Things you need to know before visiting Tanzania 2024 – 2025 : Tanzania is a destination that practically everyone in Africa wishes to visit because of its Indian Ocean islands, profusion of wildlife, verdant mountains, and hospitable populace. If you get the chance to visit this place, do so and savour the opportunity to witness a way of life that is still intricately linked to natural cycles and ancient rhythms. Having spent over 20 years living in and Explore Tanzania, my three main recommendations for tourists are to learn a little Swahili, spend time among the local wildlife, and bring a mosquito net. Then there are other things, like knowing which months to trek or go on safari and how to secure the finest seats on a bus. For more advice on how to make the most of your vacation and guarantee trouble-free travelling, continue reading.
Have enough time
It takes time to see Tanzania’s wildlife reserves, even if you only visit one or two. In addition, there are activities like hiking in the mountains, climbing Kilimanjaro, visiting village markets, and beach and island hopping along the coast, among many others. A week is scarcely sufficient for a brief introduction; a minimum of two weeks, and ideally three or more, will yield a more fruitful visit.
Wildebeest Migration
Witnessing wildlife is guaranteed. However, planning becomes more difficult if you want to witness a particular event, like the height of the wildebeest migration. The wildebeest migrate according to the cycles of nature and their own internal clocks, and camps along the migration path are typically reserved well in advance. Plan ahead to avoid missing out on the excitement. As their guides will be monitoring the rains and wildlife movements, ask the campers for ideas. If the wildebeest refuse to cooperate, remember the Tanzanian proverb “hakuna matata” (meaning “no problem”)—there is a plenty of other species to observe.
Plan your itinerary
Though it’s a year-round location, it’s important to take the seasons into account. For further information, consult LP’s Tanzania guidebook. In general, visit Tanzania during the dry months of June through September to go hiking, animal viewing, and planning Kilimanjaro excursions. For birdwatching, cheaper costs, and less visitors, visit during the wet months (February to May). Additionally keep in mind that there is still plenty of sunshine throughout the wettest months, which are March through May.
Set aside money for tips
Although safaris and treks can be expensive, the money you spend shouldn’t be seen as entire payment to the drivers, guides, cooks, and porters who will contribute to making your trip unforgettable. Tipping is customary and appreciated by those who rely on this revenue for their daily needs. A substantial tip for a job well done will be much valued. You can get suggestions from your safari or trekking provider.
Visa card ,MasterCard and some cash
Visa and MasterCard credit cards are accepted at most large tourist facilities and are necessary to pay park fees. You’ll need money somewhere. It’s helpful to have some lower denominations on hand because change is rarely accessible.
Tanzania Time
The wildebeest are not the only animals with personal timepieces. Tanzania similarly does. Make sure to verify whether postings are in Tanzanian clock time or Western time while looking up details like transit schedules and opening hours. Based on dawn and sunset, this 12-hour schedule operates. Just after sunrise, at 1 o’clock (7 am), it begins, progresses towards 12 o’clock (6 pm), and then repeats itself during the night.
Spot more than just the Big Five
Spend a lot of time in regions where you can see wildlife and birds. To get a feel of the richness and diversity of the local fauna as well as the softer rhythms of the bush, start by budgeting for at least a few nights spent in a particular park. At times, you might need to request your guide to switch off the engine and simply wait as you take in whatever may pass.
Greetings
Tanzanians have a great sense of camaraderie, and pleasantries are a must in every interaction. Mambo vipi? “How are things?” is an informal street side greeting, whereas Habari za asubuhi and Habari za leo are more formal. “Good morning, good day” is an example of the former. They are never hurried or overlooked, regardless of the format. The courteous “I clasp your feet” (Shikamoo) is a good approach to begin a conversation with an elderly person. Some older Tanzanians even go so far as to remind you if you forget by starting with the traditional greeting, marahaba. Tanzanians also don’t rush handshakes; they frequently keep holding hands during a chat.
Learn so Swahili
Everywhere you go, you’ll hear phrases like “karibu” (which means “welcome”), “pole pole” (which means “slowly”), and “asante” (which means “thank you”). Beyond this, attempts to learn Swahili are widely appreciated because it is such an inclusive and melodic language. Travelling more comfortably and engaging in cross-cultural conversations can be greatly enhanced by making the effort to learn even a few basic phrases.
Know the dining routine
The best part is getting invited into a local residence. Someone will come around with a basin, soap, water pitcher, and towel for hand washing before the meal. Food is typically served in communal dishes and is always accompanied by a sauce and ugali, a thick meal prepared from cassava or maize flour. Break off a piece of ugali with your right hand, roll it into a ball, and use it to mop up some sauce. After a meal, repeat the hand washing procedure to avoid getting sticky. You can let your host know you’re not still hungry by leaving a bite or two on your plate at the end.
Sit on the shady side of the bus
Choosing a front seat that faces the shaded side is the most comfortable option for travelling long distances. Sitting away from the sun also improves comfort. The extra few bucks for “luxury” buses is totally worth it. The majority have no standing rules in addition to rows with just two seats on each side. This option might not be available on rural routes because many buses are set up with three seats on one side, two seats on the other, and a jump seat in the middle. As a result, the most comfortable seats are usually found at the front windows, away from the hubbub. Plan ahead or get to the station early because there will be competition for these seats.
Tuck in your mosquito net
Much of Tanzania is affected by malaria, and most hotels offer air conditioning or mosquito netting since mosquitoes dislike the cold. Using the nets is highly recommended, particularly in coastal locations and during the rainy season. Be sure to completely tuck in the edges to ensure a bug-free and bite-free evening.
