Tanzania is more than just the Serengeti. While the Great Migration and Mount Kilimanjaro are world-famous, a different side of the country awaits travelers willing to go one step further. This is a guide for that traveler.
But before the adventure, there's the admin. Your first and most important search query is almost certainly about the e-Visa. Let's tackle that first.
Your Tanzania e-Visa: 3 Questions Answered
Forget the stress and confusion. Here are the direct answers to the most common questions about the Tanzania e-Visa.
How long does the Tanzania e-Visa take?
The official processing time is 10 to 14 days. However, many travelers report receiving their approval in as few as 2 to 7 days.
The Pro-Traveler's Answer: Don't risk it. Apply at least 3 weeks before your flight. This gives you a buffer for any delays or requests for more information.
What documents do I really need to apply for Tanzania e-Visa?
The online form is simple, but you must have your documents required for Tanzania e-Visa scanned and ready. You will need:
A clear scan of your passport's bio-data page (the page with your photo). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months.
A recent, passport-sized photo on a white background.
Your return flight confirmation (as a PDF or JPG).
Your host's details. If you're on a safari, this is the name and address of your first night's hotel or your tour operator.
Is the Tanzania e-Visa mandatory? Can I get one Tanzania Visa on arrival?
The e-Visa is not technically mandatory, and a Visa on Arrival (VoA) is still available at major airports like Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Dar es Salaam (DAR).
However, you should absolutely get the e-Visa. Arriving without one means waiting in a long, slow-moving queue after a 15-hour flight. You'll have to fill out paper forms and pay (hoping the credit card machine works). The e-Visa lets you go straight to the immigration counter.
6 Unique Things to Do in Tanzania (Beyond the Main Safari)
Now that your visa is sorted, here are the "Things To Do In Tanzania" adventures you're searching for.
1. The Southern Safari: Nyerere vs. Ruaha
The Northern Circuit (Serengeti/Ngorongoro) is crowded. The Southern Circuit is wild, vast, and intimate.
Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous): This is where you go for a boat safari. The park is defined by the massive Rufiji River, and gliding past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants drinking at the water's edge is an unforgettable experience.
Ruaha National Park: This is Tanzania's largest park, known for its rugged landscapes, giant baobab trees, and one of Africa's largest lion and elephant populations. It feels more remote and untouched than Nyerere.
The Verdict: Want unique water-based safaris? Choose Nyerere. Want raw, rugged wilderness and huge predator numbers with almost no other jeeps? Choose Ruaha.
2. The Primate Trek: Mahale vs. Gombe
Forget jeeps entirely. In Tanzania's far west, you trek on foot for chimpanzees.
Gombe Stream National Park: This is the historic park where Dr. Jane Goodall did her pioneering research. It's more accessible and slightly more budget-friendly.
Mahale Mountains National Park: This is the ultimate chimp experience. It's more remote (fly-in only), more expensive, and home to a larger chimp population (around 800) set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tanganyika's "beach-like" shores.
The Verdict: On a tighter schedule or budget, or for the history? Choose Gombe. For the ultimate, remote, "castaway" wilderness adventure? Choose Mahale.
3. The Coastal Giant: Swimming with Whale Sharks
Everyone goes to Zanzibar. But savvy divers and ocean lovers head south to Mafia Island. This protected marine park is a world-class dive spot, but its main event is seasonal.
What you're searching for: The best time to swim with whale sharks on Mafia Island is from October to February. These gentle giants, the biggest fish in the sea, gather here to feed, and you can snorkel alongside them.
4. The Cultural Deep-Dive: Is a Hadzabe Tour Ethical?
Near Lake Eyasi, you have the chance to visit the Hadzabe, one of the last hunter-gatherer tribes in the world. This raises an important question you're right to ask.
An ethical visit is possible, but it depends on your operator. A good tour ensures the community is fairly compensated and controls the experience. This is not a performance—you wake before dawn to join the men on a real hunt with bows and arrows. It's a profound, humbling look at a traditional way of life.
5. The Alien Landscape: Visiting Lake Natron
You've likely seen the photos: a surreal, blood-red lake that turns animals to "stone." This is Lake Natron. It's a highly alkaline, caustic "soda lake" that gets its color from algae. It's also the most important breeding ground in the world for lesser flamingos. This is a harsh, hot, and otherworldly destination, usually visited with a guide as a 4x4 expedition.
6. The Daredevil's Climb: Ol Doinyo Lengai
Looming over Lake Natron is the "Mountain of God," Ol Doinyo Lengai. This is not Kilimanjaro. It's an active volcano and a famously difficult, dangerous climb. You ascend at night to avoid the brutal heat, scrambling up steep, slippery slopes of ash and scree. The reward? A sunrise view from the rim of an active crater. This is for adventurers with a high level of fitness only.
