Tanzania safari travel advice

Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. They include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Off the shore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what wildlife you’d like to spot.

Tanzania’s headline attraction is the Great Migration, which occurs year-round across the Serengeti. Many people flock here between July and September for a chance to witness huge herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River

Tanzania’s ‘green season, between November and March, is much quieter. While there’s a chance of rain showers, it’s a fantastic time for bird watching as migratory species arrive in their thousands.

Passport

Travelers’ passports should be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the issuance of their visa. Upon arrival at the airport, travellers need to present proof of their round-trip tickets and sufficient funds for their stay.

Visa applications for minors less than 18 years travelling alone or with only one parent/legal guardian should be accompanied by a notarized letter, jointly signed by parents or legal guardians approving the minor to travel, as well as a copy of their ID.

Tourist Visa

Travellers to Tanzania, with the exception of certain nationals, need to ensure that they are in possession of a valid passport, and tourist visa and that at least one blank visa page exists in their passport book for their entry stamp.

Yellow fever vaccination

Those who travel from Yellow fever-endemic countries need to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival in Tanzania.

Malaria

Malaria is a risk in Tanzania. Fill out your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Getting to Tanzania

There are daily flights to Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam for those heading to Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha for those heading out for safari in Northern Tanzania.

Dress code

Tanzania is deeply conservative, so both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders in public. Traditionally, women only wear skirts, but it’s fine for foreign women to wear jeans or trousers – as long as they aren’t too form-fitting.

In Zanzibar, you might be tempted to stroll around in shorts and swimwear, but remember the island is predominantly Muslim. On the beach, you can get away with skimpy attire, but as soon as you set foot in a village, be sure to cover up.

What to pack

Generally speaking, light layers of clothing in neutral safari colours of green, khaki and beige are the best items to bring with you. Dark colours such as navy or black can attract tsetse flies and are best avoided, as are bright colours like yellow, red and purple if you are going on safari.

Currency

The Tanzanian shilling is the official currency of the United Republic of Tanzania but the US dollar is ubiquitously used too. Other currencies such as the euro, Pound Sterling can be used however we recommend changing some local shillings before the trip starts.

Note: The banknotes older than the 2016 issue year are depreciated in Tanzania banks so we strongly recommend bringing the newest banknotes you can get at the time of travel.

Money and Tipping

For those working in the service industry in Tanzania, including waiters, guides and trackers, tips can form a significant part of their income. We highly recommend our clients to tip and as part of your pre-safari documents, we will send you a tipping guide depending on your safari package.

Health sector of Tanzania 

Tanzania still experiences some difficulties with their health sector, though you will be able to find specialized medical services in the big cities the remote areas will be difficult so we highly recommend purchasing insurance before travelling to Tanzania 

Language

The official language in Tanzania is Swahili but there are hundreds of other local dialects. English is the second official language and the country’s commercial language. It is also the main teaching language used for all higher education institutions.

Electricity

There is national greed in Tanzania and you will have electricity in the major cities and for safari areas you will have solar or generator for lights and charging. Please bring a head torch with you.

Trip Leaders and Guides

During your safari with us, you will expect to meet your Trip leader, local site guides and park rangers depending on the activities you booked for and they will speak English.

Accommodation

Tanzania has Avery high development rate in terms of accommodation all across the country you will be able to find all sorts of accommodations ranging from luxury to mid-range and budget in more wildlife dominated you will also find tented camps which are one of the highlights of an African safari

Meals and drinks

Tanzanian camps and lodges serve both local and continental dishes so food is not an issue in Tanzania, however, we recommend drinking clean bottled water provided by camps in jugs or from your guide avoid drinking tap water as it may not be safe for drinking and brushing.

Internet availability

Depending on where you are there is good coverage of mobile data internet across the country but at camps and lodges you may find wireless internet but usually it is poor due to remote locations.

Cell phones

You will be able to make direct calls from most parts of Tanzania using a local sim card as the connectivity is good but for international sim cards, you may need to roam first before making direct calls. 

Laundry services

Camps and lodges will provide laundry services to clients but this may be complimentary or charged Extra depending on the lodge.

Driving

In Tanzania, people drive on the left-hand side of the road. Seat Belts: Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all passengers in a vehicle in Tanzania

Smocking

Smocking is allowed in Tanzania only in designated areas in public places but away from public you can smoke anywhere.

Photography

Apart from tourist sites there are restrictions on what to photograph in Tanzania most especially security affiliated areas are strictly forbidden.

Pack for purpose List

We run school projects in some places in Tanzania most especially in the Masai areas please feel free to bring school scholastic materials to give away.

Travel Advisory

Please check with your embassy for travel updates about Tanzania, however, our booked clients will receive travel updates in case of any possible threats to your travel and we will provide further details.

Note: In tourist shopping centres, travellers must bear with the course of events as the traders may aggressively want to sell you their items, please note this is how they earn a living so just behave like an African market specialist and negotiate with the sellers and normal tradition in Tanzania.