Ultimate Tanzania Travel Information 2024
Tanzania is one of the most unmissable countries in Africa for wildlife safaris, and it is not surprising that it is referred to as the Continent’s “classic safari destination”.
Thanks to the numerous Tanzania National Parks and Game Reserves that cover over one-third of the country’s landscape, visitors are able to experience unforgettable wildlife experiences that include the Great annual migration, big game safaris, birding tours, and some of the most classic bush walks you can ever ask for.
Anyone who loves classic safaris chooses Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa and home to the World’s tallest free-standing Mountain or Africa’s tallest mountain. Here’s the crucial Tanzania Travel Information that will help in planning your lifetime safari dream;
Languages Spoken
English and Kiswahili are the widely spoken languages in Tanzania, although the latter is the most popular in remote areas.
Currency
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency and $1 is equivalent to TZS 2504 (as of August 2023).
Top Safari destinations in Tanzania:
Here are some of the places you can’t afford to miss exploring in Tanzania;
Serengeti National Park
The 1476300-hectare Serengeti National Park is not only known for its endless plains but also for the Great annual Migration, whereby you get to witness millions of wildebeests accompanied by hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras transversing the sweeping savannah on their quest for fresh pasture and water.
As these animals stampede towards Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, you will experience breathtaking river crossings while facing challenges that include hungry lions and ferocious crocodiles in the Rivers.
You can stay at any of the Camps along the migration route for better experiences.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is another incredible safari destination in Tanzania, and just like Serengeti National Park, it is also found in the Northern Circuit.
Over 30,000 animals call this Protected Area home and the fact that it shelters the largest intact Caldera in the whole World (about 26000 hectares) even makes it more spectacular. Expect to see the big five game, Hippos, and lots of antelopes roaming around the Crater floor.
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar is an archipelago with lots of stunning wildlife-filled Islands, breathtaking palm-fringed white sand beaches, and magnificent Swahili architecture that explain slave trade history, and so much more.
There are chances to enjoy exceptional sunset dhow cruises, diving (in Mnemba), snorkeling, spice tours (the best spice tours in Africa), and historical tours, to mention but a few.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is known as the highest peak in Africa at 5895 meters above sea level and is also the World’s highest free-standing mountain.
More than 30,000 climbers are attracted to exploring this popular mountain until its highest peak (Uhuru Peak) and the most amazing thing is encountering different wildlife species along the way, admiring the varying altitudes with changing vegetation.
There are different routes that take climbers to the highest peaks and they include Marangu, Lemosho, and many others.
Other unmissable safari destinations in Tanzania are Ruaha National Park, Mafia Island, Selous Game Reserve, Rubondo Island National Park, and Arusha National Park, to mention but a few.
Getting to and Around Tanzania:
There are three major airports in Tanzania- Julius Nyerere Airport (in Dar es Salaam), Kilimanjaro Airport (which is at least halfway between the Towns of Arusha and Moshi) and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Some of the most popular airlines that land at these airports are Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Kenyan Airways, and Etihad Airways among others.
To get around the country, you can use air, road (public or private means), or water. Regional Air, Precision Air, Auric Air, and Coastal Aviation are the most popular domestic airlines operating scheduled flights to different National Parks and Island destinations.
What is the best time to visit Tanzania?
This stunning country generally enjoys a Tropical climate, which varies by altitude as well as region. The Low-lying plains are generally cooler and dryer while the coastal areas are mainly humid and hot.
For safaris, the perfect time to explore Tanzania is between July and October because they coincide with the renowned Great Annual Migration.
These months are also marked by scarcer grasses and reduced watering points (where wildlife gather) hence providing unforgettable wildlife viewing experiences in the Northern and Southern circuits. This makes it the busiest time in Tanzania.
Safety in Tanzania
Are you wondering whether Tanzania is safe? Worry not because this country is one of the safest safari destinations in Africa.
However, exercise caution by not walking alone at night (especially on some beaches and Cities), not flaunting valuables in public, and keeping in the vehicle during game drives, among others.
Tanzania Visa Requirements and Restrictions
Do you need a Visa to Travel to Tanzania? The answer depends on your country of origin, as Citizens from most countries (especially New Zealand, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, Australia, several Latin American countries, Canada, and some Asian countries) have to apply for a visa prior to traveling to Tanzania.
If you are visiting for tourism purposes, then you can apply for the ordinary visa that provides a single entry for 90 days. This Visa should be valid for 90 days from the date of issue and your passport should have a validity of at least 6 months after entry into the country.
What to Pack for your Tanzania Safari?
Usually, deciding what to pack for your Tanzania safari can be challenging, especially if you are traveling for a long time.
However, your packing list should include a backpack, toiletries (hand and body lotion, deodorant, tissue paper, toothpaste, hair comb/brush, a toothbrush, hand sanitizer, and others), safari pants, a pair/s of shorts, hiking boots, a wide-brimmed safari hat, sunglasses, a lightweight rain jacket, a warm sweater, long and short sleeved shirts, a re-usable water bottle, energy-giving snacks, and many others.