Tanzania Safari Travel Information

Getting to Tanzania

For northern Tanzania, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about an hour from Arusha. We meet every guest at arrivals, whatever time the flight lands. Flying into Nairobi also works: we can arrange the road transfer to Arusha, which takes most of a day. Read arriving in Arusha for what to expect on your first day.

Visas and entry

Most visitors need a visa. Apply online before you travel, and only through the Tanzania Immigration official e-Visa portal. Your passport should be valid for at least six months, with at least one blank page.You can also obatin your visa upon arrival – assuming that your country does not fall under the Referral Visa Category. If you arrive from, or transit through, a country with yellow fever risk, you’ll need a yellow fever certificate.

Travel insurance (mandatory from 1 October 2026)

Since 1 October 2026, most foreign visitors entering mainland Tanzania must hold inbound travel insurance from the National Insurance Corporation (NIC): USD 44 per adult, USD 22 for children aged 3 to 17, free under 3, valid for up to 92 days with multiple entries. Zanzibar has had its own scheme since 2024. Residents, permit holders, diplomats, transit passengers and EAC/SADC residents are exempt. Buy it online before you fly at the official NIC inbound insurance portal (or the Zanzibar portal if you land there) and carry the certificate with your passport. It does not replace your own travel insurance. Read our full guide: Tanzania’s mandatory travel insurance explained.

Insured for Your Peace of Mind

At Charles Tours, your confidence and peace of mind matter. We maintain Tour and Operators Liability Insurance with Sanlam Allianz General Insurance Tanzania Limited, with a liability limit of TZS 519,200,000 per event and per insurance period, subject to the policy’s terms and conditions.

We are committed to providing professional and responsible birding and wildlife safari experiences in Tanzania, with your confidence and peace of mind at the heart of our service.

Health and malaria

See a travel clinic at least a month before you go to check routine vaccines and ask about hepatitis A, typhoid and malaria prevention. Malaria is present in most safari areas, though lower in the highlands. Take the medication your doctor recommends, use repellent, and cover up at dusk. The CDC Travelers’ Health: Tanzania page lists current recommendations. Keep your own comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation; the government’s inbound policy (above) is an entry requirement, not a substitute.

Money

The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted. Bring clean, recent dollar notes, as many places refuse notes printed before 2010. Cards work at most lodges anda shops sometimes with a surcharge. There are ATMs at the airport and major towns.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and appreciated, but always up to you. Most guests tip their guides at the end of the trip, and leave something in the staff box at each lodge. We send current guidelines with your booking. See our guide to safari etiquette and tipping.

Weather and seasons

Highlands are mild by day and cool at night, and the crater rim can be cold at dawn. The parks are warmer. The main rains fall from late March to May, with shorter rains around November. Read our guides to the best time for birding, the migration month by month and safari in the green season.

What to pack

Neutral-coloured clothes in layers, a warm fleece, a light rain jacket, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars. Use a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase, especially if you’re flying in light aircraft or travelling in a group.The Soft bag are easier to pack in safari vechiles. Our packing list has the full details.

Plastic bag ban

Tanzania has banned single-use plastic carrier bags, including in luggage. Pack with fabric or reusable bags. Zip-lock bags for toiletries are generally fine.

Phones, internet and power

Most lodges have Wi-Fi, though it can be slow in remote areas. A local SIM with data is easy to buy around major towns with your passport. Tanzania uses 230V electricity with Type D and Type G plugs, so bring an adapter. Our vehicles have charging points.

Time zone and language

Tanzania is on East Africa Time (UTC+3) all year. Kiswahili is the national language, and English is widely spoken in tourism. A few words go a long way: jambo (hello), habari? (how are you?), nzuri (fine), asante (thank you), karibu (welcome), pole pole (slowly) and kwa Kheri (goodbye).

Safety

Tanzania is one of Africa’s most visited safari destinations, and most trips are trouble-free. In the parks, stay in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise. In towns, use normal travel sense and keep valuables out of sight. You’re met, driven and accompanied throughout your safari.

Frequently asked questions