The best time to visit Tanzania depends on your interests:

• June-October: Dry season - best for wildlife viewing and climbing Kilimanjaro
• January-February: Calving season in Serengeti - great for predator action
• November-December: Short rains - fewer tourists, lush landscapes
• March-May: Long rainy season - some parks may be inaccessible

For beach holidays, Zanzibar is great year-round except during the peak rains in April/May.

Most visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania. Here's what you need to know:

• Visas can be obtained on arrival at major entry points or online via the e-visa system
• Cost is approximately $50 USD for most nationalities (single entry)
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if traveling from an endemic area

Always check current requirements with the Tanzanian embassy in your country before traveling.

Recommended vaccinations include:

• Yellow Fever: Required if arriving from an endemic area
• Hepatitis A & B: Recommended for all travelers
• Typhoid: Recommended, especially if visiting rural areas
• Rabies: Recommended for long stays or adventure travelers
• Malaria Prophylaxis: Essential for all visitors

Consult a travel health specialist 6-8 weeks before your trip for personalized advice.

Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, but you should take standard precautions:

• Violent crime against tourists is rare, but petty theft occurs in cities
• Use registered taxis and avoid walking alone at night in urban areas
• National parks are very safe when following guide instructions
• Zanzibar is generally safe, but respect local conservative dress codes
• Be cautious of scams in tourist areas

Register with your embassy and purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Key information:

• US Dollars are widely accepted, especially for tours and larger purchases
• Bring newer US dollar bills (post-2006) as older bills may not be accepted
• Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and businesses in cities
• ATMs are available in major towns and cities
• Always carry small denominations for tips and small purchases

Tanzania is linguistically diverse:

• Swahili: The national language spoken by nearly all citizens
• English: Official language used in government, business, and tourism
• Local languages: Over 120 tribal languages are spoken throughout the country

In tourist areas, you'll find most people speak English. Learning a few Swahili phrases will enhance your experience:

• Jambo! - Hello!
• Asante sana - Thank you very much
• Habari gani? - How are you?
• Karibu - Welcome

Tanzania offers incredible diversity:

• Serengeti National Park: World-famous for the Great Migration
• Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa's highest peak
• Ngorongoro Crater: Unique volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife
• Zanzibar: Historic Stone Town and beautiful beaches
• Selous Game Reserve: Africa's largest game reserve
• Tarangire National Park: Famous for large elephant herds
• Lake Manyara: Birdwatcher's paradise with tree-climbing lions

Consider spending at least 10-14 days to experience multiple destinations.

Yes, you can climb Kilimanjaro with proper preparation:

• Guides are mandatory for all climbers
• Choose from 7 established routes with varying difficulty
• The climb takes 5-9 days depending on route and acclimatization
• Best months are January-February and July-October
• Physical fitness is important, but technical climbing skills are not required

Always book with a reputable operator that follows ethical practices for porters.

The Serengeti is home to an incredible array of wildlife:

• Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino (though rhinos are rare)
• Great Migration: Over 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras
• Predators: Cheetahs, hyenas, jackals
• Herbivores: Giraffes, hippos, antelopes, gazelles
• Birds: Over 500 species including ostriches and vultures

The best wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June-October) and during calving season (January-February).

The Great Migration is one of nature's most spectacular events:

• Annual movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles
• Continuous clockwise circuit through Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya)
• Driven by the search for fresh grazing and water
• Highlights include river crossings (July-October) and calving season (January-February)
• Predators follow the herds, creating dramatic wildlife interactions

This is considered one of the "Seven New Wonders of the World".

Essential safari packing list:

• Clothing: Neutral colors (khaki, green, brown), light layers, warm jacket for evenings
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Accessories: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, binoculars, camera with zoom lens
• Health: Sunscreen (high SPF), insect repellent, personal medications
• Documents: Passport, visa, vaccination certificate, travel insurance
• Extras: Power bank, headlamp, reusable water bottle

Avoid blue and black clothing which attracts tsetse flies.

Respecting local customs enhances your experience:

• Greetings: Always greet people before starting conversations
• Dress: Modest dress is appreciated, especially in Zanzibar and rural areas
• Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people
• Public Affection: Avoid kissing and hugging in public
• Left Hand: Considered unclean - use right hand for giving/receiving
• Religion: Respect Islamic customs in Zanzibar during Ramadan

Learning a few Swahili phrases will be greatly appreciated by locals.

Tanzanian cuisine is diverse and flavorful:

• Staples: Ugali (maize porridge), rice, chapati, plantains
• Popular Dishes: Nyama choma (grilled meat), pilau rice, samosas, chipsi mayai (chips omelette)
• Coastal Specialties: Seafood curry, biryani, Zanzibar pizza
• Fruits: Mangoes, pineapples, passion fruit, jackfruit
• Drinks: Chai (spiced tea), fresh juices, local beers

Vegetarians will find good options, especially at Indian restaurants which are common.

Connectivity varies across the country:

• Major cities and towns have good 4G coverage
• National parks and remote areas have limited or no connectivity
• SIM cards are inexpensive and available at airports (Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo)
• WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants in urban areas
• Power outages can affect connectivity, especially in rural areas

Consider disconnecting during safari for a more immersive experience.

It's not recommended to drink tap water in Tanzania:

• Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your stay
• Ensure bottled water seals are intact
• Use bottled water for brushing teeth
• Avoid ice in drinks unless you're at a high-end establishment
• Peel fruits and avoid raw vegetables washed in tap water

Carry a reusable water bottle with a filter for eco-friendly hydration.

Tanzania uses Type D and Type G electrical sockets:

• Type D: Three round pins in a triangular pattern
• Type G: Three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern (British standard)
• Voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz

Bring a universal adapter that covers both types. Power cuts are common, so a power bank is useful.

Accommodation ranges from basic to ultra-luxurious:

• Luxury Lodges: High-end safari camps with premium amenities
• Tented Camps: Comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms
• Mid-range Hotels: Comfortable lodging in towns and cities
• Budget Options: Hostels and guesthouses
• Beach Resorts: Range from boutique to all-inclusive in Zanzibar

Book well in advance during peak season (July-October and December-January).

Transportation options include:

• Domestic Flights: Efficient between major parks and Zanzibar
• Safari Vehicles: 4x4 Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for game viewing
• Buses: Reliable coach services between major cities
• Taxis: Available in urban areas - agree on fare before departure
• Dala-dala: Local minibuses - cheap but crowded
• Ferries: Connect mainland with Zanzibar and other islands

For safaris, travel with licensed operators in properly equipped vehicles.

Popular souvenirs and shopping experiences:

• Tingatinga Paintings: Colorful Tanzanian folk art
• Makonde Carvings: Intricate wood carvings
• Kangas & Kitenges: Traditional colorful fabrics
• Spices: Zanzibar is famous for cloves, vanilla, cinnamon
• Tanzanite: Rare gemstone found only in Tanzania
• Local Markets: Experience vibrant market culture

Always bargain at markets but do so respectfully. Buy gemstones only from reputable dealers.

Important contacts for emergencies:

• General Emergency: 112 (from mobile phones)
• Police: 111
• Fire Department: 114
• Medical Emergency: 115
• Tourist Police: +255 22 211 0754 (Dar es Salaam)

Also save contact information for:

• Your country's embassy or consulate
• Your tour operator or hotel
• Your travel insurance emergency assistance line