Tanzania Travel Advisory & Useful Tips
Tanzania Independence
In 1954, Julius Nyerere and Oscar Kambona transformed the Tanganyika African Association (founded in 1929) into the more politically oriented Tanganyika African National Union (TANU). TANU easily won the general elections of 1958–60, and when Tanganyika became independent on Dec. 9, 1961, Nyerere became its first prime minister. In Dec. 1962, Tanganyika became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations, and Nyerere was made president. On Apr. 26, 1964, shortly after a leftist revolution in newly independent Zanzibar, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged; Nyerere became the new country’s first president. Abeid Amani Karume, the head of Zanzibar’s government and leader of its dominant Afro-Shirazi party (ASP), became Tanzania’s first vice president. Although formally united with the mainland, Zanzibar retained considerable independence in internal affairs. In Feb. 1967, Nyerere issued the Arusha Declaration, a major policy statement that called for egalitarianism, socialism, and self-reliance. It promised a decentralized government and a program of rural development called ujamaa (“pulling together”) that involved the creation of cooperative farm villages. Factories and plantations were nationalized, and major investments were made in primary schools and health care. While Nyerere put some of the declaration’s principles into practice, it was not clear if the power in Tanzania was, in fact, being decentralized. TANU was the mainland’s sole legal political party and it was tightly controlled by Nyerere. In the early 1970s, there was tension (and occasional border clashes) between Tanzania and Uganda, caused mainly by Nyerere’s continued support of Uganda’s ousted president, A. Milton Obote. However, in 1973, Nyerere and Gen. Idi Amin, Uganda’s new head of state, signed an agreement to end hostilities. Tanzania supported various movements against white-minority rule in S Africa, and several of these organizations had offices in Dar-es-Salaam. In 1977, TANU and Zanzibar’s ASP merged to form the Party of the Revolution (CCM). A new constitution was adopted the same year. Hostilities with Uganda resumed in 1978 when Ugandan military forces occupied about 700 sq mi (1800 sq km) of N Tanzania and left only after having caused substantial damage. One month later, Tanzanian forces and Ugandan rebels staged a counter-invasion. Tanzania captured the Ugandan capital of Kampala in 1979 and drove Idi Amin from power. This campaign further depleted the country’s already scarce economic resources. Tanzania maintained troops in Uganda after its victory and drew criticism from other African nations for its actions. In 1983, negotiations between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda led to the reopening of the Kenyan border, which had been closed since 1977 after the collapse of the East African Community.
Climate
Tanzania has a tropical climate but has regional variations due to topography. In the highlands, temperatures range between 10 and 20 °C (50 and 68 °F) during cold and hot seasons respectively. The rest of the country has temperatures rarely falling lower than 20 °C (68 °F). The hottest period extends between November and February (25–31 °C or 77.0–87.8 °F) while the coldest period occurs between May and August (15–20 °C or 59–68 °F). Seasonal rainfall is driven mainly by the migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. It migrates southwards through Tanzania from October to December, reaching the south of the country in January and February, and returning northwards in March, April, and May. This causes the north and east of Tanzania to experience two distinct wet periods – the short rains (or “Vuli”) in October to December and the long rains (or “Masika”) from March to May – while the southern, western, and central parts of the country experienced one wet season that continues October through to April or May. The onset of the long rains averages 25 March and the cessation averages 21 May. A warmer-than-normal South Atlantic Ocean coupled with a cooler-than-normal Eastern Indian Ocean often causes the onset to be delayed. Of the land area, 84.1% has a tropical wet and dry/ savanna climate (Aw), 6.9% has a semi-arid/ steppe climate (BS), 9% has a temperate/ mesothermal climate with dry winters (Cw). Of the population, 80.5% live in a tropical wet and dry/ savanna climate (Aw), 9.5% live in a semi-arid/ steppe climate (BS), 10% live in a temperate/ mesothermal climate with dry winters (Cw)
Security
Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people and are eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay. Hotels are safe and have watchmen. Tanzania is a politically stable, multi-democratic country. However, as in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as locking valuables in the hotel safe and not walking alone at night.
