All visitors to the United Republic of Tanzania require a return or onward ticket, a passport with a validity of at least 6 months, and must obtain an appropriate visa, except nationals of the listed countries on the following link www.moha.go.tz. Visas can be obtained from any Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or Consulate abroad, and at the main entry points including international airports, seaports, and border posts. It is the customer’s own responsibility to timely obtain the appropriate travel documents and visa. Visas generally cost between USD 50 and USD 100.
Visiting Tanzania means travelling to a tropical country. Before travelling, customers are advised to visit one of the travel clinics in their home country for a relevant personal travel advice, to ensure that they remain healthy whilst abroad. Travel clinics can advise over and provide the relevant vaccinations, medical examinations and certification, and anti-malaria tablets. Also, travel clinics can advise about appropriate precautions regarding hygiene, food, diseases, animals & insects, and the like. Our customers are responsible for the recommended comprehensive travel and medical insurance.
Customers are advised to apply for a temporary AMREF Flying Doctor Membership to cover air medical evacuation to Nairobi. You can apply for this coverage on the website of AMREF Flying Doctor, where you can also find additional information.
Please note that you are not allowed to buy all local handicrafts. Customs officials on departure will check strictly for illegal wildlife trophies such as ivory, coral, wildlife teeth, shells, sea turtle products, handicrafts made of local hardwood or of wildlife skins. Make sure you keep cash sales receipts and – if applicable – ownership certificates for presentation to customs officials on departure. Also, the export of gold and diamonds is prohibited.
The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency of Tanzania, but the US dollar and euro are also widely accepted in tourist areas. Please note that you bring dollar notes printed after 2009 (notes from before 2009 are not accepted in Tanzania, even though valid).
Foreign currency in cash may be exchanged at commercial banks, authorized dealers or at bureau de changes operating at the international airports, major towns, and border posts. You should get a receipt after each transaction.
If you need or like to use Tanzanian Shillings you can use one of the ATMs. Most banks in major cities operate ATMs. However, they do sometimes break down or run out of money. Be advised to only use ATMs located within a bank. For you to be able to use an ATM, your bank card profile should be set on “World”. Your Driver Guide can help you find a good location to use an ATM.
There are no restrictions on the import or export of foreign currency, but as the Tanzanian is not a hard currency, it cannot be taken in and out of the country.
The climate of Tanzania is tropical. However, due to geography, the conditions vary among the different regions. In the highlands, for instance, temperatures can range between 10° and 20°C. The coastal areas, on the other hand, are hot and humid with an average day temperature of 30°C. The hottest period is between November and February; the coldest period is between May and August. Tanzania has seasonal rainfalls, with the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December.
When you travel with a safari vehicle or a small aircraft, it is recommended to travel with light bags given that there is limited space for luggage. Please make sure to check the luggage requirements of the local airline, since large suitcases might not be taken on board.
For clothing we advise lightweight cotton clothing for safari. Avoid bringing brightly coloured (easily seen by animals), blue and dark (might attract the tsetse fly) clothing. Camouflage clothing army-style is not allowed. In addition, it is advised to bring a lightweight wind and waterproof outer shell, a warm fleece and shirts and trousers with long sleeves and legs for protection against insects.
A sunhat is a must, and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Visitors are also advised to bring insect repellents, a pair of binoculars as well as good covers for cameras.
Should you have any health or dietary requirements, please make sure to provide us with this information in advance.
One of the most frequently asked questions is how much to tip on a Tanzania safari. For those working in a service industry in Tanzania, tips still form a relevant part of their income. However, as in every country, tipping is not mandatory and should always depend on the quality of service provided. Tipping is an admirable way to share your satisfaction with your Driver Guide and other staff service you will receive while on a safari in Tanzania.
For the staff of lodges and tented camps, like chefs, kitchen team and housekeeping staff, many accommodations have a tipping box, the proceeds of which will be equally divided between all staff members. When you check out of your tented camp or lodge you can provide a general tip for all staff. Porters of your luggage may be tipped separately USD 1 up to USD 2 each time you use them.
Since an exciting safari depends mainly on your Driver Guide, there are different guidelines on how to tip them. Best practice is to tip your Driver Guide at the end of your safari. The amounts suggested here are just to give you an idea of what is seen as reasonable. Tipping is and will always be a matter of personal satisfaction and experience.
The national language of Tanzania is Kiswahili. English is widely spoken and is the language used in the tourist industry. Knowing a few common phrases in Kiswahili will enhance your travel experience, since Tanzanian people are very appreciative of guests making the effort to say hello in their own language.
Tanzania has one time zone. Local time is GMT + 3. The country is not using Daylight Savings Time. If you would like to check the exact time difference with your home country, you can click here.
In Tanzania, the standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz, while using power sockets type D and G.
The information below is based on the Tanzania National Parks Rules and Regulations.
Leave any of the parks undisturbed by not leaving or removing anything, animate or inanimate. The eco-system depends on a very delicate balance. The less we disturb it, the longer we can enjoy it.