Finance and Expenditure

Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, but we recommend using US Dollars exclusively – and in cash: while credit cards and traveller’s cheques are accepted in many places, they come with transaction fees. In Tanzania, you will discover ATMs scattered across the bustling towns and vibrant cities, but they remain absent in the wild expanses of national parks and game reserves.

Important: US Dollar bills issued prior to 2006 are not valid in Tanzania.

It’s common practice to tip lodge staff and drivers/guides for excellent service during your Tanzania safari, but be sure to verify if a service charge has already been included in your bill. Tipping is an extra consideration beyond the price provided by your operator, and the amount can change based on your group size, the luxury level of the safari, and your perception of the service quality. When exploring the bustling cities of Tanzania, it is common to leave a 10% tip in restaurants and bars if a service charge is not already included.

Explore our comprehensive guidelines on tipping in Tanzania or connect with one of our Africa Safari Experts for personalized advice.

Essential Items to Bring

When preparing for your Tanzania safari, opt for light, casual attire in practical, neutral shades, along with a warm jacket for those evening game drives, ensuring you are ready for whatever comes your way all year round. For additional insights on what to bring for an exhilarating safari experience, check out our Africa Safari Guide.

When exploring Zanzibar, women should consider dressing modestly in the main towns to honor the local Muslim cultural beliefs. T-shirts that embrace the shoulders, flowing long skirts, and stylish capri pants often present more appealing choices than tank tops and shorts. Swimwear and beach attire are perfectly suited for the shores and resorts.

Social Graces

Tanzania is a land where faith thrives, with vibrant expressions of Christianity and Islam shaping its cultural landscape. Many Muslims reside along the coast and in Zanzibar; travelers should keep in mind the traditional atmosphere of these locations – particularly Stone Town – and should dress and act in a respectful manner.

Tanzanians are known for their warmth and sense of community, but it is always polite to seek permission before capturing someone is image.

Traveling and Navigating Tanzania

Major Global Airports

Kilimanjaro International Airport – Tanzania’s second international airport – connects travelers to the breathtaking landscapes of the Serengeti, the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, the vibrant Tarangire, and the serene Lake Manyara. However, you must make your way to the nearby Arusha Airport to catch charter flights to these thrilling safari destinations. International flights frequently touch down at Kilimanjaro Airport in the late afternoon, making an overnight stay in Arusha a common necessity.

Dar-es-Salaam International Airport – Tanzania’s main airport – serves as the entry point to the stunning Indian Ocean coast and the enchanting Zanzibar, along with the remarkable Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) and the breathtaking Ruaha National Park.

Regional Airports Arusha Airport – the entry point to the thrilling safari airstrips of northern Tanzania – is situated approximately 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Have you heard that you can arrange your flights with Adventure in the wild safaris? For additional details and common inquiries, please visit our Flights page.

Exploration Rides

Guided road transfers and game drives in Tanzania take place in closed 4x4s equipped with large windows and pop-up roofs, while those heading to destinations like Mahale will experience a scenic boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika. In Tanzania, the majority of safari destinations boast well-developed road networks, making closed vehicles the standard choice for long-distance transfers between airstrips, camps, and lodges. A closed 4×4 game drive vehicle typically boasts three rows of seating and includes a pop-up roof hatch that can be elevated for an immersive experience in wildlife observation and photography.

Travel Documentation Essentials

Nearly every traveler heading to Tanzania will need to obtain a visa. It’s essential to reach out to the appropriate issuing authorities well ahead of your journey—preferably a few months in advance—to discover the entry requirements for Tanzania and to secure the necessary permits and visas. We highly recommend that all clients arriving in Tanzania through Kilimanjaro International Airport secure their visas online at the Tanzania Immigration Department prior to their journey. E-visas may require a waiting period of 2 to 3 weeks for processing.

Travelers heading to Tanzania need to ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their travel date.

Discover the Wonders of Tanzania

Chronicles and Commerce

In numerous respects, the history of Tanzania mirrors the journey of humanity itself. Fossils discovered at Olduvai Gorge, a remarkable archaeological site, indicate that Tanzania has been inhabited by hominids for more than 2 million years. The Iron Age migrations from West Africa paved the way for European and Arabian merchants, missionaries, and slavers. By the mid-1800s, Zanzibar emerged as the focal point of the East African slave trade. Initially settled by the Germans and later by the British, the journey to independence for mainland Tanganyika unfolded smoothly in 1961. The incorporation of Zanzibar in 1964 shaped the contemporary nation of Tanzania.

Tanzania boasts an abundance of mineral resources and natural gas, yet its economy is primarily driven by agriculture, which engages 75% of the workforce and contributes to half of the nation’s GDP. Tanzania is known for its rich exports, featuring treasures like gold, aromatic coffee, refreshing tea, and vibrant cotton. However, it is tourism, growing in significance with each passing year, that stands as the nation’s foremost source of foreign exchange.

Individuals and Traditions

Tanzania is home to a vibrant mix of 120 ethnic groups that contribute to its rich tapestry of culture, alongside a notable presence of Asians, Arabs, and Europeans. Tanzania, with its rich tapestry of identities, has fostered a vibrant national culture, rooted in a deep-seated social code of courtesy and respect that resonates throughout the land. English and Swahili serve as the official languages.

Scenery and Creatures
Nestled between the two arms of the Great Rift Valley, Tanzania’s expansive central plateau is embraced on the west by Africa’s magnificent lakes, the north by towering mountains (including Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak), and the Indian Ocean to the east. The vast expanses of the country are adorned with grasslands, open woodlands, and savannahs, while hidden away in the remote mountain ranges are remarkable pockets of rainforest waiting to be discovered.

Tanzania boasts an incredible array of wildlife, hosting 20% of Africa’s large mammals, making it a top choice for those seeking unforgettable encounters with nature. Over a quarter of the nation is dedicated to conservation, and numerous wildlife reserves in Tanzania are among the largest globally. Many travelers flock to the northern region of Tanzania, drawn by its renowned and easily reachable wildlife reserves. In the southern and central regions of Tanzania, you will discover vast, largely untouched savannah and rainforest reserves that offer authentic, extraordinary safari experiences.