Tanzania Travel Facts from Authentic Tanzania Tanzania Safaris Pre-departure travel advice from Authentic Tanzania Safaris Tanzania is located on the East coast of Africa and borders 8 other African countries. Whilst the political capital is Dodoma, located in the centre of the country, Dar es Salaam is very much the commercial capital. With it’s busy international airport, Dar es Salaam is generally the first port of call for all tourists wishing to start their Tanzania Safari. Visits to the archipelago islands of Zanzibar and Mafia are also possible from Dar es Salaam. The Authentic Tanzania Safaris offices are in Dar es Salaam, and we meet all our guests at the airport when you start your Tanzania safari adventure. There are two official languages; Swahili and English, however there are more than 100 tribal languages spoken. The time zone in Tanzania is GMT + 3 hours. Tanzania Safaris GETTING HERE There are international airports in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar. Airlines which operate routes from the UK, Germany or the Netherlands into Tanzania are as follows: British Airways (direct from London Heathrow to Dar) Swiss Air (Zurich to Dar) KLM (Amsterdam via Kilimanjaro airport to Dar) Kenya Airways (via Nairobi to Dar) Emirates (via Dubai to Dar) Oman Air (via Muscat to Dar) Qatar Airways (via Doha to Dar) South African Airways (Johannesburg/Cape Town to Dar) Ethiopian Airways (via Addis to Dar) Egyptair (via Cairo to Dar) Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul to Dar) While we at Authentic Tanzania Safaris do not book international flights, we are more than happy to advise you on the most suitable option for your Tanzania Safari connections if you contact us. British Airways and Egypt Air arrive in the early morning in Dar es Salaam. There are connecting flights to Selous Game Reserve from the BA arrival making this a good logistical option for Southern Tanzania Safaris. For most visitors to Tanzania some of the best memories you will take home will be of the friendly welcome received throughout our beautiful country - have a great trip and the Authentic Tanzania Safaris team look forward to welcoming you for your Tanzania Safari adventure. Please click on a link on the left hand menu or the links below to learn more about travelling for your Tanzania Safari.

The currency used in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. It is a closed currency and as such is not available for exchange outside the country. You will have to bring cash with you to exchange on arrival. Please note however that notes printed earlier than 2003 are not accepted in Tanzania so we recommend you check the issue date on USD currency prior to leaving for your Tanzania Safari. At present credit cards are still not widely accepted. Hotels of a good standard should accept credit cards but the more remote safari lodges will not. ATM machines are now found in most cities, however they should not be relied upon as sole source of finance as the ATM network is often affected by power interruptions. You may also find that some cards are not accepted and your bank may not have a reciprocal arrangement with any of the banks operating in Tanzania. We don't recommend that you bring travellers cheques as the rate of exchange is very poor and there are limited places where exchange is possible.

Authentic Tanzania Safaris recommends you consult your doctor before you travel for your Tanzania Safari. They will advise you on what is best to pack into your personal medical kit and what precautions you should take for the various risks. Most drugs are available without prescription in Tanzania, but you may not have time to reach a pharmacy, and therefore you should carry some basic supplies. It is required that you inform Authentic Tanzania in advance if you are allergic to any foods or medicines, or if you have any health conditions which may impact your Tanzania Safari.

The tap water in Tanzania is not safe to drink in large quantities, but it will be fine for teeth brushing and washing/showering. Bottled water is widely available and will be provided on all Authentic Tanzania Safaris.

Proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination is required only if arriving from an infected area, for example Kenya. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid and Meningitis vaccinations are all advised depending on the length of your stay in Tanzania. Check with your doctor for the latest travel health advice in your country.

Malaria is present throughout the country and carried by certain biting insects, so prophylactics should be taken without missing any doses. Again, your doctor will be able to advise you on the options available. Prophylactics are available to buy over the counter in Tanzania but it is advisable that you arrange this before you travel. As prophylactics are not 100% effective as a preventative medication, we also advise taking sensible precautions to avoid being bitten; such as using insect repellant on exposed skin, covering up throughout the evening (from dusk) and using a mosquito net treated with permethrin insecticide at night when staying in malarial areas.

