Travel Tips

Most visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the Commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain visitors visa in advance from Embassies and High Commissions as several airlines insist on them prior to departure. Visitors visas can however also be obtained on arrival at all points of entry. Requirement may change so you are advised to contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before finalizing your travel arrangements. Although part of the union of Tanzania, Zanzibar remains independent. Therefore passports/Tanzania visas are required even for a day’s visit.

Don’t forget the camera, camcorder and binoculars and take a torch for finding a way around your lodge/camp at night. Stock up with replacement batteries for all these goods. Take sun-glasses, hat, sun lotion, lip balm – and some insect repellant, it is better not to get stung even of you are taking anti-malaria tablets. Its best to take any medicines required for the duration of the visit. A spare pair of glasses or contact lenses also a good idea. Take plenty of films and memory cards for Digital Cameras, it is difficult to obtain outside the main centers. While traveler’s cheques can be exchanged in cities and towns, banking facilities in remote areas are restricted, so take plenty of cash.

The unit of currency is the Tanzania shilling which is divided into 100 cents. Most major currencies – particularly US dollars are accepted and may be converted at banks and bureau de change in the main towns and tourists areas. Do NOT change money in the street however favorable the rates appears. It should be noted that not all establishments accept credit cards and certain cards, particularly Dinners and American Express, are frequently refused even by major hotels. MasterCard and Visa are preferred but do note that credit card processing fees may be applicable.

Distances in Tanzania are vast, and traveling by road can be tiring. It is wise to spend enough time in fewer parks so if you have less time then we suggest that you choose to visit just a few of the popular national parks. You will see more and won’t feel too exhausted when you return home Keep your distance from animals to avoid distressing them. Always follow the instructions of your ranger or guide. Don’t leave your vehicle in the parks except in designated places. Keep to recognised tracks to avoid damaging vegetation.

It never gets really cold in Tanzania so lightweight clothing is the norm. On safari avoid brightly colored clothes, they may they alarm the animals. Browns, beiges and khaki are preferred. Shorts-sleeves shirts/blouses and shorts are ideal, but pack a sweater, it can be chilly in the early morning and in the evening. Wear a hat to avoid sun-stroke and don’t forget a swimsuit. Shoes should be sensible – walking through the bush is not like strolling through Hyde Park – and for climbing Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru take thermal underwear, a rain jacket, good socks and sturdy boots. Shorts for women are acceptable – but not too short. Women should carry a wrap to cover their legs in towns or villages as revealing clothes can close offence, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim areas. On the beach, and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable but nudity certainly is not.

Not normally obligatory but a tip for exceptional service will be appreciated. We recommend the following as a guide to tipping: $10.00 to $15.00 per day for Driver-Guides, $2.00 per suitcase for Porters and $5.00 for Waiters/Waitresses per sitting (Lunch and/or Dinner)

Clothing should be light weight, loose-fitting and of “breathable” fabrics, such as cotton. For the daytime, shorts and T-shirts are most comfortable. While out in the bush you will find that neutral colors are best as they blend in with the natural surroundings and show the dust least. It is advised to avoid bright colors. The nights at the higher elevations like Ngorongoro gets to be quite cool, so you should also bring a sweater or a jacket.

It is prohibited to take pictures of State house, airports, military installations, police stations, government facilities, any border post, soldiers or police or any person. Please always seek advice from your driver guide before taking pictures.

While on safari, make sure you have some way of protecting your camera from dust. As most of the safari game viewing takes place in the early morning and late afternoon, 100 or 200 ASA film is probably best to use. A telephoto or zoom lens is recommended.

As in most major international cities, sensible security measures should be observed. Keep a close watch on purses, handbags, wallets and cameras. Avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry. It is advisable to hire a taxi if you wish to move around at night and for your personal safety, avoid dark, deserted lanes and streets. If you are with our driver guides then it is best to leave the cameras and other equipment with him when you are walking around.

Plastic Bag Ban with effect from 1st June 2019: – tourists, can face very heavy fines for using Plastic bags. Using, manufacture or importation of plastic bags, including garbage bags and shopping bags, is illegal. Convicted offenders, including tourists, can face very heavy fines, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Learn more about the plastic bag ban. Visitors are advised to avoid packing any plastic bags in their suitcases or in carry-on hand luggage before flying to Tanzania. Items purchased at the airport before boarding the aircraft should be removed from plastic bags. Please check hand luggage before disembarking at entry points and any plastic bags should be left in the plane. Similarly the transparent “zip-lock” plastic bags that some airlines require passengers to use for keeping liquids, cosmetics, toiletries etc separately in hand luggage are also not permitted to be brought and should be removed and left on the plane before disembarking.

Please be informed that ‘it is crime of significant gravity’ to carry/buy/travel with ANY Government trophies without documentation/permit(s) from relevant authorities. This includes bones, plants, animals skins, or anything pertaining to wildlife or nature. If carried by tourists who are on transit from other countries, appropriate permits has be carried as well. Failure to produce legal documentation can result in imprisonment and/or heavy fines. Tourists carrying trophies are advised to directly mail/ship their trophies bought from other countries directly to their home countries before coming to Tanzania or else the procedures for temporary import and export permits will be applicable for them to import in and export out of Tanzania.

Everyone is requested to raise awareness to all visitors intending to visit Tanzania before and during their stay that departing from any exit port without appropriate trophy documentation will result in dire consequence with embarrassing result.