Tanzania Safari Guide – Everything you need to know about Tanzania Self Drive
Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. They include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs.
Tanzania shares its borders with eight countries which include Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. Kenya and Uganda lie to the north; Rwanda, Burundi, and the democratic republic of Congo lie to the west; and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique lie to the south. The Indian Ocean lies to its east.
The official capital of Tanzania is Dodoma, which is the political center. Dar es salaam remains the largest city and the economic hub. Moshi and arusha are gateway cities for tourism.
Time in Tanzania
Tanzania operates on East Africa time (EAT), which is three hours ahead of Greenwich mean time (GMT +3). Tanzania is 8 hours ahead of the eastern standard time and 11 hours ahead of the pacific standard time. Tanzania is 2 hours ahead of western Europe.
The language spoken
Swahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania. Swahili, or Kiswahili, is widely spoken and serves as the lingua franca, or common language, in East Africa. However, Tanzania comprises over 120 ethnic groups. Other significant languages spoken in the country include Maasai, Digo, Datooga, and Chindali.
Things to do in Tanzania
Though many people’s first introduction to Tanzania is gazing open-mouthed at footage of huge numbers of wildebeest and zebra moving through Serengeti National Park, there is so much more to see and do in this beautiful nation.
There are several national parks that are scattered like jewels across the country and they boast the largest concentration of wildlife in Africa. Tanzania’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches and its paradise islands are renowned for their beauty, lapped by the Indian Ocean and the teeming wildlife underneath the waves.
You can go on safari in national parks like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater to see wildlife, including the Great Migration, or hike up the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Other popular activities include exploring the historic Stone Town and beaches of Zanzibar, trekking with chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, scuba diving, and visiting cultural sites.
The best time to visit Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on the activities you plan to do. For climbing Kilimanjaro, come during the two dry seasons – from December to mid-march and from June to October. For wildlife viewing and the great migration, the long dry season from June to October is ideal.
Tanzania’s climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands. The country experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons.
Dress code
Dress in Tanzania is casual but conservative. It is important to dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees in public places to show respect for local culture. Avoid overly revealing clothing and opt for loose-fitting attire like long skirts, knee-length shorts, trousers, and t-shirts or blouses that cover your shoulder.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for the day, with warmer layers for cooler evenings. Conservative attire is especially important in rural and Muslim-majority areas.
Note that it is fairly common to see visitors dressed in western style, casual summer clothing (tank tops and shorts) in tourist areas. Just know that in Tanzania, shorts are only worn by primary school aged boys. For an adult, wearing shorts is culturally equivalent to walking around in underwear.
How safe is Tanzania?
Tanzania is generally considered safe for travelers, but it is advisable to take standard safety precautions, especially in urban areas.
Tanzania is politically stable and known for its peaceful people. Tourism is important to the country, and visitors are generally treated with warmth and respect. In general, the vibe in Tanzania is friendly and calm. Locals are happy to help and curious about visitors. You’ll be greeted with a smile more often than not.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most visitors will need a visa, which can be obtained on arrival, through an embassy or consulate, or via the e-visa system from the government portal. Citizens of the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are all required to have a visa.
What adapter do you need for Tanzania?
Tanzania uses the type g electrical plug (British three-pin), with a standard voltage of 230 v and a frequency of 50 hz.
Currency and payments
Us dollars are commonly accepted, especially in the tourism sector. It’s essential to bring newer, undamaged bills as older dollars (printed before the year 2006) or those in poor condition (worn or with tears) may not be accepted.
Credit cards are increasingly accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it’s advisable to always have cash as backup, as card machines can be unreliable due to connectivity issues.
ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns and usually offer a better exchange rate for withdrawing Tanzanian shillings directly from your bank account.
Is tipping required in Tanzania?
Tanzania has a strong culture of tipping for tourist services. Tipping is expected after Kilimanjaro climbs and safaris. Ask your operator what amounts they recommend as there could be variances between companies.
At hotels, giving hotel staff a small tip (one dollar) for assisting with luggage is appreciated. At restaurants, a 3-5% tip is customary at tourist-oriented restaurants. It’s not expected at local eateries.
The vaccines are required
For travel to Tanzania, yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if coming from or transiting through an endemic country. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis a, typhoid, and possibly hepatitis b and rabies, depending on your itinerary.
The health Risks in Tanzania
Common health risks include malaria and traveler’s diarrhea. Protect yourself by using mosquito repellents, sleeping under mosquito nets, and considering antimalarial medication. Also, practice good hygiene and be cautious with food and water.
The local customs and cultural practices in Tanzania
Tanzanians value politeness and respect. Greetings are important in social interactions, and its customary to engage in brief small talk before getting down to business.
Loud or aggressive behaviour, drunkenness, foul language and disrespect, especially towards older people, is offensive.
Be open and respectful towards local customs and traditions, even if they are different from your own. Avoid making negative comments and be willing to learn from the locals. If you have questions about what is appropriate, ask one of our local staff.
Is it okay to take photos of people in Tanzania?
Always ask for permission before taking photos of local people. Some may not wish to be photographed due to personal or cultural reasons. Offering to share the photos or a small payment for their time can be a polite gesture.
Are public displays of affection acceptable in Tanzania?
Public displays of affection, such as kissing, hugging and holding hands, are not common in Tanzania, especially in rural and Muslim-majority areas. It’s advisable to be more reserved in public to respect local customs.
What is the etiquette for visiting religious sites in Tanzania?
When visiting religious sites, dress conservatively and follow any specific rules of the site. Remove your shoes when entering a mosque or Hindu temple. Stay quiet and not disturb worshippers.
Food and cuisine
Tanzanian cuisine is a diverse and flavorful fusion of indigenous Bantu flavors, Arab, Persian, and Indian influences, particularly along the Swahili Coast. A wide variety of ingredients are used, from hearty staples like maize and plantains to fragrant spices and fresh seafood
The local cuisine varies regionally but commonly includes dishes like ugali (cornmeal porridge), nyama choma (grilled meat), and seafood along the coast. Spices and flavors are influenced by Indian, Arab, and African culinary traditions.
While no general dietary restrictions apply, it’s advisable to eat well-cooked food, avoid raw vegetables, and peel fruit to prevent traveler’s diarrhea.
International cuisine is available in major cities and tourist areas. Vegetarian options are increasingly available, especially in urban and tourist-centric locations.
Wi-fi and cell service
Wi-fi is available in most urban areas, hotels, and some safari lodges. However, connectivity may be limited or slower in remote areas.
Whether your cell phone will work in Tanzania largely depends on your phone’s compatibility with the local network frequencies and whether it’s unlocked. Tanzania primarily uses gsm network technology though 4g/lte services are increasingly available. If you plan to use 4g/lte services in Tanzania, ensure your phone is compatible with the lte frequency bands used in Tanzania.
Buying a local sim card is a good option for staying connected, especially for longer stays. Ensure your phone is unlocked to use a local sim.
Are car rentals available in Tanzania?
Car rentals are available, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, self-driving can be challenging due to road conditions and driving standards. We usually recommend that you hire a car with a driver.
In conclusion
Tanzania is a premier travel destination for its unbeatable wildlife safaris, vibrant culture, and pristine Indian Ocean beaches. Visitors can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti, climb Africa’s highest peak, or relax on the spice island of Zanzibar.
