Tanzania Travel Guide
Download the Travel Guide (PDF)
Everything you need to know before your safari, Zanzibar escape or Kilimanjaro adventure. Entry requirements checked 12 November 2026.
01 Your pre-travel essentials
Use this simple checklist in the weeks before departure. FIF Tours will confirm the services specifically included in your booking.
Before you fly
- Check your passport validity (at least six months) and at least one blank visa page.
- Confirm whether your nationality requires a visa; apply using the official Tanzania eVisa system where relevant.
- Arrange the mandatory inbound travel insurance for your FIRST point of entry: NIC for Mainland Tanzania or ZIC for Zanzibar.
- Consult a travel-health professional about routine vaccines, yellow fever rules and malaria prevention.
- Confirm flight times, luggage allowances, hotel details and all pick-up arrangements.
- Share the passport details requested for reservations, air tickets and national-park permits, using secure channels.
- Save offline copies of your itinerary, insurance certificate / QR code, visa approval and important contacts.
02 Entry, visas & travel documents
The United Republic of Tanzania includes Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Most international visitors use one Tanzanian visa for both destinations.
Passport and entry requirements
- Travel with a passport valid for at least six months and at least one unused visa page.
- Keep your return/onward travel ticket, accommodation details and evidence of sufficient funds available for immigration checks.
- Visa rules depend on nationality, passport type and reason for travel. Some visitors are exempt; others need an ordinary, multiple-entry or referral visa.
- Visitors requiring a visa are encouraged to use the Government of Tanzania eVisa portal well before travel. Visa on arrival is not suitable for all nationalities.
- United States passport holders travelling for tourism are generally required to obtain the multiple-entry visa rather than an ordinary tourist visa.
- Referral-visa applicants should follow special instructions and are advised by Immigration to apply at least two months ahead. Do not assume approval upon arrival.
Applying online
- Check the visa guidelines and your eligibility.
- Complete the application accurately, including your first Tanzania destination.
- Upload the specified documents and pay through the official system.
- Track the application and save your visa grant notice.
Official Tanzania eVisa: visa.immigration.go.tz
Travelling with children
Each passport holder, including a minor, may require a separate visa application. Children travelling with one parent, a guardian or unaccompanied should carry supporting parent/guardian consent and relevant birth or relationship documents where applicable; verify the requirements with the airline and immigration authorities.
03 Mandatory inbound travel insurance
This government-required cover applies to eligible foreign visitors. It is separate from your visa and from any personal travel insurance you already hold.
| First arrival into Tanzania | Mandatory policy | Official purchase portal |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland Tanzania (e.g., JRO, DAR or land border) | National Insurance Corporation (NIC) | inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz |
| Zanzibar (ZNZ / Zanzibar entry point) | Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) | inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz |
The key rules to know
- The Mainland requirement began on 1 October 2026; Zanzibar has required its inbound policy since 1 October 2024.
- Buy the policy that corresponds to your first point of entry. For a single trip covering both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, a valid applicable policy is generally enough: you should not pay twice.
- The standard adult premium is USD 44, covering up to 92 days. NIC indicates a 50% reduction for ages 3–17 and free cover for ages 0–2; check each portal for the applicable price.
- Qualifying EAC/SADC travellers may be exempt from the Mainland requirement, but this does not automatically exempt them from Zanzibar insurance. Confirm status on the official portal.
- Carry a digital or printed insurance certificate and QR code throughout the journey, including when travelling between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
- Government inbound insurance provides defined emergency assistance (including medical emergency, evacuation, repatriation and certain baggage losses), subject to policy limits and exclusions.
04 Health, vaccinations & personal safety
Arrange a medical consultation before departure, especially if travelling with children, taking regular medication or climbing Kilimanjaro.
Yellow fever: when is a certificate needed?
Yellow fever vaccination is generally not an entry requirement when arriving directly from countries without yellow fever transmission risk. Proof is required for qualifying travellers arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country, including certain airport transits of more than 12 hours. Rules can depend on your complete routing, age and health status; discuss vaccination or medical exemption with your clinician.
Malaria prevention
Malaria occurs in parts of Tanzania, including many areas below 1,800 metres. Ask your travel-health professional whether prophylactic medicine is suitable. Use mosquito repellent, cover exposed skin in the evening and sleep under a net where provided. Fever during or after travel needs urgent medical assessment, with your travel history disclosed.
