- Quick Facts
- Capital: Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (commercial hub)
- Official Language: Swahili (official), English widely spoken
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Time Zone: UTC +3
- Entry Requirements
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Visa required for most nationalities; available online as an e-Visa or on arrival.
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from or transiting through an affected country.
- Health & Immunizations
- Required: Yellow Fever vaccination if applicable.
- Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, and routine immunizations.
- Malaria prophylaxis strongly advised throughout most of the country.
- Drink bottled or purified water only.
- Travel insurance strongly recommended.
- Climate & Temperatures
Season Months Avg. Temp (°C/°F) Notes Short Dry Season Jan – Feb 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) Good for wildlife viewing Long Wet Season Mar – May 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F) Heavy rains, fewer visitors Long Dry Season Jun – Oct 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) Peak safari season Short Wet Season Nov – Dec 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) Short rains - Packing List
- Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors for safaris.
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants for mosquito protection.
- Warm layers for cool mornings and evenings.
- Sturdy walking shoes/boots.
- protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
- Rain jacket for wet seasons.
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
- Power adapter (Type D and G plugs, 230V).
- Personal medications and malaria prophylaxis.
- Transportation
- Main international airport: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport (for northern safaris), Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
- Domestic flights: Domestic airlines connect major cities and national parks, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Zanzibar
- Air travel is the primary means of connecting major regions for tourists.
- Electricity
- Voltage: 230V, Frequency: 50Hz
- Plug types: Type D and G
- Universal adapters recommended.
- Recommended Tipping
- Restaurants: 5–10% if not included.
- Guides: $10–20 per person/day.
- Drivers: $5–10 per person/day.
- Safari staff: $10–15 per person/day shared among camp staff.
- Hotels: Small tips for housekeeping and porters.
- Food
- Tanzanian cuisine features staples like ugali (maize porridge), rice, beans, and plantains.
- Popular dishes include nyama choma (grilled meat) and pilau rice.
- Coastal regions offer abundant seafood.
- Tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and passionfruit are widely available.
- Spices from Zanzibar influence many dishes.
- Culture & Behavior Tips
- Swahili culture emphasizes politeness and greetings—use 'Jambo' or 'Habari' when meeting.
- Dress modestly, especially in Zanzibar and Muslim communities.
- Always ask permission before photographing people.
- Tipping is customary in tourism services.
- Practical Tips
- ATMs available in major cities; cash useful in rural areas.
- Internet access improving but limited in remote areas.
- English widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Domestic flights are the best way to cover long distances between safari parks.
- What To Wear On A Tanzanian SafariMen's Safari Wear
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirt (neutral colours) Cargo trousers / safari pants
- Wide-brim hat
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Light jacket/fleece for morning drives
- Breathable long-sleeve blouse or t-shirt Safari trousers or leggings Safari hat/cap
- Light scarf (dust & sun protection) Neutral-colour layered outfit for cold mornings
- Soft, breathable shirts (neutral colours) Comfortable shorts/pants
- Sun hat with neck flap
- Closed shoes or sneakers
- Light jacket for early drives
Wear layers - mornings are cold, afternoons hot Bring sunglasses, sunscreen & insect repellent Choose neutral earthy tones for comfort & better wildlife viewing