Tanzania

At a Glance

Roam with magnificent herds of elephants, hear the calls of lions or climb to the misty mountaintop of Kilimanjaro. Spot cheetah, gazelle, black rhino and the elusive leopard on a game drive. Enjoy a sundowner as the sun dips below the horizon and fall asleep under the stars. Tanzania is the epitome of African safaris.

• FOLLOW THE TRAIL: The annual wildebeest migration is a natural event not to miss. Visitors flock to the open plains to witness the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet. Listen to their thundering hooves and watch the massive clouds of thick red dust rise as the herd moves on.
• SPICE IT UP: Visit the spice markets in Zanzibar’s vibrant capital, Stone Town.
• TAKE A WALK: Head to southern Tanzania for walking safaris, and get up close and personal with the game on their own terms.
• MONKEY AROUND: A visit to Mahale Mountains offers the unique experience of hanging with chimpanzees.
• EXPLORE THE PARKS: Tanzania offers a number of national parks. Take a trip to Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest game reserve in East Africa and a wonderful off the beaten track safari that’s wonderful to explore.
• HIT THE BEACH: Take in some sun and sand on the beaches of Zanzibar.
• BIG GAME ADVENTURES: You will be amazed at how close up and personal you get, not only with the Big Five, but with thousands of other animals as well.
• GET TO KNOW THE CULTURES: From the traditional red-robed Maasai in the north to the exotic mix of Arab and African influences in Zanzibar, you will encounter unique cultures and people everywhere you go.

Honeymoon Hints

• BEST TIME TO VISIT: There are reasons to visit Tanzania year round! June through October, also known as the dry season, is a popular time to visit – safari conditions tend to be at their best. The months of December through March are also a big hit because of the migration calving season in the Serengeti and the excellent conditions for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro.
• WEATHER: Tanzania’s climate is not as predicable as other tropical climates due to the country’s varied topography. The country generally has two rainy seasons – the short rains between late December and the beginning of March and the long rains between mid-March and the end of May.
• LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS: If you are travelling extensively throughout the country make sure that you bring suitable luggage. Suitcases and bags should be able to withstand plenty of handling and dusty conditions. Hard suitcases are ideal, but can take up a lot of space. If you are travelling by domestic/chartered flights within Tanzania, remember that there are luggage restrictions, particularly on smaller aircraft.
• ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Those traveling to Tanzania must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining from the date of departure and sufficient blank pages for stamps and visas.
• VISAS: Visas are required by all U.S. citizens when honeymooning in Tanzania. Tourist visas may be issued as single or multiple entry permits and are granted a maximum of three or six months respectively. Requirements for visas include: a copy of the round-trip airline ticket or itinerary, a valid passport, and a copy of your receipt of travel or a bank statement reflecting sufficient funds to cover the trip. Visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport or at any entry point into Tanzania and you will need to pay in cash. The cost ranges from $60 – $100 USD.
• HEALTH: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended with suitable certificate of said vaccination. It may be possible to be vaccinated on arrival at a cost of approximately $50 USD per person.
• MONEY: Major currencies (such as the US dollar, the Euro and the British Pound) are easily exchanged in large towns, and you will often find that the US dollar is preferred. It’s best to carry smaller denominations, as almost all will not accept $100 bills due to a spate of forgeries. Forex bureau often provides faster service than banks, and though the exchange rates are only nominally different, the bureau usually offers a better rate on travelers’ checks. Standard banks around the country come equipped with ATM machines, and Barclay’s Bank ATMs allow travelers to withdraw on both Visa and MasterCard accounts. Credit cards are only accepted at major lodges, hotels and travel agents.
• SHOPPING: There are many markets that sell “African” goods like beaded jewelry, carved soapstone and Masai blankets, which make a perfect gift or souvenir of your travels.
• ACCOMMODATIONS: Tanzania has a vast spread of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious game lodges and sprawling resorts to rustic beach huts and budget guesthouses.

Travel Tips

• GETTING THERE: There are frequent direct and indirect flights to Tanzania by numerous international airlines. A flight from New York to Kilimanjaro takes approximately 20 hours. The main international gateway into Tanzania is Dar Es Salaam.
• GETTING AROUND: Transportation within Tanzania mainly consists of light aircraft or local private guides/drivers who take you between locations. Visitors are able to rent a vehicle, but must possess a valid driver’s license.
• TAKE THE TRAIN: Very few travelers realize that you can reach several of Tanzania’s national parks in comfort by riding the train from Dar Es Salaam, traveling through remote and brilliant areas of the country. It is also a more budget-friendly option over a bush plane or private car.
• INTERNET: Internet cafes are becoming more common throughout Tanzania. They are easy to find in urban areas such as Dar Es Salaam and Arusha.
• CELL PHONE SERVICE: Major mobile service providers operate throughout the country, although service interruptions are common.