Tanzania has been spared the internal strife that has blighted many African states.
Domestic stability has not translated into economic prosperity for Tanzanians, however. Many of its people live below the World Bank poverty line, although the country has had some success in wooing donors and investors.
Geologically, the northeast of Tanzania has a number of volcanoes which appeared in the Great Rift Valley – Kilimanjaro, Meru and Oldonyo Lengai are the most famous ones – while to the northwest are the great lakes of Victoria (Africa’s largest) and Tanganyika (Africa’s deepest). The central area of the country is a large plateau of plains and arable land, while the eastern shores are hot and humid.
The population of Tanzania is more than 55 million.
In Tanzania, the most spoken languages are Swahili and English. Almost everyone there speaks more than one African language.
Education in Tanzania is provided by both the public and private sectors, starting with pre-primary education, followed by primary, secondary ordinary, secondary advanced, and ideally, university-level education. Free and accessible education is a human right in Tanzania. The Tanzanian government began to emphasize the importance of education shortly after its independence in 1961
Capital City: Dar Es Salaam
Blog Posts
Tanzania: Ngorogoro Conservation Area
Tanzania: Stone Town, Zanzibar
Tanzania: Serengeti National Park
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
Current exchange rate: $1USD = 2,507.16 Shilling
Credit Cards
In some big hotels, credit cards are accepted, but it is still not very common in Tanzania
Charges are normally around 3% to 6%. Don’t use credit cards as your primary method of paying.
ATM machines & Banks
The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) trades against most international currencies at a favourable rate. There’s no need to bring large amounts of hard currency cash or to buy shillings in advance. Major international credit/debit cards (for instance Master and Visa) can be used to draw local currency at 24-hour ATMs in most cities and beach resorts, but not in national parks and other safari destinations). Many vendors do not accept cards, however, so it’s a good idea to carry a few hundred dollars worth of hard currency cash as a fallback.
Lodges
Good to take passports with you as you will sometimes be asked for them on arrival at lodges. Be prepared to also fill out hotel registration forms-especially at the big commercial lodges.
When you check into your lodge, ask the receptionist to organize a staff member to spray your room for mosquitoes whilst you are at dinner. All lodges either do it already or can do it for you on request.
Tipping
Tipping is very important and culturally accepted, however, it always remains voluntary. The tip is accepted in both local currency Shillings and US dollars.
Driver guide: Tipping in Tanzania is like the USA system. Tips for drivers are not included in the safari cost. We suggest at least $10-$15 US per person (client) per day. If the service is good give more, if not adjust your tip accordingly. Generally, tips are given at the end of the safari after unpacking the 4WD.
Transfer Driver: $5-10 per group for drivers doing airport or mountain transfers.
Porter/waiters: $2-$5 US per group upon checking in and while checking out.
Electronic Devices
You can charge your cameras, phones and other electric items in most accommodations. If you bring more than a couple of chargeable items you might consider bringing an extension with extra outlets since the amount of outlets is often limited. We advise bringing extra batteries for your camera since many lodges generate power with solar or generators and power cuts might occur. Solar-generated lodges will often only have power available in the rooms at certain hours of the day, but you can always use the charging ports in the main lodge area.
The Internet
To get access to the internet on your phone, you can buy internet bundles via a local SIM card by using pre-paid airtime. The procedure of getting the SIM card is as described above (“Phone Network Providers”), and your guide can assist you. Using the internet on your phone is relatively cheap and fast, with speed depending on your location.
In a lot of lodges, WIFI is provided, however, the speed will not be what you are used to at home and the lodges are often remote and do not get a reliable signal. If you don’t want to use this opportunity to completely disconnect, we advise that you get a local SIM with a data bundle or wireless internet stick as mentioned above.
What to pack?
- Take your own toilet paper as many public toilets don’t have any.
- Good quality sunglasses; if you wear contact lenses,
- Sun hat
- Small torch /headlamp
- Good binoculars
- Camera with a zoom lens
Waterproof/dustproof bags to cover your cameras - Swimsuit as some of the lodges have swimming pools
- A small daypack to keep with you in the car during the day
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, moisturiser and lip balm
- Basic first aid kit.
