Tanzania FAQs
About The Lessons
Tanzania
Tanzania is located in East Africa. It is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, offering access to beautiful coastal destinations like Zanzibar. To the north, it borders Kenya and Uganda; to the west, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and to the south, Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
Most travelers fly into either Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (near Arusha).
Tanzania is on GMT+3 all year round.
Swahili is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in urban and tourist areas. Easy Travel offers guides fluent in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German.
Yes, Tanzania is considered one of the safest African countries. As with any destination, common sense should prevail—don’t flaunt valuables, and follow local advice.
Yes. Tanzanians are known for their warmth and hospitality. Many families and solo travelers visit every year.
Reach out to Safari Junctions with your preferences and interests. Their team will customize a tailor-made itinerary just for you.
Weather In Tanzania
The Tanzanian dry season usually starts at the start of June and continues through until the end of October. After that, the ‘short rains’ begin from late October/early November until mid- to end December. There is then a respite from late December to Mid of March, and then the ‘long rains’ start at the end of March and last until May.
Of course, weather seasons can vary every year, so you have to be prepared for anything.
Dry Season: June to October
Short Rains: Late October to December
Dry Spell: Late December to mid-March
Long Rains: Late March to May
Health & Safety
Yes. Consult your doctor for antimalarial medication and bring insect repellent. Neutral-colored clothing is also advised.
Only if you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever risk or have a layover of 12+ hours in one.
Wear neutral-colored clothing. Tsetse flies are attracted to bright and dark colors. They are more common in Tarangire and parts of Serengeti.
Flights, insurance, visas and entry requirements
All visitors must obtain adequate travel insurance before they depart for Tanzania. Insurance policies must be comprehensive, covering for any reason, medical evacuation, cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.
Several airlines fly directly into Tanzania, either daily or three times per week. Among those with direct flights are KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Condor Charter Flight and Rwandair which fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. Other airlines such as Emirates, South African Airways, Etihad Air and EgyptAir fly into Dar es Salaam International Airport daily.
Yes. The luggage limit, including hand luggage, is 15kgs. The only exception is where an airline uses ATR aircraft on flights between Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam: on such flights there is a 20kg weight limit.
Money matters
Most accommodations will accept credit cards, but if you want to pay by cash instead, you should use US Dollars . Please note that US Dollar Bills should be not be older than 2009, as these will not be valid. For credit cards, you should bring either MASTERCARD or VISA.
The local currency in Tanzania is Tanzanian Shilling (Tshs), but please note that you cannot take this currency either in or out of the country. It is however convertible freely for the US Dollar, Euro and other currencies within Tanzania.
If you have to change money in Tanzania, there are several banks in Tanzania where you can exchange your money. Always get a receipt for currency exchanges.
For cash, we advise you to bring US Dollars with you from home, as these are accepted in most places.
If however you do need to withdraw cash while in Tanzania, then there are several ATM machines in Arusha City and these are where you should withdraw any additional cash before your safari or trek begins. Please note that you cannot withdraw US Dollars from ATM Machines, and there is a maximum limit of 400,000TSHS which is less than 200 USD. So bear that in mind when withdrawing cash.
Please also note that in many small towns or beach hotels there are no ATM machines, so you should have sufficient cash before you depart for remote areas or the beach.
If you are booking with Safari Junctions adventures , then your package will include all accommodation, park fees, meals and game drives if on safari.
It will also include your transfers between Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport, however if you have chosen a different airport to arrive at then this will not be included.
You will need to include money for international flights, domestic flights (unless agreed with us as part of your programme), insurance, tips for your driver-guide or staff at your accommodations, drinks purchased at hotels/bars/lodges/tented camps, laundry services, phone calls, any additional activities, visas or any shopping. As these will not be included in your package.
Every guest has different spending habits, so we cannot advise as to how much you will need. You should budget, taking into account the above items and the length of your safari trip.
Whilst we appreciate the desire to express generosity and have connections with locals it is not advisable to randomly hand out gifts. Do let us know if you would like to make a gift and we can organize this for you and advise what might be an appropriate gift/donation.
During your trip, there will be opportunities to purchase handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs on your way to and from the National Parks.
Major credit cards (Mastercard and Visa) are accepted by most of the larger curio shops. Prices are negotiable for most items.
