Information about traveling to Tanzania
To enter Tanzania and witness tanzania tourist attractions, you will probably need to arrive through the country’s largest airports – The Kilimanjaro International Airport and Julius Nyerere International Airport. Once in the country, you can board a bus or train from the big cities to any destination. If you are arriving from Kenya, you can take a bus from Nairobi to Arusha and then to national parks like the Serengeti. Within a town or city, the best means of transport is a private taxi or a small bus – or Dalla-Dalla. These stop anywhere and do not have specific schedules or a fixed number of passengers. Tanzania has a good railway network connecting to its neighbors Kenya and Zambia. It may not be developed to the highest standards, but it is safe. If you love adventure and marveling at beautiful scenery, take a train.
To enter the country, one needs to have a Tanzania visa. Visas can be obtained from the nearest Tanzanian embassy or diplomatic mission. Getting a visa from the airport and the different ports of entry into the country is also possible. Citizens of the East African Community and some SADC countries may not need a tourism Visa. The tourism visa costs about $50. Tanzania has not yet adopted the multiple-entry East African Tourist Visa system that allows one to enter countries in East Africa simultaneously. Before applying for the Tanzanian Visa, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months. Apply for the Tanzania visa here.
Before traveling to Tanzania, ensure that you have taken a yellow fever shot. A proof of inoculation will be required in the form of a certificate. Malaria is a real threat in Tanzania, and you need to take anti-malarial pills before traveling. You also need to consider vaccinating against hepatitis B, dengue fever, typhoid, and tetanus (they are not a requirement like Yellow fever).
The country’s main currency is the Tanzanian shilling. US Dollars and credit cards are widely accepted. That said, we recommend that you get hold of Tanzanian shillings to be on the safe side. You will find yourself unable to use your credit card in some cases. Almost all ATMs do not issue foreign currency. If you are planning to purchase items while in Tanzania, know there are no fixed prices except going to large shopping malls. It is, therefore, essential to learn how to bargain if you plan to stay in Tanzania for a while. Bargaining skills are critical when buying local souvenirs or visiting the central markets.
Like most countries in East Africa, tipping guides, rangers, and hotel staff are things you need to consider. It may be a good or bad thing, depending on your values. Regardless, it is essential to note that many of the Guides and Hotel staff in developing countries are paid poorly. Some work only seasonally. Therefore, it is necessary to reward those who do an excellent job of ensuring that your time is spent well in the country. You will need cash to pay for the tips. If you feel that giving tips creates a dependency syndrome, thank them for any extra good work.
Tanzania has a humid and hot climate for most of the year, depending on the region you are visiting. The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season. The dry season falls from May to July and November to March. The rainy season also occurs twice but is more pronounced around April. You will therefore be surprised to find towns and cities close to mountains like Kilimanjaro and Meru colder than your country.
Tanzania is a relatively safe country for both women and men in Africa. It has an advanced community policing system where people are involved in identifying criminals. However, you must exercise caution and avoid traveling at night, especially in large cities like Dar es Salaam. Avoid lone streets and ensure that you move with a Local Guide when in places you are not familiar with. While in the national parks, you must be cautious as you might encounter all kinds of insects, poisonous snakes, and predators. Some of the beaches may have sharks during certain times of the month. Always choose a trustworthy tour operator to manage your safari. Read reviews about the company you plan to use and ensure there are no red flags before sending any money. Your tour operator is very key in ensuring that you are safe at all times.
Last but not least, it is important to travel with proper clothing for both a standard safari and the Indian Ocean beaches. Brightly colored clothes attract insects. Wear something white or put on khakis. Tanzanians are modest people, and it would be wise to dress conservatively when away from the beach.