At Jabari we excel at providing our guests with unbiased advice for every destination that we sell, as it is in us to offer enhanced travel experiences to every place we take them. Our operations are entirely African based; therefore, Africa is our business and African roots are delved deeply in us, hence our work is an intuitive knowledge built up over a lifetime of thriving in the continent. We will always go far and beyond to ensure that our offers surpass our client’s expectations.
There’s nothing like up-to-date, relevant travel information direct from someone who’s been there.
Here is your take before traveling to Tanzania.
Insider Tips while Planning Your Tanzania Safari
- Timing is imperative: if you want to witness the wildebeest migration on your safari or enjoy the best beach weather in Zanzibar, make sure your itinerary matches your travel wishes.
- Snap up early holiday deals for high season: Tanzania’s sought-after safari destinations and well-located camps at Wildebeest Migration hotspots get booked out early, often a year in advance.
- Choose your activities: morning and afternoon game drives are standard safari activities, but excursions like night game drives, guided bush walks, and hot-air balloon safaris are only allowed in certain areas or camps.
Currency
Tanzania’s unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, but our advice is to use US Dollars only – and in cash: credit cards and traveler’s cheques (although accepted in most establishments) incur transaction fees. ATMs are found throughout the major towns and cities in Tanzania, but not in the national parks and game reserves.
Safari Gratuities
Tipping lodge staff and drivers/guides is customary for good service on a Tanzania safari but check first to see whether a service charge has been added to your bill. Tipping is always in addition to the price quoted by your operator, and the amount varies depending on the size of your group, the level of luxury of the safari, and whether you thought an exceptionally good job was done. When traveling in the major Tanzania cities, a 10% tip is customary in restaurants and bars when a service charge is not included.
Packing for Safaris
When packing for your Tanzania safari, light casual clothing is practical, and a warm jacket for evening game drives is a safe bet throughout the year. When visiting Zanzibar, it’s important for women to dress modestly in main towns out of respect for Muslim cultural beliefs. T-shirts that cover the shoulders, long skirts, and Capri pants are generally better options than tank tops and shorts. Beachwear and bathing costumes are acceptable on the beaches and in resorts.
How to Conduct Yourself
Religious belief is strong in Tanzania, with Christianity and Islam dominating. Most Muslims live on the coast and in Zanzibar; visitors should be aware of the conservative nature of these destinations – especially Stone Town – dress modestly and behave accordingly.
Tanzanians are renowned for being friendly and harmonious people; however, it is always courteous to ask permission before photographing people.
How to Get Around
Main International Airports
Dar-es-Salaam International Airport – Tanzania’s main airport – is the gateway to the Indian Ocean coast and Zanzibar, as well as Nyerere National Park (previously Selous) and Ruaha National Park.
Kilimanjaro International Airport – Tanzania’s second international airport – serves the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. However, you need to transfer to nearby Arusha Airport for charter flights to these safari destinations. International flights often arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport late in the day, so an overnight stay in Arusha is usually necessary.
Regional Airports
Arusha Airport – the gateway to northern Tanzania’s safari airstrips – is located about 58.7 kilometers (36.4 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
SAFARI VEHICLES
Guided Road transfers and game drives in Tanzania are conducted in closed 4x4s with big windows and pop-up roofs, albeit visitors to destinations like Mahale will enjoy a boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika. Most safari destinations have extensive road networks, and closed vehicles are therefore the norm when doing long-distance road transfers between airstrips, camps, and lodges in Tanzania.
A closed 4X4 game drive vehicle generally has three rows of seating and features a pop-up roof hatch that can be raised for game viewing and taking photographs.
Visa and Passport Requirements
Main International Airports
Dar-es-Salaam International Airport – Tanzania’s main airport – is the gateway to the Indian Ocean coast and Zanzibar, as well as Nyerere National Park (previously Selous) and Ruaha National Park.
Kilimanjaro International Airport – Tanzania’s second international airport – serves the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. However, you need to transfer to nearby Arusha Airport for charter flights to these safari destinations. International flights often arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport late in the day, so an overnight stay in Arusha is usually necessary.
Regional Airports
Arusha Airport – the gateway to northern Tanzania’s safari airstrips – is located about 58.7 kilometers (36.4 miles) from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
SAFARI VEHICLES
Guided Road transfers and game drives in Tanzania are conducted in closed 4x4s with big windows and pop-up roofs, albeit visitors to destinations like Mahale will enjoy a boat transfer across Lake Tanganyika. Most safari destinations have extensive road networks, and closed vehicles are therefore the norm when doing long-distance road transfers between airstrips, camps, and lodges in Tanzania.
A closed 4X4 game drive vehicle generally has three rows of seating and features a pop-up roof hatch that can be raised for game viewing and taking photographs.
People and Culture
Some of Tanzania’s 120 ethnic groups make up the African population, with a significant number of Asians, Arabs, and Europeans too. Even with this mix of identities, Tanzania has long promoted a harmonious national culture, one that is based on a subtle but strong social code of courtesy and respect. English and Swahili are the official languages.
