7-Day Tanzania Wildlife Safari with Serengeti and Ngorongoro

The United Republic of Tanzania is a nation in central East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south. The country's eastern border lies on the Indian Ocean. The United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic composed of 26 mikoa (regions).

Required documents

A passport is required and must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure. A visa is required and costs approximately EUR 50.00 or USD 50.00 per person. The visa can be obtained at the Tanzania Embassy in your country or upon arrival at one of Tanzania's international airports, although this is not applicable to all nationalities. For a visa application in Tanzania, you do not need a photograph or a copy of a ticket, which are required by embassies.

Money

The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. You can bring cash in Euros, Pounds or Dollars and exchange it at the airport, hotel or lodge for Tanzanian Shillings. In many places, such as accommodations and souvenir shops, people prefer payment in U.S. Dollars, and you will usually receive your change in U.S. Dollars or Tanzanian Shillings at a normal exchange rate. In most places, credit card payments are also accepted. In bigger cities, there are opportunities to withdraw money from ATMs, but when you are on safari this is often not possible, so it is better to make arrangements in advance. When buying souvenirs in Tanzania, it is customary to bargain for a good price with the seller.

Vaccinations

When you travel to Tanzania, there are no mandatory vaccinations, but some are strongly advised.

DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio): If you were previously vaccinated, such as in childhood, one injection every 15 years is sufficient. If not, you should get two DTP injections at least four weeks apart before departure, followed by a third one after six months. Protection lasts 15 years.

Yellow fever: The injection must be obtained at least 10 days before departure. Protection lasts 10 years. If you are travelling to multiple destinations in Africa, proof of vaccination is mandatory.

Hepatitis A: One vaccination gives protection for a year and is best obtained two weeks before departure. If another vaccination is administered six months later, protection lasts 10 years.

It is also increasingly advised to include Hepatitis B in your vaccination list. Most of Tanzania is considered a malaria area, and you can take various anti-malarial drugs for prevention. Recommendations may change, so it is important to speak to a specialist for the exact information that applies to you.

By far the best way to prevent malaria is to make sure mosquitoes cannot bite you. We recommend bringing a good anti-mosquito repellent with a high percentage of DEET. For the tours we organize, it is not necessary to bring a mosquito net unless specifically stated otherwise.

Communications

Internet: Tanzania is a country where internet is available in many places, and using the web is integrated into daily life. At various accommodations, you can use a computer with internet, although the speed may not always be what you are used to. When you are really on safari, you should keep in mind that internet access is often unavailable.

Mobile telephones: In Tanzania there are three different networks (Safaricom, Zain and Orange), which together have created a fairly strong network. It is surprising that even in the Serengeti or other remote areas you can sometimes be reached by mobile phone. However, if you travel to remote areas, do not count on network coverage. In and around cities, you usually have excellent opportunities to make mobile telephone calls. When you arrive in Tanzania, you can buy a mobile SIM card at the airport and make calls in East Africa at a good price.

International calls: If you want to call abroad during your visit to Tanzania, it can be quite expensive, especially from hotels. It is often better to use your own mobile phone.

Currency

The official Tanzanian currency is the Tanzanian Shilling. There are coins for 50, 100 and 1000 shillings, and notes for 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 shillings.

The US Dollar is widely used, but may not be accepted in some establishments. It is also important to note that most businesses that accept US currency will not do so if it is torn or wrinkled.

Notes must not be older than 2006, as local businesses will automatically reject them due to a past counterfeiting problem.

Safety

Tanzania is one of the safest countries in East Africa, but you can never be too careful when travelling. While safari areas are generally very safe, the country is no stranger to criminal activity. Like any other country in the world, there is always some risk of theft.

It is advisable to listen closely to your guide's advice at all times, especially in some urban areas. Either leave your valuables, such as money, electronics, credit cards and documents, in your hotel room safe, or carry them with you in concealed inner pockets.

Do not flaunt your valuables in public, as this may draw unwanted attention. Pickpockets are particularly active in heavily touristed areas, so it pays to be cautious in cities and places popular with tourists.

It is always a good idea to make copies of all your important documents and keep them in your luggage.

Language

Tanzania has two official languages: Swahili and English. Swahili, which has its origins in Zanzibar, is the most commonly spoken language in both Tanzania and Kenya.

English is widely spoken; however, you may wish to bring a Swahili-to-English phrasebook to help with the basics. Locals always appreciate it if you know a little Swahili.