Travel Information To Tanzania

Best time to go

Safaris are best in the dry season, when the grasses are low and wildlife can easily be seen, so between June and October in Tanzania’s Northern and Southern safari circuits. This also coincides with the renowned river crossings of the Great Migration in Serengeti, making it the busiest and most expensive time to visit. As an alternative, visit the southern Serengeti in February when some 200,000 calves are born. Kilimanjaro is at its best – and busiest – from late June to September too, but December to March can also bring good conditions for climbing. 

Currency and cards

Tanzania’s official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TSZ). Most popular tourist destinations accept payment in both TSZ as well as in USD. However, do remember that US dollar notes printed before 2013 may not be accepted and those printed before 2009 will be rejected outright. Even if you exchange your currency at an authorized money exchange, don’t forget to collect your receipt.

In Tanzania there have been some cases of card cloning at ATMs. In order to avoid these, please ensure that you inform your bank before you travel and after your return so that fraudulent transactions can be monitored and cancelled. Also avoid using ATMs that are not located inside or at the bank premises. Visa is the most accepted card in Tanzania although there may be a surcharge levied for transactions.

Language and religion

Swahili and English are the official languages spoken in Tanzania, the former being the national language. There are also other local languages spoken in Tanzania among different tribes e.g. Maasai, Meru and Sukuma. Indian languages such as Gujarati amongst others are spoken among the Asian communities in the country. Most people learn their local language first and are introduced to English and Swahili at school.

About one third of Tanzania’s population is Christian, another third Muslim. The remaining third follow indigenous and other beliefs. The majority of the Muslim communities are found in coastal areas and in Zanzibar. There are some large Muslim majorities inland as well, mostly along the former caravan routes. Out of the Christian population, the majority are Catholics and Protestants whilst other denominations make up the remaining percentage. Other religious communities including Buddhists, Hindus and Bahá’ís also reside in Tanzania.

Visa and entry

Most visitors require a tourist visa (please re-confirm this directly with your local Tanzanian Consulate should you need any clarification on whether you require a visa or not). It is straightforward to obtain a visa at the point of entry (border crossing or airport) and the cost of a tourist visa for US citizens is currently $100 USD per person and $50 USD per person for citizens from UK, Australia and Canada.  Important – please ensure you have USD notes from 2013 and onwards). 

An e-Visa is recommended for travellers entering Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International Airport. You can also obtain an electronic visa through this link.

Airlines

To begin safaris in Northern Tanzania, most visitors are advised to book with Airlines whose Arrivals & Departures are at KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JRO) which is 45 minutes’ drive from Arusha town. See International Airlines such as AIR TANZANIA, KLM Royal Dutch, with daily flights out of Amsterdam into Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam, GULF AIR, KENYA AIRWAYS, ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES and EMIRATES. It is also possible to get flights arriving to Nairobi (Kenya) from where we can make arrangements to pick you up and transfer to Arusha, the starting point of your Tanzania Safari.

Health information

All visitors traveling to Tanzania from East African countries are required to produce proof of yellow fever vaccination.

There is a risk of malaria in Tanzania so anti-malaria prophylactics are strongly advised. It is prudent to always carry mosquito repellent with you especially in risky zones such as safari parks. Regions that are at an altitude of 1800 meters or higher, such as Mount Kilimanjaro or the Ngorongoro Crater rim, are malaria-free.

Dar Es Salaam, the capital, has good medical facilities in line with most international standards. However, the further inward you travel, the fewer the chances of finding appropriate medical facilities or pharmacies. It is recommended that you carry all prescription medicines with you.

All travellers will need to present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours prior to arrival in Tanzania.

Electricity
240 Volts AC, 50 – 60hz.

Clothing

For safaris, especially in Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha) – during the day, light clothing is recommended with sturdy shoes and canvas hats. During the night in areas like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Highlands, where the altitude is between 1500 – 2500 Metres – a cardigan or pullover may be essential. In the same pack, remember your sun cream, lotions, sun glasses, a pair of binoculars, and a camera with rolls of film or spare memory cards and battery charger.

Visitor’s behavior

The protection of nature is everyone’s concern; therefore try to avoid the following while on safari:
Collecting or buying bones, skins, horns, teeth, feathers or shells of animals. While on the coast avoid carrying away starfish, corals and shells. These are all items that play a major role in our fragile ecosystem. Do not litter where others are expected to visit, and obey the animals’ right to live. Likewise the protection of Cultures is also everyone’s concern. Your Tour Guide will know the local habits and customs, therefore it is always advisable to ask permission before taking any pictures of tribesmen. Photography of all military installations and presidential convoys is highly prohibited. Enquire from your local Guide any other information you need to know.

Shopping around

Locally made products are widely sold at reasonable prices. Ask your local Guide for assistance getting the best offer to buy yourself or a friend items like Batiks and Tingatinga paintings, Ebony carvings such as cutlery, bracelets, furniture and sculptures. Others include Maasai belts, rings and necklaces made of colourful beads, Khanga for women’s wrap-arounds and Jewels which include Tanzania’s special Mineral – Tanzanite.