Visas, vaccines, what to pack, when to go — the practical detail that turns a good trip into a seamless one.
Tanzania's seasons are shaped by two rains and one of nature's greatest spectacles. Understanding them is the single most important planning decision you'll make.
The Serengeti is emerald-lush. Wildebeest calving peaks in late January and February, drawing vast predator activity around the Ndutu plains. Ngorongoro crater fills with zebra and gazelle. Fewer crowds, lower rates, and a certain wild intimacy define this season.
The long rains bring heavy afternoon downpours and some inaccessible roads. Many camps close. However, the landscape is spectacular, birdlife peaks, and those who do travel enjoy rock-bottom prices and virtually private game drives.
Tanzania's finest wildlife window. Dry conditions concentrate animals at water sources. The Great Migration thunders north through the Grumeti and Mara River. Nights cool pleasantly. Book 9–12 months ahead for top camps. The Mara River crossings (July–September) are the highlight of the year.
Brief afternoon showers freshen the plains without closing tracks. Wildebeest begin their return south. Zanzibar's beaches are perfect — warm and dry. An excellent value window with good game viewing, especially for bird enthusiasts and photographers seeking green landscapes and dramatic skies.
Tanzania welcomes visitors with a straightforward entry process. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or apply online in advance — we strongly recommend the latter.
Apply at eservices.immigration.go.tz a minimum of 14 days before travel. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days. Your approval email is printed and presented alongside your passport at the immigration desk at JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) or DAR (Julius Nyerere International Airport).
Zanzibar uses the same Tanzania single-entry visa. However, if you fly Mainland → Zanzibar → back to Mainland, be aware that some nationalities may be charged twice under a dual-use interpretation. We'll advise based on your nationality. A multi-entry visa is the safe choice for itineraries combining both.
Standard tourist single-entry visa. Most nationalities are eligible online or on arrival.
Staying healthy on safari is largely a matter of preparation. Your doctor and a travel medicine clinic are your first stop — we've compiled the key considerations to guide that conversation.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 6–8 weeks before departure. Tanzania is in a malaria-endemic zone. Prophylaxis, together with the practical precautions below, dramatically reduces your risk. We are not medical professionals — this page is a guide, not medical advice.
Tanzania has year-round malaria transmission, with higher risk during and after the rains. Antimalarial medication (atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine) is strongly recommended. Use DEET-based insect repellent, wear long sleeves at dusk, and sleep under a net — all quality camps provide these.
Ensure your routine vaccines are current, then speak with your doctor about: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Meningitis, Rabies (if trekking or camping), and Yellow Fever (mandatory if arriving from endemic countries). Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination may be required at the border.
Drink only bottled or lodge-provided filtered water — never tap. Avoid ice in towns and street food where preparation hygiene is uncertain. Safari camps maintain high standards and water is always supplied. Carry oral rehydration sachets; the equatorial sun dehydrates faster than you expect.
Tanzania sits near the equator. SPF 50+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses are non-negotiable. Altitude in areas like Ngorongoro (2,300m / 7,500ft) adds UV intensity and can cause mild altitude sickness — rest and hydrate on arrival day.
Medical evacuation from remote safari areas can cost upwards of $30,000 USD. Comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers emergency evacuation and medical treatment is essential — not optional. We require proof of coverage before your final itinerary is confirmed.
Tanzania is generally very safe for tourists. Always follow your guide's instructions in the bush. Keep vehicle windows up around lion and buffalo. In Arusha and Dar es Salaam, use hotel-recommended taxis, keep valuables concealed, and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
The golden rule: neutral earth tones and light layers. Safari vehicles are open-sided, mornings at altitude are cold, and afternoons can reach 35°C. Pack for contrast.
Light aircraft fly-in safari routes have strict luggage restrictions: typically 15 kg (33 lbs) total, in a soft duffel bag only — no hard-shell suitcases. We'll advise your exact allowance at itinerary confirmation. Store extra luggage securely at your Arusha hotel.
The Tanzanian shilling is the local currency, but the US dollar is widely accepted across safari camps, national parks, and tourist services. Here's what you need to know.
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). USD is universally accepted in tourist areas and for national park fees. Bring new, clean USD bills printed after 2009 — older or marked notes are often refused. Bills of $50 and $100 get the best exchange rates.
ATMs are available in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar Stone Town. They dispense Tanzanian shillings only. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) work at larger hotels and shops, but most safari camps are cash-based. Always carry USD as backup — do not rely solely on plastic.
Exchange at authorised bureaux de change in Arusha or the airport rather than unofficial street exchanges. Avoid exchanging money at hotels — rates are poor. The USD/TZS rate fluctuates; check it the week before travel. Don't exchange more than you need as converting TZS back to USD is difficult.
Gratuities are an important part of safari staff income. The following amounts are widely respected guidelines — not obligations. Your guide's outstanding local knowledge, your tracker's sharp eyes, and the camp team's warmth all make your safari what it is.
| Who | Suggested Amount | How & When |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Guide | USD $15–25 / person / day | Cash directly, last morning of safari |
| Tracker / Scout | USD $5–10 / person / day | Cash directly, or via guide |
| Camp Team (general) | USD $10–15 / person / day | Into the camp's communal tip box |
| Lodge Butler / Steward | USD $3–5 / day | Directly, at end of your stay |
| Airport / Hotel Porter | USD $1–2 per bag | At time of service |
| Restaurant (in town) | 10–15% of bill | Cash, at the table |
Tanzania is home to over 120 ethnic groups with a shared culture of warmth, dignity, and welcome. A few thoughtful habits make all the difference between being a visitor and being a guest.
Tanzania's mainland is roughly equally Muslim and Christian, with traditional beliefs widely observed alongside both. Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is considered highly disrespectful. Dress modestly when visiting mosques, churches, or local villages.
Tanzanians place great value on greetings. Rushing past without acknowledgment is considered rude. A warm "Habari?" (How are things?) with a handshake (right hand, left hand supporting the right wrist as a sign of respect) goes a long way. Elders are addressed with "Shikamoo" — a mark of respect that will always earn a smile.
Wildlife photography in the parks is freely enjoyed. Photography of people — especially Maasai and local communities — requires explicit permission. Some communities charge a small fee for portraits; this is entirely fair and supports local income. Never photograph military installations, airports, or government buildings.
On safari, practical neutral clothing is the norm. In Arusha and towns, casual western dress is accepted. On Zanzibar, cover shoulders and knees outside the resort areas — a light scarf is the simplest solution for both men and women. Swimwear is for the beach and pool only.
Our team handles every detail — from visas to the moment you see your first lion.
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