- Clothing should be lightweight, loose-fitting and of “breathable” fabrics, such as cotton
Health advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to Tanzania
The CDC recommends being up to date with all your regular shots. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
They also suggest being vaccinated for hepatitis A. There is also some advice about protection for hepatitis B and rabies – but this depends to some degree on where you are heading and what you are doing.
Additionally, malaria, yellow fever, zika virus, chikungunya virus and dengue fever are a risk in Kenya so avoiding being bitten by mosquitos is advised. Also, ticks can carry diseases so when going through forested areas or long grass protect yourself by wearing long trousers and shirts. Tsetse flies carry diseases and there are no effective repellents so the same precautions as for ticks are the best prevention.
Health care
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Medical facilities are limited, especially outside Dar es Salaam. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment abroad, evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation.
Food safety
Only eat food that is cooked and served hot. Eat fruits and vegetables that you have personally washed in clean water or peeled yourself. Never eat food sold by street vendors. Only drink boiled water that is sealed and has been filtered and disinfected. Prefer carbonated drinks, hot coffee or tea, and pasteurized milk.
Safety
Violent armed robbery, petty theft and threats of violence are common in Tanzania, especially in Dar es Salaam. Be extra careful in and around Arusha in northern Tanzania. Armed robberies, carjackings and home invasions have occurred. Bag snatching from moving vehicles is increasing. Victims can be injured or killed by being dragged behind vehicles. Don’t resist bag-snatch attempts.
Only use registered taxis. Travellers have been targeted by criminals while using unlicensed taxis.
Security incidents continue along the Tanzania-Mozambique border. Best not to travel there.
Bandit attacks occur along the borders with Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Armed bandits have also been reported in the provinces of Kigoma and Kagera and around Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti and Arusha National Parks. Pay attention to your personal security.
During the rainy seasons (March to May and November to December) floods can block roads. The monsoon occurs in coastal and island areas from July to October. Cyclones can also happen in coastal areas. Follow the advice of local officials.
General advice:
- Don’t leave items such as laptops and briefcases in unattended vehicles
- Don’t display jewellery or electronics when walking
- Remain vigilant when using public transportation or walking along deserted streets
- Avoid walking and driving at night
- Taxi and minibus operators have robbed their passengers and stranded them far from their destination. Avoid taking taxis or minibuses that have only one or two passengers, and ensure that your personal belongings are secure at all times when using public transportation.
Climate
Current Weather Forecasts
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Dar Es Salaam
Saturday
 83°
overcast clouds
 Clouds94%
 Humidity73%
 Wind2mph
Sat
Min80°
Max86°
Sun
Min77°
Max87°
Mon
Min78°
Max89°
Tue
Min78°
Max89°
Wed
Min79°
Max89°
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Arusha
Saturday
74°
broken clouds
Clouds76%
Humidity58%
Wind3mph
Sat
Min66°
Max74°
Sun
Min64°
Max75°
Mon
Min64°
Max75°
Tue
Min63°
Max78°
Wed
Min63°
Max78°
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Zanzibar
Saturday
 83°
light rain
Clouds90%
Humidity75%
Wind3mph
Sat
Min78°
Max84°
Sun
Min77°
Max86°
Mon
Min77°
Max85°
Tue
Min77°
Max86°
Wed
Min77°
Max87°
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The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what wildlife you’d like to spot. The country’s seasons and wildlife numbers are dictated by the rains, so you’ll have a slightly different experience depending on when you choose to visit.
Tanzania’s headline attraction is the Great Migration, which occurs year-round across the Serengeti. Many people flock here between July and September for a chance to witness huge herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River — panic ensues as they try to avoid the jaws of crocodiles and other predators waiting to pounce. You’ll see lots of vehicles in the park at this time of year, though.
Tanzania’s ‘green season’, between November and March, is much quieter. While there’s a chance of rain showers, it’s a fantastic time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive in their thousands. You’ll also see Great Migration herds with their newly born calves.