Accommodation
The cost of a trip to Tanzania depends on a number of different factors, principally the route, accommodation style you choose, the number of days your trip lasts and how many people will be joining you. Once you discuss your requirements with us, we will create an itinerary for you and advise you of the exact costs involved.
This is primarily dependent on the type of trip you are looking at. For example Kilimanjaro treks will offer limited options compared to a luxurious stay in Zanzibar.
Tanzania however in general has something for all budgets. Whether you are looking for a budget trip or 5 star luxury it has something for you.
Our Safari junctions adventures are available with four different choices of accommodation styles to suit your taste and budget. We offer Basic, Comfort, Comfort Plus and Luxury style accommodation options.
We only work with the best available accommodations in each category. Basic style accommodation is on public campsites, with shared bathroom facilities. In the other three categories, accommodations include private bathroom facilities. The rooms in these three categories are spacious, furnished with either twin beds or king-size beds, a dressing table and a wardrobe where you can store your luggage. Lodges and tented camps located within the National Parks use generators for power. Please note that although some accommodations have hot showers available 24 hours per day, others only have hot showers at set times in both morning and evening.
Most of the lodges and camps are able to offer laundry services, at extra cost to yourself. In our Comfort style accommodations, please note that all laundry is done by hand, and drying relies on sunlight. Please only ask for laundry services when you are staying more than one night. This ensures that there will be sufficient time for your clothes to dry before you depart the camp.
Prices are usually based on room-sharing however if you are looking to have a room to yourself, we can advise you on a single supplement cost.
Prior to booking please let us know what your accommodation preference is so we can ensure we incorporate this into the accommodation options.
Food and drinks
Whilst most companies offer water purification, it is recommended to drink bottled water during your stay in Tanzania. Bottles are readily available throughout your stay and are also supplied by Safari junctions Adventures drives.
Tired of eating the same old food all day? Get ready for some spice. In Tanzania, restaurants have a variety that will excite your taste buds and leave you feeling full without being weighed down by heavy calories-or cholesterol! The cuisine in this country is very rich due to its diverse geographic locations which also means there’s something here suited just about anyone who visits it: from foreigners looking for an authentic African experience; backpackers on vacation with their families craving Indian meals cooked over open fires.
The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari and Kilimanjaro. You can also try mbege (homebrew from the Chagga people) or banana beer for something different! Imported beers are excellent too–the Tusker Kenyan variety being one of our favorites.
Safari
If your budget was unlimited, then you might choose to combine both of these destinations on your safari trip to East Africa. For many visitors, it is a question of making a choice. Many people are very keen to see the Great Migration as part of their trip, so choosing your destination country is important. The migration spends eleven months of each year in Tanzania, and it is only in September that the herds cross the Mara River and spend their time in the Maasai Mara – which is, of course, in Kenya. Even in that month, there are thousands of the wildebeest who prefer not to cross the river, spending their time grazing instead in the Northern Serengeti, Tanzania. When making your decision, you might also consider that Serengeti National Park in Tanzania has three times consecutively won the World Travel Awards coveted ‘Best African National Park’ award (2019 and 2020 and 2021).
Our wildlife is so plentiful, there will never be a dull moment. We have over 35 species of large mammal, but there are dozens of fascinating smaller animals, too, and an incredible diversity of insect life. And don’t forget there are well over one thousand bird species to be seen as well. Oh yes, and plenty of intriguing reptiles, too.
There are never any guaranteed sightings, but the highlights of a typical game drive might include the popular and giant African elephant, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, olive baboons and big cats such as lion, leopard and cheetah. Jackal and hyena are others to look out for, and in the other-wordly Ngorongoro Crater you could be fortunate enough to see a rare black rhino.
The best thing is that not only will you see many or all of these, but thanks to the incredible knowledge of our driver-guides, you will learn so much about them, too. If you are not an expert bird-watcher yourself, then your driver-guide will also be able to point out some of our colourful feathered friends to you: maybe a majestic African fish eagle, a grey-headed kingfisher or a pearl-spotted owl. As for the vultures…well, you will spot them yourself.
There are never any guarantees with wildlife, but our driver-guides work hard to find you the ‘Big 5’ and so much more. But you will certainly have a good chance of seeing the Big 5, depending on which parks you choose to visit as part of your itinerary. If your goal is to see a black rhino, you should include Ngorongoro on your schedule.
