Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Tanzania: What You Need to Know

Currency

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, US dollars are widely accepted in many places, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. It’s advisable to carry small denominations of USD for convenience. Credit cards are also accepted in larger establishments, but it’s a good idea to have cash for smaller vendors and markets.

Required Travel Documents

Travelers to Tanzania need a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond their planned departure date. A visa is required for most nationalities, which can be obtained online (https://visa.immigration.go.tz ) or upon arrival at the airport. It’s recommended to arrange the visa online in advance, as wait times for obtaining a visa on arrival can be lengthy.

It’s recommended to check the latest visa regulations before your trip.

Vaccinations and Health Precautions

It’s important to be up-to-date on routine vaccines before traveling. Additionally, the following vaccinations are often recommended:

Yellow Fever: A vaccination certificate is required if traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Upon arrival at the airport, you had to present proof of vaccination.
Hepatitis A and B: Recommended for most travelers.
Typhoid: Considered if you plan to visit smaller cities or rural areas.
Malaria: While there is a risk in many regions, it’s advisable to take anti-malarial medication based on your itinerary.

Travelers should also ensure they have adequate travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Transportation

Tanzania has various transportation options, including domestic flights, buses, and taxis. While larger cities have public transport, hiring a private driver is often recommended for convenience and safety, especially in more remote areas.

You can rent a car and drive in Tanzania, or use public transport, but generally, this is not recommended. There are various organizations that provide a private driver who will stay with you for the entire trip or a specific part of it in their jeep. You will also do the game drives with this driver/guide and in that jeep. The organization we used for this trip was Jaribu Africa Adventures.

Jaribu Africa

Safety and Local Customs

Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but it’s advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Dress modestly to respect local customs, particularly in rural areas. It’s also important to negotiate prices for goods and services, as bargaining is common.

Language

The official language is Swahili, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Swahili phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals.

Electrical Outlets

Tanzania uses Type G electrical outlets, with a standard voltage of 230V. It’s advisable to bring a universal adapter for your electronic devices.

Tipping

When traveling in Tanzania, tipping is a common practice and appreciated by service providers. Here are some guidelines:

Lodges and Hotels: It is customary to tip hotel staff, including housekeepers and porters. A general guideline is to leave around $1-2 per day for housekeeping and $1-5 for porters, depending on the level of service.
Guides and Drivers: For safari guides, a tip of $10-15 per person per day is typical, reflecting their expertise and the quality of the experience. For drivers, consider tipping around $5-10 per day.
Restaurants: In restaurants, a tip of around 10% of the bill is appreciated, especially if service is not included.
Cash Tips: Always tip in cash, preferably in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings. Ensure that the notes are in good condition, as torn or worn bills may not be accepted.

Domestic flights

At some airports in Tanzania, including Arusha and Dar es Salaam, it is common for domestic and international flights to operate from separate terminals. This means that travelers may need to take a taxi to transfer between the two terminals, which can add extra time to your journey. It's advisable to check your flight details in advance and allow sufficient time for this transfer when planning your travel itinerary.

By keeping these practical tips in mind, you can better prepare for your trip to Tanzania and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.