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General

Situated in East Africa, just south of the equator, mainland Tanzania lies between the area of the great lakes: Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi and with the Indian Ocean on its’ coastline to the east.

Within the space of several hours, it’s possible to go from lazing on idyllic beaches to exploring moss-covered ruins of ancient Swahili city-states; from climbing mist-covered slopes in the Southern Highlands to trekking through the barren landscapes around Ol Doinyo Lengai, guided by a spear-carrying Maasai warrior. Yet, despite its attractions, Tanzania has managed for the most part to remain unassuming and low-key. It has also remained enviably untouched by the tribal rivalries and political upheavals that plague many of its neighbours, and this makes it an ideal choice for both first-time visitors and Africa old hands.

Wherever you go, take advantage of opportunities to get to know Tanzanians. With their characteristic warmth and politeness, and the dignity and beauty of their cultures, it is they who will inevitably wind up being the highlight of any visit.

Practical Information

Money:

Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzanian shilling (Tsh). There are bills of Tsh10, 000, 5000, 1000 and 500, and coins of Tsh200, 100, 50, 20, 10, five and one shilling (s). Prices can be high in Tanzania and credit cards are frequently not accepted, even at many upmarket hotels. Where they are accepted, it’s often only with steep commissions, which means that you will need to rely here more heavily on cash, ATMs and (in major centres) travellers cheques. The best currency to bring is US dollars in a mixture of large and small denominations, plus some traveller’s cheques as an emergency standby and a Visa card for withdrawing money from ATMs that are available in larger towns. Euros are also easily changed.

Visas:

Almost everyone needs a visa, which costs between US$20 and US$50, depending on nationality, for a single-entry visa valid for up to three months. It’s best to get the visa in advance, though visas are currently readily issued at Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro airports and at most border crossings. Some embassies require you to show proof of an onward ticket before they will issue a visa, though a flight itinerary will usually suffice.

When to go:

Tanzania can be visited during all seasons. The weather is coolest and driest from late June to September, although in July and August, hotels and park lodges, especially in the north, are at their fullest. October and November are very pleasant, with fewer crowds and a slowly greening-up landscape as the short rains begin in many areas. From late December until February, temperatures are high, but not oppressive. During the main rainy season (March to May), many lodges close for a month or so, especially along the coast as some secondary roads may be impassable and the rain influences the safari experience.  Malaria risk, especially in coastal and low-lying areas, also tends to be higher at this time.