FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL FAQS

What official documents do I need to travel to Tanzania?

You will require a passport valid for at least six months after your date of entry. If you are arriving from a country in which Yellow Fever is endemic (such as Kenya), you will require an immunization certificate or health card.

Citizens of the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and most countries in the EU, need a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Application details and forms can be found on Tanzanian Embassy websites.

As with all visa matters — contact your local Tanzanian Embassy for the latest information.

How safe is it to travel in Tanzania?

Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people and are eager to help and assist visitors. As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe, do not carry a lot of camera equipment especially in the major cities, do not wear too much jewellery, do not carry large amounts of cash on your person etc.

Guides will monitor your safety in cities and in the game areas. From time to time generalized travel statements are issued concerning travel conditions in the area. For current Department of State announcements and Consular information see http://travel.state.gov/.

How safe is the water and food in Tanzania?

It is best to drink bottled water when travelling through Tanzania – numerous brands are widely available and served in all restaurants and lodges. Steer clear of ice, raw vegetables, and salads when eating at street restaurants. High-end lodges and restaurants will clean their produce in antiseptic solution, but to be on the safe side, fruit and vegetables should always be washed and peeled. Try to avoid eating in empty restaurants – the food may have been sitting out for some time – and order your meat well done. On the coast, seafood and fish are usually fresh, but make sure everything is well-cooked.

Typical food in Tanzania?

The food served in the safari camps/lodges varies, but is tasty and delicious. Gourmet cooks bake fresh breads, and produce soups, salads, and entrees that could easily grace tables at the top restaurants around the world. Meals are international in flavour with soups, salads, cold meats, pasta dishes, meat and fish dishes, and breads. Your day normally starts with tea and biscuits before your morning activity.

Returning to your lodge or camp late morning, brunch is enjoyed – cereals, fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage, and toast. Buffet lunches are typical with a warm dish such as stew served with salads, quiches and cold meats. Dinner consists of an appetizer followed by meat, fish and pasta dishes served with assorted vegetables and sauces. Dinner is followed by coffee/ tea, cheeses, and stunning desserts.

In Tanzania’s towns and villages, the food is usually simpler. Plain grilled meat, nyama choma, is very popular, and often served with sauce, rice, chips, or ugali (cornmeal). Indian cuisine is also wide spread. The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari, Kilimanjaro, mbege (homebrew from the Chagga people) and banana beer; imported beers (e.g. Tusker from Kenya) and wine are also excellent.

Time in Tanzania?

Tanzania has an only a one-time zone. Local time is GMT + 3 and Daylight Savings Time is not used. ELECTRICITY – 215 – 240 Volts, 50 Cycles AC. Tanzania does not operate daylight saving time, hence there’s no time difference between their summer and winter months.

Tanzania's International Dialing code?

The International Dialing Code for Tanzania is +255, followed by the applicable area codes (e.g. 22 for Dar es Salaam, or 27 for Arusha). Calling out from Tanzania, you dial 00 plus the relevant country code (44 for the UK, 1 for the USA).

What is the Tanzania currency?

The official unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued as TSh10,000; 5000; 1000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins are issued as TSh100; 50; 20; 10, 5 and 1.

The tourism industry prices everything in US Dollars and they are the preferred unit of currency. Major currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. Foreign exchange bureau in the main towns usually offers a better rate on traveler’s cheques than do the banks. ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a 10% surcharge. See www.oando.com for the latest exchange rates.

How much spending money should I take on my Tanzanian Safari?

You will need very little spending money on most safaris as the majority of meals and activities are included in your package cost. Most people carry between $50 and $100 per person per day for all expenses. Bills may be settled by US cash, by travelers check, or by credit card (accepted at most lodges, camps, hotels).

Credit cards may be used in large towns at restaurants and shops with MasterCard and Visa being most accepted. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas and non-existent in small retail shops. We recommend bringing US dollars cash. Change USD$ at the airport or bank on your arrival into Tanzania. USD$ cash is acceptable in most tourist areas and can be used for tips.

