Tanzania Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season. The long dry season starts from mid-June until October, and the short dry season stretches from January to Early March. With clearer weather and less vegetation, the available water sources become a magnet to all wildlife. 

The greatest time to track the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti is between June and September when the wildebeests are scattered alongside Grumeti River (Western Serengeti) and later continue to Mara River in North Serengeti. January and February are calving season and considered one of the finest times to see the Great Migration and their newly born. November to December is the short-wet season; during this period of time, the migration is dispersed between central and southern Serengeti in search of green pasture and water. 

The long-wet season lasts from April to May, and during this time, the scenery becomes evergreen as the high rainfall nourishes the land and ushers in the calving season among herbivores. The wet season is also a very good time for bird watching but a slightly more difficult time to spot wildlife, as sources of water are everywhere. Also, animals tend to hide from the rainfall during this time. 

The wet season does translate into a saving for those visiting during this time, as many lodges offer lower rates.

How Far ahead to Plan a Trip to Tanzania

We strongly recommend booking your Tanzania safari as early as possible, at least 3 months before your arrival date. Many of the best accommodations tend to get fully booked well in advance, so early planning is essential. Having ample time to plan your trip will also allow our experts to design the most suitable itinerary for your holiday while accommodating as many of your personal preferences as possible.

Travel documents Needed for Tanzania 

It is essential for all travellers, regardless of their nationality, to have a passport with a validity of at least six months and with at least two blank pages. This is a crucial part of your travel preparations. 

The fee for a single-entry tourist visa is US $50, except for Americans, who are required to pay US $100. American visas are multiple entry visas valid for a year, but visitors will need to leave the country after every 90 days. For the most up-to-date visa requirements, please get in touch with the Tanzanian embassy in your country before your trip. 

Nationals of certain countries can obtain a Tanzania visa upon arrival. We recommend checking the visa requirements for your specific citizenship, as entry requirements vary by country.

To avoid long lines at the port of entry or airport, we suggest applying for the visa at least three months before your travel dates, either through the embassy or online.

Flights & Airports 

Depending on your departure point, you will have options for direct flights or flights with layovers, typically in Nairobi, Dubai, or Addis Ababa. The major international airlines serving Tanzania include Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Delta, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Condor, and Air France. 

For a safari in the northern circuit, you should fly to or from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If your safari is in southern Tanzania, Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar-es-Salaam (DAR) is the most convenient airport. For a beach extension, consider flying from Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Stone Town, Zanzibar. 

Moreover, several domestic flight companies, such as Precision Air, Air Tanzania, Coastal Air, Flightlink, and Auric Air, operate flights between major cities and can also fly you directly to your safari destination.

Travel Insurance(s)

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellations, flight cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, or any other incidents that may affect your safari, as well as coverage for damaged property. It is also important to have international medical insurance. While some travel insurance policies also cover medical needs, having insurance that covers all aspects of your trip as well as medical expenses is essential. 

Please note that all guests of Zohar African Safaris are covered for immediate emergency evacuation by Flying Doctors from any location. However, it’s important to understand that this insurance only covers the evacuation and transportation by Flying Doctors from the evacuation point to the hospital door. Therefore, it is essential to have international medical insurance to cover hospital bills. While the likelihood of needing this assistance is low, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Rest assured, our team will be available to assist you in any way we can.

Staying Health & Vaccinations 

Many travellers have common concerns about their health and safety when traveling to Africa. Is it safe to travel to Africa? What are the major health risks in Africa? Yes, it is safe to travel to Africa and if you follow health protocols, there are no health risks.

The best choice of vaccines for your trip depends on many individual factors, including your precise travel plans. We advise you to consult a travel medicine clinic or personal doctor before travelling to Tanzania for any up-to-date information on the latest health precautions and vaccination recommendations. We recommend doing this at least 6 weeks before the intended departure day.

Routine vaccines for African travel include protection against chickenpox, measles, polio, influenza, measles, diphtheria, mumps and rubella, pertussis, and tetanus. Additionally, a “booster-shot” for Meningitis or Rabies is advisable.

The government of Tanzania may require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever.

Malaria

Malaria is widespread throughout Tanzania with the exception of high-altitude areas. As Malaria medications vary from country to country, make sure your physician knows you will be travelling to Kenya. We recommend taking malaria pills a few days prior to your trip and a few days after you are back home.

HIV/AIDS is no more a problem in Tanzania than anywhere else in the world. Provided you are not taking undue risks, you have nothing to worry.

In case of needing any medical attention, Tanzania has qualified nurses and doctors. Most camping sites, lodges, and hotels have on-site physicians and if your condition is serious, we are in constant contact with the Flying Doctors Service that can evacuate you to a nearby medical facility.

Currency

The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS); the note denominations are 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 shillings, while the coins are 500, 200, 100 & 50 denominations. 

The most common and easiest currencies to exchange are US Dollars and Euros. The exchange rate is approximately US $1 = Tsh 2,685 €1 = Tsh 2,889. Currency conversion rates change daily, and big denominations tend to have better exchange rates so for the best exchange rates, we recommend using 50 or 100 USD Bills. 

You can easily obtain local currency from banks, the airport bureau of change, bureaus of change around town, or authorised hotels. Bureaus of change typically offer better rates than banks. Additionally, ATM machines are conveniently located in all airports and around town, accepting both MasterCard and Visa for withdrawals.

