Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Safari Adventure
Planning a trip to Tanzania? Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about safaris, visas, health, safety, and travel logistics. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us!
Visa & Entry Requirements
Yes, most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can obtain a visa on arrival at major airports or apply online for an eVisa before your trip.
Recommended: Apply for an eVisa via the official Tanzanian Immigration website for faster entry.
- A valid passport (at least 6 months validity).
- A Tanzanian visa (eVisa or visa-on-arrival).
- Return flight tickets & proof of accommodation.
Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if you are traveling from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country. Carry your Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate for border control.
Health & Safety
Yes! We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers:
- Medical emergencies & evacuation
- Trip cancellations & delays
- Lost baggage & theft
We advise you to please consult with a medical professional / travel doctor before your trip begins.
Recommended vaccines:
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from an affected country)
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus & Rabies (optional, but recommended for long stays)
Yes, malaria is present in Tanzania. Take precautions by:
- Using insect repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net.
- Taking anti-malaria medication (please consult your doctor).
Costs, Currency & Payments
The local currency is Tanzanian Shillings (TZS), however US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country. We advise to carry both currencies, as local purchases or smaller transactions are typically done in shillings.
Click here for Currency Converter
You can change USD to Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) at the following places in Tanzania:
- Banks – Major banks in cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza offer currency exchange services.
- Foreign Exchange Bureaus – Found in airports, city centers, and tourist areas.
- Hotels and Lodges – Many hotels also offer currency exchange services.
- ATMs – ATMs in major cities accept international cards and dispense TZS directly.
Important Tips:
It’s best to bring notes issued after 2009, as older notes are often not accepted.
You will receive a better exchange rate for larger denominations ($50 and $100 bills), compared to smaller notes like $1, $5, $10 or $20 bills
- Major hotels, lodges, and tour operators accept Visa & MasterCard.
- Smaller shops, markets, and remote lodges may only accept cash.
💡 Tip: Have some local currency for small purchases and tipping.
Yes, ATMs are found in major cities like Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar, but not in remote safari areas. We recommend you to withdraw Tanzanian Shillings before heading to the bush.
Voltage & Power
Tanzania uses 230V electricity with a 50Hz frequency.
The country uses Type D and Type G plugs. If your devices are not compatible with these plugs, you will need to purchase a travel adapter. Make sure your electronics can handle 230V, or you may also need a voltage converter.
- British-style plug (Type G) – 3 rectangular prongs
- European plug (Type D) – 3 round prongs
Most lodges have solar power or generator electricity.
Some remote camps may turn off power at night, so bring a portable power bank.
Luggage Restrictions
For international and domestic flights, please check the baggage policy according to your ticket restrictions.
For bush flights (to and from the parks), certain airlines have strict weight restrictions and prefer soft luggage. Please check requirements with the airline.
Mobile Data & Local SIM Cards
You can purchase SIM cards from major providers at airports, phone shops, and official kiosks.
- Vodacom – Best for overall coverage, including safari parks.
- Airtel – Good in cities and towns, affordable data plans.
- Tigo – Reliable network with competitive pricing.
- Halotel – Great coverage in rural areas but slower speeds.
📌 Tip: You must show your passport when buying a SIM card in Tanzania for registration.
If you prefer not to change your physical SIM card, you can download eSIM applications like:
- Airalo (www.airalo.com) – Provides instant mobile data without needing a physical SIM.
- Holafly – Offers unlimited data plans for travelers.
📌 Tip: eSIMs are ideal for short stays and can be activated before you arrive in Tanzania.
What are some important laws I need to know as a tourist?
Camouflage clothing is prohibited for civilians in Tanzania. We advise you to avoid packing or wearing camouflage items to avoid any potential fines. This rule is strictly enforced at airports, border crossings, and throughout the country.
From June 2019, Tanzania implemented a nationwide ban on plastic bags. Tourists entering the country are advised to avoid carrying plastic bags in their luggage or personal items. Exceptions are made for plastic packaging for medical services, industrial use, and ziplock bags for toiletries, provided they are taken back out of the country after use.
Although Tanzania does not have a strict policy or guidelines on photography, here’s what we advise:
- Seek permission before photographing people: Indigenous groups, especially the Maasai tribe may be sensitive and hold different cultural beliefs about photography. It is always respectful to ask before taking any person’s picture in Tanzania.
- Wildlife photography: Try to avoid flash to prevent startling the animals. Maintain a safe distance and follow your guide's instructions.
- Avoid sensitive locations: We advise you to refrain from taking photographs of military, government buildings, police stations or airports.
Strict penalties apply for possession or trafficking of drugs. For information, please view the
Drug Control and Enforcement Act.
It is illegal to bring firearms into the country and strict penalties will apply. For more information, please view the.
Arms and Ammunition Act.
Safari and Wildlife FAQs
Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on what you want to see:
- June – October (Dry Season) – Best for Big Five safaris & the Great Migration river crossings.
