Tanzania Travel Guide

Are you dreaming of an African vacation? Longing to see firsthand wildlife you’ve only seen in documentaries? What better African country to visit than Tanzania? The cradle of humanity, home to the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Victoria. This amazing country has much to offer. Better yet, it isn’t as difficult to reach as you’d think.

We will cover all you need to know from planning your trip to how to pick the right safari tours and choosing your route up Mount Kilimanjaro. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Travel to Tanzania During the Pandemic

Tanzania was one of the the first countries to open its boarders to non Nationals of Tanzania during the pandemic. The country is open to tourists in 2021/2022 with some requirements in place.

Even if you’re vaccinated, you’ll need negative test results from a PCR test. They also require a Tanzania Health Surveillance Form 24 hrs prior to your arrival. You can find this form on the United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of Health’s website. When you get to the airport, they’ll take your temperature and do a mandatory rapid test before granting entry. The test costs $10 per traveler.

Passport and Visa

You’ll also need a valid passport and visa. You can get your visa at the airport, but you better prepare yourself for long lines and wait times. It’s much easier and faster to apply online for an e-visa. The current cost is $100. They’ll send you a pdf to print and bring with you to the airport.

Health & Vaccines for Tanzania

An important part of planning your trip to Tanzania should be to schedule a visit with your travel doctor or primary care physician. They’ll advise you on all the CDC recommendations and world travel alerts, making sure you are appropriately vaccinated for your trip to Tanzania.

Vaccine recommendations change, but the most common ones for Tanzania are hepatitis A&B, typhoid, and medication for malaria.

There is also the likelihood of contracting waterborne illnesses, so bring some water purification tablets and stick to bottled water. Avoid ice and foods that might be watered down, such as sauces or condiments.

If you plan on climbing mount Kilimanjaro, talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking Diamox to help with altitude sickness on the mountain.

It is advisable to get travel insurance. World Nomads is the most popular choice for U.S. residents. Whatever the cause, whether you were bitten by a dog or get in trouble while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, they’ll cover the cost of getting you transported to the right hospital, depending on the plan you choose.

Language in Tanzania

Tanzania is home to over 100 languages, but don’t sweat it. English is prevalently spoken, so you shouldn’t have much trouble getting around and communicating with the locals. However, you will get some respect for attempting to speak some basics in the national language of Swahili. Here are a few phrases worth learning:

• Jambo = Hello
• Asante = Thank you
• Asante sana = Thank you very much
• Karibu = Welcome
• Nzuri = Good
• Nzuri sana = Very good
• Tafadhali = Please
• Samahani = Sorry
• Habari Gani? = How are you? (What’s the news?)

Currency in Tanzania

Tanzanian Shillings are the national currency, but many tour operators, and restaurants will accept US dollars. 1 U.S. dollar equates to over 2300 shillings.

ATMs don’t exist on the mountain or in the national parks. Converting U.S. dollars to Tanzanian shillings will prove difficult along the way.So be sure to convert some money when you land at the airport at the currency exchange office.

Tipping is an important source of income for a lot of workers of the tourism industry, whether they be porters, guides or hospitality staff. Carry enough Tanzanian shillings (large bills and small bills) for tipping.

Plastic ban in Tanzania

The entire country has a single use plastic ban. So, while planning what to bring, leave all plastic bags behind. That goes for single use plastic water bottles as well. They passed the law in 2016 and it’s strictly enforced.

Best places to see in Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest single standing mountain in the world, the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the seven summits. It spans five climate zones from top to bottom and takes days to climb to its highest peak “Uhuru Peak” of 19,341 feet.

Uhuru in Swahili stands for “Freedom” and freedom is what you will feel if you choose to trek to the roof of Africa.

For climbing enthusiasts, this mountain is a must. Because of global climate change, the defining glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro are receding fast. It won’t be too long before they are completely gone.

Kilimanjaro National Park is a must visit in Tanzania even if are not planning on climbing the mountain.

However, if you choose to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, know that there are 7 total routes to choose from, ranging from 5 days to 10 days from top to bottom. Whether motivated to take in the full experience or to cram as much as possible into a tight itinerary, there are a few things to consider when choosing your route up the mountain.

If you want to reach the peak, you’ll need to be aware of altitude sickness. Ascending too fast and not giving yourself enough time to acclimate to the change in elevation can trigger headaches, nausea, confusion, lethargy, and even swelling of the brain. The longer the route, the more time you have to acclimatize, the more likely you are to reach the summit.

Even though some routes can take as little as 5 days, they may increase your risk of altitude sickness and as a result, decrease your chances of summiting and get back down safely.

Rongai, Machame, and Lemsho

The Rongai route takes 6-7 days and your chances of reaching the top are slightly increased. It straddles the side of the mountain bordering with Kenya. The next best bet is the Machame route. Providing magnificent views and hitting a 6-8 day climb, this middle ground hike has a higher success rate of reaching the top and will be the most crowded. Less crowded than Machame and considered the most beautiful is Lemsho route. It’s a 7-8 day climb, and less populated than Machame.

