Tanzania Travel Advice

Welcome to Tanzania – the land of endless plains, majestic wildlife, warm-hearted people, and unrivaled natural beauty. At MbaliMbali Travel and Tours, we are dedicated to making your journey seamless, safe, and unforgettable. This practical guide offers everything you need to prepare for your Tanzanian adventure.

Is Tanzania Safe to Visit?

Yes! Tanzania is considered one of Africa’s most peaceful and welcoming destinations. With over a million tourists visiting annually, the country maintains a strong safety record. Traveling with MbaliMbali’s experienced guides and personalized safari service ensures comfort and peace of mind from start to finish.

Population & Culture

Tanzania is home to nearly 60 million people and over 125 ethnic groups, each contributing to a rich cultural landscape. Swahili culture is predominant, especially along the coast and Zanzibar. Tanzanians are known for their genuine hospitality, and your journey with us often includes authentic cultural experiences with local communities.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Most travelers need a tourist visa, which can be:

Applied online via the official Tanzanian eVisa portal, or
Obtained on arrival at major international airports and border crossings.

The visa typically costs $50 USD (some nationalities, like the U.S., pay $100). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date with at least one blank page.

MbaliMbali recommends arranging your visa in advance for smoother entry.

Health & Vaccinations

We care deeply about your well-being. Here’s what you should know:

A Yellow Fever certificate is required if you’re coming from a country with yellow fever risk or have had a layover of more than 12 hours in such a country.
Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus.
Malaria is present in many regions. Talk to your doctor about antimalarial medication and bring insect repellent.
COVID-19 testing or vaccination proof is not currently required, but regulations can change. We’ll keep you updated before departure.

Time Zone

Tanzania operates on GMT +3, with no daylight savings time. Here’s a quick reference:

London: +3 hours
New York: +7 hours
Los Angeles: +10 hours
Dubai: +1 hour
Sydney: –7 hours

Currency & Payments

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), though US Dollars are widely accepted at lodges, hotels, and with MbaliMbali.

Use new USD notes (2009 or later), as older notes may be rejected.
ATMs are available in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam, but limited in remote safari areas.
Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and lodges, with a possible surcharge of 3–5%.

Communication & Electricity

Mobile networks are reliable in towns and some parks. We recommend buying a local SIM card (Vodacom or Airtel) for data access.
Wi-Fi is available at most lodges and hotels.
Tanzania uses UK-style Type G plugs (240V). Bring a universal adapter and power bank for remote travel.

Language

Swahili and English are the official languages. English is spoken fluently in all tourist areas. A few Swahili phrases will go a long way:

Jambo – Hello
Asante – Thank you
Karibu – Welcome

What to Pack

MbaliMbali recommends the following travel essentials:

Neutral-colored clothing for safaris
Light jacket or fleece for cool mornings
Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Insect repellent with DEET
Binoculars and a camera
Reusable water bottle
Travel documents, copies, and a small first aid kit

Avoid single-use plastic bags — Tanzania has banned them to protect its environment.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly in public and especially in Zanzibar’s coastal communities.
Always ask before taking someone’s photo.
Public displays of affection should be minimal in rural and religious areas.
Tipping is appreciated and customary:
- Safari guide: $10–20/day per couple
- Lodge staff: $5–10/day per guest
- Porters: $1–2 per bag

Safari & Travel Tips from MbaliMbali

Drink bottled or filtered water only.
Avoid walking alone at night in cities.
Keep valuables secure, and use hotel safes where available.
Book all activities, transfers, and accommodation with trusted, licensed operators — like MbaliMbali.

We’re happy to arrange everything from airport pickup to private safaris, beach escapes, and Kilimanjaro climbs, all tailored to your needs.

Responsible Travel

At MbaliMbali, we support eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, and community empowerment. We encourage all guests to:

Respect nature and wildlife
Leave no trace on safari
Support local artisans and businesses
Choose lodges with sustainable practices

Experience Authentic Travel

Request a custom quote today and get one step closer to your personalized trip.