Tanzania offers truly epic safaris, unlike any other. It's one of the few places in Africa where you can witness the Big Five all in one breathtaking safari adventure. The nation teems with wildlife at every turn, from awe-inspiring birds soaring above to magnificent creatures congregating at waterholes, including zebras, hippos, giraffes, and majestic lions. Even the smaller, hidden inhabitants of lakes and leaves add to the enchantment. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind before embarking on your journey.
Travel
When it comes to international flights, you'll typically have a generous baggage allowance of around 23 kilograms. However, for domestic flights on smaller planes, you'll need to downsize to adhere to the 15kg limit. Fortunately, packing light is quite manageable for safaris, where practicality takes precedence over elegance, and your clothing is laundered daily.
As for travel logistics, securing a visa for entry into Tanzania is a necessary step, which can be arranged either in advance or upon arrival. This essential document comes with a fee of $50 USD. Keep in mind that when departing from Zanzibar on international flights, an exit fee of $50 USD applies. Interestingly, reports suggest that this fee can sometimes catch travellers off guard by being unpredictably imposed on other flights as well. To ensure a smooth departure, we highly recommend having $50 USD per person on hand to avoid any unexpected surprises.
Safari Practices
When venturing into the wilderness, it's essential to adhere to certain fundamental guidelines. Always remain steadfast in obeying the directives of the park rangers. Avoid disembarking from your vehicle except within designated zones. While residing in a campsite, exercise patience and wait for the staff to escort you before venturing out of your tent. The sight of hippos emerging from water sources and traversing through campsites poses a significant danger, responsible for more accidents than encounters with any other African wildlife.
Money and Tipping
It's customary to show your gratitude through tipping. A suitable amount for tipping your ranger and tracker is approximately $10 USD per person per day. You can offer these tips in either the local currency, Tanzanian shillings or in US dollars.
Additionally, it's a considerate gesture to provide a small gratuity for other staff members such as servers, porters and the housekeeping team (we recommend around $1-$2 each per day). When dining at restaurants, it's customary to leave a tip equivalent to approximately 5% of the total bill.
Accommodations, eateries, retail establishments and local markets in Tanzania typically welcome credit card payments, ensuring convenience for tourists. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for expenses during excursions and wildlife safaris. Bargaining is a common practice across the country. Don't hesitate to initiate haggling and start with a 50% reduction from their initial quote. The art of bartering lies in your approach - maintain a friendly demeanour and cheerful attitude and you're likely to encounter a positive response.
In Zanzibar, seafood takes the culinary spotlight, with delectable crustaceans and grilled fish featured prominently on daily menus. If you have an affinity for cloves, you're in for a treat as they, along with a plethora of other spices, are readily available. Zanzibar, akin to the remainder of Tanzania, adheres to conservative cultural norms, so travellers should show respect by avoiding attire that exposes bare arms and legs, as well as refraining from public displays of affection.
Etiquette
In Tanzania, a warm and hearty "jambo" always surpasses a simple "hello." This small gesture goes a long way in winning the affection of the friendly and welcoming locals who are always eager to lend a helping hand.
Beach Etiquette
Life unfolds on the shores of Zanzibar in harmony with the ebb and flow of the tides. During low tide, swimming isn't typically an option, so it's wise to check the tide schedules thoughtfully displayed at hotel reception areas. Don't forget to pack some sturdy sandals or comfortable flip flops, as when the tide recedes, it can reveal enchanting corals and the occasional sea urchin.
Additional Information
During your stay, please be aware of an Infrastructure Levy of $1 USD per night per person, which should be settled directly with your chosen hotel.
It's worth noting that some hotels in Zanzibar may occasionally take advantage of tax-related matters and raise this levy beyond the prescribed rate. Given the challenging nature of regulating such fluctuations, we recommend taking a proactive approach and confirming with your hotel in advance that they adhere to the standard $1 USD charge. This ensures transparency and avoids any unexpected surprises during your visit.
