Zanzibar, Wild beaches & Safari

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well-known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!

Currency 

Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling 
Symbol: TSh 
ISO code: TZS 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, and 20000 shillings 
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 shillings 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (limited hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Air Tanzania, Precision Air 
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Zanzibar International Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Left 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Limited 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), nyamachoma (grilled meat), pilau (spiced rice), and chapati. Traditional dishes like mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and samosas are popular street foods. Don't miss trying the Swahili cuisine with its rich seafood dishes. 

Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tangawizi (ginger soda), Tembo (local beer), and Konyagi (a spirit). 

Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1,000 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing in national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro is optimal. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes