Tanzania Travel Advice

Best Time To Visit Tanzania

The Best Time to Visit Tanzania is during the dry season from June to October & December to Mars. It is optimal for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources. However, Tanzania’s diverse climate makes it a fantastic year-round safari destination, with each season offering unique experiences.

Discover Tanzania's Prime Safari Season

While the dry season boasts the great wildebeest migration and ideal conditions for climbing Kilimanjaro, the wet season can’t be ignored at all.

This season is the month: Mars, April, May, October and November.

This brings lush landscapes and vibrant birdlife, offering quieter parks and lower prices.

• Dry season June-October and December-Mar
• Wet season Mar -May and October-November
• Prime wildlife viewing in the dry season
• Witness the Great Migration
• Kilimanjaro treks and Zanzibar beaches
• Lush scenery and abundant birdlife in the wet
• Fewer tourists and reduced rates off-peak
• Year-round safari opportunities

Visit Tanzania any time of the year for a unique safari experience. Irrespective of whether you travel during the dry or wet seasons, each period provides a special touch to your adventure.

Getting To Tanzania

Arriving in Tanzania is simple, with major airports at Kilimanjaro for the northern circuits and Julius Nyerere for the southern regions. Your journey within the country is enhanced by expert-guided vehicle 4x4s and scenic fly-in safaris.

Easy Access to Tanzanian Wonders

Explore the vast northern circuits or the untouched wilderness of the south with our local guides ensuring a smooth journey from your point of arrival to your exploration.

• Direct flights to key Tanzanian airports
• Expert-guided vehicle 4x4 safari tours
• Scenic fly-in safari options
• Convenient online visa application
• Custom travel from the airport to the safari

We manage all the details from your arrival to your exploration, making your journey into Tanzania’s wilderness as straightforward as it is mesmerizing.

Money Budgeting & Tips

Managing your finances for a Tanzanian safari involves understanding local and preferred foreign currencies. While the Tanzanian Shilling is used for smaller, daily transactions, U.S. dollars are meant for pre-booking significant expenses like accommodation and park entries, which can range from USD 50 to USD 70 per day.

Smart Budgeting Enhances Safari Experiences

Consider Tanzania's national park entry fees and accommodation standards, which vary from basic to luxurious. The type of safari—group or private—affects the cost significantly, with private safaris typically being more expensive but also more personalized.

• Daily transactions in Tanzanian Shilling
• Check in luggage should preferable be in duffle bag to make them fit in the safari vehicle more easy
• No plastic bags allowed in Tanzania and Uganda except for the small zip bags from airports
• Major bookings require U.S. dollars
• Park fees between $60-$83 per day
• Choice of safari standard impacts budget
• Early visa arrangements recommended
• Recommended tip for driver is 10 USD per day per person
• Bring USD dollars in cash for extra charges as hotel services etc

Effective financial planning is important to a fulfilling Tanzanian safari. You ensure a memorable and hassle-free adventure by considering park fees, choosing the right safari type, and understanding currency needs.

Packing List

A tour in Tanzania is full of thrills and serenity, from spectacular safaris and relaxing at the beaches to hiking to the tops of mountains. Smart packing therefore comes in very handy to tackle these kinds of expeditions without a hitch, with you having all the gear to beat the savannah's heat, the beaches' breeze and the mountains' chill.

Gear Up for Diverse Tanzanian Adventures

You are advised to pack light-coloured, breathable fabrics for safari days, which help you blend with the wilderness while protecting against the sun and insects. For the beaches of Zanzibar, try to include swimwear, light cover-ups and bath shoes, and don’t forget sturdy, comfortable footwear for any trekking activities.

(Close the pdf pack list window before you open another packing list)

• PACKING LIST SAFARI GAME DRIVE
• PACKING LIST GORILLA TREKKING
• PACKING LIST PHOTO/VIDEO SAFARI
• PACKING LIST KILIMANJARO TREKKING

Equip yourself with everything Tanzania has to offer by referring to our comprehensive packing list. From wildlife watching and sunbathing to mountain climbing, the right gear will enhance your experience, keeping you comfortable and ready.