The Tanzanian shilling is universally accepted, making it unnecessary to carry large amounts of foreign currency. However, US dollars or Euros are widely accepted in hotels, large supermarkets, and shops, so it’s advisable to have some on hand for additional purchases during your trip.

Major credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted at most (Westernized) outlets in Tanzania, such as large banks, supermarkets, and establishments. Local trade is done in physical cash. Please note that paying through credit card may attract a 3.5%—5% credit card surcharge.

Bank hours are between 0830 and 1600, while on Saturday, they operate half a day between 0830 and 1200.

Food

Tanzanian food varies significantly depending on the region and the availability of local ingredients. On the mainland, most hotels serve Tanzanian dishes consisting of meat stews, fried chicken, chicken curry, rice, chips, boiled or mashed potatoes, pasta with minced meat, chapati bread, ugali (maize porridge), pilau (fried rice with beef and spices), and seasonal vegetable curry. 

Major Tanzanian towns have a significant population of immigrants, mostly from the Indian subcontinent, and restaurants usually serve many common Indian dishes, like biryani, spicy curries, and chapati bread. 

Along the coast, the Indian Ocean provides a variety of seafood, and the Swahili style of food is flavoured with spices and coconut milk. It features fragrant rice, grilled fish, and prawn curries. But what truly refreshes the palate are the abundant tropical fruits like coconuts, paw-paws, mangoes, pineapples, and bananas and their delicious fresh juices.

With prior notice, arrangements can be made for halal/kosher meals or any dietary restrictions, although complex requests may be challenging to accommodate locally.

Our Safari Guides & Tipping 

Zohar exclusively collaborates with safari guide-drivers with over 5 years of experience. Many of these guides have previously worked on National Geographic documentaries or at high-end luxury lodges, earning them recognition as some of the finest safari guides in East Africa. Our guides possess outstanding communication skills, a friendly and approachable demeanour, and adhere to high professional standards. They are adept in various safety procedures and can promptly address any challenges that may arise while navigating the rugged bush terrain.

It’s important to emphasise that the tour guide significantly influences your safari experience by ensuring it is enjoyable and secure and offering valuable insights. 

In East Africa, it is customary for safari guides to receive part of their compensation through tips and appreciation from the clients. As a general guideline, it’s customary to offer a gift of around $18 to $25 per client per day to your safari guide. For our cultural and activities guides, a gratuity of $10 to $15 per client per activity is typical.

These guidelines are designed to help you navigate the cultural norms and show your appreciation for the exceptional service our guides provide.

General Packing List

• We highly recommend you to pack as light as possible. Always remember to leave space for souvenirs and gifts.
• You should ensure that you have all the travel documents including passports (and a few photo copies), printed flight ticket, visa, address book including emergency contact, printed trip itinerary, travel insurance and money on your person. 
• A small pouch or a bag that hangs around the neck is recommended.
• Strong and comfortable shoes preferably waterproof 
• Cotton and breathable socks.
• Sandals or flip-flops

Baggage Restrictions

• A maximum of 15kg of luggage per person is allowed for light aircraft flights within the country, excluding hand luggage and camera equipment. Additional luggage is charged according to the flight company. International carriers have their own rules, and it is advised to check these. 
• Please make sure your valuables such as electronic equipment and money / documents / medication (if applicable) are packed in your hand luggage.
• It is highly recommended that you lock your luggage, and the government takes a strict stance on the transport of ivory / precious stones / tropical woods and food or drinks. When you purchase these items, please make sure you purchase them from certified vendors, able to produce a receipt upon request.
• Finally, narcotics and prescription drugs are highly forbidden in Tanzania unless you can produce a medical clearance or dispensation.

Luggage:

• Waterproof Soft-sided bag of up to 20kg
• Waterproof Backpack or small bag that you can hang around the neck

Dressing:

• Casual and loose-fitting clothing like short/long sleeved shirts (camouflage clothes are recommended)
• Lightweight breathable pants
• Long-sleeved fleece or sweater for evenings and/or early mornings.
• Night dresses/pajamas
• Sun hats and scarf for the dust
• When visiting a village, women should avoid short pants or sleeveless blouses/shirts or short skirts that do not cover the knees out of respect for the local customs and traditions.

Toiletries:

•  Small towel
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap (bar or gel soap), conditioner and shampoo with less fragrance
• Body Lotion
• Facial tissue and normal wet tissues
• Comb and small mirror
• Anti – bacteria gel, hand- wipes and Kleenex

First Aid Kit

• Painkillers e.g. aspirin or Panadol (or others prescribed by your physician)
• Insect repellent and mosquito repellents.
• Crème for itches and rashes (i.e. Benadryl itch relief stick)
• Cold and allergy medicine
• Bandage, gauze and tapes
• Malaria pills
• Stomach Ache medicines
• Diarrhoea medicine
• Prescription antibiotics effective against a wide range of bacteria
• Antihistamines
• Ibuprofen
• Prescription Medications
• Multi vitamins

Electronics:

• Camera, extra batteries and charger, memory cards, mini-tripod
• Flashlight and headlight
• UK plug adapter and transformer / voltage converter, if applicable
• Personal music device

Other:

• Maps, guidebooks
• Binoculars
• Money
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
• Candies and snacks
• Travel pillow