For wildlife safaris the best time to travel to Tanzania is from July to October. This is the dry season when viewing opportunities are better due to vegetation dwindling making the bush less dense while animals congregate around water holes to drink. Keep in mind that this is the peak season and Tanzania attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world so it can be busy plus it’s a more expensive time of year. On the other hand, the shoulder season, November to March is a great time to travel too. Although the bush is thicker so it’s harder to see wildlife, this time of year has less visitors and can be more affordable For more information about the best time to travel to Tanzania, including its’s coastline, check out our Best Time to Visit Tanzania guide.

The official languages of Tanzania are English and Swahili.

A visa is required when travelling to Tanzania from the United States and Canada. Currently, this can be obtained at arrival airports and border crossings and is valid for 90 days. A valid passport is mandatory. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tanzania.

Visitors typically pre-book a safari package prior to arriving in Tanzania. This package includes the services of an English-speaking driver-guide and a 4X4 vehicle, which in turn will be their primary mode of transportation. There is also a good flight network usually on small aircraft connecting Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar Island and other major centres and with major national parks. The two main forms of local transportation within Tanzania include taxis and dalla-dallas (mini buses).

Like anywhere it is advisable to keep your valuables with you and not on show. Of course, there are many wild animals and you must always listen to the advice of your guides. On most of our trips you will be looked after by our representatives and will be met and transferred to all locations, so you are well looked after.

Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania, including the Zanzibar Archipelago. As in much of Africa, public displays of affection, regardless of orientation, are frowned upon and homosexuality is a cultural taboo. LGBTQ travellers who choose to visit Tanzania should exercise discretion and be aware of local sensibilities while in the country.

Most of the time you will be eating in your lodge or camp, which will be of a good standard. It’s always better to advise us prior to travel if you have any specific requests, as lodges do need to bring in food especially. Some places are a long way from towns so are unable to get supplies in at short notice.
When you are staying in bigger towns there are normally many eating-out options. Indian restaurants are plentiful, due to the high resident Indian population, and also pizzerias and continental restaurants are numerous. On the coast seafood is normally superb – my favourite and something I always recommend.
Local cuisine tends to be made up a stew, which includes one of the following - rice, chapti, ugali (a kind of maize porridge) or batoke (cooked plantain). The most common stews are beef, chicken, goat and beans. Fish is also used in towns near the coats and lakes. Swahili cuisine tends to be a bit spicier than other Tanzanian food.
If you do eat local food it is best to ask the advice of your guide, but it can be a great experience and one you shouldn’t miss!

CURRENCY : The Tanzanian unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling – TZS or TSHS 1.00 TZS. 1.00 USD = 2,550.00 TZS (As of Oct 1st 2023)
CREDIT CARDS: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
American Express – not so much! US dollars are widely accepted – however bills printed in and/or prior to 2013 or bills torned are not! High denomination bills ($100 and $50 mainly ) can also be a problem so take a stash of ones and fives and tens just to be on the safe side. Traveler’s checks are NOT accepted as a method of payment in TANZANIA.

Laundry service is available at most hotels and lodges throughout TANZANIA. Prices will vary per hotel/lodge. However in most camps/game lodges throughout TANZANIA the washing is done by hand and sun-dried so please allow between 24-48 hours for completion.

There are no compulsory vaccinations required for Tanzania, however, we recommend you consult with your local travel clinic for the most up to date recommendations, particularly in regards to malaria prophylactics. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

Buying local foods and produce is a good direct way to contribute to the local economy. Also buying presents for people back home adds to local income, or visiting to local Maasai vilage for cultural experience. If you are interested in any specific areas - schools, conservation programmes etc we can normally arrange for you to visit and find out more.

Again it is always best to consult your doctor on whether and if you should travel.