Getting to Tanzania
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main entry point for northern Tanzania safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs. It serves direct routes from Amsterdam (KLM), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Nairobi (Kenya Airways, Precision Air), Dubai (Flydubai), and Doha (Qatar Airways). Most European and North American travelers connect through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Doha.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam handles more international routes and is the entry point for travelers going directly to Zanzibar (via ferry or short flight). For northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is the more convenient arrival.
Visa Requirements
Most nationalities require a Tanzania visa. Two options: apply online at immigration.go.tz (e-visa, faster and more convenient) or obtain on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport ($50–100 USD cash depending on nationality). For full nationality-specific details, see our Tanzania visa guide. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country.
Health — Vaccinations and Malaria
| Health Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Malaria prophylaxis | Required | Northern Tanzania and Zanzibar are malaria zones. Start prophylaxis before departure per your GP's advice. |
| Yellow fever vaccination | Conditional | Required if arriving from an endemic country. Some airlines enforce this regardless. |
| Routine vaccinations | Recommended | Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, and polio boosters up to date. |
| Altitude sickness (Kilimanjaro only) | Mountain-specific | See our altitude sickness guide if climbing Kilimanjaro. |
| Medical care | Limited outside cities | Carry a comprehensive first aid kit. International-standard care in Arusha and Dar es Salaam only. |
Money and Currency
US Dollars are the most practical currency for Tanzania. Most tourist services, accommodation, and park fees are quoted in USD. Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) are needed for local markets, small purchases, and transport in towns. ATMs in Moshi, Arusha, and Stone Town (Zanzibar) dispense TZS — some also dispense USD. No reliable ATMs inside national parks or on Kilimanjaro.
Credit cards are accepted at most mid-range and upmarket hotels and lodges. For tips (guides, porters, hotel staff), USD cash is strongly preferred — bring adequate cash. Recommended: arrive with $200–400 USD cash for tips, visa, and personal purchases if paying visa on arrival.
Safety
Tanzania has a stable political environment and is one of the safer travel destinations in sub-Saharan Africa. The main tourist areas (Arusha, Moshi, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar) have very low violent crime rates for tourists. Standard urban precautions apply in Dar es Salaam and Arusha: don't display valuables, use registered taxis at night, stay in well-reviewed accommodation.
Zanzibar's Stone Town is safe for walking during the day and evening in tourist areas. Avoid isolated beach areas after dark. Petty theft (bag snatching) is the most common tourist crime — keep bags close in crowded markets.
Culture and Etiquette
Tanzania is a largely Muslim country in coastal and Zanzibar areas, and broadly conservative across the mainland. Key cultural notes:
| Context | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Dress in towns | Modest clothing expected. Cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and Muslim communities. |
| Greetings | Handshake standard. Older people: a slight bow is respectful. Jambo (hello) and Asante (thank you) are appreciated. |
| Photography | Always ask before photographing people, particularly Maasai. Some communities charge small fees. |
| Tipping | Customary and meaningful. Guides, porters, drivers, and hotel staff all rely on tips. Budget $10–15/day for your guide-driver. |
| Bargaining | Expected at local markets. Fixed prices at tourist shops and most restaurants. Don't bargain aggressively. |
| Ramadan | During Ramadan, be respectful about eating and drinking in public in Muslim areas, particularly Zanzibar. |
Communications
Mobile data is excellent in Arusha, Moshi, and Zanzibar. Coverage inside Serengeti and Ngorongoro is limited or absent at most campsites — expect to be offline. Most lodges and camps offer WiFi in the main area but not in tents or rooms. A local SIM card (Vodacom or Airtel, available at Kilimanjaro Airport) is the most cost-effective option for data.
FAQ — Tanzania Travel Tips
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