Weather & Climate

Tanzania’s climate varies significantly across its regions, affecting safaris, beach holidays, and mountain treks. The country experiences a long dry season punctuated by two rainy seasons, with regional variations from the cool highlands to the humid coast.

Climate Appropriate For Every Kind Of adventure

The main dry season from June to October is ideal for wildlife viewing. Expect milder temperatures and less humidity, perfect for outdoor activities. Short rains in November to December and Mars to May, slightly disrupt, but still allow for travel.

• Dry season june-october and december-mars
• Wet season mars-may and october-november
• Mild temperatures in northern regions
• Humid coastal weather year-round
• Two short rainy seasons
• Cool highland climates at night

Learning about Tanzania’s varied climate helps you plan your visit effectively. It allows you to choose the best times and places for an unforgettable experience in nature’s diverse settings.

Lodges & Camps

Tanzanian lodges and camps come in diverse styles, ranging from luxurious lodges with permanent structures in the wilderness to massive tented camps with walls constructed from walk-in canvas. Tented camps are as comfortable as many lodges, except that they provide a more traditional, authentic, and downright thrilling safari experience.

Comfort Meets Nature in Style

On your Tanzania Safari Vacation, choose from cosy lodges or spacious tented camps with canvas walls depending on your budget. Both these accommodations provide luxury amenities like exquisite dining options, plush bedding, and even stunning pools.

• Accommodations range from basic to luxurious
• Private en-suite rooms available
• Lodges are permanent, and tented camps are temporary
• Fine dining and hospitable service
• Many come with beautiful pools

Selecting the correct lodge or tented camp for your Tanzanian vacation can make a drastic difference in your safari experience. Depending on your budget, we can help you decide on the perfect accommodation type as per your liking.

Apply For Visa

For a seamless entry to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, visitors are advised to carry:

• A hard copy of their Tourist Visa.
• A valid passport that meets the following criteria:
• Valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into the last country visited.
• Contains at least one blank page for each country to be visited.
• Has a minimum of two blank pages remaining after visiting all countries.

Also, we recommend applying for your visas at least a month before your travel date to avoid delays and ensure a smooth entry into these spectacular destinations.

Tanzania

All the information related to Tanzania Visa is available here: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/

Apply for Your Visa Online:

 Secure your three-month tourist visa for Tanzania easily by visiting: Tanzania Visa Application. The cost is approximately US$50 for most placesand US$100 for Americans. We strongly advise you to obtain your visa before arrival to avoid lengthy waits, which can extend up to 2 hours.

Required Information for Visa Application:

Ensure to provide the following details on your application to smooth your visa processing:

• Local Host: Timba Adventure Safaris
• Name: Elisha Mangula
• Mobile Number: +255 764 502 620
• Email: info@timbaadventuresafaris.com
• Relationship: Visitor
• Accommodation: Write the name of the place of accommodation where you are staying the first night.
• Physical Address: Sakina Street, Arusha -Namanga Road

Note: If you encounter any unclear details on the visa website or need further assistance, please contact us so we can help clarify and update this section accordingly.

The size of each document should not exceed 300 kb and should either be in JPEG. Need help with this? We're here to assist!

Kenya

All the information related to Tanzania Visa is available here: https://immigration.ecitizen.go.ke/index.php?id=5

You can obtain your three-month tourist visa for Kenya by visiting the eCitizen portal. The visa fee is approximately US$ 50. It is essential to secure your visa before your arrival in Kenya to comply with entry requirements.

Uganda

You can apply for a three-month tourist visa to Uganda by visiting Uganda's Immigration Portal. The fee for a three-month tourist visa is approximately US$ 50. When applying, you must upload the following documents:

• Biodata page of your passport
• A recent passport photograph
• Your Yellow Fever Vaccination Card, with the vaccination administered no less than three weeks before arriving in Uganda.

