Classic Tanzania 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!

TANZANIA (MAINLAND)

• U.S. visitors generally require a visa; confirm the correct visa category and apply through https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ .
• Mandatory inbound insurance applies to many foreign visitors. If mainland Tanzania is your first entry into the country, use the NIC portal: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/ .
• A valid applicable inbound policy generally covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar during the same journey; do not automatically buy a duplicate policy.
• Carry visa approval, insurance certificate and QR code, and onward travel details.

ZANZIBAR (TANZANIA)

• Zanzibar is part of Tanzania; confirm the correct Tanzania visa through https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ .
• Mandatory inbound insurance: If Zanzibar is your first point of entry into Tanzania, obtain ZIC insurance through https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/ .
• For a journey combining Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, an applicable valid NIC or ZIC policy generally avoids duplicate insurance purchases. Retain the QR code.
• Confirm onward flight or ferry arrangements and keep documentation accessible.

For U.S. passport holders. Requirements depend on nationality, routing and transit countries. Verify official rules before departure; CURAH can assist, but each traveler is responsible for entry documents.

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

Air:
Main airlines: Air Tanzania
International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha), Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
Domestic Airports: Arusha Airport, Dodoma 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: Yes

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

• Discuss malaria prevention and recommended travel vaccines for the exact parks and regions on your route.
• Yellow-fever documentation may depend on where you are arriving from or transiting through.
• Official health resource: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

TANZANIA (MAINLAND)

• Plastic carrier bags are restricted; pack reusable bags.
• Stay in safari vehicles unless your guide directs otherwise and follow park rules.
• Photography of sensitive government, military or security locations may be restricted.
• Review local laws and current advisory: https://travel.state.gov/

ZANZIBAR (TANZANIA)

• Dress respectfully outside resorts, especially in Stone Town and villages.
• Ask permission before photographing people and religious sites.
• Follow local laws regarding alcohol, public conduct and restricted items; avoid prohibited plastic bags.
• Review the Tanzania travel advisory: https://travel.state.gov/

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%

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