The questions we hear most from people planning a first trip to Tanzania, answered by our team in Arusha. If yours is not here, ask us and we will reply in plain words.
Planning
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
It depends on what you want to see. June to October is the long dry season: short grass, animals gathered near water and the easiest game viewing. January to March is calving time in the southern Serengeti and a warm, clear window for Kilimanjaro. April and May bring the long rains, green country, fewer vehicles and lower rates. Our month-by-month weather guide goes into detail.
How many days do I need?
For a first safari in the north, five to seven days covers Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater without rushing. A Kilimanjaro climb takes six to nine days on the mountain, plus a night in Arusha or Moshi at each end. Add four or five days if you want to finish on Zanzibar.
Can I climb Kilimanjaro and go on safari in one trip?
Yes, and it is what many of our travellers do. We usually put the climb first, while your legs are fresh, then let you rest on a safari and finish on the beach. See our Kilimanjaro climbs for the routes.
Are your trips private?
Most are: your own vehicle, your own guide and your own pace. On Kilimanjaro we also run small scheduled group climbs for travellers who would like company and a shared cost.
Before you travel
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors need a tourist visa. The simplest way is to apply online through the official Tanzania immigration e-visa portal a few weeks before you fly. Rules differ by nationality and can change, so check the official site for your passport.
Which vaccinations do I need?
A yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have transited through, a country with a risk of yellow fever. Malaria is present in much of Tanzania, though less so at altitude. Ask your doctor or a travel clinic about vaccines and malaria tablets six to eight weeks before you travel.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Choose a policy that covers medical treatment and evacuation, and if you are climbing Kilimanjaro, one that covers trekking to 6,000 m.
What should I pack?
For a safari: soft bags rather than hard cases, neutral-coloured layers, a warm top for early mornings, a hat, sunscreen and binoculars. Light aircraft usually limit luggage to around 15 kg in a soft bag. For Kilimanjaro, our packing list covers everything.
In Tanzania
What currency should I bring?
The Tanzanian shilling is the local currency, and US dollars are widely accepted for tips and some purchases. Bring dollar notes printed in 2009 or later and in good condition, as older or torn notes are often refused. Cards work in larger hotels and shops in Arusha and Zanzibar, less so elsewhere.
How much should I tip?
Tipping is customary and makes a real difference to guides, cooks and porters. We give you clear guidance before you travel, and our article on tipping on Kilimanjaro and on safari explains the usual amounts.
Is Tanzania safe to visit?
Tanzania is a welcoming country and millions of visitors travel here without problems. Take the same care you would anywhere: keep valuables out of sight in towns, use the transport we arrange, and listen to your guide in the parks.
Will I have phone signal and Wi-Fi?
Arusha, Moshi and Zanzibar have good mobile coverage. In the parks, signal comes and goes, and most lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi in their main areas. A local SIM card is easy to buy in Arusha.