Tanzania Travel

Tanzania is a year-round destination. The dry months from June to October are ideal for safaris, when the wildlife congregates at waterholes and rivers. If you want to climb Kilimanjaro, the months from December to February and from July to September are ideal. The paradisiacal beaches of Zanzibar are inviting all year round, although the hottest months are from December to March.

Tanzania, located in the tropical zone of East Africa, offers a diverse climate that is influenced by the country’s geographical and topographical conditions. There are two main seasons: the dry season, which lasts from June to October, and the rainy season, which is divided into the “short rains” and the “long rains” from November to May. During the dry season, the weather is mostly sunny and dry, ideal for game viewing and mountain climbing. During the rainy season, the climate is wetter and warmer, making the landscape a lush green. It should be noted that the climate in the higher areas, such as Kilimanjaro or the Usambara Mountains, can be cooler and more changeable.

If you are a German citizen, you will need a valid passport to enter Tanzania, as well as an eVisa, which is best applied for directly online.

Your travel kit should definitely include US dollars, which are accepted as a means of payment in almost all areas. The Tanzanian Shilling (TsH) can be exchanged locally (for USD or Euro). ATM withdrawals are possible with EC cards with the Maestro symbol and with major credit cards. If you are unsure whether your EC card will also work in other African countries, it is best to contact your financial institution beforehand. Payment by credit card is not very common in Tanzania and is only possible in large hotels and restaurants.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany to mainland Tanzania. Please note the different regulations for Zanzibar: If you are traveling from a yellow fever area, you must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter Zanzibar – exception: the stay in a yellow fever-endemic area was less than 12 hours (or transit).

The standard vaccinations according to the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute are recommended, as well as exposure prophylaxis to protect you against malaria and dengue fever. It is best to speak to a specialist in tropical medicine or consult your family doctor when planning your trip.

For daily updated information, please read the information from the Federal Foreign Office

During European summer time, Tanzania is one hour ahead of us. In European winter time (CET) it is +2 hours.

Tanzania is a country rich in cultural diversity and linguistic versatility. With over 120 ethnic groups, it is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. The dominant language is Swahili, which is spoken by almost all Tanzanians and serves as a bridge between the different ethnic groups. English is also widely understood and is the second official language. Tanzanian culture is characterized by a lively mixture of African, Arabic and European influences. Music and dance play a central role, with dance forms such as the traditional Ngoma and the modern Bongo Flava being particularly popular. Handicrafts, especially wood carving and batik, are widespread and can be bought at many markets. The people of Tanzania are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The concept of “Ujamaa” (translated as family spirit, village community) is deeply rooted and emphasizes the importance of community and cohesion.

A typical Swahili dish consists of “ugali” (maize porridge) or rice, with hearty meat or fish and vegetables. Cumin, coriander, cinnamon and other exotic spices create intense aromas and colorful dishes. “Mishkaki” are also often offered at the snack bar. These marinated and grilled meat skewers are a real treat. Let yourself be inspired by the street food with European and African influences and try a “Chai Maziwa” (tea with milk and sugar) as well as a Kilimanjaro or Safari Lager. Please note that it is not permitted to drink alcohol on the street in Tanzania.

Another note on drinking water: Water from the tap should be boiled before use. However, bottled water is available almost everywhere.

A packing list for Tanzania could look like this:

Tipping is an important part of the income of many people in Tanzania. For safari guides and drivers, the usual tip is between 10 and 20 US dollars per day, depending on the quality of service. However, it is important to note that tipping is always voluntary and that we as tour operators ensure fair remuneration.