Saskia Planning a trip to Tanzania is exciting, but your experience will be smoother and more rewarding with some preparation. From visas and vaccinations to money matters, packing, and cultural tips, this guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for a trip to Tanzania. Whether your trip includes safaris, Zanzibar, or Mount Kilimanjaro, this article will help you feel confident and ready.
What Kind of Trip Do You Want?
Tanzania offers very different experiences depending on where you go and how you travel. Before booking anything, ask yourself:
- Are you safari-focused, beach-focused, or both?
- Do you want to relax, or to explore intensively?
- Will you visit Zanzibar, mainland, or both?
- What is your budget: low, mid-range, or luxury?
- Are you traveling independently or using guided tours?
Two weeks trying to see everything can feel rushed. Especially when you plan to visit multiple safari parks. Fewer destinations with more time usually leads to a better experience.
For inspiration, see Best Things to Do in Tanzania Beyond Safaris and Zanzibar Travel Guide: Beaches, Food, and Culture.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. The simplest option for most is the single-entry eVisa, which you can apply for online before arrival. Note: US travelers must apply for the multiple-entry visa. Visas on arrival are available for many nationalities, but check current rules.
Key points of the single-entry visa:
- Valid for 90 days
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival and have a blank page
- Cost: usually $50
Key points of the multiple-entry visa:
- Valid for up to a year
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival and have a blank page
- Cost: usually $100
Apply here: Tanzania Immigration eVisa Portal
For a full breakdown, see my post Tanzania Visa Requirements and Entry Regulations.
Health and Vaccinations
Health precautions are essential to prepare for a trip to Tanzania.
Recommended vaccines:
- Yellow fever (mandatory if arriving from endemic countries)
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Rabies (optional for rural or extended stays)
Malaria prevention is recommended. Consult a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before your trip.
Water and food safety:
Drink bottled or filtered water and avoid raw street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
For more information, see Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Tanzania.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential, especially if you plan on safari adventures, climbing Kilimanjaro, and/or visiting remote areas.
Your plan should cover:
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Trip cancellation or delay
Some tour operators require proof of insurance before booking.
For information about Zanzibar’s mandatory official insurance, see my post on Tanzania Visa Requirements and Entry Regulations.
Money, ATMs & Payments
Cash is still king in Tanzania.
Tips:
- Carry Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) and small USD bills
- ATMs are reliable in cities, less so in remote areas
- Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, often with fees
- Always inform your bank before travel (to make sure international withdrawals and transactions are enabled)
Getting Around Tanzania
Distances are long, and travel times are easy to underestimate.
Transport options for long distances:
- Domestic flights: fastest for long distances
- Buses: budget-friendly but variable comfort
- Private drivers: flexible and convenient
- Ferries: between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar
Even a 200 km journey can take most of a day, due to the state of the roads and busy traffic, so plan buffer time.
Accommodation and Safari Bookings
Book early, especially in peak season (June–October).
Accommodation types:
- Luxury lodges and safari camps
- Mid-range hotels and guesthouses
- Budget options, particularly in cities
Safari tips:
- Book reputable tour operators with experienced local guides
- Understand park rules and vehicle etiquette
For Zanzibar, check the weather forecast for potential rainy season impacts on activities.
Packing Essentials
Of course, what to pack depends on your itinerary.
Safari and mainland essentials:
- Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive)
- Long sleeves and pants for mosquitoes
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, reusable water bottle
- Copies of travel documents
Zanzibar & beach essentials:
- Swimwear
- Snorkel gear
- Water shoes
For a full guide, see my Tanzania Packing List.
Connectivity: SIM Cards & Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels and cafés but often unreliable. Buying a local SIM card is recommended.
Providers: Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo
Tip: Register with your passport and top up data as needed
Advice: Buy SIM cards at official stores or airports
Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs
Respecting local norms enhances your trip.
- Dress modestly in smaller towns, villages, and Zanzibar (off the beach)
- Greetings matter: handshake or “Habari?”
- Use your right hand for eating or giving
- Ask before photographing people
Learn more in Cultural Etiquette and Traditions in Tanzania and Essential Swahili Phrases.
Safety Tips
Tanzania is generally safe, but take basic precautions:
- Petty theft does occur in cities
- Transport accidents are a bigger risk than crime
- Keep emergency contacts handy
- Carry copies of passports and important documents
For targeted safety advice, see Is Tanzania Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Prepare for Wildlife and Beaches
Safari tips:
- Stay quiet and still inside the safari vehicle
- Early mornings and late afternoons are best for sightings
- Do not feed or disturb wildlife
Zanzibar tips:
- Coral reefs are fragile, use water shoes and reef safe sunscreen
- Respect marine life and follow local guidelines
Final Tips and Checklist
- Bring photocopies of passports and travel documents
- Inform your bank about travel plans
- Download offline maps (Maps.me, Google Maps)
- Keep emergency contacts accessible
With the right planning, Tanzania is safe, accessible, and rewarding. Approach the trip with flexibility, embrace the culture, take it easy, and you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
You may also like:
- Tanzania Visa Requirements and Entry Regulations
- Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Tanzania
- Tanzania Packing List
- Essential Swahili Phrases
- Is Tanzania Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
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