Tanzania Travel Guidelines 2024: 5 Things All First Timers Should Know

Tanzania is located in East Africa and is a group of islands that will enchant all your senses. This is one of the places that we wish everyone to visit at least once in their life. What is certain is that you will experience an extraordinary adventure and have a unique opportunity to observe wild animals in their natural habitat. From observing playful animals to large and dangerous predators that live only in harmony with the natural food chain to climbing the Ngorongoro volcanic crater, we guarantee that this would be one of the most beautiful experiences of your life. And best of all, arrangements for Tanzania are available at almost every travel agency. It is up to you to find the timing that suits you best and enjoy the experience that life has to offer.

For those who haven’t yet made the connection, Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, which means that this experience for you will be unrepeatable, unique, and something you will remember forever.

But what do you actually need to know before embarking on this trip?

1. The visa requirements

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Most of the visitors must have a visa issued by the Tanzanian diplomatic visions, or they can obtain it online upon arrival. Several countries are exempt from the rule about visas. Citizens of certain African countries, as well as countries in the East African Community, such as Kenya and Uganda, are exempt from visa requirements.

Check the visa requirements on services like ivisa.com for your country of origin and ensure that you have the necessary documentation for entry into Tanzania. If you don’t do that, you risk being deported before you even enter the flight to take you to Tanzania.

This is an important step, and that’s why we put it in first place in our list of useful tips. Check on the diplomatic relations between your country and Tanzania, so you won’t face unpleasant situations as you arrive.

2. Vaccination requirements

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People who travel to Tanzania should provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. There is a list of countries you have to check on, in case you come from some of the countries. We must note that most countries on this list are from South America and Africa. Tanzania looks forward to yellow fever certificates for those who come from countries such as Argentina, Gabon, Panama, Kenya, Ecuador, Togo, Uganda, Venezuela, Burundi, Chad, etc. Check on the list before applying for a visa.

Even when you transit, you still have to prove you have a yellow fever certificate, since there were situations of passing the disease during traveling.

You also have to make sure you are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations and take necessary precautions to avoid illnesses such as malaria, diphtheria, rabies, typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningococcal meningitis, cholera, etc. Consult with your doctor and tourist agency to organize the trip. That way, you get the best first-hand information about what vaccines you may need.

3. Travel insurance is always in your bag

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No matter where you travel, insurance is a must. You may not use it at all, but can you imagine not having it, and contracting some bacteria or getting hurt while traveling?

We are sure you don’t want to spend your vacation in pain, exhausting your wallet. Travel insurance documents cost a little, and prevent a lot of headaches, so it’s worth buying them before you start the trip.

4. Be respectful of everything

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Tanzania is known for its diverse culture and wildlife, as well as its natural beauty. As a tourist, you must be respectful of every part of it. Locals find cultural diversity important, so try to be nice and behave appropriately in public. Be respectful of their traditions, and people there will be the most welcoming hosts for you.

Also, be respectful of the wildlife. Tanzania is famous for its wildlife and national parks. When visiting these areas, it is important to respect the animals and follow the guidelines of your guide or park rangers.

5. Research the locations you want to visit

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In the beginning, we mentioned the Ngorongoro crater which is home to diverse wildlife. It’s formed from a collapsed volcano, making the place the most visited in Tanzania. Surely, don’t miss out on the Serengeti National Park, which is one of the most popular wildlife reserves in the world.

If you are into hiking, Mount Kilimanjaro can be exactly what you need from this adventure. Keep in mind that it could be too challenging for inexperienced hikers. So, maybe it’s not the best idea for first-time visitors. If you need a unique experience, we suggest visiting the largest lake in Africa, known for its beautiful landscapes. Lake Victoria lies between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. You can find many lake resorts,  or even visit some of the beautiful beaches there.

The Tarangire National Park offers a unique elephant adventure for visitors, but it’s also home to a very diverse bird population.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Tanzania has to offer.

You can do your homework and research all the mentioned places, but also go beyond it. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife, Tanzania makes one of the best places for those who aren’t afraid to push their boundaries and explore unknown places.

No matter if you travel during the dry or rainy season, you’ll have many chances to explore different sides of Tanzania. From June to October, you can enjoy nature walks, while from November to May it can be too rainy to spot the wild animals. Still, vegetation during the rainy season is to die for.

It is always advisable to check the most up-to-date weather forecasts and travel advisories before planning your trip to Tanzania. Usually, you have many choices no matter the season. But, if it rains all the time, you may not have enough chances to explore every corner you want to visit, including your trip to Zanzibar.

We hope that you are at least more interested now in Tanzania than you were before reading this article.