- January – March – Great for calving season in the Serengeti & fewer crowds.
- November – December – Short rains, but still great for wildlife viewing.
Tanzania is home to the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo) and many other species, including cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and crocodiles.
Yes, safaris are safe when conducted with licensed guides. Always follow these rules:
- Stay inside the safari vehicle unless your guide instructs otherwise.
- Do not feed or approach wildlife.
- Wear neutral colors to blend with the environment.
Travel to and within Tanzania
Tanzania is well connected with international and domestic airports, making travel convenient whether you’re arriving for a safari, beach holiday, or trekking adventure.
You can fly into:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Best for northern safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire).
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Best for Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and southern safaris.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) – Best for Zanzibar beach holidays and island escapes.
For easy access to safari parks and remote areas, you can take domestic flights operated by airlines like Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Precision Air, and Air Tanzania.
Mwanza Airport (MWZ) – Best for:
- Northern safari circuit & Serengeti National Park.
- Rubondo Island National Park – A hidden gem for wildlife & birdwatching.
- Western corridor access – Gateway to chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains & Gombe Stream National Parks.
- Domestic Flights – The fastest option for long distances. Airlines like Precision Air, Air Tanzania, and Coastal Aviation operate flights between cities and safari destinations.
- Safari Vehicles – Private & guided game drives are the best way to explore national parks.
- SGR Train (Standard Gauge Railway) – A new, modern train service from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro, offering a comfortable and affordable way to travel. Future expansions will connect Dodoma and Mwanza.
- Mwendokasi (BRT – Bus Rapid Transit) – A fast and affordable public bus system in Dar es Salaam, ideal for city transport.
- Local Taxis – Available in major cities and towns, but always negotiate the fare before the ride as they do not use meters.
- Ride-Sharing Apps – Bolt & Uber – Popular and convenient ride-hailing services in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, offering safer and more reliable transport than traditional taxis.
- Buses & Minibuses (Dala Dalas) – Cheap but often crowded. Good for local travel in cities and towns.
- Ferries – Used for Zanzibar & nearby islands, with both luxury and economy options.
📌 Tip: Book domestic flights, train tickets, and ferries in advance for better availability and pricing.
Safety Tips for Travelers
- Scan and Store Important Documents – Before departure, scan your passport, visa, travel insurance, and other important documents. Keep digital copies available and store paper copies in your luggage for backup.
- Secure Your Valuables – Always keep money, passports, and valuable items in a hotel safe. If your room lacks a safe, use the hotel’s front desk safe.
- Be Cautious in Public – Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, or valuable electronics in public areas, particularly in larger cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
- Avoid Walking Alone at Night – After dark, avoid walking alone, whether in small towns or big cities. Use official taxis, Uber, or Bolt instead. Stay in well-lit areas and avoid empty streets after dark.
- Stay Alert for Credit Card Fraud – When using credit or debit cards, ensure transactions are secure, cover your PIN when entering it, and avoid using ATMs in isolated areas. If someone approaches you at an ATM, cancel the transaction and walk away.
📌 Tip: Travel with a trusted local guide for added safety and insights.
Food, Drink & Cuisine Advice in Tanzania
- Drinking tap water is not safe. Always drink bottled or filtered water, and use it when brushing your teeth.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are safe, but ensure they are thoroughly washed before eating.
- Ice is generally safe in major hotels and established restaurants, but avoid it in smaller roadside eateries.
- Tanzanian tea and coffee are delicious and worth trying—especially from the Kilimanjaro and Mbeya regions.
- Fresh fruit juices (like mango, passionfruit, and sugarcane) are commonly served—just ask if water or ice was used during preparation.
- Ugali – A maize flour staple, often served with meat, vegetables, or beans.
- Nyama Choma – Tanzania’s beloved grilled meat, usually goat or beef, served with spicy sauces.
- Chips Mayai – A popular street food dish made from French fries cooked into an omelette.
- Samaki wa Kupaka – Grilled fish cooked in a rich coconut curry, commonly found along the coast.
- Pilau & Biryani – Fragrant rice dishes influenced by Indian and Swahili cuisine, especially popular in Zanzibar.
- Zanzibar Specialties - Zanzibar is a haven for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts. Try dishes like octopus curry, prawn masala, or spiced rice infused with cinnamon, clove, and cardamom from local spice farms.
- Most lodges and safari camps cater to dietary restrictions and offer both local and international cuisines.
- Street food is flavorful and affordable but choose stalls that look clean and are busy with locals.
- Meals at local restaurants are usually prepared fresh, so allow some time for service—Tanzanians embrace a slower, relaxed dining culture.
- Tipping is a big part of the culture in Tanzania. It is customary to tip waiters, guides, porters, and other service staff, especially in restaurants and lodges where service charges are not included. A small tip goes a long way and is greatly appreciated.