Everything to know about traveling to Tanzania: FAQ

Have you been planning a trip to Tanzania? If so, i have answered some highly frequently asked questions about Tanzania for you! 

I’ve compiled a list of the most common questions people ask about visiting Tanzania to help make your travel to Tanzania as easy as possible.

Read on to find out what you need to know before booking your next vacation!

Facts about Tanzania 

What is the population of Tanzania?

As of this writing, it’s estimated that there are about 51 million people living within the borders of Tanzania. It has a density of 80 people per square kilometer.

How big is Tanzania?

Tanzania has a total area of 845,087 square kilometers. If you’re looking at countries based on size, this makes it the 163rd largest country in the world .

What time zone is Tanzania?

Tanzania is in the Eastern Africa time zone which is equivalent to seven hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time or UTC. 

From California, Tanzania is 11 hours ahead.

What are some interesting facts about Tanzania?

Tanzania is home to the highest point in Africa: Mount Kilimanjaro which stands 19,344 feet tall and has three volcanic cones (Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira). It’s also worth mentioning that Tanzania is home to Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge and Lake Manyara which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Many people don’t know that East Africa is home to so many diverse cultures and tribes including the Gogo, Sukuma, Chagga, Masaai and Wachagga. There are more than 120 different tribes living within the borders of this country, but most people identify with either the Sukuma or Gogo tribe. 

Most famously, Tanzania is home to the largest game reserve in Africa: the Serengeti National Park which houses the famous annual migration of wildebeests and zebras that travels vast distances in search of food & water. It has become such an iconic event that it’s even depicted on the Tanzanian 1,000 shilling note.

Tanzania is also one of the few countries in Africa where wild lions can still be found, as well as black rhinos. 

Finally, Tanzania has a beautiful coastline consisting of stunning beaches.

What is the language of Tanzania?

More than 120 different languages are spoken across the Tanzanian Republic, but the official language is Swahili. 

English is also very important here, however, and is used in all government institutions. 

If you don’t know either of those two languages, then it might be a good idea to study some common phrases before traveling there.

Some simple Swahili phrases that are good to know when traveling in Tanzania:

Hello: jambo/hujambo/ salama.

How are you?: habari gani.

Fine (response): nzuri.

Goodbye: kwa heri/ kwa herini (more than one person)

See you later: tutaonana.

Nice to meet you: nafurahi kukuona.

Yes: ndiyo

No: hapana

Thank you: asante

Thank you very much: asante sana

Please: tafadhali

And of course…

Hakuna Matata.

Weather and climate 

What is the weather like in Tanzania?

The average high temperature in Tanzania ranges from 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). 

Although there is a dry season, there is still rain. The average monthly rainfall ranges from .39 inches (about one centimeter) to as high as about 11.42 inches (about 30 centimeters).

What is the climate in Tanzania?

The climate in Tanzania can vary depending on where you are going since it depends on whether or not you have plans to visit a coastal region, desert area, plateau or mountain range. 

However, if you plan your trip during December through April when it’s the dry season and May through November when it’s the wet season, you will experience a bit more stability and comfort.

Check out my post on the Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a complete guide on how to decide the best time to travel to Tanzania for the best weather, prices, and excursions.

What should I bring to Tanzania?

Any traveler could benefit from packing a small flashlight or headlamp for nighttime walks and excursions. Also, it’s important to carry some form of anti-bacterial hand gel. 

In regards to clothing, you should bring a few pairs of pants to be safe and comfortable in terms of temperatures, especially during the night. 

Also, bring a big floppy hat or two because the sun can get very hot.

Transportation

How can I get to Tanzania?

Tanzania has two airports that are most commonly used to travel in and out of. 

These include the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) near Moshi or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. 

The Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is the largest and most common airport used for travelers visiting here. There are multiple airlines operating here, but the most popular ones are KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Swiss International Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Delta Airlines and Kenya Airways.

If you’re headed to Zanzibar, it is usually easiest to fly straight into the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) located in Zanzibar, though flights to this airport are usually a bit more expensive.

What is the best transportation for traveling in Tanzania?

In order to get around when you arrive, there are many different ways you can do so. 

Traveling within Tanzania can be done by plane, train, private car hire (if you’re renting a vehicle), bus, boat, or foot. You can also opt to rent a car with a driver if you’re comfortable navigating by yourself and don’t mind the extra expense.

Depending on where in Tanzania your visit will be taking place, you might want to consider flying if the distance is short or driving your own personal vehicle if it’s longer than 300 miles (482 kilometers).

There are also compact shared passenger vans or minibuses called Dala Dala that connects different areas of Tanzanian towns, or from one city to the next. 

They’re usually a little worn out, but they’re dependable, inexpensive, and always running. A dala dala has no set timetable; they normally leave the bus terminal when they are completely full. The majority of dala dalas can be found driving down the street, filled with people, always playing loud music- they are really hard to miss!

Costs

What are the costs of travel to Tanzania?

Traveling in Tanzania is very affordable when it comes to budget airlines, although you can also opt for luxury or mid-range options. 

The cost of living varies depending on your lifestyle but overall there are no major expenses associated with traveling in this country.

What is the most affordable way to get to Tanzania?

The cheapest ways to travel between cities or countries in Africa include buses or shared vans. 

There may also be some ferries that run along the coast lines of this country but these can vary depending on where you are traveling from and to.

