Tanzania travel information
Getting There
Tanzania has two international airports, in Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam. There are also domestic airports and airfields that connect major towns and safari destinations. Depending on your arrival time, you may need to spend a night in Arusha, located about 90 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Passport and Visas
You will need a current passport with two blank pages and six months’ validity from the date you return home. You’ll also need a return air ticket and a tourist visa. Visas can be obtained in advance online here: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa. Alternatively, you can get a visa on arrival, however this is long process, taking in excess of two hours.
Weather and Climate
Tanzania’s climate is predominantly tropical, with the the hottest months from October to February. Generally, the long rains or masika fall from late February to early May, while the short rains or mvuli fall from November to January. The coolest months are June to August, when the nights and early mornings can be cold. In high-altitude areas such as Kilimanjaro, temperatures can fall below freezing. Coastal areas are hot and humid, with an average daytime temperature of 30C, but sea breezes make the climate very pleasant here from June to September.
Getting Around
Most of our Tanzania itineraries involve light aircraft flights between places because of unreliable road conditions. Driving from place to place is possible with one of our private guides and a 4×4 vehicle, but keep in mind that road conditions can slow you down.
Health
Consult your GP or a travel doctor at least six weeks before you travel. You may be required or recommended to get vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A & B, among others. Malaria is present in Tanzania, so malaria prophylactics are recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for anyone entering Tanzania from Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and South America. You may be denied entry into Tanzania if you don’t have this proof of vaccination, so please carry your certificate with you and present to immigration.
Currency
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, and the US dollar is also accepted at many places. Credit cards are also accepted in cities and city hotels, but not in most safari camps.
Language
Swahili and English are the two official languages in Tanzania.
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