Frequently Asked Questions

The official languages of Tanzania are English and Swahili. But Tanzania National language is Swahili. Most people can speak Swahili and few can speak English, English is primarily used in formal settings, such as government, business, and education.

The currency used throughout Tanzania is Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). Credit cards are accepted in most places, though not everywhere. Master and Visa cards are widely accepted, there is 4% additional bank charge.

Yes, you should bring some extra money for tipping, small purchases to buy things like souvenirs and other expenses. For safety purpose, we recommend not to carry large amount of cash. While credit cards may be accepted in larger towns and cities, many remote areas, safari camps and lodges, and smaller establishments may prefer or only accept cash.

 

Tanzania Shilling (TZS) is the local currency but USD and Euros are mostly accepted, using local currency, Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), can be more practical in certain situations. If you bring USD, please note that bills printed earlier than 2008 are not accepted here. While there are ATMs in major cities, they might be less accessible in remote safari locations or rural areas. Therefore, we recommend withdrawing cash in larger towns before heading to more secluded areas..

It depends on which country you are from. Most countries citizens’ are required to apply for visa when travelling to Tanzania. It can be obtained on arrival at the Airports and border crossings and it is valid for 90 days. However, we recommend to apply online prior to arrival and it should take at least 2 weeks to get approval. The visa fee is USD 100 for USA (Multiple entry visa even if you are only making a single trip) and USD 50 for most of Non –USA residents (ordinary visa). A valid passport is required to enter Tanzania. A passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Tanzania.

 

Some of the countries whose citizen don’t need visa to enter Tanzania are: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, South African Republic, Kenya, Ghana, Gambia Jamaica, Malawi, Swaziland, Namibia, Singapore, South Sudan, Rwanda, Romania, Guinea, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malaysia, Seychelles, Botswana,

Malaria is common in many parts of Tanzania but is a preventable disease. Most of the hotels/camps/lodges have mosquito nets and they normally spray your room before you check in to keep mosquitoes away. For tented camps in safari, we recommend to zip them every time when you get in and out to avoid mosquitoes and other bugs to get in your room. For your lodges and hotels, it is a good practice to close the windows and door s before dusk to avoid mosquitoes getting in your room.  We also recommend taking anti-malarial medication but you should consult your doctor first to see which one she/he recommends.  It is important to use mosquito repellent and long sleeves pants and shirts to cover yourself while you are outside in the evening, this will help to protect you against mosquito bites.

Tanzania and Zanzibar are not separate countries; instead, they constitute the United Republic of Tanzania. While Zanzibar has its own semi-autonomous government and president, it is an integral part of the larger Tanzanian political entity. Travel requirements for entering Tanzania mainland are identical to those for Zanzibar, reflecting the unified nature of the country. This East African nation offers a rich tapestry of experiences, encompassing the diverse landscapes of the mainland, including iconic national parks, and the captivating islands of Zanzibar, renowned for their historical charm and pristine beaches.

Yes, Tanzania is generally considered a safe destination to visit in Africa, and it is often regarded as safe for solo female travelers as well. However, like in any other country, it is advisable to take normal and necessary precautions. Avoid walking alone in quiet or poorly lit areas at night, be cautious in crowded places, and stay aware of your surroundings. While Tanzania has many safe and welcoming areas for tourists, it’s essential to exercise common sense and take typical safety measures during your visit.

Ideally, there is no fixed price range for safari, it all depends on many factors like number of people, number of days, travel season, type of accommodation and destinations. However, the average cost can be from $200 – $900 per person per day depending on the above mentioned factors. To get the exactly cost of safari we recommend you to contact us to get a free quote based on your preferences.

Tipping is a customary practice in Tanzania, and there is no set limit on the amount. It is not mandatory, but tipping is generally based on the level of satisfaction with the services received. Whether it’s a safari guide, camp/lodge or hotel staff, mountain guide, driver, porter, or local people, tipping is a way to express appreciation for good service. There are no strict rules, but it’s common to tip a certain amount or offer additional gratuity based on your satisfaction with the experience. Tipping is a personal decision, and the amount can vary based on individual preferences and the nature of the service provided.

The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari largely depends on your preferences and the specific experiences you’re seeking. However, the dry season from June to October is widely considered the prime time for safari activities. During this period, there is almost no rain, resulting in dry and sunny weather with clear skies. This makes it easier to spot wildlife as animals gather around waterholes and rivers, and there is less vegetation for them to hide. The mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in the Northern Circuit of Tanzania.

