Visa Requirements

All visitors to Tanzania are required to have a valid visa unless their home country has an agreement with Tanzania exempting them from this requirement. Be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Tanzania and has at least two blank pages.  

You can obtain your visa directly upon arrival at the airport, but it's also possible to apply for it online in advance through the Tanzania Electronic Visa Application System. The processing time for the application is typically 1 to 3 weeks, and you'll receive confirmation via email. Applying in advance can help you save significant time at the airport.

 

The cost for a tourist visa is US $50 per person, except for US citizens, who are charged US $100. It’s recommended to verify the visa fee before your departure.

International Flights

When booking your international flight, ensure it aligns with the start and end points of your safari itinerary. We are more than happy to help you review flight options and provide recommendations based on your trip and location.  

For travelers coming from Europe, KLM is a great choice for a comfortable and direct flight. Other reliable airline options include Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
 

In addition to your international flight, Ajabu Adventures can assist in arranging any domestic flights or ground transfers between your arrival and departure.

Climate

Tanzania, located near the equator, enjoys a pleasant tropical climate. The northern parks, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, are particularly enjoyable. However, keep in mind that areas like Karatu and the Ngorongoro Crater can be cooler, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly.

In Tanzania, the European summer corresponds to the "winter" season, which runs from June to September, also marking the dry season. Temperatures gradually rise again from September onward. During spring, from September to October, the jacaranda trees bloom beautifully, giving Arusha a stunning purple glow. Short rains typically start in October and last until November, though occasional showers can occur until March. The main rainy season begins at the end of March and lasts until May.

The coastal regions and islands tend to be hotter and more humid than the northern parts of the country. Meanwhile, temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro, which is perpetually covered in snow and ice, and Mount Meru are much colder, often dipping below zero.

Time Zone

Tanzania is in the GMT+3 time zone, and it's important to note that the country does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains the same year-round.

Fun fact: There’s also a concept called Swahili time, which might cause some confusion. Swahili time is based on the hours from sunrise to sunset, and it differs by six hours from standard time. For example, 01:00 A.M. in standard time would be 7:00 A.M. in Swahili time (one hour after sunrise). You likely won't encounter this system during your visit, but it’s an interesting cultural quirk!

Health

When planning your trip to Tanzania, we recommend consulting with your doctor or a local travel health clinic for personalized advice based on your safari itinerary. 

Upon arrival in Tanzania, it's a good idea to set aside an extra day for rest and acclimatization to the new environment and climate. Changes in food and high altitudes can sometimes lead to symptoms like diarrhea, headaches, and loss of appetite. Be mindful of the strong sun—wear a hat or cap, stay well-hydrated, and consider using extra salt if needed. It's also advised to avoid drinking ice-cold beverages, as they can upset your stomach. Always drink bottled mineral water from sealed bottles and avoid tap water.

If you're planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, we will ensure that you undergo a medical check-up at least twice a day, or more frequently if required. Our expedition guides are trained in handling altitude sickness, and we always carry oxygen on the mountain for safety.

Safety

Tanzania is a safe, stable, and friendly country. However, in larger cities and busy areas like markets and bus stations, it's important to keep a close eye on your belongings. It’s also recommended to leave valuable jewelry at home. In the evenings, it's safer not to walk the streets and instead opt for a private taxi.  

When visiting Africa's national parks, you can enjoy a safe experience by following these guidelines:

• Always listen to the advice and instructions of your safari guide.
• Never get out of the vehicle in a park without the guide’s permission.
• Follow the rules and guidelines set by your accommodations or tented camps.
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• During hikes, walking safaris, and canoe safaris, adhere strictly to the safety rules explained during your briefing.

By staying mindful and respectful of these precautions, you can have a safe and enjoyable adventure in Tanzania.

Language

Swahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania. In the tourism industry, most people are fluent in English, and many also speak additional foreign languages, making communication easy for international visitors.

Clothing

Pack as light as possible for your trip. Opt for lightweight, easily washable cotton clothes and bring a sweater for the cooler evenings. To protect yourself from the sun, pack a hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen. In most restaurants, casual attire is appropriate. On the Islamic coast and Zanzibar, women are expected to dress modestly, so avoid wearing swimwear or very short shorts in public areas. Locals typically wear flip-flops or sandals, but if you plan to walk long distances, it's a good idea to bring hiking shoes or trainers.

