International Travel to East Africa: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Tanzania

Are you considering traveling to Tanzania? 

Tanzania is home to over 60 million residents and has become a highly-anticipated travel destination. Tourists from both Africa and the rest of the world have continued to flock to East Africa in increasing numbers. 

Whether it’s the lure of wildlife, sandy beaches, or the trek of a lifetime that’s drawing you, Tanzania is a destination unlike any other. It’s safe to say that when it comes to Tanzania, there’s certainly something for every type of traveler. 

However, like any region of the world, there are certain things each and every traveler must be aware of when traveling to East Africa. This includes anything from the best time of year to visit as well as the health and safety regulations. 

If you’re traveling to Tanzania, you’re going to want to read this. This guide will help to ensure that you make the absolute most of your adventure to East Africa while remaining safe and stress-free. 

Of course, the best time of year to go depends on what you’re looking to get out of your trip. While some activities, such as hiking, may benefit from cooler months, others, such as beaching, are more fit for the hottest months. 

Fortunately, Tanzania benefits from year-round sunshine and warm-weather temperatures. In terms of temperature, February is the hottest month with an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. July, on the other hand, is the coldest month with an average temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Are you considering a wildlife safari? If your primary attraction is to witness as much wildlife as possible, be sure to plan your safari between June and October. This is considered to be the dry season and the time in which wildlife will be most present and active. 

For those traveling from North America or Europe, there are no immunizations that are required by law. 

However, if you plan to travel from a country in which yellow fever is present, you may be required to have a specific vaccination. Without this vaccination, there’s a possibility you will be denied entry to the country. 

It’s also a good idea to ensure your polio and tetanus shots are up to date. This is especially the case if you plan to take part in any safaris or explore the wildlife sanctuaries. 

First and foremost, the Tanzanian people are known for being friendly, accommodating and wonderful people. In general, most Tanzanians are excited to welcome newcomers to their country and engage in conversation. 

However, as with any new country, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This is especially the case come sundown as well as in areas that tend to be less populated. 

To minimize your appeal to potential intruders, be sure to wear less flashy jewels, refrain from carrying significant camera equipment, and do not openly carry your passport on you. 

You will also want to be aware of thieves posing as service agents, such as police officers, government personnel, or security officers. This is especially common on the roads where thieves may pull tourists over and demand documentation or a fee. 

The Tanzanians are, in general, a friendly group of people. When it comes to shaking hands, always extend your right hand. This is because the left hand is often considered the hand that is used for any bathing and cleaning duties. 

You can also anticipate longer than usual handshakes. Oftentimes, you might even find yourself holding hands during conversations! 

While the official language is Swahili, you’ll find that most residents speak at least a small degree of English. That being said, it’s always appreciated by locals to have a small handful of basic Swahili phrases. Anything from “hello” and “goodbye” to “please” and “thank you” is sure to make a difference! 

You will also notice that many Tanzanians look forward to sharing their food with you. When offered food, it’s best to try whatever it might be without smelling it. Many Tanzanians will understand the practice of smelling the food to be rude and signify that you are untrusting of what they are providing you. 

Lastly and arguably most importantly, be sure to ask permission to take photos beforehand. This rule applies to anything from a person to a person’s home or personal items. While many will not mind the photos, it’s best practice to show your respect and even offer a monetary tip in some circumstances. 

While the requirement for a visa differs based on the country of origin, each traveler should check with their consulate for particular visa requirements. 

For example, travelers from countries such as Australia, the UK, and Canada will require a visa upon entry. The approximate cost for such a visa is around fifty US dollars. However, those from America typically require a multiple entries visa that costs approximately one hundred US dollars. 

Most visas are issued for a period of six months from the date of issue. Although, this can vary based on the type of visa as well as country of origin. 

Looking into the necessary visa requirements ahead of time is the best way to avoid any surprises upon landing! 

As with many trips, the best way to anticipate having a safe and happy trip is to plan ahead of time. 

In understanding what’s to come in the near future, you’re able to ensure your trip isn’t just a positive experience, but one that also runs smoothly and without stress. This is especially the case when traveling to Tanzania and other areas in East Africa that are less familiar with tourists. 

From ensuring you have the necessary visas and vaccinations to understanding local customs and safety precautions, these tips are the best way to assure yourself that your trip will run smoothly. 

If you’re looking for information on the must-see and must-do activities in Tanzania, be sure to visit our webpage!