Common Tanzania Travel Problems: 10 Questions Answered
These adventures are real, and so are the problems. Here’s what to actually prepare for.
1. What are the luggage restrictions for bush planes in Tanzania?
You cannot take your normal suitcase on the small bush planes (e.g., Coastal Aviation) that fly to Mahale, Ruaha, or Mafia Island.
Solution: You must pack in a soft-sided duffel bag with no wheels or rigid frame. The weight limit is strict: 15kg (33 lbs) total, including your carry-on. They will weigh you and your bag. Pack light and use camp laundry services.
2. How to avoid tsetse flies in Ruaha and Nyerere?
In parts of Ruaha, Nyerere, and other parks, you will meet the tsetse fly. Their bite is painful and can go through clothing.
Solution: Tsetse flies are attracted to dark blue and black. Do not wear these colors on safari. Stick to neutral, light-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive). They are less active in the middle of the day. A good insect repellent helps, but clothing choice is your best defense.
3. Are internal flights in Tanzania reliable?
The internal "bush flight" network is amazing but not always punctual. Flights can be delayed by weather, animals on the airstrip (seriously), or rescheduled to pick up other passengers.
Solution: Never book your internal bush flight and your international flight home on the same day. Plan to spend your last night in Dar es Salaam or Arusha to avoid a stressful, expensive disaster.
4. What are the road conditions and driving times really like?
Do not trust Google Maps for driving times. The "road" to Lake Natron or deep inside Ruaha is a rough, bumpy 4x4 track. A 100km journey can take 4-5 hours.
Solution: Trust your guide and tour operator. Add 50% more time than you think you need for any self-driving, and rent a proper 4x4.
5. Will I have Wi-Fi and cell service in remote parks?
When you are in a remote bush camp in Mahale or Ruaha, do not expect Wi-Fi. Cell service will be patchy or non-existent.
Solution: This is a feature, not a bug. Download offline maps in advance. Tell your family you'll be unreachable. Then, put your phone away and enjoy where you are.
6. Is it safe for tourists in Dar es Salaam and Arusha?
Tanzania is a very safe country, especially in the parks. However, in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, petty crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching is common, especially in tourist areas.
Solution: Use common sense. Don't walk alone at night. Don't flash expensive cameras or phones. Use a taxi or ride-hail app after dark.
7. How do I get around? (Taxis, Ride-Hailing, and Bike Rentals)
Getting around cities like Arusha or Dar es Salaam can be confusing.
Solution:
Taxis: Standard taxis do not use meters. You must agree on a price before you get in. This is the most expensive option. (e.g., JRO Airport to Arusha is a fixed $50 USD).
Ride-Hailing: The best option. Uber and Bolt are widely used in Dar es Salaam and Arusha. They are cheaper, safer, and the price is set in the app.
Bikes: You can rent bicycles (not motorbikes) from tour shops in Arusha or Zanzibar for local exploring (~$10-15/day). For long-distance, use a bus or private driver.
8. What's the best way to handle money? (ATMs, Credit Cards, or USD?)
Money is a major point of confusion.
Solution: Use a 3-part strategy.
Bring USD: Bring clean, new (post-2013) US Dollars. You will use these for big items: safari payments, hotels, and tips.
Use ATMs: Use ATMs at the airport or in cities (Arusha, Dar) to withdraw Tanzanian Shillings (TZS). You will use TZS for small things: local restaurants, markets, and snacks. ATMs do not exist in the national parks.
Credit Cards: Use Visa/Mastercard only as a backup at high-end hotels. They often have a 3-5% surcharge and are not widely accepted.
9. What is the standard tipping guide for a safari?
Tipping is not mandatory, but it is highly expected and forms a significant part of tourism workers' income.
Solution: Budget for tips in USD.
Safari Guide (per group): $20-30 USD per day, per vehicle is a good guideline. (Or $10-15 per person, per day). Give this directly to your guide on the last day.
Lodge/Camp Staff: $10-15 USD per person, per day. Do not give to individuals. Put this in the "General Tip Box" at the reception when you check out.
Hotel Porters: $1-2 USD per bag.
Restaurants: 10% of the bill is standard.
10. What do I do if I lose my passport in Tanzania?
This is a serious emergency, but it is solvable.
Solution:
Go to the nearest police station. Report the loss and get a "Police Loss Report." You must have this document.
Contact your embassy. Go to your country's embassy or consulate (most are in Dar es Salaam). Call them immediately.
Get an Emergency Travel Document. The embassy will issue you an emergency document (ETD) that will allow you to fly home. This process takes several days and costs money.
Be Prepared: Before you travel, make two photocopies of your passport and e-Visa. Keep one in a separate bag and give one to a family member back home.
Tanzania is a country of epic scale. See the Serengeti, but if you have the time, use this guide to go beyond. You'll be rewarded with adventures that few will ever experience.
Write a comment ...