Travel Information Tanzania
From Travel logistics, Money and Cultural considerations, below is a comprehensive list of important information to take in account before taking a stunning safari holiday in Tanzania.
With our own fleet of boats, vehicles and airplanes, Mbali Mbali makes traveling to, from and between destinations easy.
The most exciting and adventurous way to get to Mahale is by boat, but can also be reached by private air charters or with scheduled shared air charters to the small airstrip just outside the park
Katavi is accessible by air and by road. The easiest and most convenient option is to fly using private air charters or with scheduled shared air charters. Driving to Katavi is possible in the dry season, but this option is not suggested during the rainy season, because of the distance and state of the roads.
The journey to Gombe from Kigoma is by boat, and takes round 35 minutes to an hour depending on the type of boat used and the weather conditions. The boat journey passes through picturesque fishing villages and spectacular scenery.
The most reliable way to reach Kigoma is by shared air or private air charter flights or by road. Commercial flights also operate to and from Dar es Salaam during certain periods, as well as flights from or to Mwanza.
The easiest way to reach Tarangire is by vehicle from Arusha, a mere 2.5hour drive. Arusha has a domestic airport, and there is an international airport close by in Kilimanjaro.
Scheduled flights operate daily from both Dar es Salaam and Arusha, the closest airstrip is Seronera, a mere 1.5hour drive from the Lodge. The main access road into the Serengeti from Arusha enters the Serengeti through Naabi Hill Gate and the driving time is around 8hours.
Tanzanian culture is a delightful mix of influences with over 120 tribes. Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. From the tall graceful Maasai warriors, the ancient ways of the Hadza bushmen, the resourceful agricultural practices of the Wameru, the artistic talents of the Makonde to the Chaga farmers and traders. Each of the 120 different tribes in Tanzania have their own distinct ways of life but together, they gracefully unite to form Tanzania.
English is widely spoken but a few words of Swahili can be useful and will be appreciated by locals.
Not obligatory, but a tip for exceptional service will be appreciated.
Yellow fever vaccination is required and you may be asked to produce a certificate at entry ports. Malaria is endemic but is preventable; use insect repellent, cover up at sundown, sleep under a mosquito net and take anti-malaria prophylactics as advised by your doctor. Bring prescription medicines, spare glasses, contact lenses/solution and sunscreen as well as a small first aid kit with diarrhoea remedy and cream for insect bites. All Mbali Mbali lodges have good first aid kits and managers are trained in the use of them. Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings June to October. Short rains November to mid December and long rains March to May, but the seasons may vary. The coastal strip is hot and humid all year around. Temperatures on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru drop to below freezing.
Ensure to pack film and batteries for your camera. Protect your cameras from dust and keep equipment and film cool. Flash photography is not permitted whilst chimpanzee tracking. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing local people.
Take out travel insurance as well as emergency medical evacuation insurance to cover loss of baggage or valuables, personal accident and medical expenses.
GMT + 3 hours
230V, but power failures and surges are common. Ensure to pack a universal adaptor for three pin square plugs and a flashlight or headlamp.
On the left side of the road. An international license is required.
Tanzanians love children and are especially helpful to mothers. Canned baby foods, powdered milk and disposable nappies may not be available outside major towns.
Check current requirements with the nearest Tanzanian High Commission, embassy or consulate, or your travel agent. Visas, if required can be bought on arrival at all international airports and overland borders.
Tanzania is a generally safe country, but don’t invite crime. Keep an eye on your belongings. Leave valuable jewellery at home.
Don’t indiscriminately hand out pens, money and sweets as it encourages begging. As anywhere, gifts should be given as a true expression of friendship, appreciation or thanks.
The tourist areas and hotels sell a wide range of souvenirs, jewellery and trinkets. Don’t be afraid to haggle at roadside curio stalls but remember that for many people this is the only way they make their living.
In Tanzania only ‘new’ dollar notes are accepted i.e. those printed after the year 2000. ‘Old’ notes are not accepted anywhere, even in banks, so for hotels, tips, shopping etc. you will need new notes. Major foreign currencies – particularly US$, UK and the Euro - are accepted and are convertible at banks and bureaux de changes in the main towns and tourist areas. Traveller’s cheques will not be accepted either for exchange or payment.
Credit cards are not widely accepted. Credit and Debit Cards can be used and ATM points are found in most of the larger towns in Tanzania including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Moshi, Tanga, Mwanza and Kigoma It is not recommended to change money on the street.
While on safari in Tanzania with Mbali Mbali we want all our guests to be comfortable and to ensure this we advise you to pack as lightly as possible, remembering that the charter flights have a maximum baggage allowance of 15kg per person in soft bags. All our lodges have a laundry service so only a few changes of clothes are required.
For everyday use we suggest you pack shorts, T-shirts, lightweight trousers, short & long sleeved shirts, good walking shoes, and casual evening wear for open-air dinners. For the cooler months of June, July and August it is also advisable to bring a jacket or fleece.
For chimpanzee tracking or other walking activities please bring good lightweight boots/shoes as well as a small daypack to carry water and other necessary items. For water activities at Gombe and Mahale don’t forget swimwear, sarongs, and flip flops or sandals.
Shampoo, conditioner and soap are provided in the rooms but please bring other cosmetics and medical items required. Cameras and binoculars are a must.
Flash photography is not permitted on chimpanzee tracking. Last but not least don’t forget to bring sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat.
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