About Tanzania (for Zanzibar click here)
Some information about Tanzania – interesting facts about Tanzania – need to know
Tanzania is one of the most famous safari destinations in Africa. The country is well known for its incredible wildlife, the endless plains of the Serengeti and the impressive Ngorongoro Crater.
Tanzania’s capital city is Dodoma. Other important cities are Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza and Zanzibar City.
Tanzania also has beautiful islands, including Zanzibar and Pemba. These islands are popular for beach holidays, diving and relaxing after a safari.
The country has several famous national parks and game reserves. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire are among the most popular safari destinations.
Tanzania is also home to Africa’s highest mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro reaches 5,895 metres and is a popular destination for travellers who want to climb the mountain.
Tanzania has a great diversity of landscapes, from the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro highlands to tropical beaches and mountains.
Discover our Tanzania safaris
Experience the endless plains of the Serengeti, the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and some of Africa’s most impressive wildlife. Discover our selected Tanzania safaris or let us create a tailor-made journey especially for you.
CAN’T FIND YOUR PERFECT SAFARI?
Good to know before you go
Please read this document for the air travel related measures for the outbreak of Coronavirus. This refers tot the Travel Advisory no. 5 of 5 August 2020 issued by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The latest information can be found via the website of iatatravelcentre.
The best period to travel Tanzania
July until September are excellent months to travel to Tanzania.
During these months the weather is generally dry and temperatures are comfortable.
January until March and December can also be very good months for wildlife viewing. Depending on the rainfall, the wildebeest migration can be found in different parts of the Serengeti during these periods.
The exact timing of the migration changes from year to year because the animals follow the rainfall and fresh grass.
Wildebeest (gnoes) migration map:
Weather and climate
Tanzania has a tropical climate.
Temperatures are generally warm throughout the year, although there can be considerable differences depending on altitude and location.
In many areas temperatures are around 20–30 degrees Celsius during the day. In the mountains temperatures can be considerably lower.
The coastal areas and islands such as Zanzibar have a warmer and more humid climate.
Travel documents
Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the moment you enter Tanzania. You need a visa for Tanzania which you can buy when entering the country.
The cost for this visa is $ 50,- per person for non USA citizens.
The cost for this visa is $ 100,- per person for USA citizens.
To avoid delays at customs have USD in cash available. The USD bank notes must be from the year 2000 or younger.
Older USD notes will not be accepted.
Visa issues in Tanzania
New visa process at Kilimanjaro Airport
Please be aware that with immediate effect Kilimanjaro airport has changed the process of issueing visas on arrival.
Clients arriving in Kilimanjaro without a visa now need to complete the following process:
- Queue for a Government Control Number
- Queue to pay for this at the bank
- Queue for Immigration to check and issue the visa
Security
Tanzania is generally a safe country for travellers, but normal precautions are recommended.
Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in towns and cities. Take a taxi.
Do not carry large amounts of cash or valuable jewellery and use the safe provided by your accommodation whenever possible. Leave valuable jewellery at home!!!
Malaria
All around Tanzania there is malaria.
Medical bring prescription medicines, spare glasses, contact lenses and solution as well as sunscreen, a first aid kit, cream for bites/stings and diarrhoea remedy. Drink only boiled or bottled water, bottled or canned drinks, avoid ice cubes and salads.
Malaria is endemic but is preventable: use insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and take anti-malaria prophylactics as advised by your doctor. Malaria is transmitted by some female Anopheles mosquitoes, which are active in the early evening and throughout the night. Malaria is not a serious problem if people are sensible and take basic precautions from being bitten by using mosquito repellents and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants in the evenings. Safari camps and lodges are not located in any densely populated areas, and many are at high altitude. This greatly reduces the risk of becoming infected. Consult your physician, for recommended malaria prophylactics.
In the United States, the drug Lariam is the most commonly prescribed malarial prophylactic, but it has unfortunate side effects for some people. It should not be taken by anyone with a heart problem or high blood pressure. It should not be used during pregnancy or lactation and it should not be used by people with tendencies towards depression. On July 14, 2000 the FDA approved a new malarial prophylactic called MALARONE. Although it has to be taken daily, it is seems to have few side-affects.
HIV/Aids is widespread, especially in the main tourist areas.
Vaccinations
Please check the link below for your vaccinations which are necessary for Tanzania or contact your doctor https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania
For our Dutch clients please check the link below
https://klmhealthservices.com/inentingen/tanzania/
Nice to know
Alcohol is only permitted to buy and/or drink from the age of 18.
The maximum alcohol promillage is 0.5 if you want to drive a car.
Buying tobacco is only permitted when you are 18 or older.
Smoking tobacco might be done from all ages.
No smoking is allowed in public buildings by law.
A few useful words in Swahili Swahili is a derivative of the Bantu language and remains loyal to Bantu grammar, however its vocabulary has been influenced by Arabic (through culture and trade) and more recently by English (through technology).
The word swahili comes from the Arabic word for coast, since the language developed along the East African coast where several distinctive dialects still remain. Swahili has been described as “One of the twelve great languages of the world” and is spoken by millions of people in Central and Eastern Africa. More details can be found at wikipedia.
Hello – Jambo
Good bye – Kwaheri
Please – Tafadhali
Thank you (very much) – Asante (sana)
Yes – Ndiyo
No – Hapana
How much/many? – Ngapi?
Okay – Sawa sawa
How are you? – Habari?
Very well – Mzuri sana
Food – Chakula
I’d like a cold beer – Tafadhali nataka bia [pombe] baridi
Tipping guideline
Guests often ask us for a guideline for tipping their guides. This is a difficult question but to give some advice we would say:
- 15 – 20 USD per verhicle per day
This is just an indication. Feel free to tip at your own discretion.
Our 4×4 LandCruisers
We have a 4 seater and a 6 seater 4×4 LandCruiser in the fleet. Both vehicles have WIFI available during the drives (where available)
Overview of the amazing National Parks of Tanzania
We go where you want us to go, whenever & however with respect for wildlife and the Park rules. The comfort of the wild animals and the safety of our guests are our top priority.
The Zanzibar Authorities have announced the introduction of a compulsory ‘Travel Insurance’, for anyone travelling to the island, as of 1 October 2024. You can find the document here)
This insurance will be provided by the ‘Zanzibar Insurance Corporation’ at a price of 44 USD per person, with a validity of 92 days. Its purchase is compulsory (verplicht), even for travelers who already have or have taken out another travel insurance policy.
This insurance will only apply to the Zanzibar archipelago and will not be required, nor valid, for travelers to mainland Tanzania.
The insurance can also be purchased on arrival in Zanzibar, however, to avoid long waits, it is suggested that it be purchased prior to departure, via https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/.