Tanzania: Basic Travel Guide

Zanzibar

📍 Destination

Tanzania is a land of contrasts, where the wildlife of national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro meets the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of Zanzibar. A country that offers unforgettable safaris, cultural richness, and warm hospitality, ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation

This Tanzania basic travel guide is what you need to learn more about your destination.

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ℹ️ General information

• Official name: United Republic of Tanzania

• Capital: Dodoma (administrative) / Dar Es Salaam (economic capital)

• Official language: swahili and english

• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

• Currency exchange locations: banks and licensed exchange bureaus

• Predominant religion: Islam and Christianity

• Time difference: 

  • From the U.S. (EST): +7 hours (summer) / +8 hours (winter)

  • From the U.K.: +2 hours (summer) / +3 hours (winter)

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📄 Required documentation

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after return date

• Tourist visa required: must be applied for online at Tanzania Immigration Services - approx. $50 USD (processing may take up to 30 days). Visas may also be obtained on arrival.

• Zanzibar mandatory travel insurance: since Oct 1, 2024, approx. $44 USD, available via Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC)

• Travel insurance is recommended (not mandatory)

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📅 Best time to visit

• Tropical climate with two rainy seasons:

  • Long rains: march to may

  • Short rains: november to december

• Best season: june - october and january - february (dry, ideal for safaris and beaches)

🎯 Tip: july - september is the perfect safari season to witness the Great Migration in Serengeti

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🕐 Opening hours

• Public services: monday to friday, 9:00 - 16:00

• Banks: monday to friday, 8:30 - 16:00; saturday until 13:00

• Shops: monday to friday, 8:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 18:00; saturday until 12:30

  (times may vary, we recommend checking in advance)

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✈️ How to get there

Average flight time:

• From New York: +/- 15 - 16 hours (1+ stop)

• From London: +/- 10 hours (direct or 1 stop)

Main airports:

• Dar Es Salaam - Julius Nyerere International (DAR)

• Zanzibar - Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ)

Approximate distances from ZNZ airport:

• ZNZ → Kiwengwa: 48 km (+/- 1:10)

• ZNZ → Nungwi: 65 km (+/- 1:30)

🚖 Transfers: you can hire a transfer service, use taxis, or use ride-hailing apps. Travel times vary by city.

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💊 Health & medications

• Yellow Fever vaccination required if traveling from endemic regions

• Malaria prophylaxis recommended (consult travel doctor)

• We recommend bringing your own medications and consulting a doctor for specific guidance

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💰 Currency and costs

• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

• Credit cards accepted in major hotels/resorts; cash recommended for small expenses

• Approx. exchange rates:

  • $1 USD ≈ 2600–2700 TZS

  • £1 GBP ≈ 3300–3400 TZS

• Tourism tax (paid at hotels):

  • $5 USD per person/night (4–5 stars)

  • $4 USD per person/night (2–3 stars)

• Many local services require cash (restaurants, taxis, excursions)

• Tipping is not mandatory, but there may be a service charge

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🧳 What to pack

• Light, breathable clothes (cotton/linen)

• Comfortable walking shoes (safaris/tours)

• Swimwear, flip-flops, sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen

• Mosquito repellent

• Light jacket for evenings

• Universal adapter (plug types D and G)

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🏨 Where to stay

• Zanzibar: Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe (beach destinations)

• Arusha/Kilimanjaro: ideal base for safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs

• Dar Es Salaam: urban accommodation and domestic connections

🎯 Tip: stay at lodges or tented camps for a more authentic safari experience —

🚕 Transport and accessibility

• Taxis available (negotiate fare beforehand)

• Private transfers: safest and most comfortable option

• Domestic flights: efficient for long distances (Dar ↔ Zanzibar / Serengeti)

• Public buses: cheap but not recommended for tourists

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⚡ Electricity

• Voltage: 230 V

• Plugs: types D & G — bring a universal adapter

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📞 Communication

• Country code: +255

• English widely spoken in tourist areas

• Mobile coverage good in cities, limited in national parks

• Internet domain: .tz

🎯 Tip: avoid hassle on arrival, get your eSIM before you travel (click this link)  —

🏖️ Main holidays

• Jan 1 - New Year

• Jan 12 - Zanzibar Revolution Day

• March/April - Good Friday & Easter (movable)

• Apr 7 - Heroes Day

• Apr 26 - Union Day

• May 1 - Labor Day

• Jul 7 - Industry Day

• Aug 8 - Farmers Day

• Oct 14 - Nyerere Day

• Dec 9 - Independence Day

• Dec 25 - Christmas

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🍽️ Local cuisine

• Ugali (maize porridge with sides)

• Nyama Choma (grilled meat)

• Pilau (spiced rice)

• Fresh seafood (especially in Zanzibar)

• Tropical fruits: mango, pineapple, papaya, coconut

— 🇹🇿 Local habits

• Friendly people - greetings and handshakes common

• Respect Muslim traditions (modest dress in Zanzibar towns/villages)

• Avoid political discussions

• Hospitality is highly valued

— 🕵️‍♂️ Safety

• Generally safe in tourist areas and parks

• Beware of petty theft in big cities

• Avoid walking alone at night

• Use only licensed or hotel-organized transport

— 🚑 Emergency services

• Police: 112

• Ambulance/Fire: 114

• US Embassy Tanzania: +255 22 229 4000

• UK High Commission Tanzania: +255 22 229 0000

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🔗 Useful links

• Official Tourism Website

• US Traveler Advisory

• UK Travel Advice Registration