Passport/Visa
A valid passport is required to enter Tanzania. It should be valid for at least 6 months from your expected entry date
International tourist visa can easily be obtained at airport arrival in Tanzania for 50$ per person for Europeans and 100$ per person for Americans. Visitors from other countries should check with the Tanzanian Embassy or the nearest Visa Service.
Vaccination
Please speak with your doctor and allow plenty of time to obtain the necessary immunizations.
Commonly recommended vaccinations:
- Yellow Fever
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
Malaria
Malaria is a serious tropical disease that affects millions of people each year. Most areas in Tanzania are within a malarial zone, notably the coastal areas and lower elevations; and there are strains of malaria present that can be resistant to certain anti-malaria drugs. It is recommended that you take anti-malarial tablets before, during and after your stay in Tanzania. Please contact your doctor to get the best advice on which anti-malarial to take.
What to pack
No formal clothes are required, so we recommend that you keep your luggage to the basics. Traveling light is best as it takes less time to load your vehicle on travel days.
- Please use soft-side cases instead of hard suitcase.
- Duffel bag or backpack
Khaki, green, beige and neutral colors (dark blue and black clothing should be avoided as it attracts Tsetse flies) - Shirts with long sleeves (even in summer, as protection from the sun, mosquitoes and Tsetse flies)
- T shirts
- Shorts or skirts
- Jeans or safari trousers
- A jacket and sweater are recommended for early morning and evening game drives
- Lightweight water-proof jacket
- Swim and beachwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun block, sunglasses, hat, moisturizer and lip-salve are all essentials
- Strong but natural insect repellent
- Camera equipment
- Electricity adapter, Type G in Tanzania, for charging your electronics
Culture difference – have in mind
Tanzania is generally a safe, stable and friendly country but don’t invite temptation. Keep an eye on your belongings.
It is courteous and appreciated to ask permission before photographing local people.
Unsuitable clothing, such as brief shorts or swimwear, is not acceptable in towns and villages away from resorts. Covering of shoulders and legs is particularly for women strongly recommended.
Affection. Public displays of affection are disapproved of. Kissing, holding hands and hugging in the street are unacceptable. Yet friendly affection between members of the same sex is considered perfectly fine, such as holding hands among the same sex. However, homosexuality is not only taboo in Tanzania but is also illegal.
Bargaining. It is common to bargain in the markets and shops but not in supermarkets. Vendors usually raise up the price when they see foreigners coming. Therefore shopping with a local friend who knows the price and the language is a good idea.
Foreigner. If you are Asian, people will probably call you Chinese. No offense. This is understandable since Tanzanians have hardly met or seen any Asian except those of Chinese descent. As for white people, they will call mzungu. Tanzanians are very warm and friendly so they will try to talk to you in whatever occasion to practice their English. Yet, be cautious for they may have different motives.
Mzungu. = “A person who walks in circles” or “restless”, or “explorer”= name reserved for Westerners. It´s not meant to be offensive.
Change of currency
The local currency is Tanzanian Shilling. Major foreign currencies, especially EURO and USD, are well accepted. They are convertible at Banks or Bureau du Change in the main towns or in any tourist areas. It is not possible to obtain Tanzania Schillings outside the country. Credit Cards are not yet widely accepted and carry a poor exchange rate.
Swahili
Tanzania national language is Kiswahili, which is spoken by the majority. Additional, there are about 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania of which each has its own indigenous language. English is widely spoken in business related to tourism. However, please do not expect everybody to speak English. A few words of Kiswahili will be very well appreciated.
- Jambo – Jambo = Hi! – Hi!
- Mambo – Poa = You good? – I’m good!
- Karibu = Welcome
- Ahsante = Thank you!
- Hapana Ahsante = No thank you
Tipping
Tipping is not a rule, but its safari tradition and expected as a sign of appreciation for a good service. For your safari guide we can advise 10-30$ per day from the group according to your satisfaction.
Time zone
Tanzania is in the East African Time Zone, which is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).
HAKUNA MATATA