CLOTHING

Light tropical clothes, especially cotton slacks, shirts, and skirts are most suitable. Some warm clothing is needed in the higher altitude areas around Ngorongoro Crater, Mt. Kilimanjaro and Arusha, especially in the evenings and early in the morning. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari and guests are advised to carry some insect repellents. Visitors in Zanzibar are expected to dress modestly – avoid swimsuits, miniskirts, and other revealing clothing outside hotels, beaches, and resorts.

CULTURE FAQS

What are the languages spoken in Tanzania?

KiSwahili and English are the official languages and spoken by most people living in Tanzania;
as well as this, there are many ethnic groups, speaking localised languages and dialects. Try to learn some basic Swahili before you depart on your safari; the locals will definitely appreciate your efforts.
• Hello = Jambo / hujambo / Salama
• How are you? = Habari gani
• Fine (response) = Nzuri
• Goodbye = Kwa heri / Kwa herini (more than one peson)
• See you later = Tutaonana
• Nice to meet you = Nafurahi kukuona
• Goodnight = Lala salama
• Thank you =Asante

What are the religions that can be encountered in Tanzania?

The predominant religions in Tanzania are Christianity and Islam with about 40 – 45 % of the population practicing Christianity and 35 – 40 % practicing Islam. The rest of the population has stuck to traditional beliefs that are based on ancestor worship and nature-based animism. The beliefs of Tanzanians are indicative of the history of the country with Christianity being brought in by missionaries and colonialists while Islam came to the country via the Arabs during the east coast trading heyday. Generally, the coast is predominantly Muslim and the interior is more Christian.

Will I be able to experience some of the culture of Tanzania?

The people of Tanzania are very friendly towards visitors and there will be opportunities to interact with the locals. Probably the most famous African culture today is that of the Maasai – with the red-robed figures featuring in most east African safari photo albums. Please remember to ask before taking a photo of a local person as it is deemed very rude not to. For more modern cultural experiences the music and food of the Tanzania of today can be experienced in the nightclubs – in particular in Dar Es Salaam.

TRAVEL FAQs

Trains, Planes and Automobiles in Tanzania

Trains and buses are the most popular forms of travel for locals in Tanzania, with most centers
around the country connected by road and rail. Of the two, the trains are the safer option,
although somewhat slower. It is important to arrive at the departure point a while before the
departure time to secure a seat.
There is the option of express or ordinary buses with express being safer although a little more expensive. “Dalla-Dalla’s” or minivans are found on shorter routes, such as in the cities and towns. They can be packed with passengers and are a thoroughly dreadful experience.

Tanzania Border Posts

Tanzania is bordered by Uganda and Kenya to the north, Rwanda and Burundi in the west and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south – with all being borders serviced by border posts.

Tanzania Airports

International flights arrive from various destinations from around the world into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Domestic air services operate between the following airports:
• Dar es Salaam (DAR)
• Kilimanjaro (JRO)
• Kishni
• Zanzibar (ZNZ)

Self-drive Tanzania

Not recommended as a great self-drive destination, Tanzania nevertheless sees many self-drive tourists arriving in the country with their own vehicles or hire vehicles, although many car hire companies do not allow self-drives out of Dar Es Salaam due to the state of the roads and the dangers posed by animals and potholes. Tanzania has more than 80 000 km of road of which only a little more than 5 % is paved. There is a concerted effort afoot to improve the quality of the roads in Tanzania but many are still in bad shape. The roads in the parks are in a terrible state, in particular during the rainy season when a 4×4 vehicle is essential. Cyclists, pedestrians, domestic animals and wildlife are the cause of many accidents on the roads of Tanzania.

TOUR FAQs

What is the typical group size of the tours and safaris?

