VISA AND PASSPORT

Visas are available upon arrival in Tanzania, whether you’re landing at the airport or are making a border crossing.

The cost of a visa upon arrival is $50 for non US citizens, and $100 for US citizens. This should be paid in USD. Other currencies are not accepted.

• Dar es salaam International Airport
• Zanzibar International Airport
• Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya border point)
• Tandem Entry Point (Tanzania-Zambia border point)

 

Health and Vaccinations

Please consult your doctor regarding health measures, vaccinations and components of your first aid kit. Viva Africa Tours is not liable that the listed vaccinations are complete; rather, these are guidelines. In general, the following vaccinations are recommended for Tanzania: In addition to your primary vaccination (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Whooping Cough) you should get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Further vaccinations recommended are Hepatitis B; Rabies; Cholera and Yellow Fever.

Please inform yourself about the different Malaria Prophylaxis medicine, which is recommended throughout the whole year for all areas below 1800m.

Visitors from countries with yellow fever must also present a valid yellow fever vaccination upon arrival. If you are planning a trip to Zanzibar from the Tanzanian mainland, you must also have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination

The Best Time to Travel

Tanzania is too close to the Equator to experience a summer and winter as most people are used to in Europe and Northern America. Instead the seasons split into a dry and rainy season. The rainy season is divided into the short rains from November to December and the long rains from March to May.

Especially the higher regions of Northern Tanzania are far cooler than most people expect. Places like Ngorongoro Crater rim and the Usambara Mountains can be chilly at night and foggy in the morning. The Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater floor are warmer, but far from hot, temperatures are chilly in the morning and after dawn. Tarangire and Lake Manyara national parks are situated on a lower altitude and are warmer than the other places, especially in the afternoons. The higher areas of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru have alpine weather and temperatures drop below zero degrees.

Best time to travel: The most popular months are January to February and the high season June to October

AVOID MOSQUITOES

A number of diseases such as malaria, sleeping sickness, and the Zika Virus can be transmitted by blood-feeding insects such as mosquitoes and tsetse flies. When on safari in low altitude areas, we always advise that travelers make use of insect repellent to reduce the chances of being bitten. Most hotels will provide mosquito nets to protect against bites while sleeping, and hotels in areas with tsetse flies take precautions to draw the insects away from camps and rooms.

Look after your valuables

Theft is not usually a problem out on safari, but it pays to keep a close eye on your phone, wallet, passport, camera etc. when you’re not in your vehicle.

Always lock your hotel room and/or keep your valuables on your person.

Remember you’re in Africa

Tanzania has made great strides towards being a modern nation, but you’ll still encounter ‘first world problems’ like lack of WiFi, intermittent electricity overnight, and the occasional creepy crawly. Just remember, “TIA – this is Africa”.

Currency

The official Tanzanian currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. They have coins for 50, 100, and 1000 shillings; and notes for 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 shillings.

The US Dollar is widely used, but may not be accepted in some establishments. It is also important to note that most businesses that do accept US currency will not do so if it is torn or wrinkled.

Notes must not be older than 2006, as local businesses will automatically reject these due to a past counterfeiting problem.

Banks & Currency Exchange

Currency can be exchanged at banks, currency exchange offices (which are plentiful in the city), and in most hotels. Hotels generally offer the least favorable exchange rates.

Banks in Tanzania are open from 9am until 3.30pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am until 11am on Saturdays.

Tax

The tax rate in Tanzania amounts to 18% for most products and services. There is no process for reclaiming this amount upon departing the country.

ATMs

ATMs that accept both Visa and MasterCard are available in most cities. You will be able to withdraw from your accounts in local (Tanzanian shillings) currency by entering your PIN. The daily withdrawal limit amounts to roughly $450 USD. Be sure to alert your bank that you will be traveling to Africa. Many banks will deem transactions made out of your native country as suspicious, and may lock access to your accounts if you have not forewarned them.

Credit Card

International credit cards (especially Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Thomas Cook) are accepted in most stores, restaurants, hotels, camping sites, lodges, car rental companies, etc. Many smaller stores will not have EFTPOS facilities, so it is generally better to carry cash.

Credit cards typically attract a 5-15% tax.

Traveler’s Cheques

Traveler’s cheques are not accepted anywhere in Tanzania.

 Visas & Passports

Entering Tanzania requires both a valid passport and a Tanzanian visa. While the information below is up to date at the time of writing, it is advisable to always check ahead to ensure visa processes or charges have not changed.

Who needs a visa?

With the exception of Hong Kong, Jamaica, Barbados, Malaysia, and roughly a dozen African nations; everybody entering Tanzania is required to have a tourist visa.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Tanzania, and is very much a part of the incomes of many people in the hospitality and tourism industry

Electricity and Electronic Devices

Tanzanian power outlets use 220-240V, 50Hz. If you are traveling from a country with a voltage less than 220V should check whether or not their electronic devices have a dual voltage power supply. If not, you may need to purchase a converter before leaving.

Generally speaking, most electronics (smart phones, digital cameras, tablets, and computers) work on a dual voltage basis. Electrical appliances such as razors and hair dryers do not. Tanzania uses the 3 pin ‘British’ plug, which is comprised of three square/rectangular pegs. Travel adaptors can be purchased at airports and at most larger department stores.

