Tanzania FAQ's

A valid visa is required for travel to Tanzania. A passport with a minimum validity of 6 months prior to expiry is required. A single-entry visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Although it is possible to buy a tourist visa upon arrival at the airports of Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar, we recommend that you apply for a visa in your home country prior to your trip.

You can do this online at: https://visa.immigration.go.tz, for US$50. (For U.S. Citizens, the cost is US$100 for a multiple entry visa)

Don't leave it last minute, latest two weeks before arrival in Tanzania so you are sure you give them enough time to process your online application. 

Most travelers to Tanzania don't need the yellow fever vaccine. The World Health Organization classifies Tanzania as low risk. If you're from a country without yellow fever risk, the vaccine isn't required for your trip.

The government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever

If you are travelling to Zanzibar, starting October 1st, 2024, the Zanzibar government requires all visitors to have inbound travel insurance. The cost is USD 44 per person per adult. For children, aged 2-17 inclusive, will pay USD 22, children under 2 years old are free of charge. This insurance covers some medical emergencies and travel disruptions.

The Zanzibar Infrastructure Tax is mandatory fee to be paid per person per night during your stay. it's 5 USD per person per night to be paid direct at the hotel in Zanzibar. This tax is to support the island's infrastructure.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Situated between Arusha and Moshi, is approximately 60km (60 min) from Arusha city centre. This airport is the best choice if you're planning to visit the northern safari circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, etc.) or if you plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest International Airport to Arusha.

Other international Airports you can fly in/out are Dar Es Salaam International Airport and Zanzibar International Airport.

The currency used in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and for major expenses like safaris and accommodation.

Swahili is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist regions.

The best time to visit Tanzania depends on your preferences and interests. The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, while the wet season (November to May) offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

You can book directly on our website or contact our experts for personalized packages. Early bookings are recommended for peak seasons.

Yes, Tanzania is definitely a safe country to travel. In fact, it is one of the best countries in Africa that offers the best safari experiences. No matter from which country you are coming from, you are going to have a once-in-lifetime experience.

Yes, Serengeti Smile offers family-friendly safari packages with activities and accommodations suited for children.

A mid-range Tanzania safari with lodging runs $250 to $500 per person, per day while a high end luxury safari with all the trimmings ranges from $400 to about $1000 per person, per day.

Planning for a safari adventure in Tanzania and wondering how to pack? Well, let me break it down for you.

• Light cotton trousers

• Cotton shorts

• Light cotton shirts (long and short sleeved)

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Sandals

• Underwear

• Shower-proof rain jacket/windbreaker

• Sunhat

• Insect repellent

• Small torch

• Bathing suit

• Suntan lotion

• Sunglasses

• Camera (telephoto lens recommended)

• Binoculars

You should wear neutral-colored, long-sleeved clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in. You should also pack a light jacket or sweater for early morning and evening game drives.

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination. Still, the best time is from late June, To October. This is the time of the year when the weather remains dry and visibility remains great.

Top safari destinations include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara.

The Great Migration involves millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Serengeti. It’s best seen between July and September.

Game drives take place in comfortable 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs for optimal wildlife viewing. Drives happen in the morning and evening.

Safari packages typically include accommodation, meals, game drives, park fees, and airport transfers.

Your guide will take you safely close to wildlife, but always remain in the vehicle and follow instructions for your safety.

Expect to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino), along with giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and many more species.

Safaris can range from 3 to 10 days or more. Serengeti Smile offers 3-day to 7-day luxury safari packages.

A walking safari allows you to explore on foot with an experienced guide. It’s safe and offers a unique perspective of the wildlife.

Flights from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar take about 1 hour. Ferries are also available from Dar es Salaam.

Yes, Zanzibar is family-friendly with activities like beach games, boat trips, and cultural tours.

Zanzibar is a year-round destination, though the best beach weather is from June to October during the dry season.

Popular beaches include Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, and Jambiani, known for their white sands and crystal-clear waters.

Activities include snorkeling, diving, kite surfing, spice tours, visiting Stone Town, and exploring Jozani Forest.

Zanzibar is famous for its diving spots. You can explore coral reefs, underwater caves, and abundant marine life.

Yes, many of our clients combine a safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar or the mainland coast.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and flip-flops.

We offer a variety of beachfront lodges, boutique hotels, and luxury resorts.

Packages typically include accommodation, meals, airport transfers, some activities, and guided tours.

Yes, Serengeti Smile offers packages combining a safari with a Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru climb.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, but the altitude and endurance required make it challenging. No climbing experience is necessary.

The best time is during the dry seasons from January to March and June to October.

Popular routes include the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai routes, ranging in difficulty and length.

Climbs typically last between 5 to 9 days, depending on the route and acclimatization time.

Yes, park regulations require all climbers to be accompanied by a licensed guide and porters.

Pack layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a sleeping bag, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and altitude sickness medication.

Yes, altitude sickness is common. We recommend acclimatizing, drinking plenty of water, and ascending slowly.

Success rates depend on the route and acclimatization, with the longer routes having higher success rates of around 85-90%.

Children aged 10 and above can attempt the climb, though it is recommended for those in good physical condition.

Tanzania offers Maasai village tours, visits to local markets, and traditional dance performances.

Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich history in the spice and slave trades, with iconic Swahili architecture.

Tanzania has over 120 ethnic groups, with the Maasai, Chaga, and Sukuma being among the largest.

Yes, many safaris offer the opportunity to visit Maasai villages and learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life.

A spice tour takes you through local farms where you can see, smell, and taste spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

It is respectful to wear modest clothing when visiting villages or cultural sites, covering your shoulders and knees.

The Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its incredible wildlife concentration and archaeological significance.

Sample local dishes like Ugali (cornmeal porridge), Nyama Choma (grilled meat), and Zanzibar's famous seafood.

Yes, you can buy handcrafted items like Maasai beadwork, carvings, and textiles in markets and tourist shops.

Yes, you can explore ruins like the Kilwa Kisiwani Ruins, which are remnants of an ancient Swahili trading town.

Serengeti Smile offers a range of luxury tented camps, lodges, and exclusive hotels in prime wildlife locations.

Yes, many of our lodges and camps offer family-friendly options, including larger rooms, child-friendly activities, and babysitting services.

Expect luxury amenities such as ensuite bathrooms, comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, fine dining, swimming pools, and guided walks.

Most camps have electricity powered by generators or solar energy, providing enough power for charging cameras and phones.

Yes, all Serengeti Smile accommodations can cater to special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Yes, most lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, though the connection may be slower or limited in remote areas.

A luxury tented camp offers the comfort of a hotel with the adventure of staying in the wilderness. Tents are spacious, with ensuite facilities and high-end furnishings.

Our safari accommodations are located in prime areas, often within or near national parks, providing close proximity to wildlife.

Yes, most luxury lodges and camps offer laundry services, though there may be limitations due to water availability in remote areas.

Expect gourmet dining with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Meals are often served in communal dining areas or private settings for a more intimate experience.