Essential advice for planning your unforgettable Tanzanian safari adventure
Tanzania has a tropical climate. The coastal areas are hot and humid, while the northwestern highlands are cool and temperate. The dry season from June to October is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing, especially for the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti. The short rains occur in November–December, and long rains fall between March and May.
Most foreign travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania. Single-entry tourist visas cost US $50 for most nationalities (US $100 for US passport holders). Visas can be obtained via the official Tanzania e-Visa online portal before travel or upon arrival at major entry ports like Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from or transiting through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Anti-malarial precautions are highly recommended throughout lowland safari destinations and coastal areas. Always consult your travel doctor for updated advice prior to travel.
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US Dollars are widely accepted for tourism services, park fees, and major lodges. Ensure your US Dollar bills are printed in or after 2006, as older notes are rarely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and lodges, but cash is essential for rural areas and local markets.
Dress code is casual and practical. Light, breathable fabrics in neutral tones (khaki, beige, green) are recommended for game drives. Avoid dark blue or black clothing on safari as they attract tsetse flies. Bring a warm fleece or sweater for early morning drives and cooler nights in high-altitude areas like Ngorongoro Crater.
Tanzania uses 220–240V electricity with Type D and Type G (UK standard 3-pin) plugs. Power outages can occur, especially in remote lodges operating on solar generator schedules. Bringing a universal adapter and a power bank is strongly advised.
Swahili is the national language, while English is widely spoken in tourism, business, and hospitality sectors. Learning basic Swahili greetings like "Jambo" (Hello) and "Asante sana" (Thank you very much) is warmly appreciated by locals.