Why we love Tanzania
Tanzania draws you in through scale and sound. The low rumble of wildebeest on the plains, sails catching wind off Zanzibar, the crackle of campfire under wide, starry skies. The air smells of dust and salt; mornings glow gold across the Serengeti, evenings fade to the hush of the coast. It’s a country that reminds you how big the world can feel. This guide shares everything you need to know before you go.
Entry requirements
If you are a British or American passport holder visiting Tanzania, you will require a tourist or business visa for entry. The simplest route is via the Tanzania e-visa system, where you can complete your application in advance of travel. Single-entry visas are also available on arrival at major airports and border posts, though you may be asked to show proof of return or onward travel.
Multiple-entry visas cannot be issued on arrival. If you require one, or a type of visa not eligible through the online system, please begin the process at least one month before departure. Our Operations team can advise on the best route for your itinerary.
It’s important to note that your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date and have at least one blank page.
Please check the Government guidance if you are entering or returning to a country other than the UK. If you’re travelling from a different territory or unsure which visa you need, our Operations team will be happy to help.
Insurance
All guests arriving in Zanzibar must have valid inbound travel insurance purchased through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. This covers emergency medical expenses, personal accidents, baggage delay, theft, legal costs, personal liability, and repatriation for stays up to 92 days.
Inbound travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers, regardless of other coverage. It costs USD 44 per person and can be bought online via a QR code before arrival. You should receive your policy within 24 hours, along with an email confirmation. Download, save, and print your policy for your trip.
Make sure to have a copy of your passport bio-data page ready (PDF, JPEG, JPG, PNG, max 5MB) when purchasing. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival and have at least one blank page.
For questions, contact Zanzibar Insurance Company on +33 170 95 7025 or 0800 008 005.
Transit passengers who won’t leave the airport terminal don’t need this insurance.
Health and medical
We are not certified to give medical advice, but we always recommend speaking to your doctor or a travel clinic. They’ll have your vaccination history on file and can advise on anything additional you may need for your trip. We suggest referring to Travel Health Pro for up-to-date guidance on travel vaccinations and advice on bringing medication into the country.
It’s worth noting that Yellow Fever vaccinations are mandatory if you are arriving from a country with a risk of transmission. You’ll find more information on this via the link above.
Getting around
Internal flights can have multiple stops, so you may have a couple of touchdowns before reaching your destination. Schedules are announced on the day, and our local partners will inform you of this information and timings locally.
The e-tickets for your internal flights are provided to you beforehand and will also be given to you locally. You do not need to check-in in advance. Additionally, our team on the ground will meet you as you disembark and fast-track through airport security.
Baggage
Across Sub-Saharan Africa, there are specific baggage allowances for each country and sometimes even different airlines. Don’t worry, we’re on hand to make your packing as easy as possible.
See below for Tanzania’s baggage allowances.
Airline: Coastal
Type: Light aircraft
Weight allowance: 15kg (soft-sided recommended but not obligatory) – total weight including hand luggage
Dimensions: 76cm x 48cm x 29cm
Airline: Auric Air
Type: Light aircraft
Weight allowance: 20kg (soft-sided recommended but not obligatory) – total weight including hand luggage
Dimensions: 90cm x 65cm x 35cm
Please note that with Auric and Coastal airlines, it is possible to pay for additional baggage in advance.
What is a soft-sided bag? The aircraft require light bags as they are small planes, so you will need luggage made from flexible material e.g. not hard-sided.
Packing tips
Please see our What to Pack on Safari guide for our top packing tips for your safari adventure.
We strongly recommend that you carry overnight essentials and any medication in your hand luggage, particularly if connecting to an onward destination, in the event of lost luggage or delays.
Most lodges and camps offer laundry services with a 24-hour turnaround but note that almost all do not wash women’s underwear for cultural reasons.
Climate
Tanzania enjoys warm days throughout the year, with evenings cooling down – especially during the dry season (June-October) when nights can feel quite crisp in the higher-altitude safari areas. The heavy part of the wet season (March to May) brings warmer nights and consistently warm days.