Protect your wellbeing
- Stay up to date on routine immunisations; discuss hepatitis A, typhoid and other destination-specific vaccines with your clinician.
- Pack regular medicines in original containers, a copy of prescriptions and enough supplies for potential travel delays.
- Drink safe bottled or treated water, wash or sanitise hands regularly and use sun protection even on cloudy days.
- Notify FIF Tours of important dietary needs, allergies and mobility considerations before travel so arrangements can be reviewed.
- For medical emergencies, tell your guide or lodge team immediately; they can assist with the nearest suitable care and insurer contact.
- Wildlife is unpredictable. Never leave the vehicle or approach an animal unless your guide explicitly says it is safe.
05 Safari packing & practical tips
Pack light layers. Early mornings on the crater rim and in highland areas may be cold even when afternoons are warm.
| Clothing & comfort | Health, tech & documents |
|---|---|
| Neutral-coloured tops; long sleeves and light trousers | Passport, visa/insurance copies and final itinerary |
| Warm fleece, windproof and light waterproof jacket | Prescription medicines, compact first-aid essentials |
| Comfortable closed shoes; sandals for lodge time | Insect repellent, sunscreen, SPF lip balm |
| Hat, sunglasses and sleepwear | Camera, binoculars, charger and power bank |
| Socks, underwear and optional swimwear | Type G travel adaptor (230 V / 50 Hz) |
| Small daypack and reusable water bottle | Light scarf/buff for dust and hand sanitiser |
What you can expect on safari
- Game drives often start early. Roads to national parks can be long, dusty and uneven; allow flexibility for wildlife sightings and weather.
- A well-maintained safari vehicle and an experienced driver-guide are provided when included in your itinerary; vehicle arrangements vary for private and shared trips.
- Your specific proposal confirms meals, drinking water, park fees, transfers and accommodation. Avoid assuming that every package includes every service.
- Domestic and bush flights may have strict baggage limits and require soft-sided luggage. Follow the allowance printed on your ticket.
- Use Tanzanian shillings for day-to-day purchases when possible. Cards are accepted at many hotels but may not work everywhere; carry a little small-change cash.
- Tipping guides and lodge staff is appreciated but voluntary. Ask us for context-appropriate guidance if you would like to budget for it.
06 Wildlife, seasons & responsible travel
Your guide’s knowledge and your patience make the difference. Wildlife moves freely and sightings can never be guaranteed.
Explore at the right pace
| Destination | What makes it special |
|---|---|
| Serengeti | Vast plains, predators and the Great Migration; timing and location vary with rainfall. |
| Ngorongoro Crater | A remarkable highland caldera with excellent wildlife opportunities; the rim is often cool. |
| Tarangire | Elephants, baobab landscapes and striking seasonal wildlife concentrations. |
| Lake Manyara / Arusha | Birdlife, forest scenery and a varied introduction to northern Tanzania. |
| Zanzibar | Beaches, Stone Town and coastal culture; suitable as a post-safari extension. |
Safari etiquette
- Remain inside the vehicle unless your guide identifies a permitted and safe location to get out.
- Keep noise low, observe animals from a respectful distance and never feed or try to attract wildlife.
- Avoid flash photography of animals at close range; ask permission before photographing local people.
- Respect park speed limits, designated tracks and conservation rules. Do not remove plants, rocks or natural objects.
- Support responsible cultural visits. Follow local customs; dress modestly in villages, towns and religious sites.
- Carry any personal waste back to the appropriate disposal point and minimise single-use plastics.
When to travel
June–October is generally drier in northern Tanzania, while the wetter seasons can offer lush scenery and fewer crowds. Serengeti migration experiences are seasonal, but never fixed to a guaranteed date. January–March often attracts travellers interested in southern Serengeti / Ndutu calving-season activity. Conditions vary from year to year.
07 Safari costs & inclusions
Every FIF Tours itinerary is customised. Your final proposal and invoice—not a general guide—define the confirmed services and payment terms.
What shapes your safari price?
Duration and route. Number of nights, travel distances and the parks or conservation areas visited.
Accommodation level. Budget, mid-range, premium or luxury lodges and tented camps.
Group size. Private travel generally allocates vehicle and guide costs across the travelling party.
Season and flight availability. Park seasons, room demand and fares for domestic or bush flights.
Activities and extras. Optional walking safaris, balloon trips, village visits, special experiences and additional transfers.
