Essential Tips for Traveling to Tanzania

With its Indian Ocean islands, abundant wildlife, lush mountains, and welcoming people, Tanzania is on nearly everyone’s Africa bucket list. If you have the opportunity to travel here, seize it and relish the chance to experience a way of life intricately woven with age-old rhythms and the cycles of nature.

Having lived in and traveled around Tanzania for over 20 years, I have compiled the top tips for visitors: learn some Swahili, spend time with the wildlife, and always secure your mosquito net. Moreover, understanding how to secure ideal bus seats and knowing the best months for trekking or safari will enhance your experience. Keep reading for insights to maximize your enjoyment and ensure smooth travels.

1. Don’t Cut Your Trip Too Short

Experiencing Tanzania’s wildlife parks—even just a couple—requires time. Additionally, consider beach- and island-hopping along the coast, hiking in the highlands, trekking on Kilimanjaro, visiting vibrant village markets, and so much more. A week barely scratches the surface; therefore, aim for at least two weeks, ideally three or more, for a fulfilling experience.

2. Wildebeest Have Their Own Clocks

Seeing wildlife is a guarantee; however, logistics can become tricky if you’re aiming for specific events, such as the wildebeest migration’s peak. Camps along the migration path often fill up quickly, and wildebeest follow nature’s rhythms and their internal clocks. To catch the excitement, begin planning early. Camps can provide recommendations since their guides track the rains and animal movements. If the wildebeest don’t appear as expected, take it in Tanzanian stride: hakuna matata (“no problem”)—there’s an abundance of other wildlife to appreciate.

3. Tailor Your Travels

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but it’s beneficial to consider the seasons. Generally, plan your visit in the dry months from June to September for wildlife-watching, hiking, and Kilimanjaro treks. Additionally, the wet months (February to May) offer excellent birding opportunities, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Remember, even during the rainiest months of March to May, sunshine can still be abundant.

4. Set Aside Money for Tips

While safaris and treks can be costly, the fees paid often do not fully compensate drivers, guides, cooks, and porters. Tipping is a standard practice, and generous tips for good service are appreciated by those relying on this income. Safari or trekking companies can provide guidelines for appropriate tipping.

5. Carry a Credit Card for Parks and ATMs, and Cash for Everywhere Else

Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) are essential for national park fees and can be used in major tourist spots. Elsewhere, cash is necessary. Since change is rarely available, carrying smaller denominations is advisable.

6. Tanzanian Time

It isn’t just the wildlife that follows a unique schedule; Tanzania does too. When checking opening hours and transport schedules, verify whether the listings are in Western time or according to the Tanzanian clock. This system operates on a 12-hour cycle that aligns with sunrise and sunset, starting at 1 o’clock just after dawn (7 AM), moving towards 12 o’clock in the evening (6 PM), and repeating through the night.

7. A Safari Is About Much More Than Spotting the “Big 5”

Take ample time in wildlife and birding areas. Plan for several nights in a single park to truly grasp the subtler rhythms of the ecosystem and the wealth of local biodiversity. You might occasionally need to request that your guide turn off the motor and simply wait to observe all that unfolds.

8. Take Time for Greetings

Tanzanians possess an exceptional sense of community, and greetings are a vital part of any interaction. Styles range from informal (Mambo vipi? “How are things?”) to formal greetings (Habari za asubuhi, Habari za leo, “Good morning, good day”). Regardless of the form, greetings are never rushed. Conversations with elders should initiate with the respectful Shikamoo (literally, “I clasp your feet”). It is customary for handshakes to be prolonged, as many Tanzanians will continue to hold hands throughout the exchange.

9. Learn Some Swahili

You will likely pick up some Swahili phrases naturally. You’ll hear karibu (“welcome”), pole pole (“slowly”), and asante (“thank you”) wherever you go. Moreover, Swahili is an inclusive and melodic language, making it enjoyable to learn. Mastering a few simple phrases will significantly enhance your cultural interactions and facilitate smoother travels.

10. The Right Hand

In Tanzania, the left hand is traditionally associated with sanitary purposes. Always use your right hand for eating and passing items. When receiving gifts, do so with both hands or with your right hand, while your left hand touches your right elbow.

11. Know the Dining Routine

An invitation into a local home is a true highlight. Before the meal, someone will provide a basin, soap, pitcher of water, and towel for washing hands. Food is usually served in communal dishes, typically including ugali (a thick meal made from maize or cassava flour) paired with a sauce. Using your right hand, break off a piece of ugali, roll it into a ball, and scoop up some sauce. Don’t worry about being messy—the handwashing routine will be repeated after the meal, and leaving a bite or two on your plate signals that you’re not still hungry.

12. Dress Respectfully, Especially on the Coast

Tanzania is a conservative society, particularly along the Muslim Swahili coast. As a general rule, looser-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is more respectful. Additionally, try to avoid public displays of affection.

13. Be Savvy at Bus Stations

Exercise caution at bus stations: avoid accepting open drinks and remain aware of your surroundings. Touts may approach you; therefore, it is wise to know which bus company you plan to take beforehand. Only purchase tickets at a clearly marked bus office or directly from the driver.

14. Find the Shady Side of the Bus

For long journeys, seek seats away from the sun for added comfort, ideally choosing front seats on the shadier side. “Luxury” buses, which usually have two seats on each side and enforce a no-standing policy, are worth the extra cost. On rural routes, the seating option may be limited, often with two seats on one side and three on the other. To secure the most comfortable seats, book in advance or arrive early at the station.

15. Tuck in Your Mosquito Net

Malaria is prevalent in many regions of Tanzania. Most accommodations either provide mosquito nets or air conditioning (as mosquitoes tend to avoid colder environments). It’s essential to use the nets—especially during the rainy season and in coastal areas—ensuring you fully tuck in the edges for a comfortable, bite-free sleep.