Tanzania Travel FAQs

We suggest experiencing Tanzania in all seasons. That said, the best time for a safari in Tanzania — or for trekking Kilimanjaro and the other mountains — is the dry season (late June to October), when the climatic conditions are excellent, with clear skies and very little humidity.

Tanzania is a safe country to travel in. Tanzanians are warm-hearted, generous people who are eager to help and assist visitors. As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken — lock valuables in the hotel safe, don’t carry a lot of camera equipment (especially in the major cities), don’t wear too much jewellery, and don’t carry large amounts of cash on your person.

Your guides will monitor your safety in the cities and in the game areas. From time to time, generalised travel statements are issued concerning travel conditions in the area.

It is best to drink bottled water when travelling through Tanzania — numerous brands are widely available and served in all restaurants and lodges. Steer clear of ice, raw vegetables and salads when eating at street restaurants. High-end lodges and restaurants clean their produce in an antiseptic solution, but to be on the safe side, fruit and vegetables should always be washed and peeled.

Try to avoid eating in empty restaurants — the food may have been sitting out for some time — and order your meat well done. On the coast, seafood and fish are usually fresh, but make sure everything is well cooked.

The food served in safari camps and lodges varies but is tasty and delicious. Cooks bake fresh breads and produce soups, salads and mains that could easily grace tables at top restaurants around the world. Meals are international in flavour, with soups, salads, cold meats, pasta, meat and fish dishes, and breads. Your day normally starts with tea and biscuits before your morning activity.

Returning to your lodge or camp late morning, you enjoy brunch — cereals, fruit, bacon, eggs, sausage and toast. Buffet lunches are typical, with a warm dish such as stew served alongside salads, quiches and cold meats. Dinner is an appetiser followed by meat, fish and pasta dishes with assorted vegetables and sauces, then coffee or tea, cheeses and desserts.

In Tanzania’s towns and villages the food is usually simpler. Plain grilled meat, nyama choma, is very popular, often served with sauce, rice, chips or ugali (cornmeal). Indian cuisine is also widespread. The locally brewed beer is good — Serengeti, Safari, Kilimanjaro, mbege (a Chagga homebrew) and banana beer — and imported beers and wine are excellent too.

Tanzania is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). Tanzania does not operate daylight saving time, so there is no time difference between the summer and winter months.

The international dialling code for Tanzania is +255, followed by the applicable area code (for example, 22 for Dar es Salaam or 27 for Arusha). Calling out from Tanzania, you dial 00 plus the relevant country code (44 for the UK, 1 for the USA).

The official currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), divided into 100 cents. Notes are issued as TSh 10,000; 5,000; 1,000; 500; 200 and 100. Coins are issued as TSh 100; 50; 20; 10; 5 and 1.

The tourism industry prices everything in US dollars, and they are the preferred currency. Major currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns, and foreign-exchange bureaux usually offer a better rate on traveller’s cheques than the banks do. ATMs are available in major cities only. Major lodges, some hotels and travel agents in urban areas accept credit cards, but these should not be relied on and can incur a surcharge of up to 10%.

You will need very little spending money on most safaris, as the majority of meals and activities are included in your package cost. Most people carry between $50 and $100 per person per day for all expenses. Bills may be settled by US cash, traveller’s cheque, or credit card (accepted at most lodges, camps and hotels).

Credit cards can be used in large towns at restaurants and shops, with MasterCard and Visa the most widely accepted. However, use may be restricted in small towns and country areas, and non-existent in small retail shops. We recommend bringing US dollars in cash — change USD at the airport or a bank on arrival. USD cash is accepted in most tourist areas and can be used for tips.

Officially, Tanzania has reported no cases of Ebola or suspected Ebola.

Travellers arriving in Tanzania from countries with a high risk of yellow fever are required to have a vaccination before arrival. This is to prevent an outbreak. Check your own route carefully — a stopover in an at-risk country can trigger the requirement.

The public toilets on Kilimanjaro are basic long-drops. Fortunately, we provide private toilets as standard on all our climbs — a chemical toilet in a small tent, kept clean and hygienic by our crew. Much better than the public loos.

The Tanzanian mainland has a tropical climate, while the coastal areas are hot and humid and the north-western highlands are cool and temperate. There are two rainy seasons: a short one, generally from October to December, and a long one from March to June. The central plateau tends to be dry and arid throughout the year.

Yes! You can plan your own personalised travel itinerary with KSE. We provide private Tanzania safari tours customised to your needs. To plan the perfect itinerary, speak to our travel experts, who will guide you on the destinations of your choice. We also take the utmost care of our clients’ safety and hygiene, and your meals will be prepared to your preferences as requested at the time of booking.