Want to explore the vast nature of Tanzania? Where desert safari meets tropical beach destination. Take the time to read AFC’s Ultimate Tanzania Travel Guide Before you go to Tanzania, especially its popular Changu (Zanzibar) Island.
You can also check out AFC Holidays’ Tanzania Tours to start planning your trip.
Language
The Local language is SWAHILI; Many locals speak fluent ENGLISH due to historical reasons.
What Weather to Expect
Tanzania enjoys TWO SEASONS throughout the year as follows:
• dry season (June to October): Ave. 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 74°F)
• wet season (November to May): Ave. 25°C to 27°C (77F to 81°F)
What kind of clothes to pack?
• March: Umbrella/Raincoat/Rain Bag(Waterproof). Rainfalls due to season change. *Rainiest Month
• All Seasons: Bring appropriate sun protection products i.e. sunblock for the body, face, etc.; Hat/ caps/ sunglasses; Light cotton garments; Comfortable walking shoes. Hair accessories and hats are more recommended than keeping hair styling tools. Bandanas and Buffs are also recommended.
Tanzania Religion
FOLK RELIGION, CHRISTIANS, AND MUSLIMS. Christianity takes a larger part of the population, next are Muslim and traditional folk religion practitioners.
Currency
TANZANIAN SHILLING (TZS) - USDs are still being accepted by larger tourist-accessible establishments. Smaller businesses will strictly only accept TZS. There are two version designs of TZS in circulation and they are both widely accepted.
This is commonly exchanged from USD and EUR. USD Bills made before the year 2006 are not accepted anywhere, bigger whole denominations like $50 and $100 have a higher exchange value than smaller denominations.
Exchange rates at forex centers or banks have varying rates. Make sure to explore to find the best rate. NBC banks are the most ideal for exchanges but they have a tendency to be closed from 12pm Saturdays to Monday mornings.
There are small Indian-owned exchange shops in smaller towns. These establishments offer after-hour exchanges and reconverting from TZS to USD. However, the rates aren’t very favorable. Keep all exchange receipts for easy reconverting.
Should you bargain?
Bargaining or haggling is expected by tourist souvenir stalls except for fixed-price shops. Markets and non-tourist venues will often quote at strict real prices so it’s rarely assumed that products bought at non-tourist venues are too high.
Just make sure to ask around how much is the average price of one product from multiple sellers to have an idea how much it could go for, or ask other tourists. It wouldn’t hurt to agree with a few quoted prices to support local businesses as there could be too many tourists asking for big discounts.
Should you leave a tip?
Most restaurants especially small local establishments do not expect a tip on top of the bill. Tourist venue restaurants, however, expect tips. High-end restaurants will have the standard 10-15% Service charge as well.
Safari or trekking teams normally receive tips after a successful excursion to give to drivers, guides, and other staff Taxis do not expect tips except in the instance of being a day / multiple-day hire.
How much is a day in Tanzania?
Minimum USD 50 per day or more depending on interest and choice of activity.
Power plugs and socket
Tanzania uses Type D and G power plugs at 230 Volts and 50 Frequency. Bringing power plug adapters is advisable.
Getting Around
You can get from one town to the other with the use of local buses. It’s inexpensive but a little risky as roads are a little rough in certain parts. Trains are the second option, they are also inexpensive but they’re rather slow and scenic. Good for the experience.
Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are some of the popular islands to go to. You can board a ferry to access these islands.
When in Dar es Salaam Tourists may also opt for ride-sharing or hailing apps like Uber. Taxis are fairly inexpensive on the island of Zanzibar, there’s a local app called Oyaa to book a ride easily.
Tanzania Travel Guide – The Checklist
Need Internet Everywhere in Tanzania?
You can buy SIM Cards straight from the airport. This includes Dar es Salaam Airport or Zanzibar Airport (Abeid Amani Karume International Airport). Be cautious of scammers.
Keep your passport ready when purchasing a local sim card. However, If you have no choice but to buy a passport outside the airport, there are some at the Darajani Bazaar at the Old Town in Stone Town, Zanzibar but be cautious.
Some of the more common options include Zantel (Zanzibar), or Vodacom (Dar es Salaam). Be cautious if someone claims to assist you with this except your local guide. Avoid being overcharged for your sim card.
Vodacom’s weekly rate may cost around 15,000 TZS (6.50 USD) including the sim card, cutting the sim card to fit, and 4.5 GB data with local call and text allowance. Zantel’s starting price could be 1,000 TZS (0.45 USD) or a weekly for 5,000 TZS (2.25 USD)
Tanzania Travel Guide to Medications
Prepare preferred over-the-counter medicines. Keep them in original containers with labels for easy identification. Moreover, try to only bring in small quantities (or as you find necessary) into a simple first aid. i.e. Diarrhea medicines, antacids, antihistamines, motion sickness, cough drops, decongestants, pain and fever relief, mild laxatives, bandages, and small antiseptic solutions. Along with your masks and preferred sanitizer.
Bring a doctor’s prescription for other prescriptions that you may have as needed and check for the allowed amount of quantity depending on your stay.
Now that you’ve read this Tanzania Travel Guide
You are officially ready to travel to Tanzania. Don’t forget that you’re always free to contact your AFC Representative if you have any more concerns before your departure! We wish you safe and happy travels!
You may also be interested in our recent post: Kenya Travel Guide Before You Go.
