Practical A–Z

e-Visa (Mandatory!)

Germans, Austrians, and Swiss need a visa to enter Tanzania. Since 2024, the e-Visa is the standard way:

• Online application: Via visa.immigration.go.tz (official Tanzanian immigration site)
• Cost: 50 USD (tourist visa, single entry, 90 days)
• Processing time: 3–10 business days (apply in time!)
• Required: Passport (valid for at least 6 months, 2 free pages), passport photo (digital), return flight ticket, hotel booking/safari confirmation
• Visa on Arrival: Was previously possible, but not recommended since the end of 2023 (long waiting times, possible rejection). Always apply online beforehand!

Entry

Upon arrival: e-Visa confirmation (printed or digital), passport, return/ongoing flight ticket. Fingerprints and photo are taken. The process takes 15–30 minutes.

Zanzibar Special Feature

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania — the visa is valid for the mainland AND Zanzibar. The same regulations apply when entering via Zanzibar. The yellow fever vaccination may be checked when entering via Zanzibar (especially with a stopover in endemic areas like Addis Ababa).

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Exchange rate (reference 2025): 1 EUR ≈ 2,800 TZS / 1 USD ≈ 2,600 TZS

Bills: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 TZS. Coins: 50, 100, 200, 500 TZS (rarely in circulation).

Dual Currency System

Tanzania effectively has a dual currency system: For local things (food, transport, markets) you pay in TZS, for tourist services (safari, national parks, hotels, diving courses, Kilimanjaro) mostly in US dollars. Safari operators, upscale hotels, and park fees are almost always charged in USD.

Cash & ATMs

• ATMs: In all major cities (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, Stone Town). CRDB and NMB have the most ATMs. Maximum per withdrawal: 400,000 TZS (approx. 140€). Fees: 5,000–10,000 TZS + fees from your home bank.
• Bring US dollars! Bring 200–500 USD in cash (bills from 2006, larger bills = better exchange rate). Many safari tips and small payments are expected in USD.
• Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted in upscale hotels, restaurants, and safari lodges. In markets, local restaurants, and rural areas: cash only!
• Mobile Money (M-Pesa): Tanzania's most popular payment method. Difficult for tourists to use (requires Tanzanian SIM), but some providers accept M-Pesa from tourists.

Vaccinations

Malaria — The Greatest Health Risk

Tanzania is a malaria area. The risk is present year-round throughout the country but varies regionally:

• High risk: Coastal region (Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar), Southern parks (Nyerere, Ruaha)
• Medium risk: Serengeti, Tarangire (1,000–1,500 m altitude)
• Low risk: Ngorongoro Crater rim (2,200 m), Arusha, Kilimanjaro (from 2,000 m)

Prophylaxis: Strongly recommended! The common options:

• Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil): Best tolerated, from 1 day before to 7 days after the trip. Expensive (approx. 4–6€/day).
• Doxycycline: Cheaper (approx. 0.50€/day), but increases sun sensitivity — problematic in Africa! Also: no alcohol.
• Lariam (Mefloquine): Weekly intake, but frequent psychological side effects. Rarely recommended.

Mosquito protection is crucial:

• Mosquito spray with DEET 50% (e.g., Anti Brumm Forte, NoBite) on skin and clothing
• Long, light-colored clothing from dusk
• Sleep under the mosquito net (all safari camps and hotels have one)
• Use fan/air conditioning (mosquitoes dislike wind)

Additional Health Tips

• Tap water: NEVER drink! Only bottled water (also for brushing teeth in simple accommodations).
• Sun protection: SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses. UV radiation is extreme at the equator.
• Travel health insurance: MANDATORY! With return transport option. Cost for evacuation by rescue helicopter from Kilimanjaro: 5,000–10,000 USD.
• Altitude sickness (Kilimanjaro): See Kilimanjaro chapter. Discuss Diamox as prophylaxis.

General Security Situation

Tanzania is one of the safest travel countries in Africa. There are no civil wars, no political instability, and the crime rate against tourists is low. Tanzanians are mostly friendly, helpful, and proud to welcome guests to their country.

Security Zones

Tips

• Valuables: Leave in the hotel safe. No expensive watches, jewelry, or visibly exposed cameras on the street.
• At night: Take a taxi, do not walk (even in tourist areas).
• Fraud: "Flycatchers" in Arusha (supposed friends wanting to sell safaris) and overpriced taxi fares are the most common issues. Politely but firmly decline.
• Wild animals: On safari, ALWAYS stay in the vehicle. Hippos (Africa's deadliest large animal!) and elephants can become aggressive. Keep your distance.

The Perfect Safari Packing List

Less is more! Safari vehicles and bush planes have limited space. Most camps offer free or cheap laundry service.

Clothing

• Colors: Khaki, beige, olive, gray, brown. NO white (gets dirty quickly, reflects light), NO black (attracts tsetse flies), NO camouflage (forbidden for civilians in some African countries).
• 2–3 long-sleeved shirts/blouses (sun protection + mosquitoes)
• 2–3 long pants (zip-off ideal)
• 1 fleece/sweater (it's COLD in the morning on the vehicle, especially Ngorongoro)
• 1 lightweight rain jacket
• Comfortable closed shoes (no open sandals on safari!)
• Wide-brimmed hat/cap with sun protection
• Buff/scarf (against dust)

Equipment

• Binoculars: THE most important safari item! 8×42 or 10×42. Loaner binoculars available in lodges, but having your own is better.
• Camera: With telephoto lens (200–400 mm ideal). Enough batteries and memory cards!
• Bean bag: For camera stabilization on the vehicle roof. Better than any tripod.
• Headlamp/Flashlight: Essential at night in camp (paths are not lit).
• Power bank: In simple camps, electricity is limited (solar/generator).
• Dustproof bag: For electronics. Dust on safari is ubiquitous!

Pharmacy

• Malaria prophylaxis (prescription required)
• DEET mosquito spray (50%)
• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Diarrhea medication (Imodium + electrolytes)
• Plasters, disinfectant
• Headache tablets

Tipping on Safari — A Must!

Tipping on safari is not optional, but mandatory. It makes up a significant part of the income for guides, cooks, and camp staff. The following guidelines are for the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) — it may be slightly less in the southern parks.

How to Tip?

• Currency: USD (preferred!) or TZS. Keep small bills (1, 5, 10, 20 USD) ready.
• Timing: On the last day of the safari, in an envelope with a short thank you note. Hand over personally, do not just leave on the table.
• Group Safari: The total amount can be collected by the group and handed over together. Guide separately, rest into the tip box.
• Kilimanjaro: Tips are handed over on the last day in Moshi/Marangu Gate. The organizer usually provides envelopes. Plan 200–350 USD per person for the entire team (6–8 days).