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!


Banking and Currency

Currency

Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling
Symbol: TSh
ISO code: TZS
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10 000 shillings
Coins: 50, 100, 200 and 500 shillings

Banking

Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes, in major cities
Mastercard: Yes
Visa: Yes
American Express: No
Diner’s club: No

Banking Hours:
Weekdays: Generally 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturdays: Generally 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed
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 

Please note that only one piece of soft luggage weighing 15-20 kg is permitted on charter flights

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, with strict precaution
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, when cooked thoroughly and served hot
Street food: No

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.


General Guidance

General tips


General tipping guidelines:

Safari Lodges / Hotels:


- Tip box at reception: USD 10 per traveller, per day of stay 
- Game drive guide: USD 15 per traveller, per day  
- Game drive tracker: USD 10 per traveller, per day  
- Private game drives: USD 10 - 15 per traveller, per day  
- Butler: USD 2 – 5 (at own discretion) per traveller, per day 
- Staff (general): USD 2 – 5 (at own discretion) per traveller, per day 

- Porter: USD 2 per bag


Guided tours:
- Tour guide USD 15 per person per day  
- Driver USD 5 per person per day  
General living:
- Restaurants: 10% - 20% of the invoice amount 
- Activities: USD 5 -10 per person  

Child Protection & Responsible Travel

We proudly support The CODE, a global initiative working with the tourism industry to

prevent the sexual exploitation of children.

Any form of commercial, sexual, or other exploitation and harassment — especially involving

children and adolescents — is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. We ask all

travellers to act responsibly and remain vigilant throughout their journey.

 

See something, say something.

If you witness or suspect any form of exploitation, please report it immediately to your tour

leader, our emergency contact, or the relevant local authorities.

 

Responsible Purchasing While Travelling -  Illegal souvenirs:

While travel brings wonderful opportunities to shop locally, we strongly advise against

purchasing illegal or environmentally harmful souvenirs. 

These may include items such as ivory, endangered animal products, animal skins and furs,

turtle or tortoiseshell, coral, seashells, sand, rocks, ancient artefacts, protected plants,

cultural or religious items, or live animals.

Buying these products can contribute to wildlife trafficking, environmental damage, and the

loss of cultural heritage — and may result in fines or confiscation at customs.

Our guides will brief guests during tours and are always available if you are unsure about a

purchase. Please choose ethical, legally sourced souvenirs and help us support responsible

travel.


 


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