Planning travel to Tanzania? – Essential tips
Planning travel to Tanzania? – You don’t want to miss out on these tips!
Travelling to a new country can be fun and yet daunting for some. Many questions may pop in mind regarding many things from how to get there to what to eat. Here are some tips to ease your mind and help get better informed and organized for your trip.
Which airlines fly to Tanzania
There are several airlines that fly into Tanzania including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Swiss Air, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Ethiopian airlines, Air link from South Africa and Air France. Other Regional airlines that fly into Tanzania are Kenya Airways, Rwanda Air, Air Kenya, and Uganda Airlines.
International Airports
International flights serve the following international airports.
Dar es Salaam (DAR) 08 miles from city center (approximately 30-45mins drive.
Kilimanjaro international Airport (JRO) 30miles from Arusha town (approximately 60minutes drive)
Zanzibar International airport (ZNZ) about 4.5 miles into city center and only a 15minute drive. To get to the beach areas takes approx. 60-90 minutes.
Mwanza Airport which services regional flights mainly (Auric Air, Precision Air, Coastal air) from Kigali Rwanda, Entebbe Uganda and Nairobi.
Passports and Visas
Most Visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain your visa in advance from the nearest embassy in your country of origin to avoid long queues that are sometimes an inconvenience in obtaining a visa on arrival.
Apply for your Tanzanian e-visa in advance at the following link: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/. Please note it can take up to 2 weeks to receive your e-visa. It’s advisable to check the latest visa requirements from the nearest embassy/consulate as visa requirements may sometimes change.
Although part of the United republic of Tanzania, Zanzibar remains independent, so passports and Tanzanian visas are required even on a day’s visit.
Vaccinations and Health
Yellow fever Requirement: Valid Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for passengers travelling from Yellow Fever Endemic Countries
Yellow Fever Endemic Countries List: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somali, Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Uganda,
Venezuela, Zambia.
Malaria : It’s essential that visitors to Tanzania take a course of anti -malaria tablets, commencing 2 weeks before travel. You may want to consult with your doctor on which anti-malarial drugs will work best for you.
If you take prescription drugs, it’s recommended that you bring your drugs along with you for the entire time that you will be on travel because securing the same exact brands locally may pose a challenge since your travel or holiday may take you to remote locations far from the main cities where modern medical services are available.
Language
English is widely spoken but a few Swahili words are always welcome. So, if possible, get yourself a small Swahili guidebook prior to your trip. Otherwise, there are plenty of ”walking Swahili guidebooks” around to teach you a few words here and there if you like.
Your ultimate packing list
Remember to travel light in the first place if you will be taking some light aircrafts during your stay so don’t pack too much. It may be possible to leave some of your luggage behind with your tour operator depending on your itinerary and get it back before departure but just in case that’s not an option, keep your packing light.
He who would travel happily must travel light
Antoine de St. Exupery
Do not forget the Camera, camcorder. Binoculars are normally provided in the safari vehicle by some tour operators but bring an extra one along just in case.
If you will be embarking on a safari, then a good portable touch is essential for finding your way around your camp at night. Of course, there is usually a Masai escort to walk with you and guide you around the camp at night but hey, what harm can an extra torch do.
The African sun can be scorching, so bring your sunglasses, sun lotion, lip balm and some insect repellant. It’s better not to get stung even if you have taken anti-malarial drugs prior to your trip.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling. Visitors can bring in any amount of foreign currency. No currency declaration is required but import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal. Most major currencies particularly the US Dollar, Euros and travelers’ checques are acceptable and convertible at banks. Do NOT change money on the street no matter how good the rate appears.
Travel distances
Distances in Tanzania are vast and travel by road can be tiring so take care when planning your safari itinerary to take this into account. Don’t visit too many parks unless you are well prepared for the fatigue that may come with it. Keep your safari distances short or take flights in between so that you have a more enjoyable and relaxed safari.
On safari
Listen to your new best friend (your guide or ranger)
Do not leave your safari vehicle in parks except at designated places!
Keep to designated tracks, don’t venture off road where it’s not permitted.
Keep your distance from animals and be quiet to avoid distressing them.
What to wear
It never really gets cold in Tanzania so light clothing is the norm.
On safari keep to dark or earthy colors as bright colors may alarm the animals. So, browns, beige and Khaki are preferred. Short sleeve shirts and shorts are preferred but park a sweater if visiting Ngorongoro and some longs sleeves and trousers for the evenings to keep yourself protected from mosquito bites while you enjoy your sundowner.
Wear a hat to protect yourself from sun stroke.
Carry sensible bush walking shoes.
Dressing in Zanzibar
Given the Islamic influence in Zanzibar, it’s respectful to dress modestly when entering places of worship or mingling with locals. Covering shoulders and knees is generally appreciated out of respect for the island’s culture.
Shorts for women are acceptable but not too short, revealing clothes are offensive.
On the beach, swim wear is perfectly acceptable, but nudity is certainly NOT permitted.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but expected. For exceptional service a maximum of 10% will be appreciated. While making your reservation, feel free to check with your booking agent on the expected normal tipping range applicable to your type of service. While you tip remember, an excessive tip or no tip can make it difficult for the next customer, so use discretion.
Conclusion
For those who have visited Tanzania before the above tips may already be on your checklist; not to mention the experience you already have on ‘how it’s like to be a Visitor in Tanzania’. On the contrary for those intending to travel to Tanzania for the first time, hope the above tips will be useful in helping you prepare for your travel or holiday.
Planning travel to Tanzania? – You don’t want to miss out on these tips!
