Frequently Asked Questions

Visa Tanzania

Do I need a visa?

After you’ve booked your Tanzania safari or Zanzibar holiday, the next thing to do is to apply for your tourist visa. How to apply? Where to apply? What documents do you need? Luckily for you, getting a visa for Tanzania is relatively easy and we are happy to help.

Good to know: When travelling to Tanzania, you can either get your visa online or upon arrival.

Travel insurance

Do I need a travel insurance?

Embarking on an African safari to Tanzania is an adventure of a lifetime. But don’t forget to pack one of the most important things – travel insurance!

A good travel insurance plan provides peace of mind by covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. It’s essential to have a reliable safety net, especially in remote areas where access to medical facilities and other services can be limited. Comprehensive travel insurance lets you focus on the thrill of the safari, knowing that you’re protected against the unexpected.

Vaccinations

Do I need vaccinations?

In addition to standard vaccinations such as MMR and TDP, the CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for Tanzania, such as Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid. Yellow fever and rabies vaccinations are also recommended depending on the traveller’s activities.

Tanzania yellow fever requirements can sometimes seem confusing, but we’re here to help! As a yellow fever-free country, Tanzania is safe to travel when it comes to steering clear of this virus. You may have questions about it so we answered them here.

What to bring

What to pack for a Tanzania safari? [Safari packing list]

Whether you are experienced when it comes to safari tours or it is your first time: it is important to know exactly what you need to bring with you. And we are here to help you out!

In the Tanzania safari packing list below, we will go through all the items you need to take with you and explaining as to why you should bring them with you. Let’s get started.

What to wear

What to wear on a Tanzania safari 

Long trousers or shorts? T-shirts or tops? Flip-flops or sneakers? Or maybe even hiking boots? Your trip is booked (or you are about to book it), and you are standing in front of your closet not knowing what to bring. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

Let’s start with some good news: most of what you need you probably already have at home. But of course you won’t pack your bag the same way whether you’re climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or making your way to the world-famous Zanzibar Island.

Flights

Planning your journey to Tanzania starts with choosing the right flights. While we take care of all domestic flights within Tanzania as part of your safari package, you are free to select the international flights that best suit your schedule and preferences.

General info Tanzania

You’re probably curious about the country you’ll soon be exploring. To help you get acquainted, we’ve gathered a few useful facts about Tanzania. From its currency and official languages to time zone and population, here’s everything you need to know before your adventure begins.

Private Safaris

Most of our safaris are private and designed to give you the highest level of comfort, exclusivity, and flexibility. With your own vehicle and personal guide, you can fully enjoy the freedom to explore Tanzania at your own pace.

Group safari

Is it possible to book a group safari?

Yes! A small-group safari is a wonderful way to explore Tanzania’s breathtaking national parks while traveling with like-minded adventurers. With a limited number of participants, you’ll enjoy an intimate and well-organized experience at an attractive price. Below you’ll find a few key questions and answers about our small-group trips.

Accommodations

A good night’s rest is essential during your safari, which is why we only work with handpicked, high-quality accommodations. All lodges and tented camps are checked regularly by our team, and we maintain direct partnerships to ensure the best service and value. From comfort lodges to luxury camps, each category offers its own level of style and amenities—so you can choose what suits you best.

Food

Delicious and fresh meals are an important part of your safari experience. That’s why we carefully select accommodations and partners that offer high-quality, hygienic, and varied food options. Whether you prefer local Tanzanian dishes or international cuisine, you’ll enjoy tasty meals throughout your trip—with dietary needs accommodated on request.

Guides

Your guide plays a major role in your safari experience — and that’s why we work exclusively with highly skilled, professional local guides. Born and raised in Tanzania, they know the national parks like no one else and are experts in wildlife behavior, ecosystems, and tracking animals. Many of our guides speak multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication and an enjoyable experience for all travelers.

Transfers & Pickups

From the moment you arrive in Tanzania, we make sure your journey is smooth and stress-free. All transfers and pickups – whether from the airport, your hotel, or between destinations – are fully arranged by Tanzania Specialist. Our team ensures punctual, reliable, and comfortable transportation, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Extensions

Would you like to continue your adventure after your safari? Tanzania Specialist offers several exciting extensions to make your trip even more memorable. Whether you want to climb Kilimanjaro, relax on the beaches of Zanzibar. Or explore nearby countries such as Kenya or Uganda or even South Africa (in collaboration with our sister company Africa Safari Trips), we can seamlessly arrange the perfect add-on to your itinerary.

Best time to visit

When to visit Tanzania?

The best time to visit Tanzania depends on what you want to see, where you want to go, your budget, and your interests. Every time of the year has its pros and cons. Here’s a guide to help you decide the best time for your Tanzanian adventure. Oh, and before we forget…Everyone is different, there is no correct choice. But one thing that’s for sure: Tanzania is beautiful the whole year!

Below you will find a number of answers to frequently asked questions, but for more detailed information, we refer you to read the article “When is the Best Time To Visit Tanzania?

