1. Health Preparations
Yellow Fever Vaccine: Required if coming from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented at entry.
Malaria Prophylaxis: Essential for all visitors. Consult your doctor about options (doxycycline, malarone, or mefloquine) 4-6 weeks before travel.
COVID-19 Requirements: As of 2023, proof of vaccination or negative PCR test is no longer required for entry.
Other Vaccines Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Cholera (especially if visiting rural areas).
Pro Tip: Pack a comprehensive medical kit including rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, and any personal medications.
2. Visa and Documentation
eVisa System: Apply online at https://immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel (single entry $100 USD).
Passport Validity: Must have at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage mandatory - must include medical evacuation (minimum $200,000 coverage).
Copy Important Documents: Scan passport, visa, insurance, and vaccination certificates to cloud storage.
Note: Visa on arrival is available but can involve long queues - eVisas are strongly recommended.
3. Packing Essentials
Clothing: Neutral colors (khaki, green, beige), lightweight layers, warm jacket for cool mornings, wide-brimmed hat.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes + sandals for camp. Waterproof options recommended for wet season.
Gear: Quality binoculars (8x42 or 10x42), high-SPF sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, power bank.
Technology: Universal adapter (Type G), extra memory cards, dust-proof camera bag, portable charger.
Special Item: Pack a soft-sided duffel (hard cases often not permitted on safari vehicles).
4. Money Matters
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). USD accepted but newer bills (post-2013) required, no rips or marks.
Cash Needs: $500-$1000 USD per person recommended for tips, souvenirs, and incidentals.
Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted at lodges; American Express rarely taken. Inform your bank of travel plans.
Tipping Guidelines: $10-15/day for guide, $5-10/day for driver, $2-5 per bag for porters.
Exchange Tip: Better rates in Tanzania than at home - change money at airports or reputable forex bureaus.
5. Cultural Preparation
Greetings: Learn basic Swahili - "Jambo" (Hello), "Asante" (Thank you), "Karibu" (Welcome).
Photography Etiquette: Always ask permission before photographing locals ($1-2 tip often expected).
Dress Code: Modest clothing preferred, especially in Zanzibar and urban areas. Avoid military-style clothing.
Cultural Sensitivities: Public displays of affection frowned upon. Use right hand for eating/giving items.
Respect Tip: Never point at people or animals - use your whole hand to gesture.
6. Safety Considerations
Wildlife Safety: Always follow guide instructions - minimum 5m distance from animals (20m for elephants).
Urban Safety: Avoid displaying valuables in cities. Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash.
Road Safety: Night driving between parks is dangerous - always opt for daylight transfers.
Emergency Numbers: 112 (general emergency), +255 22 211 1111 (tourist police).
Health Alert: Only drink bottled/treated water and avoid ice in drinks outside major hotels.
7. Final Week Checklist
✓ Confirm all bookings and print copies
✓ Arrange airport transfers (many lodges include this)
✓ Download offline maps (Google Maps works well)
✓ Check airline baggage restrictions (typically 15kg limit on domestic flights)
✓ Register with your embassy's travel program
✓ Notify credit card companies of travel dates
