination

___________________

Tanzania is land of peace and the country is determined to sustain that positive reputation.

Following recent incidents of kidnapping tourists, which happened very far from the territorial borders of Tanzania in the North, we have noted a growing concern about the safety of visitors to the East Coast of Africa. Indeed, there have been several travel warnings pointing at East Africa, including Tanzania.

As the Minister responsible for Tourism matters in Tanzania, I would like to reassure our visitors, both those who are already in the country as well as prospective ones that Tanzania continues to be one of Africa’s safest and most enjoyable destinations.

Due to the threats, Tanzania has intensified security measures to ensure that its people and the visitors remain safe. Security apparatus in the country are working closely to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to tighten security in the Tanzania territorial waters as well as in the hinterland.

It is my sincere hope that the incidents that happened far away from the territorial borders of Tanzania should not be the cause for panic nor cancellation of travel plans to Tanzania.

We would therefore like to assure all our esteemed visitors intending to travel to Tanzania at any time that they are welcome and that all necessary precautions have been taken to make sure they are as safe as possible.

‘Karibu Tanzania’.

Hon. Ezekiel M. Maige

Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism

6th September, 2011
*****************************************************

JAMHURI YA MUUNGANO WA TANZANIA


WIZARA YA MALIASILI NA UTALII



TAARIFA KWA VYOMBO VYA HABARI


Tanzania ni Salama kwa Watalii

Tanzania ni kisiwa cha amani na nchi imenuia kudumisha sifa hiyo nzuri.

Kufuatia vitendo vya kuteka nyara watalii ambavyo vimetokea upande wa Kaskazini, mbali na mipaka ya nchi yetu, tumeshuhudia hofu inayoendelea kukua kuhusiana na usalama wa watalii wanaotembelea Mashariki mwa Afrika. Kwa hakika wasafiri wanaotembelea Mashariki mwa Afrika, ikiwemo Tanzania, wamekuwa wakionywa wachukue tahadhari.

Kama Waziri mwenye dhamana ya masuala ya Utalii, ningependa kuwahakikishia wageni, ambao tayari wako nchini, na wale ambao wanajiandaa kuja, kuwa Tanzania bado inaendelea kuongoza katika Bara la Afrika kwa kuwa na amani na vivutio vya kitalii vya kufurahisha.

Kutokana na hayo matukio ya hivi karibuni, Tanzania imeongeza udhibiti wa hali ya usalama ili kuhakikisha kuwa wageni na wananchi wanakuwa salama. Vyombo vya usalama nchini vinafanya kazi kwa karibu na Wizara ya Maliasili na Utalii kuongeza hali ya usalama baharini na nchi kavu.

Ninayo imani kubwa kuwa matukio yaliyotokea mbali kabisa na mipaka ya nchi yetu hayawezi kuwa sababu ya kuogopa na labda kukatisha safari za kuja Tanzania.

Kwa hiyo, tungependa kuwahakikishia wageni wetu ambao wanatarajia kusafiri kuja Tanzania kuwa wanakaribiswa waje wakati wowote, na kuwa tahadhari zote muhimu zimeshachukuliwa za kuhakikisha kuwa kadri inavyowezekana watakuwa salama.

Karibu Tanzania.

Mhe. Ezekiel M. Maige

Waziri wa Maliasili na Utalii

6 Septemba, 2011

Ahmed Viriyala Asema...

Translation:

Tourist: I hear that your country is very peaceful especially this city of yours Dar es Salaam.

Local Man: Are you kidding! Just walk around the streets of Jangwani, Tandika, Tandale and Manzese with that bag on your back and you will get an answer!