Tanzania Travel Guide

Hello to the beginning of your adventure in Tanzania. You have already tapped into this guide because the beckoning call of Tanzania is already on your ear. I can relate to that–the excitement of the prospect of the open savannah and the smoldering, spicy hint of the Indian ocean. Calm down, I am telling you: everything that excitement, that little surge of nerves about planning? It’s completely worth it. You are going to experience the journey of life. I can relate to that world flight vibes and the anticipation of a new land.

Maybe, as I have been informed, there was an idea of Africa being a complex destination, or maybe even an underestimated one, like myself. To be honest, I cannot pass straight saying that Tanzania is not only a destination, but also a lesson that teaches you a lot about life and makes you come back home writing only good things about the people of the country. It impressed me, opened my eyes to a new perspective of the world, and that is why I am forever grateful.

Disregard the slick brochures and the limiting agency packages, momentarily. Here is your own guide, a pocket-sized, tell-you-like book, on my own experience, to guide you in making your own plans of this wonderful trip. We will discuss not only when is best time to travel to Tanzania but also how to save your pennies, but all that will be written in easy words and with the utmost love to this beautiful part of the world.

Now pack bags, have your heart set.

1.Best Time to Visit: The Migration and Chasing the Sun.

When one makes the decision to come to Tanzania, everything depends on what one wants to see. This superb nation follows two different dry seasons with two rainy seasons in between. Knowledge of this rhythm is fundamental to the maximisation of the trip, with particular reference to safaris. This section answers the question, when is best time to travel to Tanzania.

The High Season, the Long Dry Spell (June to October): This is arguably the best period to be at and the best reason. The climate is moderate, arid and dependable.

•  Safari Perfection: There is no rainfall and hence plants are few and far between and the wildlife is very easily visible since the animals become closely clustered around dwindling water sources. Most importantly, July through September is the best time to view the dramatic river crossing of the great Wildebeest Migration in the north of the Serengeti, life changing event.
• Beach Bliss: It is the ideal time of the year as far as the weather in Zanzibar is concerned. It is sun-swept, under humid weather and the diving conditions are good.
• The Catch: Prices and number of fellow travellers will be more expensive. When you want to go out on such a trip, you should not only book your room in advance but also quite a long time before you travel, say a year before you travel!

Green Season and Short Dry Spell (Jan to February):

And when you want green scenery, fewer people, and the wonder of the new life, this brief dry season, after the brief rains, is also really special.

•  Nursery: January, February- Calving season in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu Plains). Watching the wildebeest calves as they make their first steps, frequently in the presence of the active, alert predators is a most rewarding and very unique experience.
•   Photography & Value: The landscape is green and colourful and provides great contrasts to photography. During hot seasons, the prices are marginally lower as compared to the main high season.
  
  

Rainy Seasons (March to May and November to December):

•  Long Rains (Masika): March to May is a period that has consistent heavy rainfall. The tourist numbers (and prices are reduced considerably, but at the same time the humidity is the greatest, and the roads to the parks located in the south become challenging, as a result of which some lodges are closed. I will usually recommend not to visit the months of April and May unless you are a serious and cost-conscious birder.
•  Short Rains (Vuli): November and December have brief, and in most cases afternoon showers. Most of them tend to be short and not too disruptive to the safari activities. The scenery soon revitalises, and it is a pleasant period to be in before the Christmas onslaught.
  

My advice? In the traditional safari and beach mix, the best month would be between July and September. When you have a much stricter budget and you are after unmatched wildlife spectacle, plan to shoot in January or February during the calving. For more specific seasonal breakdowns, consult a thorough Tanzania Travel Guide. When is best time to travel to Tanzania really depends on what spectacle you wish to witness.

2. Visa and Paperwork: your Golden Ticket on the Plains.

Now we shall address the required bureaucracy. In order to enter Tanzania (mainland and Zanzibar) a visa is required when on a tourism basis and you are required to possess a passport that has not gone out of date and has at least six months of remaining validity on the date of entry. You may be wondering, do I need a visa for Tanzania from UK? The answer is yes, like most nationalities, you will.

The Tourist Visa: The normal tourist visa is priced at 50 USD and can be used within 90 days.