Commonly included – when listed in your itinerary
Driver-guide, vehicle and game drives; agreed park and crater fees; accommodation and meal plan; specified airport transfers; and drinking water in the safari vehicle. Exact inclusions depend on the package and itinerary.
Frequently excluded – unless your quote says otherwise
International flights, visa fees, government inbound insurance, comprehensive personal insurance, recommended vaccinations, personal purchases, tips, optional activities, and transport not specifically included. Domestic flights may be quoted separately.
08 Kilimanjaro climbing guide
Mount Kilimanjaro rises to 5,895 metres. Good planning, realistic pacing, appropriate gear and a qualified mountain crew are essential.
Choosing your climbing season
| Period | General conditions |
|---|---|
| January–February | Often clearer and relatively warm by mountain standards; popular for climbing. |
| June–October | Generally drier; clear views possible, with very cold nights and summit conditions. |
| March–May | Often wet, with rain and lower visibility; trails can be muddy. |
| November–December | Short-rain period with variable weather; climbing remains possible. |
Mountain weather changes quickly. The route passes through different vegetation and climate zones, from humid rainforest to alpine desert and freezing summit terrain. Summit attempts can encounter strong wind, snow and sub-zero temperatures at any time.
Common routes – an overview
| Route | Character |
|---|---|
| Machame | Scenic, varied and often undertaken over 6–7 days. |
| Lemosho | Western approach with broad scenery; commonly 7–8 days. |
| Marangu | Hut-based route; 5–6 days, with limited acclimatisation on shorter trips. |
| Rongai | Northern approach; often quieter and generally 6–7 days. |
| Northern Circuit | Longer itinerary, often 8–10 days, with more time for acclimatisation. |
09 Kilimanjaro preparation & equipment
Start building hiking endurance well in advance, and break in all essential equipment before arriving in Tanzania.
Prepare your body and mind
- Progressively increase walking distance, hills, stairs and time on your feet; include strength and aerobic sessions.
- Train with a daypack and the boots you will wear on the mountain. Allow rest and recovery.
- Discuss fitness, chronic conditions and any high-altitude medications (including acetazolamide) with your doctor.
- Walk slowly, communicate symptoms early and follow your guide’s advice on food, fluid intake, rest and altitude safety.
- Check that your separate specialist insurance explicitly covers high-altitude trekking, rescue, medical evacuation and the summit altitude.
Mountain-specific packing checklist
| Layering / clothing | Gear / daypack |
|---|---|
| Moisture-wicking base layers; thermal leggings | Waterproof daypack cover and dry bags |
| Insulating fleece/down layers and summit jacket | Waterproof/windproof jacket and trousers |
| Warm hat, sun hat, neck gaiter and balaclava | Head torch + spare batteries |
| Light liner gloves and warm insulated gloves | Trekking poles and broken-in boots |
| Thermal socks, spare socks and camp clothing | Sunglasses, sunscreen and SPF lip balm |
| Warm-rated sleeping bag; confirm rental options | Refillable bottles / hydration system |
| Gaiters and water-resistant over-trousers | Personal medication, snacks, hand hygiene |
10 Final checks, useful links & support
Keep this page handy during the last 48 hours before your journey.
Your final departure check
- Passport, visa (if needed), return ticket and hotel/tour confirmation are saved offline.
- The correct NIC or ZIC inbound travel insurance certificate and QR code are accessible.
- Personal travel insurance includes the activities and medical/evacuation protection you need.
- Any required yellow fever documentation and your prescribed medicine are packed.
- Your FIF Tours meeting point, arrival details and airport pick-up instructions are confirmed.
- You have suitable layers, comfortable footwear and all essentials in cabin luggage.
Official information and purchase links
- Tanzania Immigration / eVisa: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
- Visa guidelines and nationality requirements: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/guidelines
- NIC mandatory insurance – Mainland first entry: https://inbound.nicinsurance.co.tz/
- ZIC mandatory insurance – Zanzibar first entry: https://inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz/
- NIC insurer information and child premium rules: https://www.nicinsurance.co.tz/
- ZIC official Mainland/Zanzibar clarification (7 Oct 2026): zic.co.tz
- CDC Tanzania travel health advice: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania
Contact FIF Tours & Travel
For trip-specific questions, dietary or mobility needs, safari arrangements and practical support, contact our team through the details on your booking confirmation.
Email: info@fiftours.com
Website: www.fiftours.com
Information verified 12 November 2026. This general guide does not override immigration or insurance rules, your issued policy wording, public-health advice or the services on your confirmed itinerary.