Travel Guide Checklist to Tanzania
Pre-Travel Planning
Passport & Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date. Obtain a tourist visa ($100 for U.S. citizens, valid for 12 months; $50 for most other nationalities, 90-day single entry). Apply online for an e-visa or get it on arrival at major entry points like Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Vaccinations: Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country.
Travel Insurance: Secure comprehensive insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and activities like safaris or climbing Kilimanjaro.
Flights: Book flights to main hubs—Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. Confirm luggage limits (e.g., 15kg/33lb soft-sided bags for internal safari flights).
Itinerary: Plan your trip—safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire), Kilimanjaro treks, or Zanzibar beaches. June to October is ideal for wildlife and dry weather; November to May offers fewer crowds and lush scenery.
Currency: Bring U.S. dollars (post-2009 bills) for major expenses; Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) for small transactions. Credit cards are accepted in tourist areas, but cash is king in rural spots.
Health Precautions: Pack antimalarial medication, mosquito repellent, and a basic first aid kit. Tanzania has a malaria risk, especially in low-altitude areas.
Packing Essentials
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable layers (t-shirts, shorts) for daytime; warm jacket and pants for cool nights or high altitudes (e.g., Kilimanjaro). Conservative attire for rural or Muslim-majority areas like Zanzibar (long skirts, covered shoulders). Comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
Gear: Soft-sided luggage or backpack, daypack, reusable water bottle with filter (tap water isn’t safe), sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. For safaris: binoculars, camera, power bank. For Kilimanjaro: trekking gear (consult a specialized list).
Documents: Copies of passport, visa, insurance policy, flight details, and emergency contacts. Store originals securely.
Toiletries: Personal hygiene items, hand sanitizer, toilet paper (for remote areas), and a quick-dry towel.
Miscellaneous: Travel adapter (Type G, British 3-pin, 230V), headlamp, snacks, and a scarf/pashmina for dust or cultural sites. Note: Plastic bags are banned—use reusable alternatives.
On Arrival
Entry: Present your visa or “grant notice” (from e-visa) and vaccination records. Declare currency over $10,000. Non-residents cannot import/export Tanzanian Shillings.
Transport: Arrange transfers—taxis or pre-booked shuttles from airports. For safaris, rely on guided 4x4s with pop-up roofs. Roads can be rough; plan travel time accordingly.
Safety: Exercise caution in urban areas (e.g., Dar es Salaam) due to petty crime. Avoid walking alone at night; use reputable guides for excursions.
Culture: Learn basic Swahili (e.g., “Jambo” = Hello). Dress modestly in Zanzibar and during Ramadan (dates vary). Ask permission before photographing locals.
Connectivity: Buy a local SIM (Airtel, Vodacom, or Yas) with your passport. Wi-Fi is available in hotels but spotty in remote areas.
During Your Trip
Activities: Confirm bookings for safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs, or Zanzibar tours. Tip guides and staff (e.g., $1 for hotel help, 3-5% at restaurants, more for exceptional safari service).
Food & Water: Stick to bottled or filtered water. Enjoy local dishes like ugali or nyama choma, but ensure food is well-cooked to avoid traveler’s diarrhea.
Weather: Prepare for dry season (June-Oct) or wet season (Nov-May). Coastal monsoons hit June-Oct; floods may disrupt roads in March-May.
Health: Use mosquito nets, monitor for Mpox screening at entry points and seek medical care in Dar es Salaam if needed—rural facilities are limited.