Travelling to a new country can be fun and yet daunting for some. Many questions may pop in mind regarding many things from how to get there to what to eat. Here are some tips to ease your mind and help get better informed and organized for your trip.
Which airlines fly to Tanzania
There are several airlines that fly into Tanzania including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Swiss Air, Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Ethiopian airlines, Air link from South Africa and Air France. Other Regional airlines that fly into Tanzania are Kenya Airways, Rwanda Air, Air Kenya, and Uganda Airlines.
International Airports
International flights serve the following international airports.
Dar es Salaam (DAR) 08 miles from city center (approximately 30-45mins drive.
Kilimanjaro international Airport (JRO) 30miles from Arusha town (approximately 60minutes drive)
Zanzibar International airport (ZNZ) about 4.5 miles into city center and only a 15minute drive. To get to the beach areas takes approx. 60-90 minutes.
Mwanza Airport which services regional flights mainly (Auric Air, Precision Air, Coastal air) from Kigali Rwanda, Entebbe Uganda and Nairobi.
Passports and Visas
Most Visitors require visas with the exception of citizens of certain countries of the commonwealth. It is advisable to obtain your visa in advance from the nearest embassy in your country of origin to avoid long queues that are sometimes an inconvenience in obtaining a visa on arrival.
Apply for your Tanzanian e-visa in advance at the following link: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/. Please note it can take up to 2 weeks to receive your e-visa. It’s advisable to check the latest visa requirements from the nearest embassy/consulate as visa requirements may sometimes change.
Although part of the United republic of Tanzania, Zanzibar remains independent, so passports and Tanzanian visas are required even on a day’s visit.
Vaccinations and Health
Yellow fever Requirement: Valid Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for passengers travelling from Yellow Fever Endemic Countries
Yellow Fever Endemic Countries List: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, French Guiana, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somali, Sudan, Suriname, Togo, Uganda,
Venezuela, Zambia.
Malaria : It’s essential that visitors to Tanzania take a course of anti -malaria tablets, commencing 2 weeks before travel. You may want to consult with your doctor on which anti-malarial drugs will work best for you.
If you take prescription drugs, it’s recommended that you bring your drugs along with you for the entire time that you will be on travel because securing the same exact brands locally may pose a challenge since your travel or holiday may take you to remote locations far from the main cities where modern medical services are available.
Language
English is widely spoken but a few Swahili words are always welcome. So, if possible, get yourself a small Swahili guidebook prior to your trip. Otherwise, there are plenty of ”walking Swahili guidebooks” around to teach you a few words here and there if you like.
Your ultimate packing list
Remember to travel light in the first place if you will be taking some light aircrafts during your stay so don’t pack too much. It may be possible to leave some of your luggage behind with your tour operator depending on your itinerary and get it back before departure but just in case that’s not an option, keep your packing light.
He who would travel happily must travel light
Antoine de St. Exupery
Do not forget the Camera, camcorder. Binoculars are normally provided in the safari vehicle by some tour operators but bring an extra one along just in case.
If you will be embarking on a safari, then a good portable touch is essential for finding your way around your camp at night. Of course, there is usually a Masai escort to walk with you and guide you around the camp at night but hey, what harm can an extra torch do.
The African sun can be scorching, so bring your sunglasses, sun lotion, lip balm and some insect repellant. It’s better not to get stung even if you have taken anti-malarial drugs prior to your trip.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling. Visitors can bring in any amount of foreign currency. No currency declaration is required but import and export of Tanzanian currency is illegal. Most major currencies particularly the US Dollar, Euros and travelers’ checques are acceptable and convertible at banks. Do NOT change money on the street no matter how good the rate appears.
Travel distances
Distances in Tanzania are vast and travel by road can be tiring so take care when planning your safari itinerary to take this into account. Don’t visit too many parks unless you are well prepared for the fatigue that may come with it. Keep your safari distances short or take flights in between so that you have a more enjoyable and relaxed safari.
On safari
Listen to your new best friend (your guide or ranger)
Do not leave your safari vehicle in parks except at designated places!
Keep to designated tracks, don’t venture off road where it’s not permitted.
Keep your distance from animals and be quiet to avoid distressing them.
What to wear
It never really gets cold in Tanzania so light clothing is the norm.
On safari keep to dark or earthy colors as bright colors may alarm the animals. So, browns, beige and Khaki are preferred. Short sleeve shirts and shorts are preferred but park a sweater if visiting Ngorongoro and some longs sleeves and trousers for the evenings to keep yourself protected from mosquito bites while you enjoy your sundowner.
Wear a hat to protect yourself from sun stroke.
Carry sensible bush walking shoes.
Dressing in Zanzibar
Given the Islamic influence in Zanzibar, it’s respectful to dress modestly when entering places of worship or mingling with locals. Covering shoulders and knees is generally appreciated out of respect for the island’s culture.
Shorts for women are acceptable but not too short, revealing clothes are offensive.
On the beach, swim wear is perfectly acceptable, but nudity is certainly NOT permitted.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but expected. For exceptional service a maximum of 10% will be appreciated. While making your reservation, feel free to check with your booking agent on the expected normal tipping range applicable to your type of service. While you tip remember, an excessive tip or no tip can make it difficult for the next customer, so use discretion.
Conclusion
For those who have visited Tanzania before the above tips may already be on your checklist; not to mention the experience you already have on ‘how it’s like to be a Visitor in Tanzania’. On the contrary for those intending to travel to Tanzania for the first time, hope the above tips will be useful in helping you prepare for your travel or holiday.