In addition to optimal wildlife viewing conditions, the dry season is also when the Great Migration river crossings occur in the Northern Serengeti. However, it’s important to note that this period is considered peak season, leading to higher accommodation prices and increased demand. It is advisable to book accommodations well in advance to secure preferred choices and avoid last-minute challenges.

While the dry season is popular for safaris, other times of the year may offer unique experiences. The wet season, from November to May, brings lush landscapes and is a great time for birds watching. The months of March to May can be rainy, but wildlife is still abundant, and there are fewer tourists. However, some roads may become impassable in certain areas due to heavy rainfall.

Feel free to share your interests and preferred activities with one of our consultants, and we will provide tailored advice on the best time for you to visit Tanzania. Your priorities are our top concern, and by understanding your preferences, we can offer recommendations that align with your desired experiences. Our goal is to ensure your trip to Tanzania is well-suited to your interests, making it a personalized and memorable adventure.

For optimal bird watching in Tanzania, the period between November and March is recommended. During these months, you can witness a variety of bird species, including migratory birds, and enjoy lush landscapes.

 

Several destinations in Tanzania are particularly renowned for birds watching, and including them in your itinerary can enhance your birding experience. Some of those destinations are Arusha National Park, it offers diverse ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and Momella Lakes, providing habitats for numerous bird species. Tarangire National Park, is a fantastic destination for birdwatching, especially along the Tarangire River. Lake Manyara National Park, a haven for bird enthusiasts. The lake attracts a variety of water birds, including flamingos. Lake Natron, nestled at the base of Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, Lake Natron is a breeding ground for flamingos and other water birds. The lake’s alkaline waters create a unique environment and Ngorongoro Crater, The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the Ngorongoro Crater, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts diverse birdlife. The crater floor and surrounding highlands offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.

The Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the primary airport for those planning to embark on a Kilimanjaro climb and Northern Circuit safari in Tanzania.

Yes, most of accommodations in Tanzania are equipped to cater to a variety of dietary requirements. Whether you have vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary preferences, it is advisable to communicate your needs in advance and we will inform the accommodation staff accordingly when we make reservations. For Halal and Kosher, not all accommodations or restaurants may offer Halal and Kosher options. Again, it is good to inform us in advance so we can select the right accommodation which caters for Halal and Kosher options. Generally, accommodations, particularly those in tourist areas, often have experienced chefs who can accommodate different dietary restrictions with proper notice. By communicating your needs ahead of time, you ensure that your meals are tailored to your specific requirements, allowing for a more enjoyable and stress-free dining experience during your stay in Tanzania.

There is a weight restriction of 15kg per person for most of domestic flights, heavier than that , you will need pay an overweight baggage fee at the airport.

We highly recommend taking a soft sided duffel bag. Hard suitcases can be hard to fit in safari vehicles also may get damaged easily during safari because of the road.

The Big Five animals are the African animals that were considered to be the most difficult animals to hunt on foot in Africa by early big game hunters and those are “Lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros”.

Yes, you can certainly encounter the Big Five animals on a safari in Tanzania. By visiting parks like Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti, your chances of witnessing the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) are significantly heightened. These parks are known for their rich biodiversity, making them prime locations to experience the diversity of wildlife, including the iconic Big 5, during your safari adventure in Tanzania.

There is no strict age limit for safaris, and individuals of various ages can participate. However, it’s important to consider the nature of safari experiences, which often involve long and bumpy drives, and exposure to the elements. At Afrika Kwanza Tours, we do not highly recommend children under 6 years due to nature of safari. The decision to bring children or older individuals on a safari should consider their comfort, safety, and ability to handle the conditions of the safari environment. If parents are confident that their young children can handle the extended periods of driving, they are welcome to bring them on the safari. Private safari would be the best option for older individuals and those who are traveling with the kids.

The Great Migration in Tanzania is one of the most spectacular natural events in the world that involves movement of large herds of wildebeest accompanied by large number of zebras, and few gazelles, impalas, and elands across the East Africa plains in search of fresh grazing and water. It is a year-round, cyclical event that primarily occurs between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The movement is triggered by availability of food and water. The migration follows a cyclical pattern, roughly as follows:

 

  1. Late November/December to March (Calving Season): Following the short rain, the herds gather in the Southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania for the calving season. Around half a million calves are born over the two or three week period and this occurs in the months of January and February. The calving season is a critical period for the survival of the young animals, and it attracts predators like lions and cheetahs, creating a dramatic and dynamic ecosystem. The abundance of young animals provides ample hunting opportunities for predators, making it an intense and action-packed time in the natural cycle of the Great Migration. There are a lot to catch during this time.

