Travel Tips – 10 Important Facts for a Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar
We’ve compiled a list of 10 essential facts that you should be aware of before you start packing for your unforgettable adventure in Tanzania. These crucial Travel Tips will help ensure you’re fully prepared for your journey, making your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and truly memorable. We hope you find this information helpful as you plan for the adventure of a lifetime.
1. Ease of Access
Tanzania has three international airports: Julius Nyerere in Dar es Salaam, Karume in Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro. Various airlines, including Kenya Airways and Lufthansa, offer flights to Tanzania. Travelers can also reach Kilimanjaro via Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi, with daily shuttle buses operating to Arusha and Namanga. Travel tip: it’s advisable to book flights early during peak seasons and to check visa and vaccination requirements well before departure.
2. Healthiness
Yellow fever vaccination is required for Tanzania entry get it at least 10 days before your trip. Though enforcement is relaxed, it’s best to have it to avoid delays. For essential travel tips, take malaria prophylactics before departure and always sleep under mosquito nets. Pack sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against the strong sun. Drink only bottled or boiled water, and avoid salads and ice cubes to prevent stomach issues.
3. Seasonal variations
The weather is generally hot and dry, with seasonal changes. The long rains occur from March to May, short rains from November to mid-December, and cooler nights happen between June and October. Coastal areas stay hot and humid year-round, while Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru can drop below freezing, so pack warm clothes. Travel tips: Avoid trekking during the heaviest rains, carry layered clothing for temperature changes, stay hydrated in hot coastal areas, and bring rain gear if visiting during the rainy seasons. Planning your visit around these patterns ensures a more comfortable trip.
4. Insurance
We provide only air rescue ambulance coverage, which is limited to emergency evacuations and does not include other travel-related risks. Therefore, obtaining comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. It protects against medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and unforeseen incidents, ultimately ensuring peace of mind and a stress-free travel experience. For your safety and convenience, one of the most important travel tips is to secure full travel insurance before your journey begins.
5. Travel authorization
You can apply for a visa online or on arrival at all entry points, including airports, borders, and ports. The Tanzania visa currently costs USD 50 per person, while American passport holders are charged USD 100 per person
6. National Currency
The national currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling, but the most widely accepted currency is the USD. USD and other major European currencies can be exchanged at many forex bureaus in major towns across Tanzania. It’s highly recommended to exchange money at official forex bureaus and banks to ensure safety and get better rates, and to avoid street exchanges. Additionally, access to ATMs has increased significantly, with machines available in all major towns, making it easier for travelers to withdraw cash as needed. For a smooth trip, here are some important travel tips: always carry some Tanzanian Shillings for small purchases, keep your cash and cards secure, and notify your bank before traveling to avoid any ATM card issues.
7. Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is customary and expected:
- Safari guide: $20–$25 per person
- Cook or porter: $20–$25 per person
- Hotel staff: $5–$10 per service
8. Communication
The official languages of Tanzania are Kiswahili and English, with Kiswahili being the national language. English is widely spoken in major towns, business centers, and even in some villages. Additionally, Kiswahili serves as the primary language for daily communication, education, and government affairs, making it an essential part of Tanzanian culture. When visiting Tanzania, travel tips include learning a few basic Kiswahili phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture, as well as using English in urban areas where it is more commonly understood.
9. Outfits
When going on safari, it is advisable to pack lightweight clothing, preferably cotton, for comfort. Additionally, carrying a jacket or fleece is recommended for chilly mornings, evenings, and high-altitude areas. Meanwhile, at the coast and on Zanzibar Island, especially in Stone Town, wearing revealing clothing is highly discouraged out of respect for local customs. These important travel tips help ensure a comfortable and culturally respectful experience throughout your journey.
10. Capturing Moments
Photography of government buildings is strictly prohibited, and taking pictures of locals without their permission is also not allowed. However, you are encouraged to capture as many photos as possible while being respectful and responsible. As part of useful travel tips, always seek consent before photographing people to ensure a positive interaction and to respect their privacy and cultural norms. This approach will help you enjoy your photography experience while maintaining good relationships with the local community.