Best places to go
Serengeti
The best places to see Africa Great Migration
Nyerere
The largest national park in Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro
World’s largest free-standing mountain
Zanzibar
The perfect get way into Indian Ocean
Sample itineraries
Game drive, Road Trips, Cultural & Zanzibar Tours
13 Days, 12 Nights
Tarangire • Serengeti • Ngorongoro • Usambara • Bagamoyo • Zanzibar
Northern, Southern, and Eastern Tanzania Experience
15 Days, 14 Nights
Serengeti • Ngorongoro • Ruaha • Nyerere • Zanzibar
African Savannah Experience with Ultimate Serengeti
7 Days, 6 Nights
Serengeti • Ngorongoro • Mto wa Mbu
10 Days Ultimate Serengeti Walking Safari
10 Days, 9 Nights
Ngorongoro Crater • Ngorongoro Highlands • Serengeti
Ultimate Serengeti Experiences
Best things to do in Tanzania
Walking Safari
This is the best way to experience nature. You will be exploring the parks on foot accompanied by an armed ranger.
The Great Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is among of Africa’s 8 Wonders. Watching the migration of more than 1.5 million is a truly a lifetime experience .
Cultural Tours
Having more than 120 tribes made Tanzania be rich in cultural diversity. This diversity made the country the best place for cultural experiences.
Hot-Air Balloon
This is truly a unique safari experience. It is the perfect way to experience nature and wildlife while enjoying the beautiful view.
Accommodation in Tanzania
Where to stay on your safari?
Tanzania has a lot of accommodation options to suit any traveller’s interests, from a budget wallet to a presidential comfortable stay. Your Tanzania safari with Ultimate Serengeti will have three common types of accommodation, each with a number of options to choose from.
Mobile Camps
Best for those who what to experience a truly authentic and immerse themselves in the wilderness. If you what to follow animals as close and the park rules allow, this type of accommodation is the best option.
Permanent Tented Camps
These are more comfortable than the mobile camps. They allow modern furniture setup. If you what the best and comfortable overnight stay while caring for your budget, the tented camps can do you justice.
Lodges
If you want a hotel feel-like while enjoying your safari, Safari lodges can offer them to you. Most safari lodges have facilities like those found in hotels including Swimming pools, Bars and Restaurants.
Ultimate Serengeti Country Overview
About Tanzania
Tanzania is an East African country located in the eastern part of the African continent. It borders Kenya and Uganda on its north, Rwanda, Burundi, and Congo on its eastern part. Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique border Tanzania on the South. Tanzania also borders the Indian Ocean on its east, as well as the most beautiful tropical Island of Zanzibar, which is also a part of the country.
Useful Country Information
- Official name: United Republic of Tanzania
- Country Currency: Tanzania Shilling
- Population: 56 million (estimated)
- Capital: Dodoma
- Political stability: Stable (No historical civil wars since its independence in 1961)
- Location in Africa: East Africa
- Dialing code: 255
- Timezone: GMT +3
- Language: Swahili and English.
- Total Area: 945,087 sq km (364,900 sq miles)
- Religion: Christian, Muslim, and traditional beliefs
- Longest distances: 1,223 kilometers (760 miles) from north to south; 1,191 kilometers (740 miles) from east to west
Electricity supply, travel plugs & adapters
- Plugs & Adaptors: Tanzania use plug type G and plug type D
- Electrical supply: 240V
Why Tanzania?
The Great Migration
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the mass movement of millions of Wildebeest and thousands of Zebra, Gazelle, and other animals in search of good pasture. The movement occurs each year in a circle starting from southern Serengeti to the north. Animals cross the mara river on the north to Masai Mara in Kenya, and after one or two months animals return back to Serengeti. This is a very special event that any wildlife lover dream to witness as it only occurs in this part of the world. The great migration is among the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. At Ultimate Serengeti, we are ready to show you the wonders of this migration
Safety & Political stability
Tanzania is the most politically stable country in East Africa. Since its independence, Tanzania has no recorded civil wars. Most tourists and citizens enjoy being in Tanzania as it is very safe to walk in most streets in a country.
