What Travellers Should Know Before Travelling to Tanzania
Passport & Visa
Travellers should have a passport with at least 6 months' validity and an available visa page. Visa requirements depend on nationality, so travellers should check their specific requirements before booking their trip. Tanzania offers an official online visa application system, and some nationalities may also be eligible for visa on arrival.
We recommend applying for your visa well in advance and travelling with a copy of your visa approval and travel documents.
Yellow Fever & Health
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk. Travellers should check the latest requirements based on their itinerary and previous countries visited.
Tanzania has areas where malaria occurs, so travellers should speak with a qualified travel-health professional before departure about malaria prevention and recommended vaccinations. It is also important to carry appropriate travel insurance covering medical treatment and emergency evacuation.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Your policy should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, baggage, and the activities included in your itinerary, particularly if you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru.
Safari Conditions
A Tanzania safari is an adventure in nature. Game drives take place on natural and sometimes uneven roads, and driving times can vary depending on wildlife sightings, road conditions, weather, and the location of your accommodation.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Our experienced guides use their knowledge of the parks, seasonal conditions, and animal behaviour to give you the best possible experience.
What to Pack
We recommend bringing:
Lightweight, comfortable clothing
A warm layer or jacket for early mornings and higher-altitude areas
Comfortable closed shoes
Sun hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Personal medication
Binoculars
Camera and spare batteries or power bank
Reusable water bottle
Small day bag
Copies of important travel documents
Neutral and natural clothing colours are recommended for safari, particularly for photography.
Money & Payments
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Major hotels and many tourism businesses accept international cards, although travellers should carry some local currency for smaller purchases, tips, markets, and places where card payments may not be available.
Internet & Mobile Connection
Mobile coverage is generally available in towns and many safari areas, but remote parts of national parks may have limited or no signal. Travellers should be prepared to disconnect occasionally and enjoy the wilderness.
Respect for Wildlife
For everyone's safety and for the protection of Tanzania's wildlife, travellers must follow their guide's instructions. Do not feed animals, attempt to attract wildlife, leave the vehicle without permission, or approach animals independently.
Keep noise to a minimum around wildlife and respect the natural environment.
Respect for Local Culture
Tanzania is home to many different communities and cultures. Travellers are encouraged to dress respectfully when visiting villages, cultural sites, and local communities, and to always ask permission before photographing people.
Domestic Flights
If your itinerary includes a domestic flight, baggage allowances may be more restrictive than on international flights. Soft-sided luggage is generally more practical for safari flights. We will provide the specific baggage allowance for your selected airline and route before travel.
Zanzibar
Travellers continuing to Zanzibar should check the additional entry and insurance requirements that apply to Zanzibar. Non-resident visitors currently need mandatory inbound travel insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation for their stay.
Most Importantly — Take Your Time
Tanzania is not a destination to rush through. Some of the most memorable moments happen when you stop, watch, listen, and simply enjoy the landscape.
At Tartaruga Safaris, we believe that the best journeys leave room for discovery.
Slow Down. See More.