Umbwe, Marangu, and The Western Breach

On the Marangu Route you can stay in huts. However, the views are surpassed by the other routes. Umbwe is not for the feint of heart. It’s steep and difficult, as is the Western Breach. Both are reserved for the most experienced climbers with a resilience for altitude acclimatization.

Northern Circuit

Lastly comes the Northern Circuit. It can take up to ten days to summit. It offers incredible views and the least number of people on it. If you have the time, you’ll avoid the crowds, and you can take your time meditating on the quiet and unobstructed views it offers.

Choosing A Tour Operator

It is illegal to attempt to climb mount Kilimanjaro without a guide or permits. You have to choose a tour operator to climb the Mount with.

There are many companies to choose from. Some are locals to Tanzania and some are western companies with admin teams located in the UK, USA or Australia.

The cost to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is somewhere between $2000-$6000. The wide range in cost depends on several variables. The longer you are on the mountain, the higher the expense.

Some tour operators will be willing to take you up the mountain for less than 2 grants. However, If the price seems too good to be true, then it is. They are likely cutting expenses elsewhere in ways that could hinder your success and safety.

They may not be paying fair wages to their staff and porters, and might be cutting costs in their supplies. Porters rely heavily on tipping. So consider choosing a tour group that treats their workers fairly to avoid any mishaps.

An attractive feature some guides offer is updating their group’s ascent daily on Facebook or on their site. So when your phone is out of range, and it will be, your family and loved ones can check your progress. Different groups offer different incentives, so shop around before deciding.

What to pack for Mount Kilimanjaro

Most tour operators will provide you with a detailed list of gear that you need on the mountain. I suggest that you print a copy and outline gear that you need to buy and gear that you need to rent from the company you’re climbing with.

If you need recommendations on gear that worked well for us, I encourage you to check our packing list for mount Kilimanjaro.

Lake Victoria the pearl of Africa

Known as the pearl of Africa, Lake Victoria is shared by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. It is home to The Ssese Islands, an archipelago made up of 84 densely forested islands. It is considered the most dangerous lake in the world because of powerful winds and storms, unknown depths, and hard to spot craggy rocks. However, not without risks, a new ferry service offers passage to the largest of the islands.

Serengeti National Park

Begin your safari in the North Serengeti to watch the wildebeest migration under the moonlight. The geography of the Serengeti National Park amazes, ranging from massive rock outcroppings, heavily wooded areas, expansive savannas, spectacular rivers, canyons, and ravines. The Central Serengeti is perfect for catching glimpses of big cats (lions, leopards, and cheetah), as well as elephants, rhino, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, impala, jackals, and many more spectacular species. You can even visit Maasai villages and participate in their customs first hand.

Lake Eyasi

Lake Eyasi is a massive salt-water lake, on the SouthEast corner of the Serengeti, whose shores expand and recede with the rains. Home to pink flamingos and spectacular sunsets, surrounded with sheltering palms, violet mountains, lava rock, and white shallows. There are comfortable accommodations to be found with sufficient amenities. You could go off walking with a hunter gatherer tribe and visit their villages or enjoy the views from the pool.

Ngorongoro conservation area

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest caldera, 14 miles wide, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its high plains attract a wide range of bio-diverse wildlife, many of which are protected species. A hotbed of archeological significance, providing evidence spanning millions of years of human evolution. Home to wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle migrations, these highlands also exhibit elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos.

Lake Manyara National Park

For those who enjoy birdwatching, this lake attracts over 350 exotic bird species to its high salinity waters. Several accommodating lodgings offer safari tour groups, granting you the opportunity to take in the views, see tree climbing lions, and being surrounded by the magic of over 180 species of butterflies. This shallow lake is also full of hippos, crocodiles, and other wild creatures in both the waters and saline flats.

Tarangire National Park

This incredible park hosts high concentrations of baobab trees. Known as the upside down tree, these prehistoric trees are also called the tree of life. They’ve been around since before the continents split millions of years ago. Some baobab are thousands of years old. Need more reasons to explore Tarangire Park? It is popular for its large elephant herds even during the drier seasons. So if you can’t make the trip during the rainy seasons, Tarangire National Park is the place to watch the great migrations year round.

Zanzibar Beaches

Once known as spice island and referred to by the locals as Unguja, Zanzibar is situated off the Swahili Coast in the Indian Ocean.

Zanzibar is home to stunning Arabic architecture and a former Sultan’s palace known as the House Of Wonders. In the heart of Stone Town, this historic trade center is full of beautiful mosques, an impressive clock tower, and twisting narrow roads.

You can sit on powdery white sand beaches, explore some of the fishing villages along its shores, snorkel, scuba dive or go on spice tours. The choice is yours.

There are countless sights to see and adventures to experience in this breathtaking destination. So start a list of places you want to see, do your research on what tour groups to hire and get to work planning the experience of a lifetime. These tips are the first step to having a great time in Tanzania.