Ker & Downey Africa > Journal > Travel Tanzania – Top Tips & Expert Advice
Tanzania is among the most popular travel destinations in Africa and for good reason. The climate is warm, the landscape is pristine, wildlife is abundant and the people are friendly. All these qualities make Tanzania an attractive holiday destination. If you are visiting Tanzania for the first time, there are some things you should know that will make your trip even more memorable.
Let’s travel Tanzania together.
Are you ready?
The best airport to arrive at is Kilimanjaro International Airport. KLM has daily flights from Amsterdam, while Eurowings Discover offers a direct route from Frankfurt as of 2022. Ethiopian and Kenya Airways also fly into Kilimanjaro Airport.
There are some health precautions you should be aware of before visiting Tanzania. You should take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from infections by ensuring you and they are vaccinated against Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Meningitis, as well as Tetanus. Contact your healthcare practitioner prior to your visit.
Tanzania offers exceptional wildlife viewing. There are three different safari circuits, and each of them alone would make Tanzania a great wildlife destination. The Big Five and most other sought-after safari animals are easily sighted.
On arrival in Tanzania, you will be greeted in Swahili or English. Many Tanzanians speak English, but you should take along a Swahili to English phrasebook to make it easy for you to understand the basics. Impress the locals with your Swahili, no matter how rudimentary.
While the water is safe in Tanzania, it is recommended that you only drink bottled water, which will be available on your safari as well as at your camp or lodge.
When in larger towns and cities, or simply enjoying the bustle of village life, try avoiding eating from street vendors as you cannot be sure of how the food is prepared or handled.
Tanzania is a very child-friendly country, ideal for a family safari. With closed safari vehicles, children are allowed on game drives. Most camps and lodges also offer programs to keep the little ones entertained. It is also recommended to look at camps or lodges that have a pool for the kids to enjoy besides the safari element of the trip.
The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling. The US dollar is accepted in some establishments, however it’s a good idea to find out whether you will be able to pay with your currency. If you plan to spend US dollars, ensure that your notes are older than 2006 to avoid rejection. You can also exchange foreign currency at the bank and at some currency exchange offices. Many hotels will generally offer this service at favorable exchange rates.
Although Tanzania is one of the safest countries in East Africa, you still need to be careful when visiting. Even though safari regions are typically safe, there are still some security issues to be wary of, just like in many other countries around the world.
Make sure you have a guide with you at all times, especially in urban areas. Leave your valuables, passport, money or any smart device at your hotel.
Just like many other African countries, Tanzanians have certain local customs that you need to be aware of. Avoid touching the opposite sex in public as this could offend some of the locals. If you take a taxi without a meter, agree on a price before commencing your journey.
Ready to travel Tanzania with confidence and have the adventure of a lifetime? Get in touch with a LuxVenture® designer today to start planning your Tanzania safari today!
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
