Have an upcoming trip to Tanzania? Need a Tanzania travel guide? Are you thinking about going but not sure? Read more for all the information you need when planning a trip.
I’m currently planning a trip to Tanzania. Unlike most bloggers who will pretend they are a pro in traveling to every country they post about, I will admit, I have never been to Tanzania before.
So, what gives me the right to post a guide to everything you need to know before going? That is a fair question.
While I’ve never been to Tanzania, or any African country for that matter, I am currently planning an African Safari to the Serengeti in Tanzania. And as a seasoned traveler, I do know what is needed to plan an international trip.
Let me do the research for you. I will share all of the information I have learned while planning my own trip to Tanzania.
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Where is Tanzania?
Tanzania is on the southeast side of Africa. It is south of Kenya and Uganda and north of Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia. To the west are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda. The eastern border is nothing but the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean.
Tanzania is just south of the equator putting it in the southern hemisphere which means the winter months are there are the summer months in the US. Since it’s almost in the middle of the world, the temperatures are pretty constant so the seasons equate more to rain vs dry. But more on that later…
Do I need a Visa to get into Tanzania?
If you are from the United States, YES you need a travel visa. If you have never applied for a travel visa check out my previous post-Travel Visa: Ultimate Guild to a Travel Visa.
The travel visa application process for Tanzania has recently moved to an electronic visa system so while it’s better than a paper process, there can still be delays. I’ve read that some people wait 3-4 weeks before getting their visa.
Because of this, I tried, for the first time ever, using a third-party vendor (PVS International) that specializes in requesting visas for US-based travelers. I found the process very quick and relatively easy, although I did need a few things I didn’t expect like an updated passport-sized photo even though my passport does not expire until next year.
I received my e-visa about one week after I submitted the application information.
Do I need a passport for Tanzania Travel?
YES, US citizens need a valid passport for Tanzania travel. Your passport must be in good condition, be valid for at least 6 months after your return, and have at least 2 blank pages (3 if you are going to the island of Zanzibar).
Keep in mind if you do not have a direct flight from the US to Tanzania, you may need additional pages for your layovers. If you have a new passport or many empty pages you should be fine. If you are close to your expiration date or only have a few pages left, you better check the requirements of the country you are flying into.
My flight is through Ethiopia so I do not need any additional pages since I will not be leaving the airport. If however, you fly through Amsterdam (a common flight for Tanzania travel itineraries), you will need extra pages.
What is the weather like?
Back to the weather, as I stated before, Tanzania is just south of the equator so temperatures are relatively consistent during the day and seasons are more about rain vs dry.
Generally speaking, the months break down as follows:
- January and February – dry season, tsetse flies more active
- March to May – long rainy season
- May to July/August – cold season (winter)
- August to November – warmer days, but cold early mornings and nighttime
- November to December – short rainy season
Keep in mind the temperatures and climate will vary based on the area of Tanzania you plan to visit. Near the coast, the climate is more tropical with hotter temperatures and higher humidity. The central plains/plateau is more comfortable with a nice balance of warm temperature and moderate humidity, and the hills and mountains can be cool.
Being from the Midwest I know the concept of hot, warm, and cool can be relative. So near the cost expect 80-90 degree days with 75-85% humidity. According to the US National Weather Service, anything over 65% humidity is “oppressive.”
Most of my trip will revolve around the north and eastern part of Tanzania, (in and around the Serengeti National Park) the temperatures will be in the 70s-80s during the day but drop off to the 40s-50s at night. Not too cold for someone who survives Midwest winters every year but also not warm by any stretch of the imagination.
Do I need vaccines for Tanzania travel?
Yes, no, and maybe. Travel vaccines can be tricky to navigate which is why I see a travel doctor before traveling internationally. In fact, I wrote an entire post on the subject. Check out my post When to See a Travel Doctor for more detailed information.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, the only vaccine that may be required is Yellow Fever but “only for travelers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk for Yellow Fever transmission; this includes any greater than 12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for Yellow Fever virus transmission.”
There are however several other recommended vaccines such as malaria, typhoid, rabies, hepatitis A and B, and regular vaccines like flu shots. Since these are only recommended you should see a doctor to determine what is right for you.
When a vaccine is required, the country you are traveling to can and will send you home if you can’t prove you have been vaccinated or have proper documentation around exemptions. This is why I highly recommend seeing a travel doctor. They know what you need and what is only recommended. They can also help you navigate exemption documentation.
My health insurance considers a visit to the travel doctor as preventative so it’s covered FREE of charge. The only cost is any vaccines or prescriptions which with my insurance is mostly covered. Check out your health care insurance to see if there is a minimal cost for you too.
Do you need to hire a guide to travel to Tanzania?
For general travel in the country, you don’t need a local guide but if you plan on going to any of the national parks, like the Serengeti, you will need a professional guide. This is to not only protect you but also protect the wildlife and the environment.