How to Obtain It:

•  Recommended (E-Visa): The formal way of doing it is online application at the official Government Immigration site, preferably at least 10 days prior to travelling. This provides peace of mind. Make sure you check the latest requirements in any reliable Tanzania Travel Guide. Again, for those asking do I need a visa for Tanzania from UK, the e-visa is the smoothest process.
• Visa on Arrival: Although possible, especially at large points of entry (such as Kilimanjaro (JRO), Dar es Salaem (DAR), or Zanzibar (ZNZ)) it is rather risky and can result in a long queue and tense situations immediately after a long flight. I am a great advocate of the process being done online first.
• Official Resource: For the most up-to-date information on visa policy and application procedures, you should always check the Tanzania’s Official Tourism Information.

Forget the Health Insurance: Airport officials always do not examine this, but in order to obtain any kind of certification in the country, it is necessary to obtain an International Health Insurance Certification and, quite honestly, such a certification is needed. Believe me; a good medical coverage in terms of medical costs and urgency repatriation cannot be compromised in such a remote area. Personally, I make sure that in my policy, there is a coverage of air ambulance transfer- the fee is worth a lot of peace of mind. Do I need a visa for Tanzania from UK is a frequently asked question, but securing insurance is just as important as the visa itself.

3. Traveling: Airline and the Price of Adventure.

There is no denying flights to Tanzania are not low-cost. They tend to be one of the highest budgetary expenses, particularly the one provided by or in the UK or Europe. My flight back was approximately Euro 1100 and therefore, you should be ready to spend a large amount of money in this. You’re likely asking how much are flights to Tanzania.

• Mainland vs. Zanzibar: A Safari Trip will generally start at either Dar Es Salaam (DAR) or Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) for the Mainland portion of your trip, or at the Beach Destination (Zanzibar, ZNZ) if you Booked for Beach Time.
• Zanzibar Bonus: Zanzibar (ZNZ) often has the lowest fare of All Direct Flights to Tanzania. Most of the time, it will save you One (1) or More (2) connections if you choose to start your Trip from the Island. Therefore, your choice of Airport will have a major impact on how much you will pay for flights to Tanzania.
• Internal Travel: The short hop flights within the mainland and Zanzibar within, or to the airstrips of the national parks are covered by local carriers once they are in Tanzania. They are effective but will create an addition to your total expense. Consideration should be given to how long is flight to Tanzania . Most options from Europe will have at least one stop and, as a result, your total travelling time will be much higher than if you only took the direct flight portion of your journey.

4. The Price of Paradise: Wild Budgeting.

The biggest myth that I wish to clear to your mind is that travel in mainland Africa is inherently cheap. It is not, the sections that target foreigners in particular (Muzungu). Local living is exceptionally cheap, you can get mangoes at a nickel, local buses almost free, but anything that can be described as being a tourism activity is costly. The Safari Shock: The biggest villain are the Safari prices. They are usually around 300 USDs per head per night on camping holiday safaris alone. When you choose mid-range or luxury lodges within the parks, it will soon triple that price. Price includes the park fees (they are very expensive), vehicle rental, gasoline, and the knowledge of the guide. This section of the Tanzania Travel Guide focuses on cost.

Money and Currency Management:

•  Currency: The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. Whereas US Dollars are quoted and considered in the purchase of high value items such as safaris and hotels, the transaction of local purchases in Shillings is always cheaper. And you will receive horrible exchange rates in case you attempt to use Dollars or Euros in a local market.
• Cash is King: Big, tourist oriented hotels and resorts accept credit cards, however, not much of the rest. In the case of taxis, markets, local meals and small shops you require cash. Carry sufficient Euros/Dollars to exchange at a recognised exchange office/bank on arrival.
• ATMs: ATM is found in bigger towns such as Dar es Salaem, Arusha, and Stone Town and they take major cards (Visa/Mastercard). I would recommend drawing a big amount as one withdrawal since there would be several overseas withdrawal charges.

 5. My Safari Guide: Traveling Local and Sleeping in the stars.

The most complicated and at the same time the most fulfilling part of the trip was planning my personal safari. This part of the Tanzania Travel Guide is essential for adventurers.

•  Do It Yourself (Mostly): You do not require a foreign and expensive travel agency. Then organise your destinations (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) and dates and go to local Tanzanian agencies. They are less expensive and you experience a much more local economy experience.
• The Group Power: When you are riding alone or in a couple, you may want to hire a small group to go on the safari vehicle with you. The best option available to lower the cost dramatically (between $300 and something more manageable) is to divide the cost of the vehicle and guide.
• Go Tenting: When money is an issue, visit in a tented camp and not a luxurious lodge. Still, tented camps remain wonderfully comfortable, much cheaper and, in my estimation, much more immersive. Nothing is like hearing a lion roar right outside your canvas wall!