As a safari guide, Ultimate Serengeti always assures our visitors are having the best experience by ensuring their safety.
Zanzibar and Great Lakes
Looking for beautiful beaches and the best places for adventurous water activities? Tanzania has no match in the region. Zanzibar Island is the most preferred destination for most beach lovers as their best place for a beach vacation. The country also offers other beautiful and natural untouched beaches on its coast like Pangani and Mafia. The great lakes like Lake Nyasa( known as Lake Malawi), Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria border with Tanzania on the South, West, and north respectively. These lakes are among the world’s largest lakes in terms of size and depth as well. Great lakes provide optional mainland beach-life activities and they can perfectly combine in most wildlife safaris as optional activities.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s largest free-standing mountain in the world. Kilimanjaro climbing has been a long-time dream of many mountain climbers across the World. It is also one of the world’s top 10 most accessible mountain summits. The unique about climbing this mountain is you have to pass through different climatic zones like farmlands, rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and Arctic glaciers. This made accending to the summit more adventurous that can not be told than to go and experience yourself. If you are planning to climb this mount, consider Ultimate Serengeti guides as they are the best enough to support you on your next adventure.
Cultural Diversity
Tanzania is home to different cultures. The reason behind this is there are more than 120 indigenous tribes, each spoke their own language. People from all these tribes have been connected together with one National Language called Swahili (or Kiswahili in Swahili). Though people spoke one language of Swahili, they have not forgotten where they came from as they are still practicing their tribe’s cultures (especially in rural areas) as well as getting along with Swahili culture. Your visit to Tanzania will be amazed by the cultural richness of the Tanzanian people.
If you like to explore the cultures of Tanzanian people, Ultimate Serengeti has the best tours for you. We recommend our 27 Days road trip or 35 Road trip tours for you to have the best cultural experience. Please contact us for more safari planning advice.
People Friendliness
Tanzanian people are among the most friendliness people in the world. The Swahili language played a big role in uniting more than 120 tribes with different languages, merging them into one Swahili community, the Tanzanian. This has helped Tanzanian people to respect the values of each tribe.
Back in Tanzania’s history, the ujamaa village and other factors like good leadership also played a major role in creating a peaceful community.
A tourist in Tanzania is not like a stranger. Tanzanian people treat tourists just like their friends, even if when they meet for the first time.
Kaka (Brother), Dada (Sister), Mama (Mother), and Baba (Father) are the names that most Tanzanians will call you when you meet for the first time.
Largest populations of Lions
Tanzania is estimated to have between 14,000 and 15,000 number of Lions population. This is the largest number of lion populations than any country in Africa.
Having the largest number of Lion population made Tanzanian parks to be the easiest place to see lions on their natural habits. Lions can be seen in most national parks and game reserves that are in Tanzania.
If you are planning to visit Tanzania, Ultimate Serengeti will be ready to host your visit as your best safari experts.
Diverse Wildlife Areas
Tanzania has 22 national parks and more than 16 game reserves. Up to 40% of Tanzanian land has been reserved for wildlife. The total area of Tanzania is 945’087 square kilometers (364’900 square miles). The total area of 378’035 square kilometers (145’960 square miles) has been allotted for conservation.
These national parks and reserves are located in each part of the country making up to four circuits named the Northern, Southern Eastern, and Western Circuits. This has made Tanzania the best place to experience wildlife from any part of the country.
