FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a trip to Tanzania involves many questions about visas, vaccinations, local currency and tips. This practical information will help you prepare for an unforgettable trip full of adventure, whether you're planning a safari, visiting local tribes or relaxing in Zanzibar. Don't forget travel insurance and the right equipment for a safe and comfortable holiday.
Tips for your lucky holiday in Tanzania
Yes, visitors to Tanzania need a visa to enter the country. Visas can be obtained online through the eVisa system or at some border crossings (e.g. Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar). The cost of the visa is 50 USD. This fee is also paid by children.
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if you are coming from an area with the disease. It is also advisable to have vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera and tetanus. There is a risk of malaria in some areas of Tanzania, so it is advisable to take antimalarials, especially during the rainy season. Kilimanjaro, Arusha and the Serengeti are not malarial zones. Dar es Sallam and Zanzibar are malarial zones.
The official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). US dollars (USD) are also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. It is advisable to carry cash in the local currency as credit cards are not accepted everywhere. Broken notes are not accepted in currency exchange offices or banks, and in the case of dollars, it is important to remember to check the dollars exchanged. Banknotes of older series (1999, 2003) are not accepted.
ATMs in many locations dispense a maximum of TZS 400,000 or TZS 600,000 (approx. US$ 170) per withdrawal. ATM withdrawals are subject to a fee (usually around USD 4).
When paying by card, expect to pay an extra 3-5% of the amount.Tanzania has a tropical climate that varies according to altitude and region. The most popular time to visit is from June to October, when the weather is drier and it is easy to observe animals. December to February is warmer, with high humidity when visiting Zanzibar. The months of April and May are rainy.
The official languages are Swahili and English. English is widely used in tourist areas and in commerce.
It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical treatment, trip cancellation, loss of luggage and other unforeseen events.
When travelling to East Africa, you may want to consider "Flying Doctors" insurance. AMREF Flying Doctors offers a flying ambulance service with doctors and pilots on call 24 hours a day throughout East Africa. For US$40 per person for 30 days, you can travel to any remote area in one or more of the following countries without worry: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda.
Zanzibar compulsory travel insuranceIf you are travelling to Zanzibar from 1 October 2024, you are required to purchase Zanzibar compulsory travel insurance, regardless of whether you already have your own travel insurance. Each traveller must apply for this insurance in advance. Upon payment of USD 44 per person, you will receive a QR code which must be presented upon arrival. The basic coverage of this mandatory travel insurance includes emergency medical expenses, repatriation costs (physical and medical), personal injury, baggage delay, baggage theft, baggage loss, legal costs and personal liability. To apply for Zanzibar compulsory travel insurance please visit https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/.
Tipping is not compulsory, but is expected in tourist services such as meals, guiding services or safaris. Guides/drivers are usually given around 10-15 USD per day per person. Cooks and chefs are given US$5 per day per person. For staff at the lodges, around USD 5-10 per day per person is recommended, which can be left in the community tip box.
The typical length of a safari is between 5 and 10 days. This allows you to explore multiple parks and enjoy a variety of experiences. Longer safaris provide a more detailed experience, while shorter safaris focus on a specific area, such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater.
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Clothing: Lightweight and breathable clothing in neutral colours (khaki, beige). It can be chilly in the morning and evening, so it's good to have warmer layers and a hat for the morning safari. Clothing in blue and black is inappropriate as it attracts insects such as the tsetse fly.
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Footwear: Comfortable shoes for the outdoors and sandals for resting.
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Accessories: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, binoculars and flashlight.
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Other essentials: insect repellent, personal medication, first aid kit and reusable water bottle, Umbrella.
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Tent safari: If you're camping on safari, don't forget your sleeping bag
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Transfers from the airport to safari areas are usually organised by travel agents or accommodation providers. They may include air transfers between parks or road transport. Airport transfers are usually included in the quote for your safari.
Bargaining is quite common when buying souvenirs. Unless the item is marked with a price tag, always haggle. Whether buying souvenirs or fruit, it's common, it's expected.
You can buy a sim card in Tanzania, there are several companies. Airtel, Vodacom, in Zanzibar Zantel. Zantel does not have good coverage on mainland Tanzania. When securing a sim card you have to register with the company with your passport. Prices for internet from 5000TSH 3 GB/week.
In Tanzania they use what is called a British socket, a three-pin socket. Bring an adaptor from home or arrange at the reception of your accommodation.Tap water is not suitable for foreign visitors to drink. Drink bottled water. At some hotels or safari lodges you will find filtered water in the bathroom for brushing your teeth.
Restaurants are divided into expensive and moderately expensive, and then into restaurants for locals. Always pay in Tanzanian shillings.
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The most popular dish is meat of any preparation, goat and grilled chicken. Kuku Choma - you can get grilled chicken practically anywhere.
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On the street you can buy Indian chapati, which is eaten here as a side dish and main dish. It also serves as a side dish, usually eaten straight with the hands, so the patty is scooped with bean sauce or chutney.
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The street stalls usually offer fruit, depending on the season, but usually mangoes, papaya, pineapple, coconuts, delicious avocados and bananas of various kinds are available for purchase - the vegetables are made into matoke porridge.
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Tanzanians often eat breakfast on the street, namely jamless doughnuts called mandazi and tea with milk or Turkish coffee. A popular delicacy is fried potatoes covered in egg - chips mayai.
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On the coast and islands you're sure to find a wealth of fish and seafood. Mostly on the menu is the "catch of the day" - swordfish, tuna, barracuda.
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The most traditional Tanzanian dish is ugali, a cornmeal porridge. Sometimes thinner, sometimes served as a white dumpling.
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If you are on a diet, gluten-free or otherwise, take your own semi-prepared foods from home. Gluten-free foods are very expensive and hard to find here.
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Luxury Lodge: comfortable accommodation with excellent service and sometimes even a spa.
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Tented camps: From basic to luxury, providing an authentic safari experience.
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Mobile Camps: Temporary camps that move with the animal migration, offering close contact with nature.
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Budget options: basic camps and cheaper lodges for a more affordable experience.
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To confirm your safari booking, a 30% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining amount can be paid either by bank transfer prior to your arrival or in cash upon arrival. This will ensure your place and the smooth running of your trip.
What does a jeep safari look like?
On safari we use a Toyota Landcruiser 4x4, which is a very comfortable car for local terrain. There are 8 seats, two in the front for the driver and possibly the guide or cook on a camping safari, then 6 comfortable seats with armrests behind the driver, each passenger has a large window to diposzici. There is a fridge between the rear seats. The car is equipped with USB ports for charging phones. The vehicle has an opening roof, during the safari you can comfortably watch the animals.