Tanzania – Month-by-Month
There is a chance of rain, the temperature is getting higher and the humidity is building. It’s still a good time to go as rates are lower and safari is excellent. At this time of year the migration herds are in the southeast of the Serengeti for calving season, so the Ndutu Plains are busy but it is amazing to see so many animals in one place.
Events & Festivals- Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.
- Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.
- Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.
- The best chance to observe herds of animals in their hundreds as they cross Tanzania’s rivers on their epic journey across the continent is as part of the Great Migration in Africa.
- The best chance to observe herds of animals in their hundreds as they cross Tanzania’s rivers on their epic journey across the continent is as part of the Great Migration in Africa.
- The best chance to observe herds of animals in their hundreds as they cross Tanzania’s rivers on their epic journey across the continent is as part of the Great Migration in Africa.
- Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.
- Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.
Migration is still occurring in Ndutu. The weather is hot and humid with a chance of rain.
Events & Festivals
Migrating herds are starting to leave Ndutu, heading west toward Grumeti. This is truly low season, before the heavy rains but with humidity building. Great rates can be taken advantage of at this time of year.
This is a period of heavy rain, so we would advise against travelling at this time.
This is the green season, bringing lush grasses and bush that can make spotting game more difficult. However, this is still a wonderful time to travel — particularly for bird watchers as parks are full of migratory birds; especially in the south. Migration should be in the Grumeti area of the Serengeti heading north.
This is the start of the peak season. The Migration is in the north of the Serengeti moving toward Kenya, and elephant start to gather in Tarangire. The land is getting drier and spotting game is becoming easier. Temperatures are in the high 20°Cs to early 30°Cs and the humidity is low.
Peak season. Migration is still in the north. As the land becomes more parched, the animals’ behaviour becomes more predictable. The dense bush in Ruaha is drying out so game spotting here becomes much easier.
Peak season. The end of the migration is still in the north, with herds on both sides of the Kenya and Tanzania borders and high numbers of elephant in Tarangire. The northern circuit can be very busy, but it is less busy in the south, so for those who want to avoid crowds it’s best to visit the southern parks.
Peak season. The migration is now in Kenya, but the game viewing in central Serengeti is still very good. Southern parks are particularly rewarding at this time of year.
Short rains. This is a great time to take advantage of low season rates and is still a popular time to travel. The rains tend to be overnight, but there is a risk of rain during the day as well. Migrating herds are starting to travel south from Kenya, so crossings can be seen in the north of the Serengeti.
There is a chance of rain, but this is generally overnight. Temperatures and humidity start to build. Safari is good, with migrating herds in the north travelling south to Ndutu. The festive season can be very busy and needs to be planned well in advance to ensure availability.
Visa requirements
You can now apply for an Online Visa to visit the United Republic of Tanzania (both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar). You are required to fill in the online form, make payment, and submit your application online. Your form will be internally reviewed and processed.
Applicants will be notified through their e-mails whether their applications have been accepted or rejected. They may also TRACK their application statuses through the online system. Applicants may as well be required to visit the nearest Tanzanian Embassies or Consular Offices for interviews.
You can also still get a tourist visa at entry points into Tanzania, including the land borders.
Visitors who wish to come for holiday or Tourism are advised to apply for Ordinary Visa. However, holders of American passports who come for holiday or tourism will have to apply for Multiple Entry Visa – which currently costs $100USD instead of $50USD for the Ordinary Visa!
Electrical
The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Which power plugs and sockets are in Tanzania?
In Tanzania, the power plugs and sockets are of type G. Check out the following pictures.
Type G: this type is of British origin. This socket only works with plug G.
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| Type G: This socket has no alternative plugs |
Mexico
Are you planning to visit Mexico? Check if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter for the power sockets (outlets) used in Mexico.
The following information is for travellers living in the United States of America. I live in another country.
You don’t need a power plug adapter in Mexico when living in the United States of America.
Electricity in Mexico
In Mexico the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 127 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.
Power plug adapter needed in Mexico?
In Mexico the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. When living in the United States of America you don’t need a power plug adapter in Mexico. Your power plugs fit.
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| Type A: This socket has no alternative plugs | Type B: This socket also works with plug A |