When on safari, it is advisable to bring along items that run on batteries. While most hotels and our Shadows of Africa safari vehicles do have power outlets in which you can charge your devices, in campsites or lodges that run on generators, you may not have access to electricity to charge your appliances.

Safety

Tanzania is one of the safest countries in East Africa, but you never can be too careful when you’re on the road. While safari areas are generally very safe, the country is no stranger to criminal activity. Like any other country in the world, there is always some risk of theft. It is advisable that you listen closely to your guide’s advice at all times, and that is especially true in some urban areas. Either leave your valuables (such as many, electronics, credit cards, and documentation) behind in your hotel room’s safe, or carry them with you in concealed inner pockets. Don’t flaunt your valuables in public, as this may draw unwanted attention to you. Pickpockets are particularly active in heavily touristed areas, so it pays to be cautious when in cities and areas popular with tourists.

It is always a good idea to make copies of all of your important documents and keep them in your luggage.

Rules and Regulations

Tanzania, like all countries, has rules and laws that need to be followed. These include

• ·         It is illegal to sunbathe topless;
• ·         It is illegal to urinate in public;
• ·         The buying, selling, and use of drugs is illegal;
• ·         It is advisable not to talk on the telephone while inside a bank;
• ·         It is forbidden to take plants, animals, seeds, minerals, archaeological finds, corals, ivory, or sea turtle shells out of Tanzania;
• ·         Without prior authorization, you should not photograph the President or certain public facilities such as military bases, airports, bridges, police stations etc.

 Dress Code

There is no dress code for safari, however it is advised that you were inconspicuous clothes in brown, green, beige, khaki, or other neutral colors so as not to draw attention to yourself or frighten the animals away. As driving distances can be quite long while on safari, it is advisable that you dress lightly and comfortably. With evenings able to get quite cold, it is also advisable to bring along warmer clothes.

Guests of certain lodges may also be expected to wear trousers and collared shirts for dinner (for men) or dresses (for women). Tanzania is a conservative country, so don’t dress provocatively.

Animals on Safari

You should never feed animals while you are on safari.

In addition to this, you should try to remain as quiet and still as possible so as not to startle the animals. Always listen to your guide’s instructions. They are experts when it comes to Tanzania’s wildlife, and will advise you how best to act. Never get out of the vehicle without your guide’s implicit instructions. It may appear safe, but you never know what’s lurking in the tall grass!

What to pack

Packing for your first safari can be a bit daunting. What do you bring? What don’t you need? Below you’ll find our recommended list of things to bring along with you when you’re on safari.

• ·         A backpack;
• ·         A warm sweater or light fleece;
• ·         A windbreaker or waterproof jacket;
• ·         Walking shoes or boots;
• ·         A long sleeve dress shirt and trousers;
• ·         Sunglasses;
• ·         Hat;
• ·         Sunscreen and lip balm;
• ·         Insect repellent;
• ·         Camera;
• ·         Binoculars;
• ·         Batteries and/or charger for your camera;
• ·         A flashlight or headlamp;
• ·         Guide books;
• ·         Phone and charger.

 

You may also wish to bring your own first aid kit. While all of our SAFARIS PARTNERS vehicles have their own on board first aid kit, it never hurts to be prepared.

 

• ·         Anti-malarial medication;
• ·         Painkillers;
• ·         Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites;
• ·         Cold and flu medication;
• ·         Anti-Diarrhea medication;
• ·         Medicines for dehydration after diarrhea or sunstroke;
• ·         Insect repellent;
• ·         Sunscreen and lip balm;
• ·         Eye drops;
• ·         Moisturizer for treating sunburn;
• ·         Antiseptic lotion;
• ·         Rubbing alcohol;
• ·         Bandages and plasters;
• ·         Scissors;
• ·         Tweezers.

You may also wish to bring along water purification tablets and any medications you take for any existing medical conditions.

Don’t let the above list daunt you. Many of these items are only necessary in extreme cases, but it’s better to have something and not need it than it is to need something and not have it!

Telephones and Internet

The international code for calling Tanzania is +255.

Almost all campsites and lodges in Tanzania offer phone and internet services. Internet cafes can also be found in most part of the country.

Cell/Mobile Providers

There are five mobile providers in Tanzania: Airtel, Halotel, Zantel, Vodacom, and Tigo; all of which offer roaming services. Mobile network coverage for both data and phone calls is quite good across Tanzania. You should still be able to access your phone while on safari, although some areas of the national parks do not receive coverage. You can buy prepaid Zain cards for $5, and you can even purchase cheap phones for as little as $10. Vodacom offers an unlimited data pack for your phone for 25,000 Tanzanian Shillings (approximately $13) that is quite popular as well. In emergencies, your relatives can also reach you by calling our telephone numbers or emailing us in the office.

Postal Services

The postal service in Tanzania is well organized. Sending and receiving letters poses no problem at all, however telegrams are less reliable. Most hotels offer fax, email, and internet services for guests to use. Stamps can be purchased at the post office, in souvenir shops, and in most hotels.

 

If you have any further questions about the visa process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. That’s why we’re here for!