image of the Naipenda Safari Logo


The map of Tanzania National Parks
Click to enlarge


The Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater
A lioness takes in the sunset in the Serengeti
Click to enlarge
Elephants in the serengeti
  Home/About Tanzania

 
 

Time:

GMT +3.

Electricity:

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Rectangular or round three-pin plugs are used.

Language:

Swahili and English are the official languages. Several indigenous languages are also spoken. A giraffe sits in front of thousand of flamingos in Lake Manyare

Health:

Travellers are advised to take medical advice at least three weeks before leaving for Tanzania. Most visitors will need vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever and polio. Those arriving from an infected country are required to hold a yellow fever vaccination certificate. There is a risk of malaria all year and outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever occur; travellers should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Food prepared by unlicensed vendors should also be avoided, as meat and milk products from infected animals may not have been cooked thoroughly. Sleeping sickness is a risk in the game parks, including the Serengeti, and visitors should avoid bites by tsetse flies. There is a high prevalence of HIV/Aids. Cholera outbreaks are common throughout the country and visitors are advised to drink bottled or sterilised water only. Medical services are available in Dar-es-Salaam and other main towns, but facilities and supplies are limited; visitors with particular requirements should take their own medicines. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised.

Tipping:

Waiters in the better restaurants should be tipped around 10%. Guides, porters and cooks in the wildlife parks and on safari trips expect tips. The amount is discretionary according to standard of service and the number in your party.

Visa Requirements:

Tourist Visas are required for most visitors. They can be obtained at the Tanzania High Commission in your State or Province, or upon arrival in Tanzania at the Airport. There is a fee imposed for the Visa. All visitors will also require up to date passports.

New Tanzania Entry Requirements:

New Tanzania Entry RequirementsImportant update: Please be advised, Yellow fever vaccination certificates are vital to enter Tanzania and any passenger arriving without a valid one is vaccinated at the airport at a fee of USD $50. This has technically been a requirement for many years, we have been advised that it will now be enforced. Please make sure to have a yellow vaccination card inside your passports at all times.

If you have medical reason or religious reason why you cannot take this inoculation - you must bring proof from your doctor. It will be up to border control to give final decision.

Customs:

Visitors to Zanzibar should be aware that it is a predominantly Muslim area and a modest dress code, especially for women, should be respected when away from the beach and in public places. Topless sunbathing is a criminal offence. Smoking in public places is illegal.

Business:

Although Tanzanians come across as relaxed and friendly, it is important to observe certain formalities, especially with greetings. It is advisable to learn a few Swahili catch phrases when greeting, followed by a handshake. Women and men rarely shake hands in Swahili culture, however if the woman extends her hand, the man is obliged. Tanzanians are to be addressed as Mr., Mrs., and Ms, followed by the family name. Business dress is seldom very formal, however lightweight suits are recommended for formal occasions. Business hours are similar to Western countries, but a longer lunch break is taken during the hotter months, and business continues later in the evening from Monday to Friday.

Communications:

The international country dialling code for Tanzania, as well as Zanzibar, is +255. The outgoing code is 000, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for South Africa). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)24 for Zanzibar and (0)22 for Dar-es-Salaam. International calls made from rural areas may have to go through the operator. Mobile phones work in the main urban areas and Zanzibar; the network operators use GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Travellers should contact their service provider to ensure they have international roaming. Avoid making telephone calls from hotels; they can charge as much as $10 per minute. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Duty Free:

Travellers to Tanzania do not have to pay duty on 250g tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars; alcoholic beverages up to 1 bottle; and 473ml perfume. Restrictions apply to firearms, plants, plant products and fruits.
A baby elephant cuddles his mother