Top Class Wildlife Areas
Tanzania has a top-class wildlife area than any African country. Serengeti National Park has named by safaribooking.com as the best safari park in Africa for three years in a row. An experience in Serengeti can not be compared to any parks in Africa. This park is the most visited park in Africa. It is famous because of the vast majority of animals. Predators and their prey form the dramatic scenery. Lions, zebras, crocodiles, buffaloes, black rhinoceros, elephants, flamingos, giraffes, leopards, and other species are grazing free in the park.
Ngorongoro crater is one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa. It is the World’s largest unbroken largest caldera which is home to over 30,000 animals including the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and hippopotamus.
Tanzania has many massive wildlife areas that are less known to most tourists. Parks like Ruaha and Nyerere National park are bigger than Serengeti. Both parks have the largest number of elephants and Lions than the famous Serengeti.
When to go
Best time to visit Tanzania
Excellent 
Good 
Mixed
Excellent Good MixedFrequently asked questions
Is it safe to visit Tanzania?
Tanzania is a politically stable, multi-democratic country with no recorded civil war since its independence in 1961. Tanzanians are warm-hearted and generous people who eager to help visitors get the most out of their stay. Hotels are safe and have watchmen.
As in all countries, a little common sense goes a long way and reasonable precautions should still be taken, such as not walking alone at night, not walking with a large amount of cash in the streets as well as locking valuables in the hotel.
With Ultimate Serengeti, your safety will always be one of our top priorities. Welcome to Tanzania.
How much does a Tanzania Safari Cost?
Personal interests, the company you use and the time that you are planning to visit can determine how much you are expected to spend on safari in Tanzania.
If you are planning for a standard guided safari with Ultimate Serengeti, the price per day can go as low as $200 per person sharing, for vising parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
The debate of how much can a safari cost also goes with the level of service. From the above example, a typical budget safari can even go as low as $150 per day per person sharing, and it can go up to $1500 per day per person sharing, for luxury or high-end safari.
Please contact us to get the actual price based on your itinerary.
How can I get a Tanzania visa?
You can get a Tanzania visa by using an online application procedure through the immigration website. We advise each visitor who is planning to visit Tanzania to apply for a visa in advance of their trip. All visa applications should be done on the Tanzania immigration office website (www.immigration.go.tz ). You should also note that the only website to apply for Tanzania’s online visa is www.immigration.go.tz. Tanzania immigration does not recognize any agent or website that claims to be a Tanzania visa application center.
Upon the submission of your application, you will expect to get feedback from two to three weeks, so make sure you apply as soon as possible before the departure date of your trip.
You can also get a visa on arrival, but we highly recommend the online application so as to avoid some delays at the airport as the procedure might take up to two hours.
An ordinary single-entry (tourist) visa costs $50 and $100 for a multiple entry visa.
What are the don'ts and do's when visiting Tanzania?
Tanzania is a developing country with many kinds of people, the educated and the uneducated, and so on. If you are coming from a developed country, don’t come with the mindset that you know everything as there also people who are well educated there. Generally, just behave in a proper manner like talking & smiling to people, helping them and so on. These are very few practices but they will help you to have a great experience when you visit.
The most important thing is to follow the rules especially when you are in the parks and in this case, just listen to your guide on what you are supposed to do. Off-course we don’t ask you to accept everything, there are other situations that might need you to take action by using common sense.
However, this should not bring fear to you, Tanzanian people are overall a very nice people. We just want to prepare you to have the best experience when you visit this beautiful country.
When is the best time of the year to visit Tanzania?
Most national parks in Tanzania are accessible throughout the year. If you want to have the best wildlife safari experience, it better to visit in the drier season. It is easy to sight animals in the drier season because of short grasses, which make it easy to spot small or short height animals.
The best time to visit Tanzania for a wildlife experience is from June to October which is a dry season. January and February (hot season) can also provide the best animal sighting options though in some of the parks it might not as best as in the dry season.
The best time to climb mount Kilimanjaro is from January to March and also from June to October.
The best time to visit Tanzania is highly affected by the type of trip and activities that you want to experience in Tanzania.
Please contact us to get an idea of which time in a year you should visit Tanzania based on your interests.
