© 2024 –DUBU Adventure. All rights reserved.
Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for an eVisa online before traveling or get one on arrival at major airports or land borders.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of entry, with at least two blank pages.
Visa service
Before booking a flight to Tanzania a Tourist should have a Visa in hand, the easiest way to get a Tanzania Visa is to apply for it online, the processes are simple and, in the end, you will obtain a visa which will allow you to visit both Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar. All you need is to visit the immigration website I.e. www.immigration.go.tz and go to Visa section and fill the form.
After filling the form, you will make the payment which is $50 for non-US citizens and $100 for US citizens and then submit the form.
You will be notified about your application via the email address you provided during your application or you can track down your application on the status bar.
General Visa application Guidelines.
Applicants of Visa are strongly advised to read carefully the Visa Guidelines before making an application;
Recommended
Yellow Fever: Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you’re arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Malaria: Tanzania is a malaria zone, so take antimalarial medication as prescribed and use insect repellent.
Consider other vaccinations like Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Rabies depending on your itinerary.
AMREF Flying Doctors provides air evacuation services in medical emergencies across East Africa in case of any emergencies during safari activities, as well as air ambulance transfers between medical facilities.
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for smaller vendors or remote areas.
ATMs are available in cities, but they may not be reliable in rural areas, so have some cash handy.
Tanzania is a conservative country, especially in rural areas. Dress modestly when outside tourist zones.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially the Maasai or other local tribes.
Greetings are important in Tanzanian culture. Greet with a handshake or “Jambo” (Hello).
Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.
Learning a few Swahili phrases like “Asante” (Thank you) or “Habari” (How are you?) can enhance your experience.
Dry season (June to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing, especially for the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Wet season (November to May) has lush landscapes and fewer tourists, but some roads may be challenging to navigate.
What to Pack for Safari
Clothing
Camera Gears
Essentials
Tipping is expected for safari guides, hotel staff, and drivers. Around $10–20 per day for guides and $1–5 for porters or hotel staff is common.
Tanzania uses 230V electricity with British-style plug sockets (Type D and G). Bring an adapter if needed.
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but be cautious in crowded areas. Keep valuables out of sight and use hotel safes where possible.
If you’re going on safari, follow the safety instructions of your guide closely.
Domestic Flights: Ideal for quickly getting to remote safari locations like Serengeti or Zanzibar.
Buses: Cheap and widely available for long distances but can be slow.
Taxis: Available in cities; agree on a price before your ride if meters aren’t used.
Dala-Dala: Local minibuses are a common but crowded and less reliable way to get around.
Keep a safe distance from animals. Don’t approach or feed wildlife.
Respect park rules and listen to your guide’s instructions during safari drives.
Medical Coverage: Ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, including evacuation in case of serious illness or injury. Safari locations are often remote, so emergency airlifts may be necessary.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Get coverage in case of flight delays, cancellations, or unforeseen events that could affect your itinerary.
Luxury Lodges: Tanzania offers high-end lodges in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other national parks with amenities like private plunge pools, gourmet meals, and personalized service.
Tented Camps: Tented camps provide an authentic safari experience with tents equipped with all modern comforts (en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds). Some camps move seasonally to follow the wildlife migration.
Budget Options: Guesthouses and mid-range lodges are available in major towns and around national parks. They offer basic amenities and a chance to interact with locals.
Zanzibar Resorts: Zanzibar has a range of beachfront accommodations, from boutique hotels to all-inclusive luxury resorts. Consider private island resorts for a secluded experience.
Serengeti National Park: World-renowned for the annual migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles. The park also offers excellent opportunities to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo).
Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a massive volcanic caldera that hosts one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa, including black rhinos and a large lion population.
Tarangire National Park: Famous for its large herds of elephants, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife migration. The park is quieter than the Serengeti and ideal for a more relaxed safari.
Lake Manyara National Park: Known for tree-climbing lions and its large concentration of flamingos during the rainy season. The park offers both wildlife viewing and scenic landscapes.
Selous Game Reserve: One of the largest game reserves in Africa, offering a more remote and off-the-beaten-path safari experience. You can enjoy boat safaris and walking tours here.
Ruaha National Park: Tanzania’s largest park, known for its rugged wilderness, diverse landscapes, and vast elephant populations. It’s less crowded than the northern circuit parks, offering a tranquil experience.
Mount Kilimanjaro: Standing at 5,895 meters, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak. The trek is a challenging but non-technical climb. The most popular routes include Machame, Marangu, and Lemosho.
Mount Meru: A lesser-known but equally rewarding trek near Arusha, offering spectacular views of Kilimanjaro. The trek typically takes 3-4 days and includes walking through diverse ecosystems.
Lake Natron: Visit this remote alkaline lake in the Great Rift Valley, famous for its population of flamingos and nearby Ol Doinyo Lengai, a still-active volcano.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Mahale Mountains: A unique experience to track wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat along the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Mahale also offers stunning lake views and hiking trails.
Stone Town: The historical and cultural heart of Zanzibar, known for its labyrinthine streets, bustling markets, and rich Swahili heritage. Must-visit sites include the Sultan’s Palace, the House of Wonders, and the Old Slave Market.
Spice Tours: Zanzibar’s nickname as the “Spice Island” comes from its long history of growing spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Spice tours provide insights into local agriculture and culture.
Diving and Snorkeling: Zanzibar offers world-class diving and snorkeling spots, particularly around Mnemba Atoll, a marine reserve with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Jozani Forest: Explore this protected area, home to the endangered red colobus monkey, as well as mangroves and other wildlife. A guided nature walk provides a great insight into the island’s biodiversity.
Wildlife Conservation: Support ethical tourism by visiting national parks that focus on conservation and anti-poaching efforts. Be cautious of any wildlife interactions, especially with animals like elephants or lions, and ensure these are conducted ethically.
Cultural Tourism: When visiting Maasai villages or other indigenous communities, choose tours that are respectful and contribute to local communities. This helps preserve local cultures and traditions while providing economic benefits.
Plastic Ban: Tanzania has implemented a strict ban on plastic bags, so ensure you carry reusable bags when shopping.
Local Dishes: Sample Tanzanian dishes like ugali (a maize-based dish), nyama choma (grilled meat), samaki (fish), and pilau (spiced rice). Zanzibar is famous for its seafood and fusion of African, Arab, and Indian influences.
Street Food: In places like Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, you can try street food such as zanzibar pizza, chapati, and fried cassava.
Dietary Preferences: Most tourist accommodations cater to a variety of dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.). Make sure to notify your lodge or camp ahead of time for special requirements.
Dry Season (June to October): The best time for safaris, as the weather is dry and animals gather around water sources. The days are warm, and the nights can be cool, especially in high-altitude areas.
Wet Season (November to May): The landscape is lush, and there are fewer tourists. The “long rains” occur between March and May, while the “short rains” happen from November to December. Roads may become muddy and some areas harder to access, but it’s a good time for bird watching and seeing newborn animals.
Local Crafts: Look for handcrafted items such as Maasai beaded jewelry, Tinga Tinga paintings, wood carvings, and kitenge (African fabric).
Tanzanite: A rare gemstone found only in Tanzania, typically available in high-end stores in Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
Negotiation: Bargaining is common in local markets, but always remain polite and respectful.
Tanzania has good mobile network coverage in cities and towns, though it can be patchy in remote areas. You can buy a local SIM card (such as Vodacom or Airtel) for affordable data and calls.
Most lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, though the connection might be slower in remote areas.
By planning ahead and respecting local customs and wildlife, you’ll have a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable trip to Tanzania!
© 2024 –DUBU Adventure. All rights reserved.