Tanzania Travel Tips & Useful Info
Thanks to its unparalleled natural beauty, abundant wildlife and rich cultural tapestry. Tanzania attracts a growing number of visitors each year. Here are some key points to look at, when planning your visit to Tanzania.
When to Go;
Located on the equator, Tanzania experiences subtropical temperatures in the coastal zone and more temperate conditions inland with little variation over the year. There are generally two rainy seasons in Tanzania, with the rain arriving in short, sharp thunderstorms in the afternoons. The longer rainy spell lasts from March to May and the shorter one from November to December, with two long intervening dry seasons. The long rains may hamper travel through parks as unpaved tracks can become impassable. Constant high temperatures and humidity on the coast are tamed by regular daytime breezes, though it can be sultry at night. The northern region features a typical desert climate with low rainfall and excessive heat. Temperatures are lowest in the Central Highlands, where June to September is the coolest and cloudiest period, Wildlife can be seen at all times of the year.
Visa and passports;
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected date of departure from Tanzania. A visa is required from almost all nationalities, and these are available from Tanzania embassies Or on arrival at all land borders and airports. Visitors may need to show a return ticket or proof of funds to buy one. They can use euros, British pounds and US dollars to pay for Visas on arrival. The visa fee is USD 5O. A transit visa costs USD 30 and is valid for 7 days: a standard single-entry visa is valid for 3 months and can be extended to six months by the Tanzania Immigration Department once in the country. A multi-entry Visa costs USD 100 and lasts 12 months but can only be applied for through the embassy (not at entry points) and is only available to UK, US and Canadian passport holders. Visitors travelling to Kenya and Uganda and returning to Tanzania do not require a multi-entry visa. Most visitors need a visa for each country and all standard Single entry Visas are valid for up to 3 months. However, if travelling from one country to another and returning to the original country within 3 months, visitors need not get another visa. Get your online visa here; https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
Immunisations;
Immigration officials will ask for proof of a yellow fever immunisation on arrival if you are coming from an infected region. While other immunisations are not compulsory for Tanzania, the following are recommended; hepatitis A, polio, typhoid and tetanus The hepatitis B vaccine is essential for minors and healthcare workers.
Tipping;
Tipping is not mandatory in Tanzania but is customary for good service. Generally, 10 per cent of restaurant bills are considered normal, although in upmarket restaurants a service charge may already be added to the bill Some lodges and resorts have boxes for tips, which are shared by the service staff, It is customary to tip safari guides and drivers; about USD10pp a day is sufficient. Visitors must bear in mind that excessive tipping can make it difficult for the next customer. Taxi drivers generally do not need tipping and a flat fare is agreed upon before setting off.
Visitors information;
The head office of the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) in Dares Salaam and its offices overseas can provide a few general leaflets on Tanzania. However, the TTB website is very comprehensive. While Tanzania itself has very few tourist information offices, tour operators can provide local information, although travellers should remember that this advice sometimes may be biased. Visit the official Tanzania Tourism Board website, which provides details on travel planning, top destinations, and other necessary information for visitors to the country; https://www.foreign.go.tz/resources/links/tanzania-tourist-board-ttb
Women travellers;
Women travellers should take normal precautions in Tanzania such as avoiding secluded places, taking taxis after dark and locking hotel rooms. They may receive unsolicited attention from men, especially on the coast and in smaller towns. This is best dealt with by being assertive. omen should dress conservatively in Muslim areas, although swimwear is fine on the beach.
Disabled travellers;
Tanzania, like many other African countries, has few specific facilities for the disabled. There are no provisions for the disabled on public transport. Having said that, a specialist tour operator will be able to make arrangements for wheelchair-bound travellers Some hotels have easily accessible ground floor rooms. Tented camps are also a good option and safaris should not pose too many problems. We have specially adapted vehicles and suitable accommodations for those with special needs.
Travelling with children;
Tanzania is a good family destination. Seeing their first animal in the wild is exciting for children, and the beach with its warm, shallow sea and rock pools is ideal. Aside from the wildlife parks and reserves, there are wildlife sanctuaries where children can experience closer encounters with animals. However, on long, hot drives younger kids get bored and irritable if there is no game activity, so bring additional items to keep them occupied and consider a tour operator who specialises in family safaris, like Topy tours. Pay attention to the greater risk they run of getting heat exhaustion or diarrhoea and make sure that they drink plenty of water and Wear high-factor sunscreen. Also, consult a doctor about precautions to take when travelling with youngsters in a malaria zone. Items such as disposable nappies, ready-made puréed food and milk formula are available in the cities. but they are expensive so consider bringing an adequate supply to last the trip. Most hotel accommodations have family or adjoining rooms and can provide high chairs for dining costs and, in some cases babysitting services it required. Away from the popular destinations, such facilities are not easily available.
LGBTQ Members;
Currently, homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania, and sexual activity with someone of the same gender is punishable in prison, especially for males. Whilst an outdated view, this does not mean that Tanzanians are inhospitable or unfriendly people. Tanzania is generally a very welcoming country, homosexuality is just not accepted like it is in other parts of the world today. Any LGBT traveller wishing to explore Tanzania would be best to behave with discretion and not engage in any flirting or sexual activity with anyone of the same sex whilst visiting the country. As long as travellers act with discretion, there is no reason to expect any problems.
Tanzania currency;
The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. Euro, British Pounds, US Dollars, South African Rand and other major currencies can be exchanged locally or in advance of departure. Additionally, exchange facilities are available at various bureaus de changes and banks in major towns. It’s advisable to request bank notes in smaller denominations, as it can sometimes be hard to get change from large notes and smaller notes are handy for smaller purchases and gratuities. Traveller’s Cheques are not recommended as they’re often difficult to exchange and incur high fees.
Charging adaptors;
The standard voltage is 230 – 240 volts. Primary sockets generally require the 3 square-pin variety, similar to the United Kingdom sockets. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor. You will need a voltage converter and plug adaptor to use U.S. appliances.
Wifi usage;
WiFi is common in Tanzania’s main cities but be aware that connections can be slower and less secure than you might be used to back home. In the national parks, there is very rarely a WiFi connection as guests are encouraged to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.
Tanzania's time zone;
Tanzania is 3 hours ahead of GMT and does not observe daylight savings.
Etiquette;
In general, Tanzanians are exceptionally polite and helpful, Visitors will soon get used to hearing the Swahili words jambo (hello), Karibu (welcome), Asante (thank you) and Hakuna Matata (no worries). It is important to respect local customs by not taking photographs of people without their approval, dressing fairly conservatively in Muslim areas and being sensitive to religious practices. It is illegal to smoke in public areas and for women to go topless on the beach. If visiting one of the cultural centres, Maasai village for example, it is gracious to interact with the hosts and ask for permission if you want to take photographs. Tanzania has a problem with begging, especially among children, but a better way of helping is to donate to a charity or school.
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