Note: The size of each document should not exceed 250 kb and should either be in JPEG or PDF. Need help with this? We're here to assist!

Rwanda

Start applying for a three-month tourist visa to Rwanda by visiting Rwanda’s Visa Portal. The cost for a three-month tourist visa to Rwanda is approximately US$ 50.

Vaccinations

Certain vaccinations may be required or recommended for travel to Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The specific requirements for each country are detailed below. Please, make sure that you're fully prepared by reviewing the necessary health precautions and consulting your healthcare provider before starting your dream expedition.

Tanzania

Travellers to Tanzania should consult their doctor to update routine vaccines and discuss travel-specific vaccinations. Essential vaccines include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and medications for Malaria prevention.

Recommended Vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travellers over one year old.
• Hepatitis B: Advised for all travellers, especially those under 60.
• Typhoid: Suggested for visitors to rural areas or staying with locals.
• Malaria: Prophylaxis is recommended, with specific medications depending on the travel area.
• Rabies: Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll be in contact with animals or remote areas.
• Measles and Polio: Ensure vaccination is up-to-date due to recent outbreaks.
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP): Ensure that this routine vaccination is current, as these diseases pose a risk in various regions.
• Influenza: Annual flu vaccination is recommended, especially important during peak flu seasons.
• Varicella (Chickenpox): Ensure vaccination if not previously immunized or if you haven't had the disease, particularly relevant for young children and non-immune adults.

Note on Yellow Fever: Yellow Fever vaccination is not generally required for all travellers to Tanzania, but it is mandatory for those coming from or transiting through high-risk countries. Ensure to get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel if applicable.

For detailed guidelines, visit the CDC's Travel Page for Tanzania.

Uganda

Before travelling to Uganda, ensure you're protected against various diseases by updating routine vaccinations and considering travel-specific shots. Vaccinations for Yellow Fever, Hepatitis, Typhoid, and Malaria are essential, with others recommended based on your activities and destinations within the country.

Must-Have Vaccinations:

• Yellow Fever: Mandatory for all travellers aged 1 year and older.
• Routine Vaccines: Ensure you are up-to-date on Chickenpox, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Flu, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Shingles.
• Recommended Vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A: Advised for all travelers over one year old.
• Hepatitis B: Suggested for travellers under 60 years; older travellers should also consider vaccination.
• Typhoid: Recommended for visitors to rural areas or those staying with locals.
• Cholera: Consider vaccination if travelling to areas with recent transmission reports like Kayunga, Mbale, and Namayingo.
• Malaria: Prophylaxis is strongly recommended; consult your doctor for suitable medication.

Visit your healthcare provider at least a month before travel to discuss and receive necessary vaccinations and medications. For detailed guidelines, visit the CDC’s Travel Health Notices for Uganda.

Kenya

Prior to your visit to Kenya, it's important to update your immunizations for a safe and healthy trip. Key vaccinations such as Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Malaria are essential, depending on your destinations and activities in the country.

Routine Vaccinations: Ensure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travelling to Kenya. Important vaccines include Chickenpox (Varicella),Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis,Flu,(Influenza),Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio & Shingles.

Recommended Vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travellers over one year old.
• Hepatitis B: Advice for travellers under 60 years; older travellers should also consider vaccination.
• Typhoid: Suggested for visitors to rural areas or those staying with locals.
• Cholera: Consider only if travelling to areas with recent cases reported.
• Malaria: Prophylaxis is strongly recommended; consult your doctor for suitable medication.
• Meningitis: Recommended during the dry season for those visiting the meningitis belt.
• Polio: Adults previously vaccinated may need a booster; unvaccinated should complete the series.

Note on Yellow Fever: Yellow Fever vaccination is required for all travellers aged one year and older arriving from countries with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. It is not typically needed if travelling directly from areas without Yellow Fever risk but recommended for all travellers aged 9 months and older, except for those limited to Nairobi, North Eastern Province counties (Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa), and certain Coast Province counties.

For more detailed health guidance, consult the CDC’s Kenya Travel Page.