Travel Tips

Helpful advice to make your Tanzanian adventure smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Tanzania’s Climate – What to Expect.
Tanzania enjoys a warm, tropical climate with its own unique rhythm. The hottest months are from December to February, perfect for sun-lovers. The long rains usually fall from mid-March to late May, while short rains make a brief appearance in November to early December—though climate change can sometimes shift these patterns.
June to August brings cooler weather, especially in higher altitudes like Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Karatu Highlands, where chilly mornings can dip close to freezing. Be sure to pack a cozy fleece!
Safari Packing List: Essentials for the Bush.
Here’s what we recommend to keep you comfortable and safari-ready:
Wide-brimmed sun hat
Sunglasses
Light cotton scarf (great sun protection)
Breathable shirts (short and long-sleeved) – avoid dark colors like black or blue, which attract tsetse flies
Neutral/bush colors if doing walking safaris
Medium-weight fleece for cool evenings
Lightweight rain jacket
Zip-off trousers or lightweight pants
Casual-smart outfit for dinners at lodges
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals (hiking boots only needed for mountain treks)
Torch or headlamp (plus spare batteries)
Health & Medical Essentials
Better to be prepared so you can relax and enjoy the adventure:
Painkillers (headache tablets)
Anti-diarrhea tablets
Rehydration salts
Band-aids/plasters & stretch bandage
Sunscreen (SPF 30+) & lip balm
Moisturizer for wind/sun protection
Malaria prevention (ask your doctor)
Yellow Fever vaccine (ask your doctor)
Antihistamines (tablets and cream)
Wet wipes & hand sanitizer
Prescribed medication (please inform your guide of any medical conditions or medication)
Personal Gear to Pack
Daypack or light sports bag
Toiletries (many lodges provide the basics)
Camera, memory cards & chargers – vehicles have UK-style three-pin sockets (charging only while driving)
Multi-plug adapter
Spare camera battery
Binoculars (one per person is ideal)
Wallet or small purse for daily spending
Beach Time Essentials
Heading to Zanzibar or the coast? Don’t forget:
High SPF sunscreen
Swimsuits
Sun hat & sunglasses
Reef shoes
Insect repellent
Light scarf or wrap for modest dress in villages
Snorkeling gear (optional – also available to rent)
Note: Tanzanian coastal areas are mostly Muslim communities. Swimwear is welcome at beaches and resorts, but when exploring towns or villages, we kindly ask that shoulders and knees remain covered for both men and women.
Important:Plastic Bag Ban.
Tanzania has a strict ban on plastic bags. Please leave them at home—including bin liners and duty-free carriers. The only exception is small zip-lock bags used for toiletries in carry-on luggage (as per airline rules), as long as you take them with you when you leave.
Luggage Tips
Keep your bags locked during travel
Soft duffel bags are ideal for safaris (suitcases don’t pack well in vehicles)
On light aircraft, a strict 15kg limit applies—extra luggage may incur fees
Store extra bags securely in Arusha if needed
Pack essential clothes & items in your carry-on in case of delays
Avoid placing items like scissors, lighters, or nail clippers in your hand luggage
Always carry travel insurance
Money Matters Bring USD, EUR, or GBP cash – ATMs dispense Tanzanian Shillings (TSH) only
Use new USD notes (2016 or newer) – older bills may not be accepted
ATMs have daily withdrawal limits (Tsh 200,000 to 800,000)
Only a few lodges/shops accept credit cards (Visa or MasterCard), and may charge a 4–5% fee
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is an important part of tourism in East Africa. Here's a simple guide:
Safari Guides
$15 per guest per day is standard (Example: 4 guests on a 4-day safari = $240 total)
Hotels & Lodges
Use the communal tip box at reception or bar
$5–$10 per person per night is appreciated
Mountain Climbs (Kilimanjaro/Meru – 7 Days)
Head Guide: $80–$100
Assistant Guide: $60–$80
Mountain Chef: $50–$70
Porters: $25–$40 each
Feel free to tip more for exceptional service!
Essential Documents to Bring
Valid passport (at least 6 months before expiry)
Travel insurance policy
Emergency contacts
Your itinerary
Vaccination certificates (Yellow Fever, etc.)
Addresses for sending postcards or sharing travel updates