Visitors to Tanzania must acquire a visa from one of the Tanzanian embassies or apply online for an e-visa unless they belong to a visa exempt country or eligible to obtain a visa on arrival. Citizens of some countries and territories can visit Tanzania without a visa for a period of 3 months. Diplomats and special passport holders of Brazil, China, India and Turkey do not require a visa to enter Tanzania. Nationals of some specified countries need to obtain a visa in advance as they need consent from the Commissioner General of Immigration.

ATMs are available in most cities and major towns in Tanzania and they are reliable and open 24 hours. All internationally linked ATM kiosks allow withdrawing Tanzanian shillings usually up to a maximum amount of Tsh 300,000 per transaction while some banks allow Tsh 400,000. ATMs in smaller towns often have a limit of Tsh 200,000 and a daily limit of Tsh 1.2 million.

Swahili is the official language of Tanzania. However, being a multilingual nation, English is widely spoken in this east African country. Other languages spoken in the country are the native languages of the various ethnic groups of the Bantu and Nilotic origin. Most of Tanzania’s population is confident in their mother tongue while the general populace has substantial knowledge of English. During the country’s British colonial era, English was commonly used in Tanzania.  English together with the Swahili language has been used as a medium of instruction in schools since Independence.beaches and the national parks.

Tanzania has four international airports and over 100 small airports or landing strips throughout the country. From the four, the 3 main airports which people frequently fly into Tanzania are:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (lies between Moshi and Arusha) (IATA code: JRO)
• Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) (IATA code: DAR)
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar) (IATA code: ZNZ)

Depending on which part of the country you are visiting, Wi-Fi facilities differ in terms of accessibility. There is no doubt that major hotels lodges throughout the country will have Wi-Fi or an internet connection. However, there may be no Wi-Fi access in the mountain regions such as Kilimanjaro, during safari trips or in the beaches or snorkeling spots. Some lodges may offer you a computer with internet access in case they do not have Wi-Fi facilities.

Our guides have satellite phones with them at all times. In case you are concerned about your well-being at the least coverage areas such as campsites or mountain peaks, we will never let you completely cut off with your family and friends.

Most of the phones that have been previously unlocked will work in Tanzania. It is to be noted that Tanzania uses GSM 900 and 1800 while USA uses GSM 850 and 1900. It is possible that your phone may not possess the correct frequency bands to work properly in Tanzania. Check the specifications on your phone before you travel. In the worst case scenario, you could buy a cool smartphone which is offered at cheaper prices by operators like Vodafone and Airtel

The local food in Tanzania is simple, filling and savory and they reflect both the nation’s history and geography. Having Arabic and Indian influences, the local cuisine of Tanzania is mouthwatering, exotic and uncommon. Listed below are some of the Tanzanian foods that you must try during your visit:

• Chipsi Mayai – Chips and Eggs
• Ugali – Maize porridge
• Nyama Choma – Grilled or roasted meat
• Mchuzi wa samaki – variety of fish curry
• Mshikaki – skewered pieces of marinated meat
• Mandazi – a small triangular sugared donut
• Pilau – seasoned rice (with variety of spices)
• Mchhicha – thick and creamy vegetarian meal
• Ndizi na Nyama – plantains with meat
• Vitumbua – fried rice cake
• Wali wa Wazi – rice in a mixture of coconut milk and water
• Zanzibar Pizza – pancake like version of the Italian pizza
• Mchemsho – special dish of vegetables like potato, green beans, tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant mixed with fish or meat
• Mahindi ya kuchomo – roasted or grilled corn

Tanzania has been frequently voted as the best tourist destination in terms of wildlife and safari tours. There are so many reasons to select a Tanzania safari holiday over any other countries in Africa and anywhere else in the world. Firstly, compared to other African nations, Tanzania is more affordable, less-crowded and relatively safer with an established political scenario. Next, Tanzania has the broadest ranges of wildlife on the continent and it is easily accessible for international tourists. The scenic landscapes and topography of Tanzania offers absolute beauty that doesn’t fail to mesmerize visitors at every bends. Safari tours are far from just exploring on dusty four-wheelers in Tanzania. A variety of options for stalking on animals include a hot air balloon ride and safe walking tours to see what prowls behind the head-high grasses.

Tanzania has multiple safari options regardless the time of year although most of Africa has dry and wet seasons that may affect wildlife viewing. One more reason to prefer Tanzania safari over others is the option to suit all budgets. Right from 3-day tented safari to a more luxurious 8-day trip, each trip has something to offer to all visitors. Also, when you are in Tanzania, you may extend a beach trip in the Zanzibar Island after your safari tour, which is added fun and leisure.

