Dragonfly Africa | Individual Incentive | Tanzania

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!

USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa

Travellers from these countries visiting Tanzania must have a passport that is valid for 6 months from date of entry. A visa is also required.

European Union

Travellers from these countries visiting Tanzania must have a passport that is valid for 6 months from date of entry. A visa is also required.

South American Countries

Travellers from these countries visiting Tanzania must have a passport that is valid for 6 months from date of entry. A visa is also required.

For more information relating to visa requirements please visit the www.tanzaniatouristboard.com website.

All visitors wishing to enter the United Republic of Tanzania must obtain an appropriate visa, except nationals of the listed countries below, provided they are travelling on national passport of any of the following countries: -

Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla, Ashmore & Cartein Islands, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Cocos Island, Cook Islands, Christmas Island, Cyprus, Dominica, Falk Island, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana, Heard Island, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Jersey, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malaysia, Malawi, Malta, Montserrat, Mauritius, Madagascar, Macao, Mozambique Namibia, Nauru, Niue Islands, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Rwanda, Romania, Ross dependency, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Swaziland, Solomon Island, St. Kitts & Navis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, St: Helena, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks & Caicos, Tokelau, Tuvalu, The Gambia, Tonga, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Nationals of the East African community need neither visa nor entry permits to enter the United Republic of Tanzania.

If you are not a citizen of any of the above countries, you must obtain a visa in advance to enter the United Republic of Tanzania, particularly if you are proceeding to Tanzania from a country where there is a Tanzania Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to issue visas.

Currency

The official unit of currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. The tourism industry prices everything in US Dollars and it is the preferred unit of currency. Major currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. Foreign exchange bureaus in main towns usually offer a better rate on travellers’ cheques than do the banks. ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these can incur between 5 -10% surcharge.

Banking

Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24 hour ATM machines.

Credit cards and travellers checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted can high service fees and poor exchange rates be expected. Major foreign currencies - particularly US $ - are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US $, please make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage and are not older than 2004. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $ 100 / US $ 50 bank notes compared to US $ 20 / US $ 10 or US $ 5 bank notes.

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 

Travellers are advised to take medical advice at least three weeks before leaving for Tanzania. Those arriving from an infected country are required to hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate. There is a risk of malaria all year round – travellers should take precautions to avoid mosquito and other insect bites. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should also be avoided. Visitors are advised to drink bottled or sterilised water only. Medical services are available in Dar-es-Salaam and other main towns. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised if travelling outside the major centres.

As in most countries, visitors should be vigilant in public places, tourist sites and hotels, particularly in Zanzibar's Stone Town. Visitors should leave valuables in their hotel safe and not carry too much cash on them at any time. Roads in many areas are in a deteriorated state and caution should be exercised if self driving. In most cases tourists would be flying into lodges so this would not necessarily apply.

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% 

Tanzania lies beneath the equator and for the most part has pleasant and comfortable weather all year round. April to July is usually the coolest period. The equatorial climate brings 2 rain seasons each year. The masika (long rains) fall from March to May – with the heaviest rains occurring in April and May. The mvuli (short rains) occur intermittently between November and January. June to October are good times to visit as the game reserve areas are warm and mild and the heat at the coast is tempered by sea breezes.

Mainland

If you're going on safari, it's wise to pack decent walking shoes, light or neutral coloured clothing (not white) and a warm top or jacket for the evenings. A sunhat is vital, as are sunglasses, binoculars, a camera, spare batteries or a charger, insect repellent and sunscreen. An international plug and small daypack are also recommended.

Zanzibar

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year for an island holiday. Pack plenty of light cotton tops and shorts, as well as a hat, sunglasses, beach sandals, swimming costume and a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

Remember that Zanzibar is a conservative, predominantly Muslim society. Travellers - especially women - are advised to dress and behave with respect to local customs and sensibilities. T-shirts that cover the shoulders, long skirts and capri pants are generally better options than tank tops and shorts.

Tourism

Tanzanian Tourist Office: +255 (0)22 512 7671 (Dar es Salaam) or www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

Tanzanian Embassies

Embassy of Tanzania, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 6125
High Commission of Tanzania, London, United Kingdom (also for Ireland): +44 (0)20 7569 1470
High Commission of Tanzania, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 1500
High Commission for the United Republic of Tanzania, Tokyo, Japan (also for Australia and New Zealand): +81 (0)3 3425 4531
High Commission of Tanzania, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 4371/93

Foreign Embassies in Tanzania

United States Embassy, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 266 8001
British High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 211 0101
Canadian High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam (also for Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles): +255 (0)22 216 3300
South African High Commission, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 260 1800
Irish Embassy, Dar-es-Salaam: +255 (0)22 260 2355
The New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also for Tanzania): +27 (0)12 342 8656