15 things you need to know before visiting Tanzania

13.11.2023 - 16:29 / lonelyplanet.com

With its Indian Ocean islands, abundance of animals, lush mountains and welcoming people, Tanzania is on almost everyone’s Africa bucket list. If you have the opportunity to travel here, take it and relish the chance to experience a way of life that is still closely intertwined with age-old rhythms and the cycles of nature.

After living in and traveling around Tanzania for more than 20 years, the top tips I have for visitors are: learn some Swahili, spend time with the wildlife and tuck in your mosquito net. Then, there are other things, like figuring out how to get the best seats on a bus and knowing which months to trek or go on safari. Keep reading for more on these and other tips to maximize your enjoyment and ensure smooth travels.

Experiencing Tanzania’s wildlife parks – even just one or two – takes time. And then there’s beach- and island-hopping along the coast, hiking in the highlands, trekking on Kilimanjaro, visiting village markets and so much more. A week is barely enough for a quick introduction, but your visit will be more rewarding with at least two weeks and ideally three or more. 

Seeing wildlife is a sure thing. But logistics can get trickier if you’re hoping to experience a specific event, such as the peak of the wildebeest migration. Camps along the migration route generally get booked up well in advance, and the wildebeest move to nature’s rhythms and their own internal clocks. To catch the excitement, start planning early. Check with the camps for recommendations, as their guides will be tracking the rains and the movement of the animals. If the wildebeest don’t cooperate, take things in Tanzanian stride: hakuna matata ("no problem") –  there’s so much other wildlife to see.

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but it’s worth considering the seasons. Check LP’s Tanzania guidebook for details, but in general: travel in the dry months from June to September for wildlife-watching, hiking and Kilimanjaro treks. Visit in the wet months (February to May) for birding, lower prices and fewer crowds. Also remember, while the rainiest months from March to May can get really rainy, there’s still plenty of sunshine.

Safaris and treks can be costly, but the fees you pay shouldn’t be considered as full compensation for the drivers, guides, cooks, and porters who will be the ones helping to make your trip memorable. Tipping is a standard part of the experience, and a generous tip for a job well done will be greatly appreciated by those who depend on this income for their livelihood. Your safari or trekking company will be able to provide guidelines.

Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) are required for paying national park fees and can be used in major tourist establishments. Elsewhere, you’ll need