Travel Tips for Visitors in Tanzania

TRAVEL GUIDE FOR VISITORS - TANZANIA 
 

Passport & Visa: All safari travelers to Africa require a passport, valid for the duration of their tour, or vacation travel tips for visitors in Tanzania. Entry points in Tanzania currently offering visa services on entry are Dar Es Salaam Port and Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport, and Namanga entry post on the road border between Tanzania and Kenya. Some nationalities do not require visas, so it is advisable to check with your local Tanzanian Embassy.

Language: English is widely spoken in Africa, but a few basic words of Swahili is always greatly appreciated in Tanzania.

Money: Major foreign currencies - particularly US$ and Euros - and travelers' cheques are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. Credit cards are not widely accepted and carry poor exchange rates. Banks seldom offer ATM facilities. Visitors may be expected to pay in foreign currency at game parks. Don't change money in the street.

Health: All visitors and travelers are required to present an International Yellow Fever Immunization Certificate upon arrival. It is also advisable to take anti-malarial precautions before departure or consult your doctor or Travel clinic before you plan your African safari adventure tour.

Climate: Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings from June-October, short rains from November to mid-December, and long rains March-May but the seasons can vary.

Clothing: Pack lightweight, washable clothes plus a sweater for early morning wildlife game drives, a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Long sleeves and trousers in light-colored fabrics help discourage insect bites. Shorts for women are acceptable (but not too short). Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in the village and towns as revealing clothes can cause offense. Staying at a Lodge, bring your swimsuit along.

Safari photo: Bring film and batteries for your camera with you. Protect your camera from dust and keep equipment and film spools cool. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing the local Tanzanian people. If you intend to take a lot of people's pictures, be sure to bring an instant camera with you so that you can leave a picture with the people you photograph.

Baggage: Baggage on safari is limited to one bag, plus one small piece of hand baggage per person (excluding a camera bag). In total, this should not weight more than 20kg. Suitcases and other heavier items can be stored in town hotels whilst clients are on safari.

Tipping: Not obligatory, but a tip for exceptional service (max 10%) will be appreciated, $20-$25 per day for the driver or tour guide. Electricity230v, but power failures, surges, and troughs are common. Bring a universal adaptor and a torch (flashlight) or headlamp.

Security: Tanzania is a generally safe country but doesn't invite temptation. Keep your eyes on your belongings. Don't walk in the towns or cities at night - take a taxi. Don't carry cameras or large amounts of cash, beware of pickpockets and hawkers. Use hotel safety deposit boxes to safeguard valuables and obtain a receipt. Leave valuable jewelry at home.

Shopping: The Tourist areas and wildlife lodges sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewelry, and trinkets. Don't be afraid to haggle at roadside stalls (Your driver/ guide will advise you where to shop and on a reasonable price). The most popular souvenirs are wooden carvings, curios, and a famous love stone which is the well-known gemstone "Tanzanite" These are all widely sold at souvenir shops