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It is advisable to carry USD cash to make payment for the Rapid Test on arrival. The cost is USD 10 per person per test.
Tanzania has a tropical climate throughout the year, with variations along the coast and the highlands. You will enjoy warmer climate along the coast eg. when visiting the islands of Pemba & Zanzibar. Seasonal rains are experienced around March to May as well as from October to December. June to October are generally cold, with December to February being the warmest months.
Tanzania’s local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Money can be changed at a Bureau de Change or bank branches available at major airports & urban areas. There is a wide availability of ATMs, you may only withdraw money in Tanzanian Shillings only.
US Dollars are widely accepted in sites frequented by tourists. We advise our guests to take spending money in the form of US Dollars cash, bring some small denominations too for tipping purposes. Note that USD bills must be newer than 2006. Credit cards are accepted at larger shops & restaurants but note that often a surcharge (approximately 5%) is levied.
Electricity in Tanzania is 240 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plugs are UK Standard plugs (rectangular 3-pin). We recommend carrying your travel adapters for more convenience.
Kiswahili otherwise known as Swahili is the ‘lingua franca’ of East Africa, including Zanzibar. English is widely spoken in Tanzania, particularly in tourist centers, lodges and main cities.
We advice bringing a hat along as the sun sun is stronger across the equatorial region. Applying sunscreen frequently may come in handy as well.
You may tip as you wish, with no obligation whatsoever. What we do say is that tipping is very much welcomed and is normal here in Africa, and you should only tip as a reward for excellent service. It is customary in Tanzania to tip 10% of your bill & 10% of the taxifare to taxi drivers. It is also the custom to tip local guides for excellent service
Please note that all wild animals can be dangerous and you should not wander off on your own whilst on safari. In most properties, you will be escorted to your room after dark, please do not walk alone. Always listen to your guide and follow instructions carefully. No animal is tame and must at all times be treated with respect and not approached unless with an authorized professional guide.
We advise against drinking water from the faucets whilst in Tanzania/Zanzibar. Mineral water is available in all shops & restaurants and our vehicles. We recommend that you use mineral water too for brushing teeth. Life on safari can be tiring from time to time. A different climate, different food & water could lead to dehydration. From the day you set foot in Africa we would suggest that you drink more water than you are used to.
Please consult your physician or local travel clinic for an up-to-date list of required vaccinations for traveling to remote places in Tanzania.
Please check with your local travel clinic or physician what the latest requirements are for traveling in a malaria area. It’s best to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes which are at their most active during dusk and dawn. Cover up during those periods and apply mosquito repellent liberally. Do not forget your ankles. If, despite taking recommended drugs, you feel unwell and feverish, seek medical advice.
Please give details of your flight leaving Tanzania to our Representative. Reconfirming flights on your behalf is part of our service.
Medical Evacuation insurance is included in all our safaris. Note that this insurance is not a complete Travel Insurance, it only covers medical evacuation in case of a medical emergency. It is a booking condition that all our guests have valid Travel Insurance, please check that you are covered for medical emergencies, curtailment of your trip due to unforeseen circumstances & loss of belongings. Ensure proper insurance for your camera/video equipment.
When Zanzibar is your first entry point into Tanzania, you will have to either buy or show your Tanzanian visa upon arrival. If you are flying from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar, you do not need another visa but you may have to show your passport upon arrival in Zanzibar.
Note that in the past every traveler had to pay USD 20 departure tax when flying out of Zanzibar International Airport. This is NO LONGER necessary, all departure taxes are now included in your ticket.
Most nationalities can obtain their Tanzanian visa upon arrival at a fee. Make sure you bring US Dollars in cash in US $20 and US $50 bills to pay for your visa. However, some Tanzanian Embassies recommend that you obtain your visa before arrival. When applying for your visa in your home country you might be asked for means of financial support, please fill in “Pre-arranged by UK/US (or any other country) Operator.” Occasionally there are long queues at Immigration upon arrival so obtaining a visa beforehand might speed up your entry into Tanzania. Note that obtaining the correct visa is every traveler’s own responsibility so we strongly advise you to check with your local Tanzania Embassy for the latest regulations before arriving in Tanzania.
Please note that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure from Tanzania. You need at least 4 unused consecutive blank pages
We recommend making copies of all important travel documents. Should you lose a travel document, a copy will speed up the process of acquiring a replacement document. Leave one copy at home and put one copy in your main luggage.
It is obligatory to show a Yellow Fever Certificate upon entering Tanzania/Zanzibar if you have come from a Yellow Fever infected area. If you are travelling direct to Tanzania without passing through such areas, it’s advisable but not obligatory to have a Yellow Fever vaccination. If you can not have the Yellow Fever Vaccination for medical reasons, ensure that you carry a signed letter from your medical practitioner with you upon entering the country. It is every traveller’s own responsibility to obtain the correct vaccinations which will allow you entry into Tanzania – please check with your local travel clinic or physician for up-to-date advice.
