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Tanzania

Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar…all these fantastic destinations packed into one country!

Resonating with hints of the wild and exotic, these four alone are reason enough to justify packing your bag and heading off to Tanzania. 

But the list isn’t finished…. Mafia and Pangani, once famed ports of call for merchant ships from the Orient; Selous, Africa’s largest protected area; Ruaha and Katavi with insider tips for serious safari-goers; Mahale and Gombe which are prime destinations for seeing chimpanzees in the wild.

Geography

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa, comprising both of the mainland and the Zanzibar Archipelago.  

A land of geographical extremes; Tanzania has the highest peak on the continent, Mount Kilimanjaro; the lowest point, the lake bed of Lake Tanganyika; and the largest lake, Lake Victoria.  Everything from pristine coral reefs to the crater highlands, remote game reserves and famous national parks which are protected by law and placed in trust for future generations.

When to go

October to mid-March are the hottest months, June to September are the coolest months, with the rainy season from mid-March to the end of May.  

The climate on the coast, the island and Selous Game Reserve is tropical.

What to pack

Take light, casual clothing (for safaris in the north), sturdy shoes and canvas hats.  If you are visiting Ngorongoro Carter take a jersey as it can get cold at night even in summer.

National Parks and Game Reserves

  • Ngorongoro Crater 
  • Ruaha National Park
  • Mikumi National Park
  • Saadani National Park
  • Selous Game Reserve
  • Serengeti National Park
  • Tarangire National Park
  • Mt Kilimanjaro National Park
  • Lake Manyara National Park
  • Gombe Stream National Park
  • Mahale Mountains National Park

Entry Requirements & Visas

Preferable to get visas in advance but they can be issued on arrival.

Luggage Allowance

The luggage allowance for international flights is 20kgs and for regional flights is 15kgs.  Airlines will not accept luggage over 32 kg or 900mm x 720mm x 450mm.  Plastic wrap your baggage, especially if departing from OR Tambo International Airport.

Charter Flights

Have a very strict baggage allowance of 15kg’s for checked in baggage (soft bags only) and one small item of hand luggage (5kg).  Anything above these weights will not be allowed.

Travel Insurance

If you need medical care whilst in Tanzania, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

Money

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the currency in Tanzania.

It is advisable to carry US Dollars, or major foreign currencies.  Traveler’s cheques can be exchanged in some places and major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels.

Local Time

GMT + 3 hours

Electrical Power

230V, 3 prong square (same as the UK) and a 3-pin round triangular plugs (not South African size)

Health & Safety

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for the mainland and compulsory for Zanzibar.  Take malaria prophylactics.

Public Holidays

01 January: New Year's Day
12th January: Zanzibar Revolution Day
26 April: Union Day         
01 May: Labour Day
07 July: Industrial Day
09 December: Independence Day
25th December: Christmas Day
Moveable holidays: Good Friday and Easter Monday
Variable Islamic holidays

Useful Addresses

Tanzania High Commission
43 Hertford Street
London W1Y 7FF
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 20 7491 3600

Tanzanian Embassy
2139 R Street NW
Washington DC 20008
United States
Tel: + 1 202 9396128

Submit an enquiry so we can assist you in planning your holiday to Southern Africa, East Africa or combining the beautiful ‘’Spice Islands’’ of Zanzibar in a tailor-made itinerary.