 

  1. April and May: With the long rain over and the grass diminishes, the herds start moving northwest toward the fresher grass of the Central/Western Serengeti.

 

  1. Between May and June (Mating Season): Mating seasons begins towards the end of May and it takes place over a three-week period. By the end of it, almost 95% of the migratory female will have conceived. During this time of the year the Migration will be on the Western Corridor, grazing on the richest grasses.

 

  1. Around June to Early July Grumeti River Crossing): During June, the dry season starts with large concentrations of wildebeest in the Western Serengeti and on the southern banks of the Grumeti River. The herds start crossing the Grumeti River. This is a challenging journey, as the river is filled with crocodiles, providing a dramatic spectacle. This may not be as spectacular as the famous Mara crossings, but there are still enough wildebeest to provide a substantial feast for the crocodiles residing in the Grumeti River. It is worth noting that May is low season. Safaris at this time offer great value since there are relatively low numbers of tourists in the Serengeti, yet the wildlife viewings remain excellent.

 

  1. End of July to October (Mar River Crossing): During the dry season, the grasses have dried out and the herbivores must move long distances to find food and water. As a result, from end of July the Wildebeest and Zebras, gazelles and impalas start moving towards the Northern Serengeti where the grasses remain green throughout the year because of higher rainfalls. For four months the herds will be moving towards the Mara River in Northern Serengeti in search for water and green pastures, many of the young calves die of thirst, starvation and exhaustion. At the Mara River area, the migration divides, some cross the river into Kenya and the rest dispersing through the western and Northern Serengeti. This phase is particularly renowned for its breathtaking scenes as the animals navigate through crocodile-infested waters. This period is the best time to visit Serengeti for the Great Wildebeest Migration river crossing.

 

  1. November to December (Return to the South): November to December is the short rain season in East Africa. During this season, the herds start returning south to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania to find new grass and water sources, restarting the cycle

Tanzania uses plug Type D and G. Tanzania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz

To make your Tanzania trip more exciting and less stressful, we have prepared a list of what to pack as one of tips to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

For packing, generally, we recommend to pack as lightly as possible for your safari in Tanzania. Here is a list of the essentials you need to pack:

 

Luggage:

We highly recommend soft sided duffel bag instead of suitcases because soft sided duffel bag can fit better in safari jeep than hard cases. You can also carry a small day backpack for personal belongings.

 

Clothing:

We recommend neutral colors like beige or khaki color and avoid bright colors. The reason is during dry season (June to October) while on game drive it will be too dust since there are no tarmac roads in the National Parks and also there will be so many cars during peak season so you should expect dust during this time of the year. Wearing khaki or beige color cloths will make them look not that much dusty/ dirty compared to bright colors clothes. Another reason is bright colors clothes like blue and black tend to attract tsetse flies, so it’s good idea to avoid them. Also, some animals use to strongly react to bright colors, so it is advisable to wear neutral colors while on safari to be safer when you encounter such kind of animals.

  • Long pants (optional zip-offs) and long sleeve shirts, for early morning and evening as it used to be cold a little bit, also will protect you from the insect bite in the evening hours.
  • Shorts or skirt or dresses, it can be hot during the day.
  • Sweater to keep warm, it tends to be chilly in the morning and evening
  • T-shirt, polos, short sleeve tops
  • Socks, underwear and nightwear
  • Rain coat (During rainy season March & May and November to December)
  • Sun hat
  • Scarf, to protect from dust and sun
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Slippers or sandals
  • Swimwear for the lodges that have a pool.

 

Travel documents

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months, please have a printed copy as a backup in case the original is lost)
  • Visa
  • Tickets (Please print copies of tickets)
  • Cash (US Dollars)
  • Insurance documents
  • Vaccination certificates, if any

 

Others

  • Toiletries like soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, wet wipes, lip balm for the dry air, face mask, hand sanitizer, etc.
  • Hat
  • Sun screen
  • Sunglasses
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Personal medication
  • Adapter
  • Camera and camera memory card, battery and charger
  • Phone and phone charger
  • Binoculars (We provide at least one in safari vehicle but if you have space it is good to have another one)
  • Birds and animals checklist book
  • Please note that plastic bags are banned in Tanzania, we therefore recommend to bring a Ziploc bags