At lodges in Tanzania the group sizes are restricted for up to 30 people maximum. The lodges are small and exclusive and most only accommodate 12 to 16 guests at a time. The hotels in the cities can accommodate up 150 to 200 people at a time. For large conferences, a number of hotels can be used to take groups larger than 200 people. For tours and safaris, the groups range from 8 people to 25 people depending on the trip. For Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, the groups are a bit smaller whereas safari overlands will generally have larger groups.

What is the General Fitness Level of Tours and Safaris?

No real fitness requirement is needed for Tanzania, as long as you can walk with ease. Bush walks are not that hard, but if you are going to do a walking safari for a few days then you need be quite fit. Alternatively, you can enjoy your safari as leisure with horseback riding and game drives in Land Rovers. For the Kilimanjaro climb, you will walk 3 to 6 hours a day, so a good fitness level is required.

What kind of clothes should I pack for my trip to Tanzania?

Make sure to check the seasons before coming to Tanzania. Light and neutral clothing is advised. Bring long pants and sweaters to keep you covered at night and out of the mosquito’s way. Please note that while you are out on the street or at one of the beaches you should not wear tight, revealing or skimpy clothing. At the more upmarket hotels you can wear a bathing suit. Men should not walk around without t-shirts on. Women must not wear mini-skirts or leg revealing clothing. To do so would insult the people.

What should I pack?

• Light cotton trousers
• Cotton shorts
• Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sandals
• Underwear
• Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker
• Sunhat
• Insect repellent
• Small torch
• Bathing suit
• Suntan lotion
• Sunglasses
• Camera (telephoto lens recommended)
• Binoculars

For winter, pack an extra

• Warm jacket
• Woollen hat
• Scarf and gloves

WILDLIFE FAQs

FAQ Tanzania Wildlife Photography

What photographic equipment should I bring to Tanzania?

Because Tanzania is very much a wildlife destination, you will see a great variety of animals. Due to the fact that you might not always be so close to the animals, it is recommended to use a camera with a lens of 300 mm to 500 mm if possible. You won’t be sorry if you do so. While some of the vehicles will have laptop and camera recharging facilities, you might not be able to use it while out on the road. Make sure to bring converters for your plugs while staying at hotels or lodges. And make sure to bring batteries and enough film. You will always find something to photograph. Always ask permission before taking photos of people. Avoid taking photographs of sensitive areas such as military, naval, government and police buildings and procedures.

What wildlife will I see on a Tanzania Safari?

Tanzania has a number of great National Parks and Game Reserves supporting a wide variety of wildlife including Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Hippo, Zebra and Giraffe. Chimpanzees can be found on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Tanzania has over 1000 species of bird and 35 species of antelope. During the annual Wildebeest Migration, when approximately 3 million animals cross the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya, you can watch the Lion and Leopard in action trying to catch a meal. The three biggest lakes in Africa also border Tanzania; Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Niassa/Malawi.

ACCOMMODATION FAQs

What kind of accommodation is available in Tanzania?

In Tanzania you can choose from a wide variety of accommodation. The tourism industry in Tanzania country has become well-structured over the years, allowing for all types of accommodation. In the cities and towns are a variety of hotels, resorts and guest houses while the National Parks and reserves provide accommodation in camp sites, bungalows, tented camps of varying luxury and up-market lodges.

Is Tanzania a good family destination?

Tanzania is primarily a wildlife destination and as such establishments for children are fairly limited, however, there are establishments that provide children activities including kiddies adventures, kiddies clubs and toy boxes. Most safari lodges have age restrictions for children for safety reasons and in cases where children are accommodated there are restrictions on the activities children can take part in. Beach resorts and city hotels provide excellent children’s activities and are great places for family vacations.

Is Tanzania a Special Needs and Wheelchair friendly destination?