Zanzibar’s coastal climate is warmer and more humid. Daytimes are reliably warm, while evenings stay mild and comfortable thanks to the ocean breeze.
Laws and customs
Here are our top tips for respecting Tanzania’s laws and customs. For more detailed information, see Tanzania’s official guidance here.
– Always carry identification – a copy of your passport and visa or permit. Immigration officials and police may request these documents at any reasonable time.
– Loud or aggressive actions, drunkenness, foul language and disrespect, especially towards elders, are likely to cause offence.
– Tanzania has a significant Muslim population, particularly along the coast and on Zanzibar and Pemba. Respect local customs, traditions, laws and religions at all times. Be especially considerate during Ramadan or when visiting religious sites.
– Dress modestly, especially in Zanzibar and Pemba. Women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops outside of tourist resorts.
– Same-sex sexual activity remains illegal in Tanzania (including Zanzibar) and is not accepted in its conservative society. Public displays of affection could lead to arrest.
Tipping
Tipping practices vary around the world, so it’s always best to check on arrival what the preferred process is. The below serves as a simple guideline to help you plan. Amounts are listed in USD, which is widely accepted and works well as a benchmark, though local currency may sometimes be preferred.
Safari guide: $20 per traveller per day (give directly at the end of your stay).
Tracker: $5–10 per traveller per day (give directly at the end of your stay).
Lodge staff: $20 per traveller per day (usually placed in a communal tip box).
Restaurants: Around 10% of the bill.
Activities: $20 per traveller for a half day, $40 per traveller for a full day.
Transfers: $10–20 per transfer depending on the length of the journey.
Money Matters
The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).
US dollars are widely accepted at lodges across Tanzania for both spending and tipping, though they are less common in smaller towns. We recommend bringing USD, but local currency can be withdrawn at ATMs on arrival. Debit and credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are also widely accepted.
Practicalities
Plug type: Tanzania uses plug types D and G: type D has three round pins arranged in a triangle, while type G – the same as in the UK – has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
Flights & time zone: The average flight time from London to Tanzania takes around 12 hours. Tanzania’s time zone is GMT + 3.
Languages: Swahili and English. Please find below a list of useful Swahili phrases:
Hello – Jambo / Habari
Thank you – Asante
Please – Tafadhali
Yes / No – Ndiyo / Hapana
How much is this? – Hii ni bei gani?
Excuse me / Sorry – Samahani
I need help – Nahitaji msaada
Where is the bathroom? – Choo kiko wapi?
Food and drink
Tanzanian food is simple, flavourful and deeply rooted in local tradition. Across the country, meals bring together grains, pulses, vegetables and spice, with regional influences creating plenty of variety from coast to savannah. Swahili cuisine along the shores and on Zanzibar adds an extra layer of coconut, spice and seafood to the mix. Here are a few highlights to try on your trip:
Ugali: A firm maize porridge and the national staple, usually served with vegetables, beans, meat or fish.
Nyama Choma: Grilled meat, often goat or beef, cooked slowly over open coals and shared with friends.
Zanzibar Pilau: Fragrant rice cooked with spices, often served with seafood or chicken.
Mchuzi wa Samaki: A coastal favourite of fish simmered in coconut milk, tomatoes and spices.
Samosas: Crispy pastry parcels filled with spiced meat or vegetables, a legacy of Indian influence along the coast.
Mandazi: Light, sweet doughnuts flavoured with coconut or cardamom, perfect with coffee or tea.
Tap water isn’t safe to drink, but bottled or filtered water is readily available throughout the country.
Keeping connected
Most travellers use a Tanzanian SIM or e-SIM. These are available on arrival at major airports, and our partners can assist with collecting one for you. The best SIM providers in Tanzania are Vodacom and Airtel. Alternatively, we recommend purchasing an e-SIM in advance through Airalo for seamless connectivity upon arrival.