Sample itinerary Tanzania

Welcome to Tanzania, a land of contrasts and extremes!

When you think of Tanzania, images of the Serengeti, the Great Migration, and the Maasai may come to mind. But Tanzania has so much more to offer. It is home to the continent's largest lake, Lake Victoria, as well as the deepest, Lake Tanganyika. Here, you'll also find Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

Tanzania’s vegetation is incredibly diverse, ranging from lava rock deserts to the eternal ice of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers. Two-thirds of the country is covered by dry forests and savannas, with the Miombo woodlands serving as transitional zones between savannas and tropical mountain rainforests. In the southern and western regions, you’ll find famous national parks like Gombe, Mahale, and Udzungwa.

Tanzania is renowned not only for its rich wildlife and vegetation but also for its diverse culture. Over 100 languages and dialects are spoken across the country, and throughout history, various regional art and cultural traditions have developed. One example is the Makonde woodcarving tradition, widely practiced in southeastern Tanzania and northeastern Mozambique.

Visitors to the Mwenge Market in Dar es Salaam can watch artists at work and admire a wide range of carvings. Traditionally, these carvings were made from precious ebony. However, due to its slow growth rate and resulting scarcity, ebony is now often replaced with African blackwood, which also has a distinguished appearance.

Please keep in mind that during your travels in Tanzania, you may encounter unforeseen or unexpected situations. Flexibility, patience, and an open mind are always valuable companions and often the key to a wonderful journey.

Entry Requirements

A paid tourist visa is required for Tanzania (approx. USD 50). It must usually be applied for in advance as an eVisa.

• Visa: single entry, valid for up to 90 days
• Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months
  Zanzibar Additional Requirement

• Travel insurance via the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) is mandatory for entry into Zanzibar.

• Cost: approx. USD 44 per person
• Required even for transit via Zanzibar
• Mandatory for all travellers
  Additional Notes
• Since 2019, plastic bags are strictly prohibited (import, sale, and use)
• Entry requirements may change at short notice

Currency & Payments

• Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
• US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted and often preferred in tourism areas
  Credit cards:
• Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels and larger establishments
  Cash:
• ATMs are available but not always reliable
• Always withdraw money at secure locations

• Recommendations:

• Carry cash for tips and small purchases
• Prefer payments in USD or TZS
• In Zanzibar, withdraw cash at the airport due to limited ATM availability on the island

Charter Flights

• Maximum luggage allowance: 20 kg per person
• Soft-sided bags only (no hard-shell suitcases)
• Luggage size restrictions may apply (approx. 62 x 25 x 30 cm)

Medical Care
Medical care varies significantly. In larger cities such as Arusha and Dar es Salaam, private clinics provide a good, sometimes international standard of care. In rural areas, medical services are limited.
We strongly recommend a travel health insurance, including medical evacuation cover. Upfront payment is often required in medical facilities.

Vaccinations & Travel Medicine
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry (except yellow fever if arriving from a risk area).
Recommended vaccinations include:

• Routine immunisations (e.g. tetanus, diphtheria, influenza)
• Hepatitis A
• Depending on itinerary: Hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies

Malaria
There is a malaria risk throughout most of Tanzania, particularly in coastal regions, national parks, and low-lying areas.
Recommendations:

• Consistent use of insect repellent and long clothing
• Individual medical advice regarding malaria prophylaxis

Important Note
If you develop fever during or after your trip, seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor about your stay in a malaria-risk area.

• Safety

  Tanzania is generally safe in tourist areas, but standard travel precautions should be observed.

  General recommendations:

• Avoid walking alone after dark
• Keep valuables, documents, and cash secure
• Use only official taxis or transfers
• Withdraw money only from secure ATMs in banks or shopping centres
• Do not accept assistance from strangers at ATMs
• Follow safety briefings in lodges

Cuisine
Tanzanian cuisine is simple but flavourful and diverse.
Typical dishes:

• Ugali (maize porridge)
• Chapati
• Curries with meat, fish, or vegetables
• Grilled dishes

Fruits and drinks:

• Mango, papaya, jackfruit, passion fruit
• Fresh juices, coconut water
• Tanzanian coffee

Drinking water:

• Tap water is not safe to drink
• Only bottled or filtered water should be used
• Avoid ice cubes

• Tanzania has different climate zones depending on the region:

  Coast (e.g. Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar):

• Hot and humid (approx. 25–30°C)
• Rainy seasons: March–May and November–December

• Inland & highlands (e.g. Arusha, Kilimanjaro):

• Mild to cool temperatures
• Daytime: approx. 15–25°C
• Nights can be cold, with frost possible on Mount Kilimanjaro

Clothing

• Light, breathable clothing (cotton, linen)
• Long clothing for sun and insect protection
• Neutral colours for safari (beige, khaki)
• Sturdy footwear for excursions and safaris
• Warmer layers for evenings

Zanzibar Dress Code
Zanzibar is culturally conservative. Outside hotels and beaches, shoulders and knees should be covered. Failure to respect local norms may result in penalties.

Internet & Connectivity

• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and lodges
• Mobile coverage is good in cities but limited in national parks

• Recommendation:

• Local SIM cards (e.g. Airtel, Vodacom)
• eSIM providers such as Airalo for convenient connectivity

• Electricity

• Voltage: 230–240 V / 50 Hz
• Plug types: D and G (adapter required)

Power outages may occur, especially in rural areas and safari regions.
Recommendation:
Bring a power bank
Carry a suitable travel adapter

Time Zone

Tanzania operates on East Africa Time (EAT).

• Winter: +2 hours ahead of Central European Time
• Summer: +1 hour ahead of Central European Summer Time

Tipping

Tipping is customary and an important part of income.

• Rangers in national parks / lodges: approx. USD 12–18 per person per day
• Safari guides/drivers: approx. USD 12–18 per day
• Cooks, housekeeping, porters: approx. USD 5 per day
• Restaurants: 10–15% customary
• Taxi drivers: approx. USD 5–10 or rounding up

In many lodges, a collective staff tip (approx. USD 10–20 per day depending on category) is recommended.

Recommendation

Flexibility, patience, and openness contribute significantly to a successful and enjoyable trip in Tanzania.