Tanzania weather

Tanzania weather differs from region to region – but there is always a great time to travel in Tanzania! Weather in the coastal areas is the hottest and most humid, while the North and highlands of Tanzania are cooler because of altitude. The temperatures vary between 22°C and 31 °C throughout the year. During the night, the temperature in Tanzania drops to between 10°C and 22°C. The beaches of Zanzibar have a distinctively tropical climate since it is located close to the Equator.

Easy payments & safe

Paying for your safari – it’s as easy as 1 – 2 – 3!

When booking a safari, you want to focus on the joys of that experience. But before you can do that, you of course need to pay for your beautiful holiday plans. As Tanzania Specialist, we’ve tried to make the payment process as smooth as possible. How? Read on to find out!

First: choose your payment method

Since we have clients from different countries, we need to be as flexible as possible. That’s why we have a bank account in the Netherlands for bank transfers, but we also accept credit/ American Express/ debit card payments (via iDeal, Bancontact, EPS, Giropay and Sofort, but not Paypal).

Some people feel bank transfers are easier, whereas others prefer (credit) card payments for international transfers. In the end, it’s up to you.

Terms & Conditions

We are dedicated to providing you with exceptional travel experiences and ensuring your journey is smooth and enjoyable. Before making a booking with us, you must ensure that you have carefully read and understood the following terms and conditions that govern our services. We are at your disposal to answer any questions you may have.

Vaccinations

In addition to standard vaccinations such as MMR and TDP, the CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for Tanzania, such as Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid. Yellow fever and rabies vaccinations are also recommended depending on the traveller’s activities.

Tanzania yellow fever requirements can sometimes seem confusing, but we’re here to help! As a yellow fever-free country, Tanzania is safe to travel when it comes to steering clear of this virus. You may have questions about it so let’s answer them now.

Flying Doctors

While planning your safari in East Africa, you might worry about having a medical emergency in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, the AMREF Flying Doctors are here to save the day, as they offer a flying ambulance service with doctors and pilots on standby 24 hours a day in the whole of East Africa. For 40 USD per person for 30 days, you can travel worry-free to any remote area in one or more of the following countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda.

Safety

”I want to visit Tanzania, but is it safe?” This is a question that regularly comes up from our clients seeking Tanzania travel advice. The short answer? Yes! Tanzania is one of the safest destinations in Africa, with more than 1 million tourists visiting the country every year. When travelling with the travel experts at Tanzania Specialist, safety is paramount. Our private safari experiences with knowledgeable, professional guides enhance your experience in Tanzania and ensure your total peace of mind. Check out our Tanzania safety tips for more information on safe travel in Tanzania.

Responsible Travel

Choosing to travel with Tanzania Specialist means choosing to travel responsibly, sustainably and safely in Tanzania. As a company, we care deeply about contributing to Tanzania’s social and economic development and we participate in several initiatives to do just that.

As a trusted travel company in Tanzania providing exceptional wildlife and nature experiences, we understand that the great wilds of Tanzania need protecting and preserving. That’s why we’re dedicated to sustainable business practices and actively contributing to environmental projects throughout the country.

Travelife Partner Status

We’re proud to announce that we’ve officially achieved the Travelife Partner level – an internationally recognized status that reflects our long-term commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Hakuna Matata Academy

The Hakuna Matata Academy believes that knowledge is power. Launched in 2022, the HMA is an on-the-ground initiative created by the founders of Tanzania Specialist. Located next to their office in Arusha, HMA offers specialised hospitality training programs to both vulnerable street kids and professionals working in the hospitality and tourism sector. The Hakuna Matata Academy is the first of its kind in Tanzania.

Tanzania Specialist & Africa Safari Trips

Tanzania Specialist is an Africa based company with roots in The Netherlands. With its sister company Africa Safari Trips, they are one of the leading safari companies in East Africa. Together, we organize safaris in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and many more destinations are coming.. so stay tuned !

We pride ourselves to always go the extra mile !

Offices

Tanzania Specialist has two offices located in Europe and Tanzania. Our European headquarters are located in the Netherlands, with our Tanzania headquarters are located in Arusha.

Our sister company Africa Safari Trips also has offices in Nairobi (Kenya) and Kampala (Uganda).

Running a professional local operation while having our headquarters in Europe offers our clients absolute peace of mind when it comes to booking your dream African adventure.

Teams

At Tanzania Specialist, our team is at the heart of everything we do. With experienced travel consultants, multilingual experts, and highly trained local guides, we combine international standards with authentic on-the-ground knowledge. Our specialists live and work in Tanzania, ensuring that every itinerary is crafted with real expertise and first-hand experience. Below you’ll find a few key questions about the people who make your trip unforgettable.

Trust

Your journey to Tanzania is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and choosing a reliable travel partner is essential. At Tanzania Specialist, trust is at the core of everything we do. With thousands of guests traveling with us each year and sharing their experiences, our reviews reflect the quality, safety, and personal care we deliver. From our expert guides to our handpicked accommodations, every detail is designed to give you full peace of mind.

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