For obvious reasons, you are required to stay inside the safari vehicle when visiting our National Parks. At certain times, you will be able to get out of the vehicle in a safe place to have your picnic lunch, for example. Walking safaris can be arranged in certain parks, such as Selous, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park and Ngorongoro, accompanied by an armed Park Ranger. In the Serengeti, some lodges organize short walks in safety.
Tanzania is truly a phenomenal place for birds, which of course makes it a remarkable place for bird-spotters, too!
One thing is certain, you will not leave Tanzania without witnessing some incredible avian species.
We often get asked about family safaris and most children absolutely love their safari experience. If they are old enough to fully benefit from what is a holiday of a lifetime.
There is nothing better for children than to be so close to our amazing wildlife, so much better than watching it on TV or merely reading a book about it.
We at Safari Junctions Adventures can advise on child-friendly accommodations and ensure that you get a family-friendly room. It is essential to be realistic, however. A safari involves a lot of driving over rough terrain, and we would not recommend a safari trip for children under 3 years old.
Kilimanjaro
Africa’s highest mountain is located in Northern Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border. It’s about 350km (220 miles) south of the equator. The closest major towns are Moshi and Arusha.
Kilimanjaro is 5895 metres, or 19,341 feet, at its summit.
Of the six different routes to the top, Safari Junctions Adventures offers four, one with two options: the 8 days Lemosho Route , 7 days Machame Route , 6 days Machame Route , 6 days Rongai Route, 6 days Marangu Route. You can read more about them on our Active Trekking tab. The total distance of the routes varies between 53 and 73 km (33 and 46 miles). Remember that the more days you are on the mountain, the better the chances of success.
On a practical level, the Marangu route is the only one which offers accommodation in mountain huts. On the other three routes, climbers stay in tents in designated campsites. Marangu is perhaps less scenic than the other ones. A more detailed description of each can be found on our Mount Kilimanjaro page. The other main difference is the time spent on the mountain (see ‘How long is the hike?’ above.)
On the Marangu route, you’ll stay in huts, on the other routes you’ll camp in tents provided by Safari Junctions Adventures. The Marangu huts each have dormitories, a dining-room and a separate bathroom (flush toilets or ‘long-drop’ toilets). At the campsites, the toilets are ‘long-drop’ style and Safari Junctions Adventures provide a kitchen/dining-tent. If required, climbers can hire a mobile toilet on the Machame, Rongai and Lemosho routes, at extra cost.
The good news is that your Safari Junctions team will look after you. Safety is our priority, always. You will spend most of your climb above the altitude where mosquitoes are a nuisance, and above the altitude where wildlife roam. (You might see some animals on the lower slopes.)
The biggest danger is that you suffer from the effects of altitude, which can strike anyone, however fit they are. This can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. But we test your health daily, and our guides are experts in spotting symptoms and taking action.
Climbing Kili is possible at any time of the year, but is best undertaken in the drier months. The best times to climb are between the start of December upto the start of March, or between the end of June upto the end of October. Of course. These are the busiest times, but only experienced hikers are advised to tackle the mountain in the wetter months. It can rain unexpectedly in the dry season, of course!
For more information on Kilimanjaro, click here .
About Safari Junctions Adventures
For over 15 years, Safari Junctions has been the trusted name in Tanzania for Kilimanjaro and safari adventures. With their well-established reputation and first class service they are here to serve you!
An award winning, family owned and managed Tanzania based tour operator that care about their visitors adventures and ensure you get the best out of your trip to Tanzania.
At Safari Junctions, we really care. We care about our visitors, we care about safety, we care about our guides, and all our staff. We care about Tanzania, its wildlife and the environment. And we love what we do, we want to be the very best!
Many companies will tell you they are responsible operators. At Safari Junctions, we know that Mother Nature gives us our livelihood and that we must respect our people, the environment and the wildlife. Ethics and social responsibility drive everything we do, the way we act.
We take our responsibilities very seriously, taking a full part for example in excellent projects such as World Environment Day, when over 100 of our staff willingly cleaned up the streets of Iringa.
We also support a local home for the elderly, providing funds for their utility and food bills. Shortly, we will be building a henhouse for them, allowing them to sell eggs and chickens.