What to expect when

travelling in Tanzania

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

The dry seasons – January to March and June to October – are best for wildlife viewing. The short rains (Nov–Dec) and long rains (April–May) bring lush landscapes and fewer tourists

For climbing Kilimanjaro, January–March and June–October are ideal.

Zanzibar is wonderful year-round, with dry spells from June to October and December to February.

Visa requirements

Most nationalities need a visa to enter Tanzania.

You can apply online via the official Tanzania eVisa platform.

If you’re visiting Kenya or Uganda too, the East Africa Tourist Visa is a good option.

Health and vaccinations

To travel to Tanzania, you’ll need:

A yellow fever certificate if you’re arriving from a risk country

Malaria is present, especially in coastal and lowland areas – anti-malarials are advised

Always consult your travel clinic several months before departure

The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

In most safari lodges and hotels, you can also pay with US Dollars and EUR – especially for tips, park fees and extras.

Credit Cards are accepted in most lodges, however, it is always important to have some cash money as well.

Make sure your US Dollar notes are clean and issued within the last 10 years

ATMs are widely available in cities like Arusha, Moshi and Dar es Salaam, but limited in more remote areas.

The official languages are Swahili and English

English is spoken in most hotels, lodges, and by guides

A few Swahili phrases go a long way in local interactions!

Most visitors travel with a private vehicle and guide, or fly between key destinations.

Main roads between cities are paved

Safari areas often have unpaved roads – a 4×4 vehicle is essential

Domestic flights save time when visiting remote parks or islands

Tipping is customary and appreciated. Suggested amounts:

Driver-guides: USD 5–10 per traveller per day

Lodge and camp staff: USD 2–5 per traveller per day, usually via a shared tip box

Dress modestly in villages and urban areas

Plastic bags are banned – bring a reusable alternative

Always ask before taking photos of people

Support local communities by buying crafts and joining village experiences where possible.

Traveller Stories

Need help planning your Tanzania trip?

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