WHAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW BEFORE VISITING TANZANIA

What You Wish You Knew Before Visiting Tanzania: Ultimate Africa Journeys Guide

Imagine standing on the vast plains of the Serengeti, the roar of a lion echoing in the distance, or feeling the soft white sand of a Zanzibar beach between your toes. Maybe you dream of gazing down from Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.

Tanzania is more than a destination—it’s a promise of adventure and beauty. To help you plan the perfect trip, Ultimate Africa Journeys has compiled this guide with essential tips, vivid details, and popular search keywords. Here’s what every traveler should know before visiting Tanzania.

1. The Visa: Your First Step

Do you need a visa? Most travelers do. Apply online for an e-Visa for Tanzania—it saves time and eases entry at major airports like Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR).
Visa on arrival: Possible, but slower.
Passport: Must be valid for at least six months with blank pages for stamps.

2. Health & Safety: A Worry-Free Adventure

Vaccinations: Talk to your doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip. Common recommendations include Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Rabies.
Malaria prevention: Take anti-malarial medication, wear long sleeves in the evening, and use DEET-based insect repellent.
Water: Stick to bottled water; lodges and camps provide safe options.
Safety tips: Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables discreet, and rely on experienced Ultimate Africa Journeys guides for security.

3. Timing Your Visit: Tanzania’s Seasons

Dry Season (June–October): Best for wildlife, including the Great Migration river crossings. Animals gather near water, making sightings easier.
Green Season (November–May): Lush landscapes, birdwatching, wildebeest calving, fewer crowds, and often lower prices.

4. Packing Tips: Safari & Beach Essentials

Safari clothing: Neutral-colored, lightweight layers; long sleeves for sun and insects.
Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking; hiking boots for Kilimanjaro.
Essentials:

Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
Insect repellent
Binoculars and camera
Small medical kit
Power bank and adapter
Waterproof jacket (green season)

Zanzibar beach packing: Swimwear, flip-flops, light casual wear, and a sarong for modesty.

5. Money Matters: Shillings, Dollars & Tipping

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); US Dollars widely accepted for tourist fees.
Tips: Expected for guides, porters, and lodge staff. Your Ultimate Africa Journeys guide provides recommended amounts.
Credit cards: Accepted at most lodges; smaller purchases often require cash.

6. Cultural Etiquette

Language: Swahili is the national language; learning phrases like “Jambo” (Hello) or “Asante sana” (Thank you) is appreciated.
Respectful dress: Cover shoulders and knees in villages and towns.
Photography: Always ask before taking photos: “Naweza kupiga picha?”
Bargaining: Expected in local markets—polite and fun.

7. Connectivity

Wi-Fi: Available at lodges (slower in remote areas).
Local SIM cards: Affordable options from Vodacom, Airtel, or Tigo.

8. Safari Insights: Beyond the Big Five

Game drives: Best early morning for active wildlife.
Vehicles: 4x4s with pop-up roofs for optimal viewing and photography.
Patience: Wildlife is unpredictable—trust your expert guides.
Other highlights: Diverse birdlife, smaller mammals, stunning landscapes, ancient baobabs, and the Serengeti plains.

9. Zanzibar: Sun, Sand & Culture

Stone Town: Explore the UNESCO heritage site, markets, and historic architecture.
Beaches: Nungwi and Kendwa for powdery sand and turquoise waters.
Activities: Spice tours, dhow cruises, diving, and snorkeling.