In Dar es Salaam there are a selection of luxury hotels and lodges which offer accommodation for the physically challenged person. In the wildlife destinations, there are limited options due to the terrain but the friendly and helpful nature of the locals will allow for any assistance needed in getting around. International Airports will offer everything you need, in varying degrees of comfort. Although the domestic airports are less well prepared for physically challenged persons, solutions are found to overcome any difficulty. When it comes to road transfers, medication, etc; always make sure to explain your needs clearly. In wildlife reserves, the roads are bumpy so it might be wise to get some padding. Since not all the accommodation establishments have grab handles and rails, you may need assistance in the bedrooms and bathrooms. Please note that if you are on any medication, bring enough medication with you and know the details of your condition for reference in case of emergency.

What is the cost of accommodation in Tanzania?

As in many African countries there is a wide range of accommodation options in Tanzania and as such there is a wide range of pricing. From budget camps and bungalows to top of the range premier lodges there is something for everybody in Tanzania.

HEALTH FAQS

What immunizations and health precautions should I take for Tanzania?

We suggest that you consult your personal physician or travel clinic at least 3 months prior to travel to Tanzania. Generally, lower areas of Tanzania have malaria and a prophylaxis is recommended. Cholera, typhoid and hepatitis occur in some areas. Modern health care facilities are very limited. If you are coming from a yellow fever endemic area you may be required to show proof of immunization. It is a good idea to be up to date on common vaccinations such as tetanus, polio and hepatitis A & B. Your physician may recommend others. For minor medical needs during your travels, there are many hospitals and clinics around the country that will care for you and prescribe the medicine you may need. For emergency or out-patient cases, Dar es Salaam’s new Aga Khan Hospital provides excellent care, as does the Nairobi Hospital and the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. African Air Rescue (AAR) has clinics and out-patient care in both Arusha and Dar es Salaam. Major lodges may also have doctors ‘on-call’ to assist travelers.

Is the water safe to drink?

As with visiting many countries around the world it is advisable to drink bottled water that is provided at lodges, hotels and shops throughout the country. Tap water is safe for showering and brushing teeth but as a safety precaution should not be used to drink.

Do you have any advice pertaining to personal medication whilst in Tanzania?

If you are taking prescription medication you should bring enough for your trip as the particular medication may not be available in Tanzania. It is important to bring the prescription form in case of emergencies – if the particular medication is unavailable a health care official will be able to advise on a suitable replacement.

What safety issues should I consider while traveling in Tanzania?

Because the lodges and camps are in remote areas of the country, theft is not usually an issue. It is important to keep copies of all travel documentation in case of emergencies. Keep your property safe and be aware of your environment. Even though crime is not very bad in Tanzania it’s best not to walk around at night. At your hotel there are safety deposit boxes in your room or in the managers’ office, use them.

ATTRACTIONS FAQS

What are Tanzania's Main Attractions?

Tanzania is a country of dramatic contrasts, from Africa’s highest point, Kilimanjaro, to the islands of the Zanzibar and Mafia archipelagos and from the game rich plains of the Serengeti, home of the greatest show on earth, to the mountains along Lake Tanganyika, where Africa’s best chimpanzee interactions occur. In short Tanzania has it all and can easily be argued as the greatest safari travel destination in Africa.

Iconic Africa

• Serengeti and the great migration
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Olduvai Gorge
• Kilimanjaro
• Zanzibar
• Maasai culture

Other premier wildlife attractions

• Lake Manyara National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Selous Game Reserve
• Ruaha National Park
• Katavi National Park
• Mahale Mountains National Park
• Gombe Streams National Park

Tanzania World Heritage Sites

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1979)
• Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara (1981)
• Serengeti National Park (1981)
• Selous Game Reserve (1982)
• Kilimanjaro National Park (1987)
• Stone Town, Zanzibar (2000)
• Kondoa Rock Art Sites (2006)

Other tourist attractions in Tanzania

• Beaches and watersports
• Historical sites
• Lake Victoria
• Lake Tanganyika
• Hiking and climbing
• Dar Es Salaam