GUIDES TO TRAVEL

PASSPORT & VISA 

 All visitors to Tanzania require a return or onward ticket and a valid passport with an entry or re-entry visa, duly endorsed. Visas are not required for visitors from some member countries of Commonwealth and other specified countries. Visas can be applied online or obtained from any Tanzania Diplomatic Mission or Consulate abroad, and at main entry points including international airports, sea ports and border post 

 CUSTOM

 Personal effects including binoculars, cameras, film, may be imported (temporarily) free of duty. A custom bond may be demanded from visitors bringing in professional video/filming equipment, radios, tape recorders and musical instruments to ensure the goods are re- exported. Firearms require a special permit that should be obtained in advance. Visitors buying local handicrafts must keep cash sales receipts and ownership certificates for wildlife trophies for presentation to Customs officials on departure.

CURRENCIES 

Tanzania Shilling is the official currency of the United Republic of Tanzania. It is against the law to import or export Tanzania Shilling. Visitors can bring with them any amount of foreign currency up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 but amounts above this have to be declared on arrival or departure. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the commercial banks, authorised dealers, or at the bureaux de change operating at the international airports and major towns. Your local driver-guide will be in hand to assist. It is illegal to exchange money to individuals who are not authorised dealers.

US dollar bills, Pound Sterling and Euros, as well as Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most hotels and lodges, and in tourist areas. American Express is not widely accepted even by major hotels. Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in major towns using Visa and MasterCard. Small denomination USD bills are useful for miscellaneous expenses on safari but change will be given in Tanzania Shillings.

DEPARTURES 

An airport tax is levied on all visitors departing the country by air. In most instances, this fee is included in passenger’s airline ticket. Baggage is weighed at check-in counters and may be inspected by Customs. Airport departure tax for domestic flights is also applicable. All taxes are subject to change. There is no departure tax when traveling by road

CLIMATE

Situated on the east coast of Africa just south of the Equator, Tanzania enjoys a tropical climate constantly warm throughout the year, humid at the coast, fresh and bracing in the highlands, and tempered by Indian Ocean breezes on the islands. In the northern highlands around Arusha, Ngorongoro, Mt Kilimanjaro and Usambara, and in the southern highlands around Iringa and Mbeya area, the climate is temperate and cooler between June and September. The warmest period is between October and February.

Twice yearly rainy seasons, short rains from November to January and  long rains between March and May, bring the vital green seasons to the bush and help to maintain the abundant wildlife and big game for which Tanzania is justly world famous.

LANGUAGE 

The national language is Kiswahili but English is widely spoken and is the language of the tourist trade and other international businesses. Leopard Tours, however, boasts of a number of multi-lingual operations staff and driver-guides.

LUGGAGE 

Safari vehicles and small aircraft provide limited space for luggage. It is therefore recommended to travel with light soft-sided bags since bulky suitcases will overload and might not be taken on board.

HEALTH

Visitors originating from or transiting through countries endemic with yellow fever are required to produce valid yellow fever vaccination certificates at entry points. Visitors are advised to take anti-malaria tablets and make use of mosquito nets and insect sprays where provided. Visitors are also advised to obtain travel insurance that would cover medical expenses among many other things.

COVID-19 TANZANIA UPDATES

YELLOW FEVER

CLOTHING

Light tropical clothes, especially cotton slacks, shirts and skirts are most suitable. Some warm clothing is needed in the higher altitude areas around Usambara, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha and the southern highlands – especially in the evening and early morning. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended on safari and guests are advised to carry some insect repellents and sunscreens. In Zanzibar visitors are requested to dress modestly; swim suits, mini skirts and other revealing clothing should not be worn outside hotels, beaches and resorts.

TIME

Tanzania has only one time zone. Local time is GMT + 3 and Daylight Savings Time is not used.