Useful Travel Resources

Essential information and resources for a safe, smooth, and unforgettable adventure in Tanzania

Visa & Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Tourist visa required for most nationalities
  • Yellow fever certificate mandatory if arriving from endemic countries

Visa Application

  • Apply online via e-Visa portal (recommended)
  • Visa on arrival available at airports and border posts
  • Processing time: 5–10 business days for e-Visa
  • Cost: $50–$100 USD (single entry)
  • Multiple entry visa available for frequent travelers

E-Visa Portal

eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa →

Health & Vaccinations

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Yellow Fever (required if traveling from endemic country)
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis
  • Rabies (for extended stays or wildlife work)
  • Malaria prophylaxis for low-altitude areas

Health Resources

  • WHO Tanzania: www.who.int/countries/tza
  • CDC Tanzania: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania
  • Consult your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel

Altitude Sickness

  • Common on Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru treks
  • Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath
  • Prevention: Slow ascent, hydration, acclimatization days
  • Carry Diamox (acetazolamide) if prescribed by your doctor

Currency & Money

Currency

  • Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency
  • USD widely accepted for tours and accommodations
  • Exchange rate: ~1 USD = 2,300–2,500 TZS (check current rates)

Cash & Cards

  • ATMs available in Moshi, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar
  • Credit cards accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants
  • Carry small USD bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) for tips and small purchases
  • Avoid torn or old USD bills – they may be rejected

Mobile Money

  • M-Pesa (Vodacom): Most popular in Tanzania
  • Airtel Money: Widely used
  • Tigo Pesa: Also common
  • Mobile money accepted at markets, shops, and restaurants

Maps & Navigation

Recommended Apps

  • Maps.me: Offline maps for Tanzania (highly recommended)
  • Google Maps: Good for urban areas (Moshi, Arusha, Dar)
  • Gaia GPS: For serious trekkers and hikers
  • OsmAnd: Open-source offline navigation

National Parks & Attractions

  • TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority): www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz
  • Kilimanjaro National Park
  • Arusha National Park
  • Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara

Emergency Contacts

Save these numbers before your trip

ServiceNumberDescription
General Emergency112Police, Fire, Ambulance
Police111Direct police line
Ambulance114Medical emergencies
Kilimanjaro Search & Rescue+255 764 777 393Mountain emergencies
Dream Team Adventure (24/7)+255 712 028 404Tour support
Dream Team Adventure+255 627 144 737Office line

Must-Have Apps

Download these before arriving in Tanzania

M-Pesa

Mobile Money

Send/receive money, pay bills, buy airtime

Google Play / App Store

Uber / Bolt

Transport

Ride-hailing in Dar es Salaam, Arusha

Available in major cities

Google Translate

Language

Swahili-English translation offline mode

Essential for communication

WhatsApp

Communication

Primary messaging app in Tanzania

Stay connected with guides

Weather Underground

Weather

Accurate forecasts for Kilimanjaro region

Plan your activities

XE Currency

Finance

Live exchange rates TZS/USD

Check current rates

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around Tanzania's seasons

Dry Season

15–28°C

June – October

Best for trekking and safaris. Clear skies, minimal rain.

Peak climbing season
Wildlife viewing excellent
Comfortable temperatures

Short Rains

18–30°C

November – December

Brief afternoon showers, green landscapes.

Fewer crowds
Good prices
Lush scenery

Dry Season

20–32°C

January – March

Warm and dry. Excellent for climbing and safaris.

Second peak season
Calving season (Serengeti)
Clear mountain views

Long Rains

18–28°C

March – May

Heavy rains, trails muddy. Low season.

Lowest prices
Very few tourists
Not recommended for climbing

Essential Swahili Phrases

Connect with locals using basic Swahili

EnglishSwahiliPronunciation
HelloJambo / HabariJAM-bo / ha-BAR-ee
How are you?Habari yako?ha-BAR-ee YA-ko
I am fineNzuri / Sijambon-ZOO-ree / see-JAM-bo
Thank youAsante (sana)a-SAN-teh (SA-na)
PleaseTafadhalita-fa-THA-li
Yes / NoNdiyo / Hapanan-DEE-yo / ha-PA-na
GoodbyeKwaherikwa-HEH-ree
WaterMajiMA-jee
FoodChakulacha-KOO-la
How much?Bei gani?BEH-ee GA-nee
Help!Msaada!m-sa-AH-da
FriendRafikira-FEE-kee

Important Reminders

1Always carry a copy of your passport and visa
2Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure
3Notify your guide of any medical conditions or allergies
4Download offline maps and important apps before travel
5Keep emergency contacts saved in your phone
6Respect local customs, wildlife, and conservation regulations