Everything You Need Before You Go

A Tanzania journey can take you from open savannah and mountain trails to tropical islands and busy cities, sometimes all in the same trip. A little preparation goes a long way, and this guide brings together the practical details travellers usually want to know before arriving.

Whether you are coming for safari, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar or a combination of all three, these basics will help you travel with more confidence.

Entry & Travel Documents

Most international travellers need a valid passport and may also require a visa depending on nationality.

Before travelling, make sure your passport has enough validity remaining for the entire trip and check the latest visa and entry requirements for your nationality.

It is also useful to carry digital and printed copies of important documents such as:

• Passport

• Visa

• Travel insurance

• Flight details

• Safari itinerary

• Emergency contacts

For anything time-sensitive such as visa rules or entry procedures, Balo can point you toward the latest official guidance before departure.

Money & Payments

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), though US dollars are also widely used within the tourism industry.

For day-to-day travel, it is useful to carry a mix of payment options.

Good to Carry

• Tanzanian shillings for smaller local purchases

• US dollars for some tourism-related payments

• Visa or Mastercard for hotels, lodges and larger businesses

ATMs are available in major cities and towns, but access becomes limited once you are deep inside national parks or remote areas.

It is better not to rely entirely on cards during safari.

Language

Swahili is Tanzania’s national language and is spoken throughout the country.

English is also widely used within tourism, especially by safari guides, hotel staff and travel operators.

A few Swahili words always go down well:

Jambo / Habari – Hello
Asante – Thank you
Karibu – Welcome
Tafadhali – Please
Pole pole – Slowly, slowly

And yes, pole pole becomes especially useful on Kilimanjaro.

Electricity & Charging

Tanzania generally uses 230V electricity.

Travellers should bring a suitable travel adapter, and a small power bank can be very useful during safari days.

Most lodges and camps provide charging facilities, although electricity may sometimes be limited to certain hours in remote areas.

If you travel with a camera, drone or multiple devices, bring:

• spare batteries

• charging cables

• power bank

• multi-port adapter

Internet & Mobile Connection

Wi-Fi is available at many hotels, lodges and camps, but speed and reliability vary significantly outside cities.

Mobile data is generally more dependable around towns and populated areas, while some safari regions have limited or no signal.

That disappearing signal is sometimes a feature rather than a bug. 

Health & Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for any Tanzania trip.

Your policy should suit the activities you plan to do, especially if you are:

• climbing Kilimanjaro

• taking part in adventure activities

• travelling to remote safari areas

• visiting multiple countries

Before departure, speak with a qualified medical professional or travel clinic about any vaccinations, medications or personal health precautions appropriate for your itinerary.

Drinking Water

Avoid drinking untreated tap water.

Bottled or properly filtered drinking water is generally provided during safari, and most lodges and hotels make safe drinking water available.

It is useful to carry a reusable bottle that can be refilled where safe water is provided.

Food & Dietary Requirements

Tanzania has a varied food culture, and safari lodges generally cater well to international travellers.

Common safari meals may include:

• rice

• vegetables

• soups

• grilled meats

• fresh fruit

• bread

• eggs

• pasta

• local dishes

Vegetarian and many other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated if arranged in advance.

When enquiring with Balo, mention any allergies or dietary preferences so they can be included in the planning.

Tipping

Tipping is common within Tanzania’s tourism industry and is generally appreciated by safari guides, mountain crews, lodge staff and other service teams.

The amount depends on:

• length of trip

• group size

• service received

• type of journey

Rather than treating tipping as a rigid rule, Balo can give travellers practical guidance based on the exact safari or climb they are booking.

What to Wear

For safari, comfort and practicality matter more than fashion.

Good choices include:

• lightweight neutral-coloured clothing

• long trousers

• breathable shirts

• comfortable closed shoes

• sun hat

• sunglasses

• light jacket for early mornings

Temperatures can shift surprisingly quickly between hot afternoons and cool mornings.

For Kilimanjaro, clothing requirements are completely different and should be planned around altitude and cold-weather conditions.

For Zanzibar, lighter beachwear works well, while more modest clothing is appropriate in Stone Town and local communities.

Luggage

Soft-sided luggage is usually easier for safari travel than large hard-shell suitcases.

For fly-in safaris or small aircraft, baggage limits can be stricter than on international flights, so travellers should always check limits for their specific itinerary.

A small day bag is useful for:

• camera

• sunscreen

• binoculars

• documents

• water

• personal essentials

Photography

Tanzania is magnificent for photography, but a few simple habits help.

Bring:

• extra memory cards

• spare batteries

• lens-cleaning cloth

• protective bag

• binoculars

Always ask before photographing local people, especially in villages or cultural settings.

Wildlife should be photographed from a safe distance and according to guide instructions.

Safety on Safari

Safari travel is generally highly structured, and guides are experienced in operating around wildlife.

The most important rule is simple:

Listen to your guide.

Do not:

• leave the vehicle without permission

• approach wildlife

• feed animals

• wander away from camps at night

• ignore lodge or ranger instructions

In unfenced safari camps, staff may escort guests after dark.

Getting Around Tanzania

Travel distances can look deceptively short on a map.

Safari routes often involve:

• gravel roads

• park tracks

• scenic stops

• game viewing along the way

That means journeys may take longer than expected, but the drive itself is often part of the experience.

Some itineraries combine road travel with domestic flights to reduce long transfer times.

What Makes a Tanzania Trip Easier?

Before you travel, make sure Balo knows:

• your arrival and departure flights

• dietary requirements

• allergies

• medical considerations relevant to travel

• children’s ages

• special occasions

• accommodation preferences

• mobility requirements

• activities you definitely want to include

The more useful detail shared during planning, the easier it is to shape the trip around you.