Tanzania is home to the Serengeti National Park, a natural wonder of the plains. Best known to children as the setting for the animated film The Lion King, this animal kingdom is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. To the north, it is connected to Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve. During the rainy season (November to May), it’s an animal paradise, with huge numbers of animals to see. During the dry season (June to October), water is scarce and tens of millions of herbivores and the carnivores that chase them migrate in droves towards the northern Kenyan border in search of new food sources. The Serengeti means ‘endless plains’ and is also home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895m, a must for adventurous travellers. Thousands of travellers make it to the summit every year, which takes between five and eight days, depending on the route, and requires a minimum of three people: a cook, a guide, and a porter to carry your luggage. Certificates are issued to climbers who reach the summit (Uhuru Peak), 100 metres below the summit (Stella’s Point) and 200 metres below (Gilman’s Point). Other Tanzanian attractions include Lake Victoria on Zanzibar.
1. Tanzania Quick Facts
Language English / Swahili
Religion Christianity , Islam
Currency Tanzanian shilling (TZS, x/y)
Visa Visa on arrival for most nationalities
Power Plugs 230 V 50 Hz (D/G Type)
Capital Dodoma
ATM ATMs are also readily available, allowing you to withdraw money in local currency using your credit or debit card.
Use card
Restaurants and large supermarkets and shopping malls that are popular with foreigners accept cards, but they are still limited, so it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand.
APP
Google Maps
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
3. Transportation
Hired vehicles and taxis are the main means of travelling between major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar. Traffic in downtown Dar es Salaam is worst during rush hour, around 7-8pm and 16-17pm.
Bus
The first bus rapid transit (BRT) line was introduced in May 2016 and currently operates on section 1 (21 kilometres) of a total of six sections. Sections 2 and 3 are under construction, and sections 4 and 5 have been designed. Most other buses are slightly larger than a bongo and are called daladala in Swahili. They usually cost 400 shillings for a basic fare or 800 shillings for longer journeys.
Taxi
Regular taxis are not metered, so haggling is necessary. Taxi apps such as Uber* and services such as Bolt and InDrive are also available and are cheaper than regular taxis. Uber is available in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. However, the location display on the app is often inaccurate and you’ll often have to explain your location over the phone. As cheaper ride-sharing services gain market share, a number of licensed commercial taxis are also joining the market
4.Safety
Compared to other African countries, safety is good, but be aware that petty crime is common. Firearms are strictly prohibited, but incidents involving firearms are not uncommon in neighbouring countries such as Arusha.
Except for a few sections, roads are poor and heavy with transport trucks, making it difficult to travel safely after dark.
It is safer to travel by car than on foot, especially as pickpockets and muggings are common. If you must walk, it’s best not to carry any belongings. If you must, pack as little as possible, carry your bag on the opposite side of the pavement from the road, and walk with awareness of your surroundings. If you are travelling by car, you should keep your windows closed and doors locked as accidents can occur while travelling and stopping.
Useful phone numbers for tourists
General emergency numbers: 112/999
5. Climate
The climate along the Indian Ocean coast is hot and humid, but elsewhere is more variable and cooler.
Tanzania has the hottest temperatures from November to February, and cooler temperatures from June to September. April to May is the rainy season. Coastal areas such as Dar es Salaam have a tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 27°C (81°F) and humidity of 80%. There are two rainy seasons, March-May and November-December, when there is a major migration of nocturnal animals.
6. price
The cost of living in Tanzania is lower than in many popular tourist destinations around the world, making it an affordable destination for travellers.
However, please note that major tourist destinations such as Zanzibar and the Serengeti, which are specialised tourist areas, are more expensive than in other countries and can be more expensive during peak tourist seasons.
Gas(1 litre) 2,600 TZS
McDonald’s Combo Meal: 15,000 TZS
Water (1.5 litres): 1,000 TZS
Milk (1 litre) 2,800 TZS
7. Travel precautions
It is recommended that you purchase bottled water for drinking and use it for cooking whenever possible.
Tanzania has malaria and dengue mosquitoes throughout the country, so caution is advised. A Yellow Fever vaccination is required in-country before visiting.
A must on Serengeti tours is the no dismounting rule.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
In Tanzania, it’s best not to sniff your food at a meal, as it can be perceived as a sign that you don’t like the food or are suspicious of it, and it can be an insult to the chef.
In general, it is customary to say hello in Tanzania, even if you are not an acquaintance.
Tip
There is a culture of tipping, and it is customary to tip between 2,000 and 3,000 shillings.
10. Holidays
The following are the national public holidays for 2024:
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
12 Jan Fri Zanzibar Revolutionary Day
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
1 Apr Mon Easter Monday
7 Apr Sun Karume Day
10 Apr Wed Eid al-Fitr
11 Apr Thu Eid al-Fitr Holiday
26 Apr Fri Union Day
1 May Wed Labour Day
16 Jun Sun Eid al-Hajj
7 Jul Sun Saba Saba
8 Aug Thu Nane Nane
15 Sep Sun Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
14 Oct Mon Nyerere Day
9 Dec Mon Republic Day
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Sunday, 12 January : Zanzibar Revolutionary Day
Sunday, 30 March : Eid al-Fitr
Monday, 31 March : Eid al-Fitr Holiday
Monday, 7 April : Karume Day
Friday, 18 April : Good Friday
Monday, 21 April : Easter Monday
Saturday, 26 April : Union Day
Thursday, 1 May : Labour Day
Friday, 6 June : Eid al-Hajj
Monday, 7 July : Saba Saba
Friday, 8 August : Nane Nane
Thursday, 4 September : Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
Tuesday, 14 October : Nyerere Day
Tuesday, 9 December: Republic Day
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December: Boxing Day