Where is Tanzania Located?
Located in East Africa, Tanzania is bordered by the Indian Ocean on its Eastern Side, blessing us with the beauty of Zanzibar.
North of Tanzania you will find Kenya and Uganda, whilst Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi can be found to the west. South of Tanzania is Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
How do I get to Tanzania?
There are a number of ways of getting to Tanzania, however you usually will fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (640km, or 2 hours’ flight from Arusha City), or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (45 minutes’ drive from Arusha City
What language is spoken in Tanzania? And do they understand english?
The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, and most of our people speak it. Just as well, as we have well over 120 different tribal languages! Fortunately English is widely spoken in the larger towns and places where visitors frequent. At Rena Tours, we have a team of driver-guides who can speak a variety of languages such as English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. When booking with us be sure to let us know if you have a preferred language you would like our Guides to speak.
Is it safe in Tanzania for me to visit? Is it safe for kids and females?
We are sure you’ll feel very safe here, we’re sure you’ll feel very welcome. As with everywhere else in the world, just use a bit of common sense, don’t flaunt any valuables and you can enjoy the natural wonders, the culture and the people of Tanzania.
Whilst most of our visitors will come to Tanzania for our wildlife experiences, they often leave with a much wider and richer experience than they could have ever expected. Why? Part of that is due to our friendly, welcoming, colorful people. Tanzanians are a true mix of many ethnicities, different religious beliefs and all live together in harmony in what is one of the African continent’s safest destinations.
What is the weather like Tanzania?
The Tanzanian dry season usually starts at the start of June and continues through until the end of October. After that, the ‘short rains’ begin from late October/early November until mid- to end December. There is then a respite from late December to Mid of March, and then the ‘long rains’ start at the end of March and last until May. Of course, weather seasons can vary every year, so you have to be prepared for anything.
Is there malaria in Tanzania?
Yes. With its tropical climate, there inevitably are mosquitoes in Tanzania. Visitors should take advice from a medical practitioner well in advance of visiting, as courses of ant malarial drugs usually have to begin before your visit start. You should bring mosquito repellent and wear neutral-colored/khaki clothes. Some accommodations will provide anti-mosquito measures such as mosquito nets or spray your sleeping quarters with repellent.
Is a yellow fever vaccine required for Tanzania?
Tanzania is mapped by the World Health Organization as a low risk country because no Yellow fever virus has been isolated in the country. However, the abundance of Yellow fever vector and other favorable ecological conditions pose potential risk for Yellow fever if the virus is introduced into the country. Furthermore, being bordered with Yellow fever endemic countries has also increased the vulnerability of Tanzania being infected with the virus.
In order to conform to IHR, 2005 requirements and safeguard public health security in Tanzania, Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travelers arriving from Yellow fever endemic countries. This condition also applies to travelers subjected to long flight connection (transit) in Yellow fever endemic country for twelve hours (12hrs) or more.
Do I need travel insurance before travelling to Tanzania?
All visitors must obtain adequate travel insurance before they depart for Tanzania. Insurance policies must be comprehensive, covering for any reason, medical evacuation, and cancellation, curtailment of arrangements and loss of baggage.
Are credit cards acceptable?
Most accommodations will accept credit cards, but if you want to pay by cash instead, you should use US Dollars. Please note that US Dollar Bills should be not be older than 2009, as these will not be valid. For credit cards, you should bring either MASTERCARD or VISA.
Will I be able to use my foreign currency?
The local currency in Tanzania is Tanzanian Shilling (Tshs), but please notes that you cannot take this currency either in or out of the country. It is however convertible freely for the US Dollar, Euro and other currencies within Tanzania.
If you have to change money in Tanzania, there are several banks in Tanzania where you can exchange your money. Always get a receipt for currency exchanges.
Am I able to withdraw cash from an ATM while in Tanzania?
For cash, we advise you to bring US Dollars with you from home, as these are accepted in most places.
If however you do need to withdraw cash while in Tanzania, then there are several ATM machines in Arusha City and these are where you should withdraw any additional cash before your safari or trek begins. Please note that you cannot withdraw US Dollars from ATM Machines, and there is a maximum limit of 400,000TSHS which is less than 200 USD and you can only withdraw three times. So bear that in mind when withdrawing cash.
Please also note that in many small towns or beach hotels there are no ATM machines, so you should have sufficient cash before you depart for remote areas or the beach.
When is the best time to Visit Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what wildlife you’d like to spot. The country’s seasons and wildlife numbers are dictated by the rains, so you’ll have a slightly different experience depending on when you choose to visit.
Tanzania’s headline attraction is the Great Migration, which occurs year-round across the Serengeti. Many people flock here between July and September for a chance to witness huge herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River — panic ensues as they try to avoid the jaws of crocodiles and other predators waiting to pounce. You’ll see lots of vehicles in the park at this time of year, though.
Tanzania’s ‘green season’, between November and March, is much quieter. While there’s a chance of rain showers, it’s a fantastic time for bird watching as migratory species arrive in their thousands. You’ll also see Great Migration herds with their newly born calves.
The only time we tend to avoid Tanzania is between April and May, when heavy rains can disrupt wildlife viewing.