Essential Travel Information for Tanzania
Tanzania’s geography covers highlands, savanna, mountains and a tropical Indian Ocean coast, with noticeable changes in temperature and conditions as you travel. Mornings around Ngorongoro and the northern highlands can be cool, particularly at altitude, whereas lower-lying areas become much warmer during the day. Zanzibar is hot and humid for much of the year. Lightweight clothing and warmer layers for cooler mornings are useful for a vacation that includes several regions.
Arusha is the main gateway for Kilimanjaro and the northern national parks. Road transfers link Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro, with short flights commonly used for the Serengeti and more remote areas. Baggage allowances on these flights are lower than on international services, with soft-sided bags commonly required.
During visits with Maasai, Hadzabe and other communities, your guide will make introductions and advise on local customs and photography. Ask before taking photographs of people, and follow your guide’s advice during visits to homes, villages and community projects.
Zanzibar’s predominantly Muslim culture is particularly evident in Stone Town and local communities. Modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees, is appropriate away from beaches and resorts and when visiting religious sites. Foreign visitors must also purchase Zanzibar’s mandatory inbound travel insurance, including those who already have separate international travel insurance.
Tanzania uses 230V electricity with Type G three-pin plugs. English is widely spoken in tourism, alongside Swahili, the national language. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many safari camps, although connections become less reliable in remote areas.
New tours coming soon! Contact us for your custom-built itinerary in Tanzania
Currency in Tanzania
The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, lodges and larger restaurants, but cash is useful for markets, small shops and purchases in more remote areas. ATMs are available in cities and larger towns. US dollars are also used for some tourism services; newer notes in good condition are preferred.
Tipping Policies in Tanzania
Tipping is customary for safari guides, drivers, porters and lodge or camp staff. Many safari properties have a shared gratuity box for staff, with guides and private drivers tipped separately. The amount depends on the service and the size of your party. Finest Journeys will give you current tipping guidelines before you travel.
Staying Connected in Tanzania
Hotels in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Stone Town and other urban areas generally have reliable Wi-Fi, and internet access is also available at many safari lodges and camps. Connections are less dependable in remote areas, particularly in national parks. Mobile networks cover much of the country, and local SIM cards and eSIM options are available for travelers who want mobile data.
Visa Requirements in Tanzania
US and Canadian passport holders require a visa for Tanzania. US citizens traveling for tourism require a Multiple Entry Visa, currently US$100, and Canadian citizens qualify for an Ordinary Visa, currently US$50. Applications can be made through Tanzania’s official eVisa system. Passport validity and entry requirements should always be checked again before travel.
Social Customs in Tanzania
Tanzanians speak more than 100 languages, but Swahili gives people across the country a shared language. A few words are useful well beyond the practicalities of communication. Shikamoo, used when addressing an older person respectfully, reflects the importance given to age and seniority in many communities.
If you are welcomed into someone’s home, tea, coffee or food may be served. Meals can be communal, with dishes placed in the center for everyone to share. The right hand is traditionally used for eating when cutlery is not provided and for passing food or other items.
Christianity and Islam are both widely practiced on the mainland, alongside local beliefs. Islam has a particularly strong presence along the coast and on Zanzibar, where mosques, calls to prayer and Ramadan are part of local life. Dress is more conservative here, especially away from the beach areas.
Customs also vary among Tanzania’s many ethnic groups. A visit to a Maasai community, a Chagga farming village or a Hadzabe settlement will have its own etiquette. Your guide will make introductions and advise about photography, entering homes and any traditions specific to the people you mee
Language and Communication in Tanzania
Swahili, or Kiswahili, is Tanzania’s national language and is spoken throughout the country. English is also used in tourism, business and higher education. Tanzania’s many ethnic groups speak their own languages too, including Maa among the Maasai and Chaga languages around Kilimanjaro.
You will quickly become familiar with karibu, meaning welcome, and asante for thank you. Asante sana means thank you very much, tafadhali is please and habari is used in several everyday greetings. Pole pole, meaning slowly or gently, is another phrase you are likely to hear, particularly on Kilimanjaro.
Several Swahili words are already familiar to English speakers. Safari means journey, simba is lion, tembo elephant and twiga giraffe. Place names can be interesting too: Serengeti derives from a Maa word associated with the idea of an endless or extended plain rather than from Swahili.
Swahili itself reflects East Africa’s long trading history. Its vocabulary includes words with Arabic origins, alongside influences from Persian, Portuguese, German and English. Zanzibar played an important role in the development and spread of the language, which today is spoken by millions of people across East and Central Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What luggage should I take on a Tanzania safari?
Soft-sided bags are required on many of the small aircraft used between safari areas. Weight limits are considerably lower than international airline allowances and vary by carrier and aircraft. Your travel documents will specify the allowance for each flight included in your vacation.
What should I wear in Tanzania?
Lightweight clothing suits most days, with warmer layers for early mornings, evenings and higher-altitude areas such as Ngorongoro. Comfortable closed shoes are useful for safari and walking activities. On Zanzibar and along the coast, shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting towns, villages and religious sites.
Is tap water safe to drink in Tanzania?
Bottled or properly treated water is recommended for drinking. Hotels, lodges and safari camps supply drinking water, and many provide filtered water in refillable glass bottles or dispensers. It is also sensible to use safe drinking water when brushing your teeth in areas where the quality of the tap water is uncertain.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from a country where yellow fever is a risk, and the rules can also apply to some longer airport transits in those countries. The requirement depends on your journey to Tanzania, so check the current regulations for your particular route before departure.
Is Tanzania suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
This depends considerably on the places included in your vacation. Safari vehicles, small aircraft, uneven ground and steps at some lodges can create difficulties, but properties and arrangements vary. Tell us about any mobility requirements when planning your vacation so that suitable accommodation, vehicles and activities can be considered.
US & Canadian Embassies in Tanzania
United States Embassy, Dar es Salaam
Address:
686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani, Dar es SalaamHigh Commission of Canada, Dar es Salaam
Address:
38 Mirambo Street, Garden Avenue, Dar es SalaamOur local expert in Tanzania
Traveling with Finest Journeys to Tanzania
Our local guides are an important part of your time in Tanzania, sharing their knowledge of the wildlife, landscapes, communities and customs of each region. We also make sure you have the practical information relevant to your vacation before departure, including baggage allowances, entry requirements and any arrangements specific to Zanzibar.