Plan Your Travel To Tanzania
Tanzania Travel Essentials
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Best Time: July-October, December-March Read More
Accommodation Cost (per night in USD):
Dorm bed: $10-20
Budget: $30-60
Mid-range: $80-120
Luxury: $150 and above
Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD):
Budget: $10-20
Mid-range: $30-50
Visa Policy for Indians:
Visa required
Visa Policy for Other Nationals:
Visa on Arrival or E-visa available for many countries
Getting In Tanzania:
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha
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Getting Around Tanzania:
Buses, domestic flights, safari vehicles, ferries
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"The Canvas of Natural Beauty"
Tanzania Tourism
Tanzania, situated in East Africa, is a blend of nature, culture, and conservation making it a unique and appealing destination. Tanzania is known for its natural splendour, exemplified by Mount Kilimanjaro, astounding wildlife like the Great Wildebeest Migration seen at the Serengeti National Park, inviting Zanzibar beaches, historic Stone Town, ancient sites as in Olduvai Gorge, and the unique Ngorongoro Crater.
Tanzania extends beyond well-known sites, offering diverse adventures from safaris to cultural explorations. The Western and Southern Safari Parks - Katavi, Mahale Mountains, Ruaha - provide distinctive wildlife encounters, while Arusha's coffee plantations offer insight into production. Visitors to Tanzania can enjoy lively markets, connect with local communities, explore historic sites like Kilwa Kisiwani ruins, and discover the beautiful Usambara Mountains for a well-rounded experience.
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Must Know Before You Travel to Tanzania
- Safety: While Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, it's important to remain vigilant of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuable items.
- Health Precautions: Consult a doctor for vaccinations and consider taking anti-malarial medication if advised.
- Packing Tip: Pack suitable clothing for diverse climates, as temperatures can vary between warm days and cooler nights.
- Currency: The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is used for smaller expenses; major establishments usually accept credit cards.
- Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Always seek permission before photographing people, as some may prefer not to be photographed.
- Plug Points: Tanzania follows a standard voltage of 230V and uses the Type D and Type G plug types.
- Language: Swahili and English are the official languages in Tanzania. While English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, a Swahili greeting like "Jambo" is appreciated.
- Smoking: Tanzania enforces strict anti-smoking regulations. Smoking is prohibited in public places, including indoor spaces, restaurants, and bars. Designated smoking areas might be available.
- Tap Water: It's recommended to drink bottled or filtered water in Tanzania. Check the seals on bottled water before consuming.
- Scams: Although Tanzania is generally safe, remain cautious of potential scams. Be wary of individuals claiming to be "tourist police" or officials asking to inspect your identification or travel documents. Verify the authenticity of tour operators before booking any activities by researching reviews and considering reputable travel agencies.
- Pollution: In areas with heavy traffic, such as Dar es Salaam, air pollution can be significant. Check air quality indices if needed.
- Travel Insurance: Make sure to have comprehensive travel insurance, particularly covering adventure activities and safaris.
- Bargaining: Bargaining is common in markets; remember to negotiate prices respectfully.
- Tipping: Tipping around 10% for good service is customary in hotels, restaurants, and for guides in Tanzania.
Tourist Places to Visit In Tanzania
Best time to visit Tanzania
For an unforgettable Tanzanian experience, you can choose the Dry season from late June to October. This is when the weather is just right for wildlife watching, and the famous Great Wildebeest Migra (Read More)tion happens in the Serengeti from June to July. If you love seeing baby animals, come in late January to February when wildebeest calves are born.
While the northern parks are great all year, the southern and western parks shine in the Dry season. This period, especially from June to October, is perfect for safaris with warm, predictable weather and clear skies, making it easier to see amazing wildlife and the stunning Great Migration.
While the northern parks are great all year, the southern and western parks shine in the Dry season. This period, especially from June to October, is perfect for safaris with warm, predictable weather and clear skies, making it easier to see amazing wildlife and the stunning Great Migration.
Holidify's opinion on Travel to Tanzania
What's Great?
Safaris. National Parks.Beaches.Trekking. Scuba Diving. Stone age sites.
What's Not So Great?
Sanitation. Mosquitos.
For Whom?
Adventure lovers. People who love natural beauty.
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Exchanging Money in Tanzania
You can get your money exchanged at a Forex office or a bank.The exchange rates at Forex offices are better than those of banks. The main banks in Tanzania are National Bank of Commerce and Standard Chartered Bank. ATM cash points are always available and provide same exchange rates as banks. The ATMs only dispense Tanzanian Shillings.
Nightlife in Tanzania
Although Tanzania isn't known for its night life, it is still quite decent. It is a lot more mellow and down to earth instead of being loud and flashy. Most of the clubs, bars, and lounges are in Dar es Salaam and Moshi town.
