Tanzania through the seasons
Are you looking for classic Africa? Most of the continent’s iconic landscapes are yours for the taking when you travel to Tanzania! Experience for yourself the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. In the cool, dry months, easily the best time to visit Tanzania, witness millions of wildebeest and zebra make their annual 500-mile trek during your Serengeti adventure. Or embrace the breathtaking views during a Ngorongoro tour. To finish? It has to be the mystical spice islands of Zanzibar! If you are more adventurous, you can easily get away from the beaten path.
Enjoy a number of smaller national parks, such as Tarangire and Manyara, with a special charm all of their own, as well as Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile river and the largest lake in Africa. Witness unforgettable sunsets on the mighty Rufiji River in the Selous. See elephants and antelopes cavorting at the beach in Saadani. Have close encounters with chimpanzees in Mahale and Gombe Stream. Venture into remote Katavi and Ruaha where you are rarely see another vehicle. At the end of your safari, relax at one of Tanzania’s beautiful offshore islands, where beaches take center stage and tropical coral reefs are shoaled by bright Indian Ocean fish. Bliss!
If you find yourself wondering is it safe to travel to Tanzania, you can rest assured that it is quite safe. Before you set out on your vacation, learn essential details about the culture of Tanzania and get the latest travel information from experts in our Tanzania travel guide below.
Health information
All visitors traveling to Tanzania from East African countries are required to produce proof of yellow fever vaccination.
There is a risk of malaria in Tanzania so anti-malaria prophylactics are strongly advised. It is prudent to always carry mosquito repellent with you especially in risky zones such as safari parks. Regions that are at an altitude of 1800 meters or higher, such as Mount Kilimanjaro or the Ngorongoro Crater rim, are malaria-free.
Dar Es Salaam, the capital, has good medical facilities in line with most international standards. However, the further inward you travel, the fewer the chances of finding appropriate medical facilities or pharmacies. It is recommended that you carry all prescription medicines with you.
Language and religion
Swahili and English are the official languages spoken in Tanzania, the former being the national language. There are also other local languages spoken in Tanzania among different tribes e.g. Maasai, Meru and Sukuma. Indian languages such as Gujarati amongst others are spoken among the Asian communities in the country. Most people learn their local language first and are introduced to English and Swahili at school.
About one third of Tanzania’s population is Christian, another third Muslim. The remaining third follow indigenous and other beliefs. The majority of the Muslim communities are found in coastal areas and in Zanzibar. There are some large Muslim majorities inland as well, mostly along the former caravan routes. Out of the Christian population, the majority are Catholics and Protestants whilst other denominations make up the remaining percentage. Other religious communities including Buddhists, Hindus and Bahá’ís also reside in Tanzania.
Currency and cards
Tanzania’s official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TSZ). Most popular tourist destinations accept payment in both TSZ as well as in USD. However, do remember that US dollar notes printed before 2013 may not be accepted and those printed before 2009 will be rejected outright. Even if you exchange your currency at an authorized money exchange, don’t forget to collect your receipt.
In Tanzania there have been some cases of card cloning at ATMs. In order to avoid these, please ensure that you inform your bank before you travel and after your return so that fraudulent transactions can be monitored and cancelled. Also avoid using ATMs that are not located inside or at the bank premises. Visa is the most accepted card in Tanzania although there may be a surcharge levied for transactions.
Our destination experts are happy to share more detailed information with you. Get in touch today with us for your tailor-made, obligation-free Tanzania tour itinerary.
Popular Trips to Tanzania
Discover the best of Tanzania on this customizable 17-day journey. Go on thrilling game drives through the Central Serengeti, Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks to spot lions, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, baboons and more. The region is also home to 400 species of birds, which makes it an amazing place for birdwatchers as well….
This nine-day tour takes you through some of Tanzania’s finest wildlife reserves. Keep an eye out for lions, zebras, elephants and more as you explore Tarangire, Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro.
Go off the beaten path on this luxury vacation in Tanzania, exploring the untouched wilderness in the far south of the country. Explore Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park in depth: enjoy morning, afternoon and nigh game drives, guided bush walks and boat cruises, accompanied by our experienced guides and trackers who know the…
On this luxury safari in Tanzania, journey into the lesser-visited, pristine southern wilderness in Nyerere and Ruaha. After an overnight stay in Dar Es Salaam, take a short, hour-long flight to the Selous, Africa’s largest protected wildlife reserve. The meandering waterways of this region are home to huge herds of elephants, buffalos, lions, wild dogs…
This is the quintessential African safari vacation. The 15-day tour takes you across some of the continent’s best game reserves in Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia. Buckle up as you set out on the safari journey of your dreams, with stops at Arusha, Ngorongoro Plains, Northern Serengeti, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and more. Bask in…
Discover the beauty of Northern Tanzania on this 10-day luxury tour. From the crowning glory of Tanzania, the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, to the diversity of wildlife in Northern Serengeti, the tour offers plenty of opportunities to quench your taste for adventure. Experience highland walks and bush picnics in Ngorongoro and gaze at the surreal baobab…
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Best Places To Visit
Serengeti (Northern)
Manyara & Ngorongoro
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Nyerere National Park
Ruaha National Park
Zanzibar
Best Time To Visit
The best travel time for your tour of Tanzania depends on the regions you visit, and what you wish to experience. Discover the climate and month by month highlights.
Things To Do
Great Migration, the magical Serengeti National Park, fascinating indigenous cultures, and the spice islands of Zanzibar – discover the top ten things to do in Tanzania.
Safety
Tanzania as well as Zanzibar, are generally considered a safe destination for travel. As with all other destinations, all you need to do is follow these simple safety measures.
From the Blog
Discover the best Tanzania safari for your African vacation with these travel tips from our experts.
Have you been dreaming of an Africa safari tour but can’t decide between Kenya or Tanzania? Let’s help you choose the perfect wilderness safari destination for your luxury African tours.
Bless the rains down in Africa! Pack your bags and get ready for the spectacular wildebeest migration across African parklands of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara with this month on month guide.
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