E-visa process, costs and what immigration will ask for on arrival.
Apply for the Tanzanian e-visa online at least three weeks before travel. A single-entry tourist visa costs USD 50 (USD 100 for US passports). Your passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival with two blank pages. Carry a printed copy of the visa grant and your return ticket.
e-Visa applications open 3+ weeks before travel
USD 50 single entry (USD 100 for US passports)
Passport valid 6 months with 2 blank pages
Health & safety
Vaccinations, malaria, water and the practical realities of travelling here.
Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for all regions. Yellow fever proof is required only when arriving from a yellow-fever country. Drink bottled or filtered water only — we keep the vehicle stocked. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is a condition of travelling with us.
Malaria prophylaxis recommended countrywide
Yellow fever certificate only from endemic countries
Bottled water supplied in every vehicle
Money & tipping
What to carry, where cards work and what to budget for gratuities.
US dollars printed 2009 or later are accepted everywhere; bring small denominations. Cards work in Arusha, Moshi and Zanzibar hotels but rarely in parks. Budget USD 20–30 per day for your guide and USD 10–15 per traveller per day for camp staff.
USD notes printed 2009 or later only
Cards work in towns, rarely inside parks
Guide tips: USD 20–30 per day, per group
When to visit Tanzania
Season by season, with the trade-offs spelled out.
June–October: dry, cool, best game viewing, highest prices. January–March: calving season, green plains, excellent value. April–May: long rains, some camps close, the lowest prices of the year. November–December: short rains, lush and quiet, good all-round value.
June–October: peak game viewing, book early
January–March: calving season in Ndutu
April–May: green, quiet, lowest prices
What to pack
A practical list for safari, mountain and beach in one trip.
Safari: neutral layers, fleece, hat, sunglasses, binoculars, soft duffel. Mountain: four-season sleeping bag, broken-in boots, down jacket, headtorch. Beach: reef shoes for the east coast tides and modest cover-up for Stone Town.
Neutral layers — avoid blue and black
Soft duffel bag for light aircraft (15 kg limit)
Binoculars, one pair per person
Travelling with children
Age guidance, driving days and the lodges that get families right.
Most parks have no minimum age; some walking safaris and balloon flights require 7+ and 1.3 m respectively. We keep driving days under four hours for families, choose lodges with pools and family rooms, and can add a second vehicle so everyone gets a window.
No minimum age in most parks
Driving days kept under four hours
Family rooms and pools at every stop
Seasons
When to travel to Tanzania
Dry season
June – October
Peak wildlife viewing, Mara River crossings, clear skies. Book early — this is high season.
Short dry season
January – February
Calving in Ndutu, warm days and excellent predator sightings.
Long rains
March – May
Green, dramatic and quiet, with the lowest rates of the year. Some camps close in April.
Short rains
November – December
Brief afternoon showers, lush scenery and very good value before the Christmas peak.
Packing
What to bring on safari
✓Neutral-coloured layers (avoid blue and black — tsetse flies)
✓Warm fleece for early morning game drives
✓Wide-brim hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
✓Binoculars — one pair per person
✓Soft duffel bag (hard cases don't fit light aircraft)