Will I get Malaria and how can I avoid it?
Tanzania has a tropical climate and different bacteria, flora, and fauna. It is advisable to take a few health precautions when traveling to make sure your trip goes as comfortably and smoothly as possible. Malaria is usually top on the list of visitors’ worries, and prevention goes a long way towards keeping you protected. Make sure to visit your doctor to get a prescription for the anti-malarial drug the best suit you.
Do I need any Vaccination to visit Tanzania?
Vaccines commonly recommended for travelers to Africa include those against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Yellow fever, Rabies, and Meningitis.
It is always best to seek advice on immunization well in advance, if possible around 6 weeks before departure.
What are weather & Climate conditions like in Tanzania?
Tanzania has a tropical climate with variations depending on altitude. In the higher regions temperatures can range from 10-20°C throughout the year whereas in the lower regions temperatures rarely fall beneath 20°C. Humidity increases closer to the coastal regions. The hottest period of the year tends to be from October to February. The two main rainy seasons are between March to May and November and February.
Should I get travel insurance when visiting Tanzania?
We advise you to take out Travel Insurance to cover for any unforeseen circumstances. We recommend World Nomads’ travel insurance but feel free to use any insurance company of your choice.
Are there any flights to Tanzania?
From Europe to Tanzania
There are several flight options from Europe to Tanzania. If you are coming from Europe, there are only two direct routes from Europe to Tanzania. You can either use KLM Royal Dutch Airlines that fly daily to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro from Amsterdam or Turkish Airlines from Istanbul Ataturk International Airport.
Apart from direct flights, there are dozens of alternative e-routes like Addis Ababa, Cairo, or Nairobi.
Nairobi options tend to the most favorite for alternative routes. Kenya Airways has direct flights from London or Amsterdam to Nairobi, and it has daily departures from Nairobi to Tanzania. Other Nairobi options include Swiss Air from Zurich, British Airways from London, and Air France from Paris.
You can also connect to Dar es salaam through Ethiopian Airways via Addis Ababa, Oman Air from Muscat, Qatar Airways from Doha, Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi, Egypt Air from Egypt, and Emirates from Dubai.
North America to Tanzania
Travelers from North America can get into Tanzania by flying directly to Johannesburg from New York (JFK) or Washington-Dulles with South African Airways. You can also fly from Atlanta with Delta Air Lines then connect with South African Airways to Tanzania.
Alternatively, You can en route through Instabul or Amsterdam. Turkish Airlines has direct flights from more than 10 cities in North America to Instabul, then from Istanbul, you get a direct flight to Tanzania. This also applies to KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, but you will have to use Amsterdam as your en route to Tanzania.
Asia to Tanzania
If you are coming from Asia, visitors can a link with Air Tanzania which flies directly from Mumbai to Dar es salaam.
Kenya Airways has up to three direct flight links with Bangkok, Hanoi, and Mumbai to Tanzania.
There are also optional en routes via a hub in the middle east using Emirates, Etihad, Omar Air, or Qatar Airways.
From South America and Australia
There is no direct flight from these two continents. The most common option is to en route via Johannesburg, then to Tanzania by using South African Airways.
Alternatively, other best options are either Europe or the Middle East by using Ethiopian Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Etihad Airways, or Qatar Airways.
Ultimate Serengeti Transport
Our Safari vehicles
We know most of your day in your safari will be spent inside a car, so comfortability is one of our top priorities.
At Ultimate Serengeti, our vehicles are 6-seater custom safari Toyota Land cruisers with pop-up roofs ideal for game viewing and sightseeing. The vehicles are well maintained to provide the maximum level of comfort and safety and are fitted with HF long-range radios for easy communication.
The vehicles are fully equipped with first aid kits, fridges that will always contain some cold water and soft drinks, as well as guide books on wildlife, birds, and plants of Tanzania. There is also an optional availability of Wi-Fi upon your request, although it might be unavailable in some places of the parks.
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