Please be aware of the higher incidence of HIV/AIDS throughout Africa and take precautions to safeguard yourself as necessary. If you need medical treatment, we will ensure your care is in the best possible facility, but even in large hospitals it is your responsibility to ensure that you witness all syringes or other medical equipment being opened in front of you from a sterile packet.

We advise you take out medical and travel insurance before your Tanzania Safari begins. Should you wish to add on emergency medical evacuation from remote areas for the duration of your Camping Safari or Walking Safari, please contact us at Authentic Tanzania Safaris and we can help arrange this.

General Safety Tips

Authentic Tanzania Safaris has a pristine safety record throughout its seven years of operation. Tanzania is one of the most hospitable and friendly countries in Africa with a history of political stability and peaceful co-existence between tribes. As is the case in much of Africa, Tanzania is affected by poverty and as such there is always a slight risk of crime. Basic and sensible precautions should make your Tanzania Safari completely trouble free.

  • Take only photos on your Tanzania Safari and leave no footprint. Do not encourage the trade of endangered wildlife by buying products made using ivory, shells, marine turtle, coral or animal hide. These will be confiscated if found at the airport and a heavy fine will be levied.
  • When on your Tanzania Safari, don’t forget that the animals are wild and are in their natural habitat. You must treat them with respect. Always listen to the instructions of the Authentic Tanzania Safaris guide and when on a Camping Safari or Walking Safari, this is of paramount importance. Never get out of a vehicle without the Authentic Tanzania Safaris guide’s permission.
  • If you feel unwell, declare it to Authentic Tanzania Safaris staff immediately.
  • Wherever you are, whether it be in a city, in the bush or on the beach, do not walk at night even with a friend. Stick to well lit areas and make use of the readily available taxis or bajaj (similar to motorised richshaws or tuktuks).
  • Never exchange money on the street, always use the offices of a Bureau de Change.
  • Regardless of the time of day, do not keep all of your valuables on you. Your hotel will have a safe deposit box or you are welcome to use the Authentic Tanzania Safaris safe. Be aware of where your valuables are at all times and while in a vehicle it is advisable to keep the doors locked and the windows only open a small amount. When in transit, always keep an eye on your luggage.
  • Keep a photocopy of important documentation separate from originals so replacement is easier should anything be lost.
  • What is illegal in your own country is more than likely illegal here – respecting the law is as important in Tanzania as it is in your home country.

Tanzania Safaris It is likely that you will require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. The visa is often issued with a validity of 3 months and costs between $50 and $100 depending on your nationality. Check on https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ to directly apply for an e Visa or obtain a visa on arrival in Tanzania, which can lead to long queues at the airport so it is advisable to organize your visa in advance. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania so you do not require a separate visa to visit it, although you will need to take your passport for entry and exit and Zanzibar has started to demand a mandatory insurance fee.

Due to Tanzania's proximity to the equator the climate is generally warm year round ranging between 25 degrees C to 32 degrees C with some regional variations. Humidity can get very high making light weight breathable clothing a must for comfort. Inland and at higher altitudes the temperatures can drop to as low as 5 degrees C overnight. Contact us at Authentic Tanzania Safaris prior to your Walking Safari or Camping Safari to get advice on what to pack. 

With two rainy seasons, the 'short rains' fall between November and December whilst the 'long rains' between March and May. The rains have been somewhat unpredictable in the past few years so it is hard to predict exactly when they will begin. It is generally accepted that the best time to travel on Tanzania Safari is between December and March and June and October. That said, it is possible to schedule your Tanzania Safari at any time of year as short rain showers do not prevent good game viewing in all parks. Offers are available for off-peak Walking Safaris or Camping Safaris and lodges are less crowded, making your Tanzania Safari a more intimate experience.