When going on game drives, avoid wearing blue or black clothing, as these colors attract tsetse flies and other insects. Tsetse flies tend to gather around your feet and ankles, so if you’re visiting areas where these flies are present (like Tarangire National Park), it’s recommended to tuck long pants into your socks (avoid blue or black). Neutral colors like light brown, olive green, and khaki are ideal for safari activities.

 

For a more detailed list of recommended clothing, check out our Safari Packing List. If you're planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, we’ll send you additional clothing advice as part of your itinerary.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend taking out travel and cancellation insurance that specifically covers Africa for your stay in Tanzania. If you're planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, it’s important to confirm with your insurance provider whether mountain climbing is included in your coverage. The same advice applies if you plan to go diving, as this activity may require additional insurance. It's always best to double-check these details before your trip to ensure you're fully covered.

Zanzibar Mandatory Insurance

Effective 1 October 2024, all tourists to the Zanzibar archipelago are required to obtain a mandatory travel insurance.

Costs: USD $44 per person (children aged 3-17 years receive a 50% discount)

Validity: Valid for up to 92 days from your arrival

How to Apply: You can apply through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation’s online application form.

Please take into account that failure to comply with this mandatory requirement may result in entry denial at immigration checkpoints. The mandatory insurance should not replace your peronsal health insurance; we strongly recommend to travel with a comprehensive international health insurance for full protection.

Transport

Given the rough murram roads and difficult driving conditions, we advise against renting a car. Traffic in the cities and larger towns can be quite hectic and unpredictable. 

Additionally, a local safari guide can offer valuable insights into the country’s nature and culture, and knows the best spots for wildlife sightings.

In urban areas, it's recommended to use a private taxi, ensuring you agree on a fare before starting your ride.

Electricity

In Tanzania, the electricity supply is 220-240V, and power outages can happen frequently, so it's a good idea to bring a flashlight. While most places have generators to provide backup power during outages, these are typically turned off at night. 

We recommend carrying a universal adapter to charge your devices. Additionally, all of our safari vehicles are equipped with charging ports for mobile phones and cameras.

Money

Tanzania's official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), which comes in coins of 50, 100, 200, and 500 TZS, as well as banknotes in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 TZS. While the Tanzanian Shilling is the primary currency, foreign currencies like Euros and US Dollars are also widely accepted and can be exchanged for TZS at local banks and currency exchange offices. However, please note that US dollar bills older than 2006 will not be accepted.  

 

Credit cards are accepted at many lodges, but be aware that there may be an additional service fee of up to 5%. If you'd like to confirm whether the accommodations listed in your itinerary accept credit cards, don’t hesitate to check with us. In larger towns, you'll also find ATMs and currency exchange services available.

If you plan on using a debit or credit card while in Tanzania, make sure to inform your bank beforehand, as failing to notify them could result in your card being temporarily deactivated while abroad.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Tanzania, though it can vary depending on where you are. In smaller, local restaurants and bars, tipping isn't mandatory but is always appreciated. However, in more upscale dining establishments, it's customary to leave a tip of around 5-10% of the total bill.
 
Many hotels and lodges have tip boxes at the reception where you can leave a gratuity at the end of your stay. For accommodations, a good guideline is to tip around USD $10-20 per night.

If you're going on a private safari, it's recommended to tip your guide/driver at least USD $30 per day.

For those embarking on a climbing expedition to Mount Meru or Kilimanjaro, tipping guidelines are provided with your tour proposal, as this can differ from other types of travel.

Internet

Overall, internet connectivity in Tanzania is fairly reliable. Most lodges and hotels provide Wi-Fi for their guests. If you want to stay connected on the go, you might consider purchasing an eSIM. This option lets you activate a mobile data plan without needing a physical SIM card, making it convenient for temporary stays.

Phone Calls

Tanzania has strong cell phone coverage across most areas. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available and can be purchased almost anywhere, making local calls within Tanzania more affordable. If you need to make international calls, the country’s international dialing code is +255.

Photography

To ensure the longevity of your camera and other equipment, it's essential to keep them free from dust and store them in cool places. We offer charging options in our safari vehicle, and you can also recharge your batteries at your hotel or lodge.

If you wish to take photos of local people, always ask for permission first. It's important to note that taking pictures of certain formal subjects, like police officers, military personnel, barracks, airports, or national flags, is prohibited. When in doubt, it's best to refrain from taking the photo—it's not worth the potential issues.

Luggage

Our Company does not impose any luggage restrictions, but it's important to keep in mind that airline companies do have their own rules. If you're taking a domestic flight, be sure to check the luggage limitations, as they can differ from those for international flights. For a smoother trip, you can also refer to our safari packing list to help you pack efficiently and light.