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Tanzania FAQ's
A compiled a list of the Tanzania Most frequently asked questions in general.
We have put together this in a short section to show you what it’s really like traveling to Tanzania.
Payment
We don’t charge any extra charges to a booking price listed.
Have a look at the section about what’s included in your program fees. Depending on the program you choose, you might be able to book add-ons.
Generally, visa costs and the personal expenses to your destination are not included in your program fees. We will inform you at the time of your application about the additional costs that have to paid.
We accept credit cards, but if you want to pay by cash instead, you should use US Dollars . Please note that US Dollar Bills should be not be older than 2009, as these will not be valid. For credit cards, you should bring either MASTERCARD or VISA.
Getting to Tanzania is not that cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. High end luxuries will cost more. Costs should include transports to and from the parks, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.
Book your trip early. Ideally, 6 months in advance and 10-12 months in advance if you want to witness the Wildebeest migration in Serengeti
The currency used throughout the country is the Tanzanian shilling. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted and there are many ATMs dispensing local currency throughout the country.
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Reservation
Prices are usually based on room-sharing however if you are looking to have a room to yourself, we can advise you on a single supplement cost.
Prior to booking please let us know what your accommodation preference is so we can ensure we incorporate this into the accommodation options.
Most of the lodges and camps are able to offer laundry services, at extra cost to yourself. In our Comfort style accommodations, please note that all laundry is done by hand, and drying relies on sunlight. Please only ask for laundry services when you are staying more than one night. This ensures that there will be sufficient time for your clothes to dry before you depart the camp.
This is primarily dependent on the type of trip you are looking at. For example Kilimanjaro treks will offer limited options compared to a luxurious stay in Zanzibar.
Tanzania however in general has something for all budgets. Whether you are looking for a budget trip or 5 star luxury it has something for you.
We offer Basic, Comfort, Comfort Plus and Luxury style accommodation options.
We only work with the best available accommodations in each category. Basic style accommodation is on public campsites, with shared bathroom facilities. In the other three categories, accommodations include private bathroom facilities. The rooms in these three categories are spacious, furnished with either twin beds or king-size beds, a dressing table and a wardrobe where you can store your luggage. Lodges and tented camps located within the National Parks use generators for power. Please note that although some accommodations have hot showers available 24 hours per day, others only have hot showers at set times in both morning and evening.
Weather
Tanzania has two rainy seasons, with the so-called ‘long rains’ from the end of March to May and the ‘short rains’ from late October to early November through to mid-December.
The Tanzanian dry season usually starts at the start of June and continues through until the end of October. After that, the ‘short rains’ begin from late October/early November until mid- to end December. There is then a respite from late December to Mid of March, and then the ‘long rains’ start at the end of March and last until May.
Of course, weather seasons can vary every year, so you have to be prepared for anything.
Health and safety
Tanzania is mapped by the World Health Organization as a low risk country because no Yellow fever virus has been isolated in the country. However, the abundance of Yellow fever vector and other favorable ecological conditions pose potential risk for Yellow fever if the virus is introduced into the country. Furthermore, being bordered with Yellow fever endemic countries has also increased the vulnerability of Tanzania being infected with the virus.
In order to conform to IHR, 2005 requirements and safeguard public health security in Tanzania, Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travellers arriving from Yellow fever endemic countries. This condition also applies to travellers subjected to long flight connection (transit) in Yellow fever endemic country for twelve hours (12hrs) or more.
Yes. With its tropical climate, there inevitably are mosquitos in Tanzania. Visitors should take advice from a medical practitioner well in advance of visiting, as courses of antimalarial drugs usually have to begin before your visit start. You should bring mosquito repellent and wear neutral-coloured/khaki clothes. Some accommodations will provide anti-mosquito measures such as mosquito nets or spray your sleeping quarters with repellent,Ministry of health
You can help to avoid these biting flies by choosing to wear neutral-coloured clothing (khali, beige, green, olive, light brown) as the flies are attracted to bright colours. Most people suffer no adverse reactions to the bites of these flies, but a few suffer from itchiness and swelling.
The tsetse fly are primarily present in woodland areas of Tarangire and in certain parts of Serengeti. They are most active during daylight hours.
Food and drinks
The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari and Kilimanjaro. You can also try mbege (homebrew from the Chagga people) or banana beer for something different! Imported beers are excellent too–the Tusker Kenyan variety being one of our favorites.
Whilst most companies offer water purification, it is recommended to drink bottled water during your stay in Tanzania. Bottles are readily available throughout your stay and are also supplied by Easy Travel for Safari drives.
Tired of eating the same old food all day? Get ready for some spice. In Tanzania, restaurants have a variety that will excite your taste buds and leave you feeling full without being weighed down by heavy calories-or cholesterol! The cuisine in this country is very rich due to its diverse geographic locations which also means there’s something here suited just about anyone who visits it: from foreigners looking for an authentic African experience; backpackers on vacation with their families craving Indian meals cooked over open fires.
Flights, insurance, and entry requirements
All visitors must obtain adequate travel insurance before they depart for Tanzania. Insurance policies must be comprehensive, covering for any reason, medical evacuation, cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.
Several airlines fly directly into Tanzania, either daily or three times per week. Among those with direct flights are KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Condor Charter Flight and Rwandair which fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. Other airlines such as Emirates, South African Airways, Etihad Air and EgyptAir fly into Dar es Salaam International Airport daily.
Yes. The luggage limit, including hand luggage, is 15kgs. The only exception is where an airline uses ATR aircraft on flights between Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam: on such flights there is a 20kg weight limit.
Tanzania
A visa is required when travelling to Tanzania from the United States and Canada. Currently, this can be obtained at arrival airports and border crossings and is valid for 90 days. A valid passport is mandatory. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tanzania.
The best time to travel to Tanzania is from June to October when the country is at its driest.
With an immense range of wildlife, beautiful beaches and much more there is something the whole family will love in Tanzania! Beaches, game reserves, and world-class national parks and accommodations all await.
Homosexuality is illegal in Tanzania, including the Zanzibar Archipelago. As in much of Africa, public displays of affection, regardless of orientation, are frowned upon and homosexuality is a cultural taboo. LGBTQ travellers who choose to visit Tanzania should exercise discretion and be aware of local sensibilities while in the country.
The official languages of Tanzania are English and Swahili.
The East African mobile operator, Tigo Tanzania has revealed their offering to 10 million subscribers to freely use the instant messaging platform, WhatsApp. The platform is now free in Tanzania. Tigo had in the past introduced zero-rate access to Facebook in Swahili, the ethnic language of Tanzania.
About Nihapa Tours
We are experienced travel consultants, well-versed in the leisure and travel business.
We offer Luxury safari and Beach vacation trips to Tanzania and Zanzibar, Camping safari, and Adventure trips to Serengeti and Kilimanjaro.
At Nihapa Tours, we really care. We care about our visitors, we care about safety, we care about our guides, and all our staff. We care about Tanzania, its wildlife and the environment. And we love what we do, we want to be the very best!