Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for travelers worldwide. In Tanzania, you can easily obtain it through third-party companies specializing in emergency evacuation during your tour.
Although we don’t sell it, we’re more than happy to recommend reputable comprehensive travel insurance providers.
This coverage includes vital aspects like emergency helicopter rescue and medical evacuation expenses.
It acts as a protective shield, covering personal injury, repatriation expenses, and various potential illnesses.
With good travel insurance, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that safety is your top priority.
Packing List for Safari
Packing for a Tanzania safari differs significantly from packing for other trips, presenting unique challenges based on your travel situation – solo, family, or couple.
There are weight restrictions on bush flights, often limited to 15 kilograms (33 pounds) per person, inclusive of camera gear and carry-ons.
Additionally, choosing appropriate safari clothing is crucial. Drawing from our years of experience leading tours in Tanzania, here are our tips for your African safari packing list:
- Duffel or Soft-Sided Bag: Opt for a duffel or soft-sided bag, which is more flexible and easier to fit into smaller spaces.
- TSA-Approved Clear Toiletry Case: Keep your toiletries organized and accessible.
- Clothing: Pack 2 pairs of breathable fabric pants in earth tones, 1-2 long-sleeve shirts in chambray or earth tones, and 3 layering tanks or T-shirts.
- Utility Jacket: A versatile jacket for various weather conditions.
- Light Scarf: Useful for sun protection and adding a stylish touch to your outfit.
- Sports Bra: Comfort is essential during safari activities.
- Wide-Brim Hat with Chin Strap: Protect yourself from the sun and ensure your hat stays put in the breeze.
- Closed-Toe Shoes: Opt for trail runners or fashion sneakers with good traction for walking safaris.
- Waterproof Dry Bag: Keep your essentials dry during water-based activities.
- Personal Care: Don’t forget moisturizer, sunscreen, insect repellent with Deet, conditioner, lip balm, and personal hygiene items.
- Electronics: Bring plug adapters/converters, a USB flash drive, and extra memory cards for your camera.
- First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries or health issues during your safari.
Remember that packing light and smart is key for a successful safari adventure. Read more about how to pack for Africa Safari
Tour Challenge
Like any endeavor, challenges are an inherent part of the journey. During your travels, you might encounter congestion upon arrival or even experience network outages in various safari areas.
It’s essential to be aware of these challenges, understanding that some are within our control as humans.
However, in the unfortunate event of natural disasters, which we hope never occur, safety becomes the top priority.
In such cases, taking immediate action is crucial to ensure the well-being and security of everyone involved. Your safety is our utmost concern.
Extra Tour Cost
This doesn’t directly come from the company but is more about your personal choices.
You might consider supporting local artisans by purchasing souvenirs, arranging additional city tours, or tipping your team.
Recognizing and acknowledging others is one of the best practices in life.
Please feel comfortable discussing these options with your tour planner at any time.
Your choices can have a positive impact and enhance your travel experience.
Country Information
Tanzania, located just south of the Equator, spans 945,087 square kilometers and is home to an estimated population of 61 million people, according to the Tanzania Bureau of Statistics.
The northern, eastern, and coastal regions are densely populated, while the southern part is less densely inhabited.
Climate
Tanzania experiences a tropical climate with two main rainy seasons: a longer one from March to May and a shorter one between October and November.
The dry season extends from July through October, characterized by clear skies and abundant sunshine, making it an ideal time for beach vacations.
The coastal regions are typically hot and humid. Read more about the best time to visit Tanzania for Safari.
Visa
Traveling to Tanzania is a straightforward process for visitors. Obtaining a Tanzanian visa can be done in three ways:
You can obtain it from a Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission in your home country, upon arrival at a designated port of entry, or by applying online via the Tanzania Immigration website,
whether at the airport or border crossing.
The process applies to North American and European citizens. For more information on visas, please contact the nearest Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission in your area.
Tanzania Airports
Tanzania has two international airports: one situated outside the commercial capital of Dar es Salaam (airport code: DAR),
The other one near Arusha, which also serves Mount Kilimanjaro, is known as Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code: JRO).
Zanzibar International Airport, Charter flights, and some international carriers offer direct flights to Zanzibar Island (airport code: ZNZ).
How to visit Tanzania?
When planning a visit to Northern Tanzania, the most convenient airport to arrive at is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).
KLM offers daily flights from Amsterdam, and Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Precision Air also provide services to KIA.
For travelers headed to Zanzibar, southern, and western Tanzania, it’s best to fly into the capital city, Dar es Salaam.
European carriers such as British Airways, KLM, and Swissair (which shares codes with Delta) operate flights to Dar es Salaam.
Additionally, there are long-distance bus services connecting Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Attractions
Tanzania offers a wealth of educational, historical, and leisure experiences, making it a fantastic destination for adventures.
These adventures include thrilling safaris in the country’s National Parks like Serengeti, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater , Mount Kilimanjaro and Tarangire, where you can witness remarkable wildlife.
Tanzania also boasts a rich tapestry of historical sites, museums, breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountains, pristine beaches, serene lakes, winding rivers, and vibrant cultural experiences.
When it comes to social life, Tanzania is home to over 120 distinct tribes, each with its unique vernacular.
Despite the diversity of languages, “Swahili” was adopted as the national language in 1961, immediately following the country’s independence.
Swahili has since spread and is widely used in neighboring nations like Uganda, Kenya, and Central Africa.
English serves as the second official language in Tanzania, and you’ll find that Tanzanians are incredibly hospitable and friendly.
Political system
Tanzania stands out as a shining example of political stability, peace, and tranquility on the African continent.
The country has a multi-party political system and a democratic government.
It is characterized by the peaceful resolution of political, religious, and tribal conflicts through dialogue.
Tanzania’s commitment to religious and tribal tolerance is evident as every citizen is free to practice their faith as they choose.
As long as it complies with the nation’s laws, fostering an environment where conflicts based on these factors are exceedingly rare.
Currency
The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (Tshs). Exchange rates may fluctuate and can change at any time.
Most tourist hotels, curio shops, currency exchange offices, and banks accept major credit cards, including Eurocard, American Express, MasterCard, Access, and Visa.
Additionally, traveler’s cheques in both British Pounds and US Dollars are also widely accepted in the country.
Religions
Tanzania is a land of diverse religions with major influences from Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and African Traditional Religions.
On the east coast, in places like Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Zanzibar, and Tanga, Islam and Hinduism are dominant religions.
The presence of Arabs and Eastern Indians has contributed to the spread of these two faiths in that region.
Meanwhile, the mainland is primarily Christian, a legacy of European colonists who introduced the Christian religion to the indigenous population..
Infrastructure & Accessibility
In Tanzania, major roads are well-paved and accessible year-round.
However, side roads, especially those around and within the National Parks, can be muddy and rough.
That’s why a 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) vehicle is essential for safaris.
Popular choices for 4WD vehicles include Toyota Land Cruisers, Land Rovers, and Toyota Hiace 4WD.
Additionally, the railway is utilized in the eastern, southern, central, and western regions of the country.
As for time, Tanzania operates in the GMT+3 time zone. The electricity supply in Tanzania is 220-240 V AC, with a frequency of 50 Hz.