Wildlife destinations that should be visited:

•  Serengeti National Park: the size of the savannah is enormous. It is the birthplace of the Great Migration with endless plains and ensured drama.
  
•  Ngorongoro Crater: A World Heritage site. This is an enclosed ecosystem that is naturally caldera which houses wildlife that is very concentrated and easily observed including the Black Rhino, which is endangered.
  

6. Health and Safety: Safeguard Your Tour.

Tanzania is a vast and wild land, and good preparation is paramount. This section of the Tanzania Travel Guide covers crucial health details.

• Prophylaxis Antimalarial: Malaria is endemic in the mainland. Although this is not compulsory, antimalarial prophylaxis is highly advisable. Discuss with your doctor what is the best choice; I took Lariam at last, after much deliberation and you should know about the side effects and you should also question your GP on the others such as Malarone.
• Vaccinations: You should explain to your local travel clinic in your official opinion, but usually, they advise that you have: Hepatitis A and B (HAV, HBV), Typhoid, and that your Anti-tetanus is up to date.
• The Mosquito Battle: Day and night, apply an insect repellent of high quality that contains not less than 50% of DEET. This plays a crucial role as a preventive of malaria and dengue fever.
•  The Intestinal Fortress: The gastrointestinal troubles are prevalent. Carry a small pharmacy: broad-spectrum antibiotics, intestine decontaminants (such as Rifaximin), anti-diarrheals and lots of rehydration salts. It is a good practice to stock your gut flora with a probiotic supplement over a couple of weeks before you travel and during the trip.
  
  

7. The Island Rhythm: When It Is Time to replace Savannah with Sand.

As noted, Zanzibar weather is normally the same as during the best weather of the safari; June through October. The second-best season is the hot and sunny January-February. This is another opportunity to confirm when is best time to travel to Tanzania for beach lovers.

•  Coastal Calm: The weather is hot and humid all the year round but the dry seasons are heavenly. The warmest sea water and the best diving and snorkelling waters are found in the clear turquoise waters.
  

•  What Not to do: The rains in April and May are hefty on the island and the moisture levels are inexorable. There are chances that some smaller operations will die down and the beach experience will be affected. The general consensus in this Tanzania Travel Guide is to avoid the long rains.

8. Island Living Tips: Exploring Real Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is better suited to independent travellers than there are large all-inclusive hotels on the mainland, but I suggest taking a different approach.

•   Stay Outside of The Hotel Resort: Staying in smaller local-style hotels, B&Bs, or Boutique Hotels will provide you with a more immersive experience of the Zanzibari culture and connect you to the island’s authentic experience while also giving you a more affordable way to spend time on the island. Locally owned guesthouses are usually cheaper than large chain hotels, and they typically offer much more intimate surroundings and personal service. You’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful cliffs and pristine beaches.
•  Eat Local: You should definitely eat outside of the resorts! Restaurant prices within the resort are higher than those found outside of the resort (and often serve the same types of generic foods); however, if you go to the local towns and villages of Zanzibar, you will have access to inexpensive, freshly caught seafood, traditional Zanzibari-Swahili food, and dishes created with the renowned local spices. Always trust a good reviews Tanzania Travel Guide for food recommendations.
• Stone Town: This city is a great place to visit, don’t miss out on exploring all of the little streets and alleys! You will see a lot of different types of buildings and shops that were built and designed by people from other countries such as India, Oman, and Europe, so it is definitely worth checking out. The area is full of historic places and it is very safe to explore. There is also a night food market at the Forodhani Gardens that you can go to for an exciting experience with all of the food you can try.  Consider how long is flight to Tanzania if you plan to start your trip here; flying directly to ZNZ can sometimes save you a stop.
• Beaches North and South: If you are into having lots of activities going on and watching sunsets at the beach, then go to Nungwi (which is in the North). If you want something more low-key and would like to do something like kitesurfing, go south toward Paje and Jambiani.
  
  

Have a great trip to Tanzania! I hope this Tanzania Travel guide makes you feel ready to enjoy your trip! Tanzania is amazing. It’s filled with amazing experiences, like watching animals migrate in the Serengeti or walking through the narrow streets of Stone Town, which are full of spices. You’ll see things that will change how you think about your life and the world around you. Have a good time, relax, and enjoy being out in nature! Enjoy every minute of your holiday in Tanzania!

For the most up-to-date travel regulations, visa policies, park fees, and government-verified tourism information, you can also check the Tanzania Tourist Board’s official website.