Tanzania Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Tanzania, a land where adventures are as vast as the Serengeti and towering as Kilimanjaro, beckons travellers with its promise of unparalleled experiences. This guide, your compass to navigating the rich tapestry of Tanzania, lays out essential preparations and insider tips for planning your visit to this African jewel.

Photo credit: Jürgen Bierlein

1. Visa Requirement

All foreign nationals visiting Tanzania are required to have a visa. Applying for a visa online before you travel to Tanzania is recommended. Alternatively, you can obtain your visa upon arrival at the airport or land borders; however, this may take longer and involve waiting in line. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.

2. Vaccinations are as Important as Visas

Before travelling to Tanzania, it is essential to check if you need any vaccinations. The CDC advises getting vaccinated for yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. Additionally, taking malaria medication is often recommended, especially if you are planning on going on a safari.

3. Best Time to Visit Tanzania

The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you want to see and do. The dry season, from June to October, is optimal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot. If you want to witness the annual wildebeest migration, plan your visit between July and October. Explore our safari tours in the Serengeti.

4. Know What to Pack for a Tanzanian Safari

When you go on a Tanzanian safari, pack the right gear for the trip. You'll need light clothes, good hiking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with extra batteries (they'll be clicking all day!), and a backpack. If you plan to go on a night safari, bring warm clothes as it can get quite chilly.

5. Train rides are available to most national parks as well as in and around Tanzania

While many people rely on cars or buses to get around Tanzania, there's another mode of transport that offers a more unique experience: train travel. Tanzania has several rail lines that connect major cities and tourist destinations. One of the most famous is the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, which runs from the coast to the Copperbelt region.

Photo credit: Olga Budko

6. There's More to Tanzania Than Safaris

As much as Tanzania is renowned for its wildlife, there's much more to see and experience in this amazing country beyond safari tours. Tanzania boasts some of the world's best beaches, including those in Zanzibar, alongside numerous cultural attractions. Among these is the Olduvai Gorge, where some of the earliest human fossils have been discovered.

7. A Safari in Tanzania Goes Beyond the "Big 5"

While the "Big 5" - lion, elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo - are safari highlights, Tanzania's diverse landscapes are home to many species, offering much more to see. Read more on The Best 7 National Parks in Tanzania to help plan your Tanzania safari.

8. The Maasai: A Living Culture

The Maasai, renowned for their vibrant culture and traditions, reside in parts of Kenya and Tanzania. Visiting Maasai villages offers a firsthand experience of their lifestyle. Be sure to join a safari; it's the best way to discover the Maasai people and learn about their ways.

9. Carry Local Currency

Although some tourist spots and hotels in Tanzania accept credit cards, having local currency is advisable, especially in remote areas or local markets. The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency exchangeable at banks and exchange bureaus.

10. Safe Drinking Water

Tap water in Tanzania is not safe for drinking. Always opt for bottled water and use it for brushing your teeth or washing your face to avoid health risks.

Photo credit: Humphrey Muleba

11. Zanzibar has the best beaches

For beach lovers, Zanzibar boasts picturesque beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture, offering snorkelling, sunbathing, and exploring local markets.

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12. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a Rewarding Experience

Ascending Mount Kilimanjaro offers an unparalleled sense of achievement for many travellers. Despite its challenges, the journey to the summit is immensely gratifying. Discover our hiking tours of Mount Kilimanjaro. The stunning panorama that greets climbers at the peak is unforgettable. Recognising the diverse abilities of climbers, we've detailed several routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro, catering to different levels of experience and skill.

Lemosho Route: Scenically beautiful, good for acclimatisation, and begins from the west.
Marangu Route: The oldest route, the "Coca-Cola" route, includes sleeping huts.
Rongai Route: Less crowded, with a northern approach amidst wilderness views; suitable for beginners.
Machame Route: Offers spectacular views, known as the "Whiskey" route, which is more challenging.

If you are planning to trek the iconic Mount Kilimajaro, read more on our post: Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes.

13. Tanzanian coffee is famous

Tanzania is renowned for its high-quality coffee beans, especially those grown in the Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Tarime regions. If you're a coffee aficionado, you should sample some locally-produced coffee during your visit to Tanzania.

Photo credit: Sasha Gerasimov

14. Top Tanzanian Excursions

Beyond the classic safari experience, Tanzania is home to a wide range of attractions and activities. You can delve into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, tackle the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, take in the beauty on scenic walks through Loliondo and the Usambara mountains, or venture into the expansive Selous Game Reserve; there’s never a shortage of thrill! Explore our collection of Tanzania Holidays.

Dare to Discover

Tanzania is more than a mere destination on a map; it's a vibrant tapestry of experiences intricately woven from the diverse threads of its breathtaking landscapes, warm-hearted people, and an exotic array of wildlife. Each journey through Tanzania weaves new stories into this tapestry, inviting travellers to witness and become part of a living, breathing mosaic of unforgettable experiences.

Discover Tanzania Holidays Here