How much should I tip people in Tanzania?

Tipping is not compulsory and service staff do not expect it. 

But if you feel like tipping for good service, the standard rate is about 10 percent of your bill. 

It’s important to note that some higher-end restaurants will automatically add a 20 percent surcharge to your meal as a gratuity regardless of how good or bad service you may have received.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

Most international travelers do not need a visa if they plan on staying less than 30 days, with the exception of Kenyan nationals. 

Visas for countries such as the UK, Australia and New Zealand can be acquired upon arrival at JKIA (DAR) International Airport and cost $50 USD in cash. 

Visas for Americans and Canadians can be paid online in advance (~$100) or paid in cash on arrival. 

Food and Activities

What are some fun things to do in Tanzania?

Tanzania offers visitors the chance to see plenty of natural beauty within its borders such as Serengeti National Park, which is home to many different types of wildlife including lions, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes. 

If you’d rather relax along the coastline, you can visit Stone Town in Zanzibar where there are many beaches to enjoy. 

If history is your thing, then go see Dar es Salaam which was once a coastal city that flourished with trade back in the 18th century due to its strategic location on Indian Ocean.

What are some foods I should try when visiting Tanzania?

You should know that Tanzania is one of the most geographically diverse countries on the African continent, so cuisine changes as you travel from area to area. 

For example, Zanzibari cuisine consists mainly of seafood and coconut curry while Swahili dishes are primarily grilled meats and vegetables served with rice.

Some common dishes you might see and want to sample include Mchicha (an African salad), Ugali (cornmeal porridge) and Samaki wa Nazi (fish marinated in coconut milk).

What are the best things I should do when visiting Tanzania?

Some of the top places you shouldn’t miss if you plan on taking in all that this country has to offer include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Mount Kilimanjaro. 

You can also go to Stone Town in Zanzibar which is a beautiful city that offers several beaches and opportunities for swimming along its coastlines.

Culture 

What should I wear when traveling to Tanzania?

When you are traveling, the best way to dress is with comfortable clothes that still look nice. 

You will want to wear items such as tank tops and shorts during January through May since it can get quite warm there. 

However, Tanzania is a quite conservative country, and both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders in public. 

Women traditionally wear skirts, but foreign women are allowed to wear jeans or pants as long as they are not too form-fitting.

If you plan on visiting more rural areas or colder regions of this country, then consider bringing warmer clothing like jackets or sweaters.

How free are women in Tanzania?

Generally speaking, women are treated with respect in Tanzania. 

Although discrimination does exist against them, it is subtle and not directly targeted towards tourists. 

Tanzanian women are very proud of their culture which visualizes men as the protectors of women.

Health and Safety 

What are some things I should know before going to Tanzania?

When traveling or living in any location throughout Africa, there will always be a few things you should always keep in mind. 

For example, there are risks associated with going to certain areas because of the threat of terrorism and other crimes. 

It is also important that travelers make sure they have plans for how to get back home if something goes wrong during their visit. 

I always recommend registering your trip with your country’s Embassy nearest to you in whatever country you’ll be travelling in. 

For American citizens, this can easily be done online via their Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. 

The US Embassy in Tanzania is located in Dar Es Salaam and can help you in case of any emergencies while traveling in Tanzania.

If you plan on taking part in any kind of safari or tour activities, be sure they are reputable and you feel safe with them.

I hired local tour guides through Mashirima Tours during my trip to Tanzania. They were great and always made sure to keep us safe, and advised us against scams and things not to do while in Tanzania. 

I definitely recommend them if you’re planning a trip here and want the extra safety factor of having a local with you.

Is malaria a concern when traveling to Tanzania?

To prevent malaria, it is advised to take antimalarial drugs. 

It’s also important that you use insect repellent and mosquito nets while sleeping in order to reduce the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes.

Most hotels and resorts have mosquito nets installed surrounding the beds in their rooms by default in Tanzania. 

You can also find anti-malarial meds in most pharmacies around Tanzania, though it is recommended to take these medications before your trip, prior to your arrival in the country.

What are some common health concerns for Tanzania?

The main health risks associated with traveling in Tanzania are food and waterborne diseases. 

Make sure to only eat foods that are well cooked and avoid eating street food or purchasing any drinks from unlicensed vendors.

When it comes to drinking water, the best bet is to only drink bottled water in Tanzania. 

Is it safe to travel in Tanzania?

Traveling in Tanzania is like traveling in any other country. 

Tourists are not targeted for crime or harassment, but you should take sensible precautions to protect your possessions and avoid situations that could lead to violence. 

Scams in Tanzania are usually on the streets, but they can also happen at shops, hotels and airports. 

Is Dar es Salaam safe?

Dar es Salaam is generally a safe city to visit with an almost non-existent crime rate. It offers a few tourist attractions in town and offers a very good infrastructure for travelers.

Is Arusha safe?

Arusha is an extremely safe city to visit, rivaling Dar es Salaam in terms of safety. But like everywhere else, you should take care because petty crime exists and a few tourists have been mugged at night. Other than that, Arusha has a lot to offer for the traveler.

Is Zanzibar safe?

Zanzibar is generally a very safe island to visit with low crime rates. The beaches are beautiful and the atmosphere is very laid-back. Some scams do exist on the beaches, however, so proceed with caution when buying anything from street vendors in Zanzibar.

What are some of your questions about traveling to Tanzania?