Tanzania Travel Guide
Serengeti, Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar — Africa's Triple Crown
Tanzania is Africa's safari crown jewel. The Serengeti's Great Migration, the Ngorongoro Crater's "Garden of Eden," Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak, and Zanzibar's spice-scented beaches — no other country offers this combination. Whether you're watching a million wildebeest cross the Mara River or sipping sundowners on a Zanzibar rooftop, Tanzania delivers bucket-list moments at every turn.
Visa Requirements
eVisa required for most nationalities
Apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz. Single-entry tourist visa valid for 90 days. US citizens get a multiple-entry visa valid for 12 months. Visa on arrival is also possible but the eVisa saves time.
💡 Tips
- •Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz — the only official eVisa portal
- •US citizens automatically get multiple-entry ($100)
- •Have a printed copy plus a digital backup
- •Visa on arrival is possible but queues can be long at JRO/DAR
Vaccinations & Health
⚠️ Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever (if arriving from endemic area or transiting through one)
💡 Recommended Vaccinations
🦟 Malaria Information
Malaria risk throughout Tanzania including the Serengeti and Zanzibar. Prophylaxis essential. The Ngorongoro highlands have lower risk due to altitude.
💡 Tips
- •Yellow Fever certificate needed if transiting through Kenya or Ethiopia
- •Malaria prophylaxis is essential — discuss Malarone or Doxycycline with your doctor
- •Zanzibar has malaria risk year-round — take precautions even on the beach
- •Drink only bottled or treated water throughout Tanzania
Currency & Money
🏧 ATMs
Available in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Stone Town. CRDB and NMB are the main banks.
💳 Cards
Accepted at lodges and upscale restaurants. Cash is king for markets, small shops, and tips.
💡 Tips
- •USD is widely accepted and preferred at safari operators and parks
- •Park fees MUST be paid in USD (or Visa card at some gates)
- •Bring crisp, undamaged USD bills dated 2006 or later
- •ATMs in Arusha have limits — withdraw enough before heading to safari
Tipping Guide
Tipping is an important part of Tanzanian safari culture. Guides and staff work hard for modest wages.
🦁 Safari Guide & Staff
$15–20 per person per day for your safari guide, $10–15 for camp/lodge staff (pooled).
🍽️ Restaurants
10% if no service charge is included.
🚗 Transfers & Porters
$5 for airport transfers. $2 for hotel porters.
💡 Tips
- •Tip in USD at safari lodges — it's preferred
- •For Kilimanjaro climbs: $20–25/day for lead guide, $15–20/day for assistant guides, $10/day per porter
- •Ask your operator about suggested tipping amounts
- •Separate tips for your driver-guide and lodge/camp staff
Safety
Tanzania is one of the safest countries in East Africa for tourists. Safari areas are well-managed, and the Tanzanian people are famously warm and welcoming. Standard city precautions apply in Dar es Salaam and Stone Town.
💡 Tips
- •Safari parks and lodges are extremely safe
- •In Stone Town, watch for pickpockets in crowded markets
- •Use registered taxi services or hotel-arranged transfers
- •Avoid walking alone at night in cities
- •Swim only in designated areas on the coast (currents can be strong)
- •Keep valuables locked in your room/lodge safe
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential — medical facilities outside Dar es Salaam are limited. Air evacuation cover is critical for Serengeti visitors.
Must-Have Coverage:
- ✓Emergency medical evacuation by air
- ✓Kilimanjaro climbing coverage (if applicable)
- ✓Trip cancellation/interruption
- ✓Emergency medical treatment
- ✓Water sports coverage (for Zanzibar snorkelling/diving)
💡 Tips
- •Air evacuation from the Serengeti to Nairobi or Dar costs $5,000+
- •If climbing Kilimanjaro, ensure your policy covers altitude sickness
- •Check scuba diving depth limits on your policy for Zanzibar
Language
Official Languages
English is spoken by all safari guides and lodge staff. Swahili is the everyday language — a few words will make your guide's day.
Useful Phrases
Getting There
✈️ Airlines Serving Tanzania
💡 Tips
- •JRO (Kilimanjaro) is best for Serengeti/Ngorongoro safari
- •DAR (Dar es Salaam) is best for Zanzibar and southern Tanzania
- •ZNZ (Zanzibar) has direct flights from Nairobi and Middle East
- •Internal bush flights from Arusha to Serengeti take 1.5 hours
Packing List
Safari Essentials
- ☐Neutral-toned clothing
- ☐Quality binoculars
- ☐Camera with 200mm+ lens
- ☐Wide-brimmed sunhat
- ☐Sunscreen SPF50+
Clothing
- ☐Light breathable layers
- ☐Warm fleece for Ngorongoro rim (can reach 5°C)
- ☐Dust-proof bag for camera equipment
- ☐Long-sleeved shirt for evenings
- ☐Comfortable safari boots
Zanzibar Add-ons
- ☐Reef-safe sunscreen
- ☐Water shoes for rocky beaches
- ☐Light kaftan/cover-up (Zanzibar is Muslim — dress modestly in town)
- ☐Snorkel mask (or rent there)
- ☐Waterproof phone case
Documents
- ☐Passport (valid 6+ months)
- ☐Printed eVisa confirmation
- ☐Yellow Fever certificate (if needed)
- ☐Travel insurance documents
- ☐USD cash in small bills
Emergency Contacts
Tanzania FAQs
Tanzania Safari Packages
More Travel Guides
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