As stated earlier, Tanzania is a safe and hassle-free country to visit, in general. We recommend booking any of your trips with a registered local tour operator instead of opting to travel independently. As far as safety is concerned, it is advisable to take precautions and follow all government travel advisories to avert any awkward incidents. Terrorist attacks are rare and general crimes like petty thefts, street mugging and bag-snatching may be quite rampant in the tourist hotspots. For more details on safety issues, we strongly advocate you to visit the links below and read the travel advice published by your country:

Most parents may be wondering whether it is possible to trek with children in Tanzania. The simple answer is yes! Children aged 10 and above are eligible to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. However, you will want to prepare them very well for the famous climb to Africa’s highest mountain peak.

Do a proper health checkup of your child before the climb and take the necessary medications or vaccination if necessary. Make sure to insure for your kid’s travel and health. Get your child prepared thoroughly, both mentally and physically. You also need to take utmost care while selecting the required hiking gears and equipment to protect your kid from all weather conditions, be it rain or snow. It is very important to take your child on short hikes in your native country at higher altitudes to get acclimatized with thin air. The last and a significant one, listen very carefully to what your tour operator and your guides have to say regarding the climb.

It is not new when people talk about Mt. Kilimanjaro when you ask them about their experiences of hiking in Tanzania. For several obvious reasons, Kilimanjaro has repeatedly made headlines in the news while thousands of hikers have embarked to claim the summit of Africa’s highest mountain peak. Beyond the ever famous Kilimanjaro, Tanzania has other popular hiking and trekking opportunities which are all worth buckling up your hiking boots for. The following are some of the most popular hiking choices apart from Mt. Kilimanjaro:

• Meru
• Olmoti Crater – Ngorongoro Conservation Park
• Empakai Crater – Ngorongoro Conservation Park
• Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano – Ngorongoro Conservation Park
• Udzungwa Mountains
• Pugu Hills
• Empakai to Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano

Before taking up any of the above popular hiking trips, you need to know that all of these spectacular walks require a good level of fitness. Also, you need to keep yourself hydrated in the hot climate by drinking plenty of water and fluids. We do not recommend you going out without a professional guide.

Tanzania safari is safe, of course! When you book with an authorized safari operator, there is less chance that your trip could be messed up in terms of safety concerns. It is really very important that you choose an experienced and expert team of professionals to lead your safari tour. Crimes like petty thefts or robbery is quite common in the cities, so during your safari you will be out of city area. Incidents like thefts and bag-snatching or mugging can be actually easily avoided when you take a few safety precautionary measures.

To start with, Tanzania has a huge opportunity for family safari and beach holidays owing to the abundant wildlife, copious sandy beaches and a feasible logistic approach. There are so many choices of Zanzibar beach holidays in combination with safari trips without any long internal flights that makes it a perfect destination for kids and family. The enjoyment of the adventure truly flows between children, parents and grandparents in such a way that it creates a fond memory to cherish forever. If carefully planned and considered on several fronts while designing an ideal family itinerary, you are assured of fabulous Tanzania family holidays.

The African continent is blessed with abundant wildlife, birds, flora, and cultural history. Tanzania is such a country that has one of the best wildlife bionetworks. During your safari tour in Tanzania, you will most likely catch sight of The Big Five – Elephants, Rhinoceros, Cape buffalos, Lions, and Leopards. Besides, you will also get to spy on other animals such as zebras, antelopes, giraffes, African wild dogs, monkeys, apes, chimpanzees, hippos, wildebeests, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, and gazelles. Apart from the wildlife, you will also get an opportunity to see birds like hornbill, trogon, weaver, flamingos, flycatcher, secretary bird, tinker bird, and many more.

Yes, it is definitely worth visiting mainland Tanzania. It is such a diverse nation with endless exciting things to see and do including climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, visiting National Parks, Game Reserves, ruins, and spectacular beaches in Zanzibar Island. The red-robed Maasai culture and the wildebeest migration over the Mara River are something worth an authentic Tanzania holiday. When you are able to participate in the world’s most sensational safari experience, there is no doubt that your Tanzania tour isn’t worth it. Hot air balloon safari over the endless plains of Serengeti lets you float along the winds while you observe the beautiful scenery and countless animals under you. Tanzania has got more for you – it is definitely worth visiting the country once in your lifetime.

Because the lodges and camps are in remote areas of the country, theft is not usually an issue. It is important to keep copies of all travel documentation in case of emergencies. Keep your property safe and be aware of your environment. Even though crime is not very bad in Tanzania it’s best not to walk around at night. At your hotel there are safety deposit boxes in your room or in the managers’ office, use them.

As in many African countries there is a wide range of accommodation options in Tanzania and as such there is a wide range of pricing. From budget camps and bungalows to top of the range premier lodges there is something for everybody in Tanzania.