Shopping in Tanzania
Tanzanian cities and towns mostly sell things like animal skin drums, beaten brass and copper ware, wooden carvings, textiles, chess sets in bone, ivory and wood and ethnic jewellery.The most sought after item that captures the attention of the tourists would be the Makonde (ebony carvings).Some good souvenirs would be beaded jewellery, decorated gourds, and sarongs worn by the men and women. Bargaining is possible in the street markets. The stores stay open till evening but some Muslim-owned businesses close on Friday afternoon. However, may be open on Sundays.
Festivals of Tanzania
Tanzania is a multiethnic country where the people respect each other's religious differences. Eid-ul-Fitr, Christmas, and Diwali are celebrated here. Some of the festivals of Tanzania include the Wanyambo festival held in Dar es Salaam which explores the music, food, costumes, The unique and dance of Tanzanian people.Another such vibrant festival is the Mzalendo Halisi Music Festival which portrays traditional Tanzanian music by local performers along with art and cultural exhibitions. The Festival of the Dhow Countries features the Zanzibar International Film Festival. It takes place in early July and lasts The unique festival is Mwaka Kogwa Festival which is a four-day event in July/August that takes place in Zanzibar. Here, village men thrash each other with banana stalks to settle arguments from the previous year. Women dress up, sing and dance, a straw hut is set on fire, and a feast ensues. The Bagamoyo Arts Festival presents traditional and contemporary music and dance. The week-long event in September also includes grand exhibitions, workshops and acrobatics shows. All the adventure lovers swoon over the Kiliman adventure challenge and the Kilimanjaro Marathon which is a road race that takes place on Africa's highest mountain.
Hygiene in Tanzania
Malaria is something to be aware of. Travellers are advised to carry mosquito sprays and get anti-malaria pills. However, if one doesn't go out at night, and takes the necessary precautions, it can be avoided. Vaccinations that need to be taken before visiting include - Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, tetanusRabies, Typhoid, Booster Tetanus, Diphtheria and Measles. While a yellow fever vaccination certificate is not officially required to enter Tanzania unless you're coming from an infected area, carrying one is advised. One should drink bottled water only.
Customs of Tanzania
Elders are very respected in Tanzanian culture and are always greeted by saying shikamo, whereas they reply marahaba. Tanzanians do not use their left hand while eating, handing something to someone,or while handshaking. Also, one shouldn't touch anything with one's left hand, such as produce at the market. It is considered rude to let the bottom of one's foot or shoe point at someone. Feet should also not be propped up on chairs or tables. In many rural areas and in Zanzibar, women are expected to dress in a modest way; skirts below the knees and shirts with sleeves. In urban areas guidelines are more flexible and women are seen wearing long pants. For men, it is inappropriate to wear short pants. Outside of tours, tipping is not generally required for other services such as taxis, barbers and restaurants. If service is very good at a restaurant, you may conside rounding the bill to a convenient amount.
Tips for visiting Tanzania
Get anti-malaria tablets and mosquito sprays since the tropical environment does give rise to diseases like Malaria. However, the chances of encountering with malaria carrying mosquitos are only at night so it can be avoided if precautions are taken. Drink bottled water only. Make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.Don't wear flashy/expensive jewellery. You shouldn't carry too much cash with you.Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
Food of Tanzania
The native cuisine varies due to Tanzania's multi-ethnic culture. However, most of their meals consist of cereals like millet, sorghum, chickpeas cornmeal, beans, chickpeas and potatoes are eaten as main dishes. Raw and ripe plantains are served as ingredients in stews.The native population of Zanzibar eats pilaf dishes, rice cooked with spices such asÊcloves, saffron,Êcinnamon,Êfruits pomegranate juice,Êmeats. ÊThe Indian settlers brought with them their curries and wheat flour breads. The British added their own dishes including grilled meats, boiled vegetables and meat stews.East African cuisine is famous for dishes containing a variety of insects. Locusts, grasshoppers and flying ants are trapped and then are either fried or sun dried. Termites are another delicacy along with caterpillars and lake flies. Other than these, plenty on international cuisines are available in Tanzania and wonderful dishes are created using the delicious seafood , spices, and tropical fruits. Some of the famous dishes of Tanzania include Mtori soup, Mchicha, and Mandazi.
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FAQs on Tanzania
How to reach Tanzania from India?
Ocean freighters, passenger liners, ferries and steamers connect the port city of Dar es Salaam and the island of Zanzibar to other destinations in and around the region.The MS Sepideh runs services between Tanzania and Mombasa. Regular ferry services run on Lake Tanganyika, connecting Bujumbura, Kigoma, and Mpulungu.
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