Before the safari, before Kilimanjaro, before Zanzibar's beaches, there's a bit of admin to sort out. Here's everything you need to prepare, in one place, so nothing catches you off guard.
Visa Requirements
Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. You have two options:
- E-visa: apply online in advance through the official Tanzania immigration portal
- Visa on arrival: available at major entry points, including Kilimanjaro International Airport and Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam
Standard visa fees are around $50 USD per person for most nationalities, though US citizens typically pay $100 for a multiple-entry visa. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
Tip: apply for your e-visa at least a couple of weeks before departure to avoid any last-minute stress at the airport.
Vaccinations & Health Prep
- Yellow fever vaccination: required if arriving from (or transiting through) a country with yellow fever risk. Zanzibar tends to enforce this closely.
- Recommended (not mandatory): Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine boosters like Tetanus
- Malaria: talk to your doctor about antimalarial medication, as malaria risk exists in most safari regions
Consult a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before your trip for personalized advice.
What to Pack
Clothing:
- Neutral colors like khaki, beige, and olive green (avoid black and dark blue, which attract tsetse flies, and bright white, which shows dust easily)
- Lightweight, breathable layers, mornings and evenings on safari can be cold
- A warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
Gear:
- Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars (a real game-changer for wildlife viewing)
- A camera with a zoom lens, plus spare batteries and storage
- A basic first-aid kit with any personal medication
Money Matters
- The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas
- Carry some cash for tipping and small purchases, credit cards work in most lodges but aren't reliable in rural areas
- Standard tipping guideline: $10–20 USD per day for safari guides, with smaller amounts for lodge staff and cooks
Quick Pre-Departure Checklist
Planning all of this alone can feel like a part-time job. When you book through a trusted local guide, most of this gets handled or clearly explained for you as part of your itinerary, no guesswork required.