Swahili is the official and national language in Tanzania. English is also an official and the primary language of commerce, administration, and higher education. Arabic is widely spoken in Zanzibar.

The mainland can get bitter cold particularly around the mountainous regions of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. However, temperatures rise significantly in the highlands towards the coastal region and the air is much drier. The mainland's coastal region, as well as Zanzibar, enjoy a tropical climate throughout.

The mainland has two rainy seasons running from November to December and then again from February to May. Conversely, the coastal area has only one rainy season lasting from March to May.

SAFETY

While travelling in East Africa, it is advisable to exercise the same caution and awareness normally accorded in any large city.

Currency

The currency unit is the Tanzania shilling (Tsh.)

For current exchange rates, please refer to the Internet or a newspaper.

The importation of both local and foreign currency is unrestricted, but the amounts must be declared upon arrival. The exportation of both local and foreign currency is also unrestricted, but amounts must be declared upon arrival. The most popular global foreign currencies can be traded at any of the Forex Bureaus (Bureau De Change) establishments in the main towns. Their rates are usually higher than bank rates.

How to carry your money

Cash is more readily exchanged and accepted and commands a better exchange rate in East Africa.

Try for a diversity of denominations.

Credit Cards

Major credit cards (and debit cards with Visa or Master Card logos) are a superb emergency back-up. Every traveller is encouraged to carry one, even when there are no intentions of using it – it comes in handy during an emergency.

Credit cards are accepted in most establishments in Tanzania.

Keep all receipts as proof of purchase.

How much money to take

Carry enough money to cover all expenses (souvenirs, laundry, drinks) plus a small reserve. Although ATMs are widely available in all major cities, they may be unreliable. Credit cards should be a financial emergency kit.

As Tanzania enjoys a healthy, invigorating climate, visitors need not feel a concern for their general health during their stay. However, malaria is endemic in certain areas and anti-malarial medication should be taken according to prescription recommendations. Beware of Dengue fever, sleeping sickness, Bilharzia and AIDS. Visitors requiring special medication should pack sufficient supplies in their hand luggage. Chemist shops are well stocked, but the medication may not be always readily available.

Mobile Infrastructure: The mobile network coverage in Tanzania is extensive, almost all the ‘usual’ safari circuit areas including National Parks and remote towns are covered.

Wi-Fi Infrastructure: Most, if not all, major hotels have wireless internet connectivity.

During the safari, all meals will be provided in the hotels, lodges and camps. The food is of excellent quality.

Generally, in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, lunch and dinner are billed separately.

The meal timings are usually as follows:

Most of the hotels have both local and imported alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments available (beers, wines, liquors, liqueurs, and fruit juices).

Drinks are not included (unless otherwise stated).

Special dietary requirements should be communicated well in advance or at the hotel’s reception upon arrival.

Tipping is optional.

Use the following tipping guidelines, if need be:

It is recommended to take up a travel insurance cover for compensation in case of loss of items, flight delays, trip cancellations or even medical emergency. Ensure you understand the nitty-gritty of the cover.

Tanzania's electricity supply is at 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz, using a three-pin plug and socket. Carry plug adapters, if need be. Some places are serviced by generators, hence, ration electricity (and the light s may be dim).

It is important to charge all devices while there is supply. Travellers dependent on an overnight electrical supply (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) should communicate well in advance.

In general, avoid drinking tap water.

Bottled mineral water is available for purchase throughout.

Purified mineral water is available in the rooms while on safari.

SawaSawa Africa provides a litre of bottled water on a complimentary basis per safari day.

In general, avoid drinking tap water.

While donations may seem charitable, they can be disruptive and intrusive especially when a portion of people get them while the others are left empty-handed. Other times, it could place the traveller in danger of being hustled by a mob. As such, avoid distribution of money, pens, candy, and left-over food to children or adults encountered on the way.

If beggars approach, make eye contact, smile politely and keep moving. Offering anything to one beggar will open the harassment floodgates to the whole group.

During community visits, it is advisable to contribute towards community development as opposed to benefitting a few individuals. For example, instead of giving stationery to a few students, bring a large package of pens or pencils and hand it to the school head or administrator for distribution.

Every traveller should be mindful of the effects of their actions.

The intention may be good, but the effect may be negative. For example, sweets/candy may cause tooth decay yet remote villages have few, not to mention expensive, dentists. Also, giving out sweets and other gifts encourages children to run to every foreigner in the neighbourhood, leaving their school or house chores undone. It may also project a bad impression of their parents who may not afford the same gifts.

The glitz and glamour of London, New York and Paris pale compared to what Tanzania has to offer. From busy chaotic markets to popular standalone shops to skyscraper malls spread all over from Arusha to Dar to Zanzibar, there is something for everyone in this game of shopping.

There are well-stocked gift shops in many hotels, lodges and camps throughout the country, offering a wide array of traditional artefacts, Tanzanite jewellery, all-purpose fabric wraps and some beautiful stone and wood carvings all inspired by Tanzania’s varied cultures.

For more shopping experience, try any of the following:

Note: Some businesses open on Sunday. Muslim-owned businesses close on Friday afternoons but may open on Sunday.

In Zanzibar, some shops close for siesta from 12.00 (noon) to 3.00 pm but stay open until 7.00 pm. In larger cities, markets open daily from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Leave any luggage that will not be in use during the safari at the City Hotel, for collection upon return.

Note that international airlines allow a luggage allowance of 20 – 30 Kgs whilst LOCAL carriers allow 15 Kgs only – especially those flying into and out of the bush (Parks and Reserves)

On Check-out / departure day, place all luggage at the door while heading for breakfast to cue the porters to take it to the reception, to await check-out.

There are a few Dos to keep in mind while travelling.

Respecting Wildlife:

Conserving East Africa's Natural Environment:

The picturesque landscapes, exotic wildlife, historical sites, and world-renowned sites, Tanzania is without a doubt picture perfect! Note that it is considered rude to take pictures of people without asking for their permission.

Please note that it is prohibited to take photos of:

CAMERA TIPS

Christianity: 61.4% of the population are Christians.

Islam: 35.2% of the population are Muslims. Zanzibar is almost entirely Muslim.

Indigenous beliefs: 1.8% have faith in traditional religious beliefs.

Others: 0.2% of the population believe in other faiths including Hinduism and Buddhism.

No religion: 1.4% of the population is not affiliated with any religion.