Though Tanzania does not require a negative PCR test for entry, certain airlines and routes may require the carrying of a negative PCR test. We, however recommend that all travelers present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival at Tanzania's point of entries.
To get a PCR test you need to attend the clinic at least 3 days before your flight.
Requirements
- Guests are required to fill out a Surveillance Travel Form to be submitted on arrival to Port Health Authority. This one page form is distributed by the airline cabin crew before landing or it can be found at the arrival lounge before proceeding for Immigration and Custom formalities. You can also register on the official test site: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz with your passport and telephone number. You should do this 5 days before you plan to take your test. At the moment the PCR test will cost $150 per person.
- Rapid test that is required by KLM is done at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Cost: USD 25 per person. Guests must arrive 6 hours before their flight to do the test. If this requirement will remain as it is until December we will book a day room at Airport Planet Lodge for you to use whilst waiting for your test results.
- While the use of face masks is not a requirement, it is advisable for guests to wear face masks and maintain social distance.
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!
Banking and Currency
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
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
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, Drink and Cuisine Advice
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%
Climate and Weather
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.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
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
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes
Cafes: Yes
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: Yes
Libraries: Yes
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: Type D and Type G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50'
* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
