Duma Safari

The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well-known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!

 

Entry Requirements

 

A visa is required for entry into Tanzania for most people. A ordinary visa (also known as a tourist visa) is used by tourists. This visa is issued at any Tanzanian embassy. It grants tourists/visitors the authorization to enter the country through designated entry points on the border, through airports and harbour stations. However, a person coming from a country with no access to a Tanzanian embassy or where it is reasonably distant shall be issued a visa at the entry points in Tanzania.
Usually European and American tourists can request VISA at the airport when they arrive. You fill the VISA form and pay cash. There are sometimes long queues at the airport, you can also request your VISA online at
https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/

 

COVID-19 ENTRY PROCEDURES

• All arriving travelers will be subjected to checks related to the coronavirus covid-19 according to the provisions of the local authorities (temperature control, use of the mask, etc.).

• As of January 12th, 2023, travelers entering or transiting through mainland Tanzania are no longer required to present a Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test or rapid-test.

• As of February 1st, 2023, travelers entering or transiting through Zanzibar are no longer required to present a Covid-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test or rapid-test. 

• Port Health Officials may randomly select travelers to perform a rapid-test free of charge. The Ministry of Health still advises all travelers to be fully vaccinated as per the approved vaccination schedule of their respective country. 

• Rules and procedures change frequently without notice, we ask travelers to make sure of the procedure in place prior to departure as these rules and arrangements are beyond our control and we cannot give guarantees on these procedures.

 

Banking and Currency

 

Currency

In Tanzania, the unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is divided into 100 Cents. Notes are issued in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Shillings. Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100,  200, and 500 Shillings.

 

Banking

Banks are open from 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday. Many banks are equipped with 24 hour ATM machines where you can only withdraw local currency. 

Credit cards and travellers checks are not widely accepted in Tanzania. Where they are accepted can high service fees and poor exchange rates be expected. Major foreign currencies - particularly US $ - are accepted in Tanzania and are convertible at banks and bureau de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. If bringing cash in US $, please make sure bank notes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage and are not older than 2013. Most banks offer higher exchange rates for US $ 100 / US $ 50 bank notes compared to US $ 20 / US $ 10 or US $ 5 bank notes.

 

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

 

Air: 

• Main airlines: Air Tanzania, Precision Air 

• International Airports: Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro International Airport 

• Domestic Airports: Zanzibar International Airport 

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Road: 

• Driving on the: Left 

• Tar roads: Yes 

• Gravel roads: Yes 

• Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 

• Car hire available: Yes 

• Taxis: Yes 

• E-hailing services: No 

 

Bus: 

• Inter-city bus services: Yes 

• Local city bus networks: Yes 

 

Rail: 

• Railway system: Limited 

• Subway System: No 

 

Water: 

• Ferries: Yes 

• Water taxis: Yes 

• Leisure cruises: Yes 

 

Health and Medical Information

 

There are not mandatory vaccinations visiting Tanzania. Yellow fever is necessary only if you come from an endemic area; connection flight is not taken into consideration if you stay inside the airport and connection time is less than 12 hours.
As requirement and regulations are subject to change at short notice, visitor are requested to contact the nearest Tanzanian Diplomatic Mission or Travel Health Advisor well in advance of their intended date of departure.

 

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

 

Food and water safety: 

• Can you drink the tap water: No 

• Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 

• Ice: No 

• Meat: Yes 

• Street food: Yes 

• Local cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences, offering a blend of Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Staple foods include ugali (maize porridge), nyamachoma (grilled meat), pilau (spiced rice), and chapati. Traditional dishes like mshikaki (marinated meat skewers) and samosas are popular street foods. Don't miss trying the Swahili cuisine with its rich seafood dishes. 

• Drinks: Notable local drinks include Tangawizi (ginger soda), Tembo (local beer), and Konyagi (a spirit). 

• Tipping: 10-15% 

 

Climate and Weather

 

• Annual rainfall: Varies by region, averaging around 1,000 mm 

• Average temperature: 25°C 

• Summer: 

• Average highs: 30°C 

• Average lows: 20°C 

• Winter: 

• Average highs: 25°C 

• Average lows: 15°C 

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing in national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro is optimal. 

 

Clothing and Dress Recommendations

 

Spring and Summer 

• Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 

• Lightweight warm clothes: No 

 

Winter and Autumn 

• Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 

• Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

 

General 

• Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 

• Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 

• Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 

• Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 

• Walking shoes: Yes 

• Casual: Yes 

• Smart-casual attire: Yes 

 

 

Internet Availability

 

• Internet cafes: Yes 

• Accommodation options: Yes 

• Restaurants: Yes 

• Cafes: Yes 

• Shopping malls: Yes 

• Public parks: Yes 

• Libraries: Yes 

 

Electricity and Plug Standards

 

• Plug Type: Type D and Type G

• Voltage (V): 230

• Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50'

* A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.