Tanzania travel information

Arriving in Tanzania

Most safaris in northern Tanzania start from one of four airports:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), between Moshi and Arusha. The main international gateway for the northern safari parks and Kilimanjaro.
• Arusha Airport (ARK), on the edge of Arusha. Mainly domestic and light-aircraft flights, including to the parks and to Zanzibar.
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), on Zanzibar. Useful if you're starting or ending with the beach.
• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), in Dar es Salaam. The country's largest airport, with domestic connections north and to Zanzibar.

If you're flying between parks or to Zanzibar on a light aircraft, luggage is usually limited to around 15 kg per person in a soft bag. Confirm the limit with your airline. Our packing list explains what fits.

Visas and entry requirements

Entry rules depend on your nationality and they change, so we don't list them here. Before you book flights, check the official website of Tanzania's immigration department, which runs the government's online visa service, and read your own government's travel advice for Tanzania.

Rules can include a minimum passport validity and blank pages. Zanzibar may have additional requirements of its own, so check the official Zanzibar government information too if the island is on your route.

Health

Book an appointment with a travel health clinic or your doctor several weeks before you travel. They'll advise on vaccinations and on malaria prevention based on your health and your route.

Malaria is present in much of Tanzania, including the safari areas and Zanzibar. Yellow fever certificate requirements depend on where you're travelling from and through, including airport transits, so check the official guidance for your route. The World Health Organization and your national travel health service are good places to start.

Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly advised. Check that it covers the activities you plan, such as a Kilimanjaro climb.

Money

Tanzania's currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). US dollars are widely used in tourism, but older or damaged notes are often refused, so bring recent, clean notes.

Many lodges and camps accept cards, sometimes with a surcharge. Cash machines are found in towns such as Arusha, Moshi and Stone Town but not inside the parks. Carry some cash for tips and small purchases.

Electricity and charging

Tanzania uses Type G sockets, the three square-pin plug also used in the UK, at 230 V. Bring an adapter if your devices use a different plug.

Many lodges and camps have charging points in rooms or in the main area. Some remote camps run on solar power or generators, with limited sockets or set charging hours. A power bank is useful on long drive days.

Language

Swahili (Kiswahili) and English are both widely used. English is spoken in lodges, camps and most tourism businesses. A few words of Swahili are always appreciated:

• Jambo: hello
• Karibu: welcome
• Asante: thank you
• Pole pole: slowly, slowly

Time zone

Tanzania is on East Africa Time (EAT), UTC+3, all year. There's no daylight saving. On safari, sunrise and sunset stay fairly steady through the year because the country is close to the equator.

Tipping

Tipping is customary on safari in Tanzania and is appreciated rather than required. Travellers usually tip their safari guide at the end of the trip, and camp and lodge staff through a shared tip box, which is divided among the team. On Kilimanjaro, the guides, porters and cooks are tipped at the end of the climb.

Tips are usually given in cash, in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings. We'll give you current guidance when you plan, so you can bring the right amount in suitable notes.

Phone and internet

Many lodges and camps have Wi-Fi in the main areas, but speeds vary and some remote camps have none. Mobile coverage is good in towns and patchy inside the parks. A local SIM card or an eSIM can help in towns; check that your phone is unlocked.

Dress and local customs

On safari, comfortable neutral clothing is ideal. In towns and villages, and especially on Zanzibar, which is a mostly Muslim society, cover your shoulders and knees. Keep swimwear for the beach and the hotel.

Ask before photographing people, and accept a no. Avoid photographing government buildings, airports and military or police sites.

Plastic bags

Tanzania has banned plastic carrier bags, and they can be taken from you on arrival. Pack with fabric pouches or packing cubes instead.

Before you go

Read our Tanzania safari FAQs for more detail on health, money and what a safari day looks like, and the guide to the best time to visit Tanzania if you're still choosing dates. When you're ready, plan your safari with us.