Time Zone

GMT + 3 hours.

Language

Even though Swahili is the official language in Tanzania, English is widely spoken and understood.

Currency

In Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100 and 200 Shillings.

Money Matters

The small amount of local currency you may need during your stay can be obtained at authorized facilities (such as hotels, banks and foreign exchange bureaus). Clients going directly on safari upon arrival may exchange money at the airport currency exchange if they wish. In general, we suggest that you limit the amount of money you convert into local currencies and exchange only what you think you will spend before leaving any foreign country. Be aware that only paper currency will normally be accepted for exchange.

US Dollars are accepted everywhere although avoid taking with you notes older than 2011 as these will not be accepted.

Tipping

Porters: A tip of US $1.00 per person is appropriate for two pieces of baggage at airports, hotels, lodges and camps. If you are travelling with more than two pieces of baggage, an additional tip of US$1.00 per bag is recommended.

Driver-Guide: One driver-guide accompanies each land vehicle on safari. It is customary to tip your driver guide on the last day you are with him or her. Approximately US$10 per traveller per day is considered a good tip for a driver-guide (based on 4 – 6 travellers in a vehicle). If there are only 2 or 3 travellers in a vehicle, you may consider raising this amount in recognition of the individual attention given to a smaller size group.

Professional Safari Guide: In addition to a driver-guide, some groups are accompanied by a Professional Safari Guide. It is customary to tip your safari guide on the last day you are with him or her, and the recommended tip is US $12 to US $15 per traveller, per day. As with the tip for a driver guide, smaller groups (in this case, 5 or less) might consider tipping slightly more.

Weather

Tanzania is a year-round destination. Due to its close proximity to the equator there are only subtle climatic variations throughout the year. Generally the coastal areas have a tropical climate, the highlands in the north a temperate climate and the vast central plateau is hot and arid.

June to September, the cooler dry season, is the optimum time to visit Tanzania when the grasses and scrubs have receded and animals tend to congregate around diminishing water sources making already excellent game viewing easier and more comfortable. The temperature rises from October onwards making lazy game easy to photograph. The light rains and warmer temperatures arrive in November bringing new life to Tanzania and by December, January and February the game have given birth to their young. Mid March through to May is characterized by heavy intermittent rain and the surrounding bushland is green and lush.

At any time of year the temperatures on the Ngorongoro Crater rim can be decidedly cooler than on the Crater floor and in the Serengeti this is particularly noted from mid-May through to August.

Health

No vaccinations are currently required for entry into Tanzania when arrival is directly from North America or Europe.

Yellow Fever: It is mandatory for all visitors to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to have a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if they are coming from an endemic country, this includes Kenya and Uganda and it must be administered at least ten days before your arrival (or re-entry) into Tanzania. If your travel itinerary requires you to have a yellow fever vaccination, you must ask your doctor to provide you with an "International Certificate of Vaccination," which should be carried with you while travelling to serve as proof that you have fulfilled the vaccination requirement. If proof of vaccination is required and you do not carry it with you, you may be denied entry into Tanzania. Please note that, even if you are not required to obtain a yellow fever vaccination for your safari in Tanzania, the CDC recommends vaccination if you are travelling outside of urban areas.

Malaria: Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for all travellers to Tanzania. A number of anti-malarial drugs are available, including mefloquine, chloroquine, doxycycline and the new Malarone, which has performed well in recent tests. Your doctor will prescribe the best choice based on your own health history and your specific destination(s) in Africa. (In most sub-Saharan countries, for example, the prevalent strain of malaria is resistant to chloroquine.)

In addition to an anti-malarial drug regimen, personal protection measures should be taken to avoid mosquito bites, especially (but not limited to) the hours between dusk and dawn when malarial mosquitos are most active. These measures include using an insect repellent containing at least 20% to 35% of the active ingredient "DEET;" keeping your arms and legs covered as much as possible; and avoiding the use of perfume, hairspray, and other scented products that attract mosquitos. NOTE: Since some lodges in Tanzania are not equipped with screened windows or mosquito netting, it is especially important that you carry insect repellent -- or purchase some in Arusha (or Nairobi) before venturing out into the bush.

Additional information on malaria prevention will be sent with your pre-tour materials.

Dengue Fever: Dengue fever occurs occasionally in East Africa. Mosquitos that transmit dengue fever, which is predominant in urban centres, are usually found near human dwellings and are often present indoors. Epidemic transmission (when international travellers are at greatest risk) is usually seasonal and occurs during and shortly after the rainy season. There is no vaccine for dengue; therefore, travellers should take adequate precautions against mosquito bites, including the use of an insect repellent containing approximately 30% of the active ingredient "DEET."

We recommend that all international travellers ensure that their tetanus, Hepatitis A, and polio vaccines are up-to-date.

For up to date information on latest health and vaccination recommendations, please contact your doctor.

Electricity

In Tanzania, electricity runs at 220/240 volts. If you are taking battery-powered appliances with you, please ensure you bring a large stock of spare batteries - as good quality batteries are often very difficult to come across.

Arrival and Departure Formalities

This is a guide only – please check with your nearest Tanzania Embassy to ensure you meet the correct requirements.

All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival. With a valid passport, one may obtain a visa either before arriving in Tanzania at the Tanzania Embassy abroad or at any port of entry staffed by immigration officials, such as an international airport.

Most travellers require tourist visas for entry into Tanzania.
• Visas for US and Irish Nationals cost USD100 per person.
• Visitors from the Commonwealth countries do not need a visa to enter Tanzania except the following countries: Canada, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, Sierra Leone, South Africa and UK. The fee is USD 50 and is subject to change.
• Visitors from non-commonwealth countries are required to pay for a visa (except Rwanda and Romania). The fee is USD 50 and is subject to change.
• A referred visa is obligatory for citizens from a number of countries such as Ethiopia, Turkey, and Egypt. The referred visa is one that requires special clearance or permission from the Director of Immigration Services in Dar es Salaam or the Principal Immigration Officer in Zanzibar, and should be applied for at least 2 weeks prior to arrival.

Please ensure you have the correct amount in cash and in the correct currency with you upon arrival. Most airports have no ATM, but if they do you are likely to lose out with their exchange rate. In addition, immigration officials are unlikely to have change and if they do, it will be in Tanzanian shillings at an unfavourable rate. Whether you have €50 or $50, it will be regarded as the same amount, regardless of the exchange rate, and no change will be given.

Please note there is an International departure tax of US$52.00 per person, if departing from Zanzibar, and this is subject to change without much notice (set this amount aside if not included in tour cost or the price of your airline ticket). Zanzibar manages their taxes in a way independent from the continent, and has surprisingly different rules in some cases.

Local Food

All lodges and hotels serve Western food, along with a selection of local dishes.

Tanzania has been influenced by many cultures throughout history. Most breweries were established during the German era, and wine was introduced by the Portuguese. Indian and Arabic influences enrich the cuisine. Samosas can be served as a snack, or chapatis may accompany your meal. You may come across spicy dishes, pilau or curries in many menus.

Several types of beer are brewed locally in Tanzania, and they are quite good.  There are imported wines in Tanzania, though specific brands cannot be guaranteed. If you favour a particular brand of spirits, you may want to use your duty-free liquor allowance to purchase a bottle en route to Tanzania for your personal consumption. Similarly, those with a preference for decaffeinated coffee or tea may want to carry packets of these beverages. Tanzania is a coffee producing country so you will be served an excellent cup of Arabica!

Do not drink or brush your teeth with the tap water in Tanzania. We suggest that you drink only boiled or bottled water.