Tanzania is a wonderful, safe and stable country with very friendly and relaxed people. Tanzania has an accessible culture, the population is known as one of the friendliest in Africa. Tanzania is a developing country, there may be occasional power cuts and Wi-Fi might not always work as we are used to at home. It is good to keep this in mind when you are on holiday in Tanzania.

Tanzania has the most game per km2 in all of Africa. You can make unforgettable safaris by jeep, on foot, by boat, canoe or horse. 40% of the country consists of beautiful national parks, including Serengeti National Park. World famous for the great migration, the annual migration of millions of animals, such as wildebeest and zebras. This is one of the greatest natural wonders in the world. And the Ngorongoro Crater, UNESCO World Heritage, the largest caldera in the world with its many animals, including the Big Five (elephant, lion, rhinoceros, leopard and buffalo). And don’t forget Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, and Mount Meru. A great challenge to climb one of these two.

In addition to the wildlife, you can also relax on the paradisiacal white beaches of Zanzibar. You can dive and snorkel, visit Stone Town or participate in a spice tour. Tanzania, the land of the Maasai, is a country with unprecedented opportunities and a rich culture. It’s very hard not to get excited!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO TANZANIA 

Visa Tanzania

To travel to Tanzania you need a visa, which you can order online. After booking you will receive a manual from us for applying for an E-visa. Don’t wait too long with this, it takes about 14 days to complete the application, we recommend submitting your application at least four weeks before departure.

You can also buy a visa at the airport for $50 after you land. You should then expect a longer queue. You have to pay for the visa in US Dollars in cash. It is not possible to withdraw cash at the airport in Tanzania. When you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport keep your boarding pass ready. This will be checked before you are allowed to enter the airport. If you have a visa, you can go straight to the passport control upon entering the arrival hall (left). Your Visa and arrival note (page 3) must be filled in completely, also sign it. Bringing in plastic bags is prohibited, bring unpacked items as much as possible or use a cloth bag.

Passport requirements

Passport must be valid for at least six months after returning home.

Vaccinations Tanzania

For vaccinations, visit the Public Health Service, the tropical department of a hospital or Meditel. The following vaccinations are recommended:

• DTP
• Hepatitis A
• Yellow fever is only compulsory if you have previously visited a country where yellow fever is prevalent.

For the most up-to-date information, always contact Public Health Service.

Malaria in Tanzania

You cannot vaccinate against malaria. Malaria tablets are advised. You can discuss this with a travel medicine doctor. Malaria is an infectious disease caused by malaria parasites that enter the body through a mosquito bite. The parasites first multiply in the liver and then in the red blood cells. Symptoms: chills, followed by fever. Usually preceded by a flu-like feeling. To protect yourself against mosquito bites, you can bring anti-mosquito spray with DEET and cover your body well in the evenings. DEET is not for sale in Tanzania!

Travel insurance Tanzania

We require our customers to take out good travel insurance. Travel insurance not only covers medical costs, but also covers damage, theft or loss of luggage, money and goods or additional medical expenses. Costs for an emergency evacuation to the home country are also covered by travel insurance. Information about this can be obtained from an insurance company. As a tour operator, Bright Tanzania is in no way liable for costs arising from the above list.

Luggage during the safari (in the jeep)

Safari jeeps are mainly focused on passenger comfort. The space behind the seats for luggage is therefore limited. This is especially true when you share one jeep with four or more people. In that case we recommend flexible travel bags of a maximum of 15 to 20 kilos – this makes everything fit a lot easier in the luggage compartment of the safari jeep. Because the more people share a jeep, the more limited the space for luggage is.

Clothing on vacation

Because you stay at different heights during your trip, so closer to the mountains or lower towards the coast, the temperatures differ. Given the different seasons, it is good to take into account that it can be chilly in the mornings and evenings. Because of the religion and culture, Tanzanians generally cover themselves with clothes. You don’t have to take this into account on safari or on the beach. If you come among the local population, it is appropriate to cover your body more, especially shoulders and thighs. Then be restrained with short skirts and shorts. This shows respect for the local population.

Security in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the safest African countries, you don’t have to worry. We strongly recommend that you explore the city or a market with a guide, both during the day and in the evening. They know their way around, know the country, speak the language and can help you buy souvenirs or other things. We do not recommend going out alone at night. Everywhere you go on holiday you have to be alert, after all you are a tourist, this is no different in Tanzania’s cities. Always listen to your gut while travelling. Theft also occurs in Tanzania, so use your common sense when it comes to keeping your valuables.

Tanzanian people

Tanzania has an approachable culture, the people are known to be very friendly. Tanzanians are very helpful and polite. They love children and like to have a friendly chat with tourists. They are therefore curious about your background, family and daily life. Tourism is one of the main sources of income and your interest in Tanzania and its culture is much appreciated. Intimacy between a man and woman in public is not common and less appropriate.

Time difference Tanzania

It is 1 hour later in Tanzania compared to the Netherlands in Summer Time (East African Time /Central Time)
It is 2 hours later in Tanzania compared to the Netherlands in Winter Time (East African Time /Central Time)

Language in Tanzania

Swahilli & English, almost everyone speaks English. When travelling you can speak English with your guide/driver and accommodation staff. Still, there is a large part of the population that speaks only Swahili.

Payment in Tanzania

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling; USD is also accepted at all locations in Tanzania. We recommend already withdrawing USD at Schiphol airport so you have cash for the first few days to pay for drinks. Due to unstable Wi-Fi and power outages, ATMs at accommodations may not always work.

Withdrawing money in Tanzania can be done at various banks, you will receive Tanzanian Shillings. You can withdraw a maximum of TZS 400,000 per time, which is equivalent to $162.50. It is possible to withdraw multiple times in a row. Indicate to the guide/driver if you want to withdraw then, they will make sure you can withdraw at a safe location.