Tanzania is a dream destination for many travelers. Stunning landscapes; rich wildlife; warm-hearted people—everything about this place is so special. But before you hop on the plane, here are a few things I wish I had known before visiting Tanzania. Things that would have made my trip even more smooth and enjoyable. Knowing these beforehand will give you the best experience ever!
Don’t Make Your Trip Too Short
Experiencing Tanzania’s wildlife parks, even one or two, takes quite some time. And then you have beach and island-hopping along the coast. There’s hiking in the highlands and trekking on Kilimanjaro… visiting village markets, and so much more! A week is only enough for a quick introduction to the space. But your visit will be so much more rewarding with at least two weeks of stay (ideally three or more).
Timing is Everything
When you book your visit makes a world of difference! The best time for a Tanzania safari tour depends on the Great Migration events you wish to experience. You’ll witness wildebeests and zebras crossing the Serengeti between June and October. If you prefer the calving season, consider January and February. If you are not a fan of rain, You want to avoid the rainy season (March through May) as some roads become impassable during this time and can impact your experience. You will find some appealing lush greenery during this time, though.
Set Some Money for Tips
Tanzania tours and safaris can be costly, sure, but the fees you pay shouldn’t be considered the full compensation for the guides, drivers, cooks, etc. These guys do a lot to make your trip the most memorable, so tipping should be a standard part of your experience. A generous tip for a job well done is greatly appreciated by those who depend on this source of income for their livelihood.
Visa on Arrival Is Possible, But It Can Be a Hassle
Many travelers (including those from the U.S. and Canada) can get a visa on arrival. BUT; I recommend applying online for an eVisa in advance. This helps you avoid long queues and delays at the airport. The process can be slow, and if multiple flights land at the same time, you could be waiting for a while. On the other hand, the eVisa application is straightforward and will save you precious time. We prepared these resources to make applying for your e-Visas easy.
Be Mindful of the Vaccinations and Health Precautions
If you’re traveling from or through a yellow fever-endemic country, you’ll need a yellow fever vaccination. Be sure to carry proof of vaccination, as it may be asked for. Tanzania is a malaria-prone place, so you may want to consult your doctor about taking antimalarial medication and bring a strong mosquito repellent.
Safaris Are Incredible, But They Start Early!
If you’re booking one of those Tanzania safari packages (which you absolutely should), be prepared for early mornings. Game drives often begin before sunrise, as this is when animals are most active. I wasn’t quite ready for those 5 AM wake-up calls. But trust me, it’s worth it to see lions hunting at dawn from my hot air balloon safari.
The Internet Can be Unreliable
You probably want to stay connected during your trip. But beware, the Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable (especially outside of major cities). Even in luxury lodges, connectivity can be slow. It’s a good idea to get a local SIM card Vodacom or Airtel upon arrival. It’s inexpensive and provides decent coverage from local carriers during your time in the country.
The People are Super Friendly
I was surprised to see how warm and welcoming the people of Tanzania are! Strangers will often greet you with a heartfelt “Jambo!” (hello) or “Karibu!” (welcome). I wished I had learned a few Swahili phrases beforehand to mingle with them (even if it was just a little bit). This helps show respect and appreciation for the local culture.
Some useful Swahili phrases are:
- Asante sana—Thank you very much
- Pole pole—Slowly, slowly (things move at a relaxed pace, and you’ll be hearing this often during your trek)
- Hakuna matata—No worries (yep, like in The Lion King!)
Zanzibar Is More Conservative Than You Think
Zanzibar sure is a tropical paradise, but it’s also a predominantly Muslim region. So, you want to dress modestly in public areas. Bikinis are OK at beaches, but you want to use cover-ups when walking through the towns. For safaris, wear lightweight and breathable clothing in neutral colors (avoid bright colors as they can startle animals or dark colors which can attract tsetses).
Cash is King—But USD is a Life-Saver
Most places operate on cash, so you want to keep that at hand. Tanzanian Shillings are the local currency, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted—especially for tourist-related expenses like safaris, souvenirs, tipping and the likes.
When in doubt our website has resources on how to prep for your dream Tanzania safari, and our team is always happy to help make this an adventure to never forget!
