Tanzania: the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar

Most Australians fly via a Middle East or Asian hub, arriving at Kilimanjaro International (JRO) for the northern safari circuit, Julius Nyerere International (DAR) in Dar es Salaam for the south and coast, or Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ) on Zanzibar.

• Light-aircraft flights (Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Precision Air, Regional Air and others) link the parks, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar — they save long drives over big distances. A strict 15 kg luggage limit for bush flights (Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Precision Air, Safari Air Link) must be in 100% soft-sided, structureless duffel bags (no hard bottoms, frames, or wheels) to fit into Cessna Caravan fuselage belly pods. Total Weight Inclusion: Explicitly state that the 15 kg limit includes all hand luggage, camera bodies, and long lenses combined. — check with your operator before you pack.
• Pro-Tip for Photographers: If your safari camera gear pushes you over the 15 kg limit, you do not have to leave it behind. Both Coastal Aviation and Auric Air allow you to pre-book a "Freight/XL Seat" or "Premium Class" ticket. This effectively purchases a portion of the aircraft's weight allocation, upgrading your personal limit to 30 kg
• Safari by 4WD with a driver-guide is the norm on the northern circuit (Arusha is the gateway town); roads between parks can be long and rough, so a good vehicle and guide matter.
• Zanzibar is reached by a short flight or by ferry from Dar es Salaam; on the island, use hotel transfers or arranged taxis.
• Self-drive is uncommon for visitors — most trips use guided vehicles and transfers. Driving is on the left.

The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS, written TSh).

• US dollars are widely used across the tourism industry — park fees, many lodges and tips are often quoted in USD. Bring clean, newer notes (series dated 2009 or later); older or worn US bills are frequently refused.
• Cards are accepted at upmarket hotels, lodges and larger restaurants, though a surcharge is common. Don't rely on cards in smaller towns or rural areas.
• ATMs are found in cities and larger towns (Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Stone Town) and dispense shillings; they can be scarce or unreliable near the parks, so carry enough cash.
• Carry cash in both shillings and small USD notes for tips, markets, curios and incidentals.
• Tell your bank you'll be travelling so your cards aren't blocked.

See your GP or a travel clinic about 6–8 weeks before you leave.

• Malaria — there is a risk in all areas below about 1,800m, including Zanzibar; the higher altitudes (such as the upper slopes of Kilimanjaro) are lower risk. Take anti-malarial medication as prescribed and prevent bites with repellent, long sleeves at dusk and a treated net. Discuss the right tablets with your doctor.
• Yellow fever — Tanzania is not generally considered a yellow-fever-risk country, but you must show a valid vaccination certificate if you are arriving from, or transiting, a yellow-fever-risk country — common on multi-country African trips, so carry your certificate. A vaccination certificate is required only if arriving from—or transiting for more than 12 hours through—an airport in a yellow-fever-risk country (such as a long layover in Addis Ababa or Nairobi). Direct flights from non-endemic hubs (e.g. Doha, Dubai) do not trigger this requirement.
• Other vaccines — make sure routine vaccinations are current; travellers commonly add hepatitis A and typhoid, and your doctor may suggest others. Ask for tailored advice.
• Arrival screening — health screening such as temperature checks may apply on arrival; follow any current requirements.
• Water — drink bottled or filtered water; avoid ice and unpeeled raw produce away from quality lodges.

Insurance: comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is essential — and for Zanzibar the ZIC inbound insurance is a separate mandatory requirement (see the visa note above).

Most visits to Tanzania are trouble-free, and the safari areas and lodges are very safe. Take normal city precautions and follow your guide's advice.

• In cities and towns (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Stone Town) — keep valuables out of sight, avoid walking alone after dark, use arranged taxis or hotel transfers, and be alert around busy markets and bus stations where bag-snatching and pickpocketing occur.
• Plastic Bag & Single-Use Bans (Staying Safe / Customs): Nationwide Plastic Carrier Bag Ban: Tanzania strictly prohibits the importation, export, and use of single-use plastic carrier bags. Airport customs will confiscate plastic shopping and garbage bags from luggage upon arrival. Reusable fabric packing cubes or transparent zip-lock bags for toiletries (expected to leave the country with the traveller) are permitted. Single-Use Plastics in National Parks: Disposable plastic beverage bottles and plastic straws are banned inside all TANAPA national parks and conservation areas; travellers must carry a refillable water bottle.
• On the coast and Zanzibar — dress modestly away from the beach and resorts (Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim), and respect local customs, especially during Ramadan.
• Wildlife — always follow your guide and ranger; never approach animals on foot outside designated areas.
• Documents — carry a copy of your passport and visa, and keep the originals secure.

Emergencies: dial 112 (general/ambulance) or 999 (police); these can be unreliable outside major cities, so save your lodge's and operator's numbers, and the consular contacts below.

Tanzania's national language is Swahili (Kiswahili), and English is widely used in business, tourism and signage, so you'll get by easily on a guided trip. A few Swahili words go a long way — jambo (hello), asante (thank you) and karibu (welcome) are met with warm smiles.

Tanzanians are friendly and courteous, and greetings matter — take a moment to say hello before getting to the point. Dress modestly in towns and especially on Zanzibar and the coast (cover shoulders and knees away from the beach). Always ask before photographing people, and never photograph government or military sites. On safari, wear neutral colours and follow your guide's lead.

• Mobile coverage (4G) is good in cities, towns and around many parks, though it drops out in remote wilderness areas — part of the appeal.
• Wi-Fi is available at most lodges and hotels, but can be slow or limited to common areas.
• SIMs & eSIMs — affordable prepaid local SIMs (Vodacom, Airtel, Halotel) are sold widely; registration requires your passport. Travel eSIMs are a convenient alternative you can set up before you fly.
• Power — supply is generally reliable in cities; remote camps often run on generators or solar, so charge devices when you can and bring a power bank.

Last verified: 29 June 2026. This guide is researched from official and authoritative sources and reviewed by Explore Africa. Visa, health and safety rules can change — always confirm the current advice before you travel.

Key sources:

• Smartraveller (Australian Government): smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/tanzania
• Tanzania Immigration (e-visa): visa.immigration.go.tz
• Visit Zanzibar — mandatory inbound insurance (ZIC): inbound.visitzanzibar.go.tz
• US CDC Travelers' Health — Tanzania: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania
• Australian High Commission, Kenya (accredited to Tanzania): kenya.highcommission.gov.au