When on vacation, it’s easy to forget you are a guest in someone else’s country, state, city, town, or village. Tourists and travelers need to be mindful of not only the values and customs of the local community but also of the landmarks and animals they encounter.
Highly traveled places tend to have more damage so the country of Tanzania will not allow anyone to enter their national parks without an authorized guide.
Having a local guide on any trip however can give you a unique experience but I could write a whole post on the pros and cons of using a tour guide. I’ll save that for a future post.
For now, I’ll keep it to the basics, Tanzania travel guides are not required unless you plan to go to a national park.
What is there to see and do in Tanzania?
Tanzania is probably most well known for Serengeti National Park but what many don’t know is there are actually 22 national parks. Serengeti is not even the largest but it is the oldest and most well-known and most visited.
While going on safari is the primary reason most people travel to Tanzania, it’s not the only thing to do. You have also probably heard of Mount Kilimanjaro. Yes, that too is in Tanzania!
Hiking is not your thing, maybe go scuba diving, snorkeling, or just relax in Zanzibar which has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Travel & Leisure listed Nungwi Beach as one of the top 25 most beautiful beaches in the world. I have to admit, I do regret not adding Zanzibar to my travel plans but I guess I need to leave something for next time!
Some other options to consider for your Tanzania travel plans:
- Visit Freddie Mercury’s (from the band Queen) birthplace in Zanzibar
- View the animals at Ngorongoro Crater.
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.
- Visit a Masai Village
- Bird watching around Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. (Side note the largest freshwater lake in the world is Lake Superior in my backyard, Minnesota/Wisconsin.
- Visit Olpopongi – Maasai Cultural Village & Museum
- Explore a local market
What should I wear in Tanzania?
While I don’t consider myself a fashionista, I do like to look nice and dress in colors and styles that suit my body. That however is thrown out the window when I travel. Not because I don’t care but because I need to follow local customs and wear the required attire for the country.
Tanzania travel sites, books, and even my travel doctor all say the same thing. Don’t wear black or dark blue as it attracts the tsetse flies. And don’t wear bright colors or white especially when viewing wildlife as they scare the animals away.
So what does that leave? It leaves me with an empty bank account because I needed to buy a whole new wardrobe for this trip all in drab earthy colors. Think browns, tans, khakis, light grays, and olive greens.
I should also note, camouflage is considered military attire and should not be worn. Also keep your clothing conservative, no short shorts, exposed shoulders (unless at the beach), no bare knees, or low-cut tops. This is for men and women!
What currency should I bring with me?
You can use US dollars at most places in Tanzania however they will only accept bills in good condition and dated 2014 or newer. Most places also don’t have a lot of change so bring small bills (nothing bigger than a $20s).
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. Find the most current exchange rate at 1 USD to TZS – US Dollars to Tanzanian Shillings Exchange Rate (xe.com).
You can also use Visa or Master Card branded credit cards in bigger cities, some places may accept Discover or American Express but not as many as Visa or Master Card.
What customs or etiquette should you follow?
Following local customs and etiquette is highly important. No one wants to do something to offend a local in a foreign country. While many people will overlook mistakes by foreigners, it’s important to try your best.
A few things to know about Tanzania travel customs and etiquette.
When someone offers food or drink, take it. It’s also important to remember to not smell the food. As a foodie, this will be hard for me and I love to experience food with all my senses but to the chef, it could indicate you are worried the food is bad or undercooked.
The left hand is considered unclean so use your right hand if possible, for passing food, greeting others, accepting objects, and eating. Sorry lefties, I’m not sure if anyone would say anything if you eat with your left hand, I’m just writing about the research I found.
Avoid public affection. Tanzania is a conservative country and even holding hands in public with your partner could be looked down on.
Wear modest clothing. Since much of the country is Muslim showing too much skin is not only looked down on but it’s outright offensive. Be respectful as you are in their home.
Traveling to Tanzania with a tattoo?
I have a small tattoo on my forearm so need to be mindful of local customs. I spent several hours searching and found very mixed suggestions. Most important it’s not illegal!! Yes, it’s illegal in some countries to have a tattoo. It is however looked down on by some people, especially those of strict Muslim faith.
Since I found such mixed information online, I asked a local. I was told where I plan on traveling in Tanzania should not be a problem to have a small tattoo. I do however plan on packing some tattoo coverup sleeves that I can carry with me. If I feel my tattoo is offending locals, I can slip it on.
What next for your Tanzania Travel Planning?
Now that I have done a bunch of research on Tanzania travel, I’m prepared to pack my bags and go! Check back soon for more posts while I plan my trip to Tanzania. And to hear about all the adventures I have while I’m there.
Happy travels and remember the world is full of adventures all around you.
I am not a professional in any of the topics discussed on Adventures at Home and Away. All content on Adventures at Home and Away is for informational and educational purposes only. All comments made are my personal opinion and should not be used as professional advice.
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