Tanzania – Pre-Departure Information
Tanzania is home to a remarkable diversity of tribes, each with its own language, traditions, and cultural heritage. Despite this variety, the country is united by a strong and harmonious national culture built on courtesy, respect, and a deep sense of community.
Climate
Tanzania’s climate is predominantly tropical, with regional variations influenced by altitud:
Hottest months: December to February
Long rains: Mid-March to late May
Short rains: November to early December (increasingly unpredictable due to climate change)
Coolest months: June to August, when nights and early mornings can be cold
In high-altitude areas such as Mount Kilimanjaro, the Karatu Highlands, and the Ngorongoro Crater, temperatures can drop close to freezing.
On Safari
Recommended Clothing:
Sun hat with a full brim or peak
Sunglasses
Cotton scarf for sun protection
Light cotton shirts (short and long sleeve). Avoid dark colours such as blue and black, as tsetse flies are attracted to them. Neutral bush tones are only necessary for walking safaris.
Medium-weight fleece for cool mornings and evenings
Lightweight rain jacket
Lightweight trousers (zip-off styles are convenient)
Smart-casual clothing for evenings in lodges or tented camps
Comfortable walking shoes or trainers; sport sandals \
Hiking boots only required for Mt Meru, Mt Kilimanjaro, or multi-day walking safaris
Torch or headlamp with spare batteries
Face masks (optional, for personal comfort)
Medical Essentials:
Headache tablets
Anti-diarrhoea medication
Rehydration salts
Stretch bandage
Band-aids / plasters
SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm
Moisturising cream (sun and wind exposure can be stronger than expected)
Malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor)
Yellow Fever vaccination (consult your doctor)
Antihistamine tablets and cream
Wet wipes
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser
Any prescribed or personal medication
Important: Please inform us of any medical conditions or relevant history, especially if you are climbing Mt Meru or Kilimanjaro. Our driver-guides and mountain guides must be aware of any medication you are taking.
Personal Equipment:
Lightweight daypack or sports bag
Toiletries (some lodges provide basic amenities)
Camera, memory cards, spare batteries, and chargers
All 4x4 vehicles have British-standard three-pin sockets for charging while driving
Lodges and camps offer charging facilities; remote camps may rely on generators or solar power
Multi-plug adapter
Wallet/purse for day-to-day spending
Binoculars (recommended: one pair per person)
On The Beach
Sun cream
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Reef shoes
Snorkeling equipment (optional, it can be hired at most places)
Swimwear
Insect repellent
Light scarf/wrap for modesty (for ladies)
Cultural Note:
Most coastal areas in Tanzania are predominantly Muslim. Swimwear is acceptable at hotels and on adjacent beaches, but when visiting villages or towns, shoulders and legs above the knee should be covered for both men and women.
Plastic Bag Ban:
Tanzania enforces a strict ban on all plastic bags, regardless of thickness or size. This includes shopping bags, bin liners, and rubbish bags. Exception: A single small zip-lock bag for carrying airline-regulated toiletries is permitted, provided you take it with you when you leave the country.
Luggage:
Lock all bags when travelling and ensure you have valid travel insurance.
Pack essential items and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case of delayed or lost luggage.
Standard airport security rules apply; lighters, penknives, and scissors are not allowed in carry-on bags.
Bush 2 Beach offers secure storage in Arusha for luggage or valuables during your safari.
Safari & Light Aircraft Flights:
Soft-sided bags are strongly recommended, as hard suitcases do not pack well in safari vehicles and light aircrafts.
Most small aircrafts have a strict 20 kg luggage allowance. Excess baggage fees may apply, and large suitcases may not fit in the aircraft hold.
Money:
Arusha has limited Bureau de Change facilities; banks operate only during business hours.
Bring USD, EUR, or GBP. Tanzanian Shillings (TSH) can be withdrawn from ATMs.
Lodges accept major currencies (USD, GBP, EUR).
USD notes must be 2016 or newer—older notes are not accepted in East Africa.
ATMs dispense local currency only, with daily limits of TSH 200,000–800,000.
Only some shops and lodges accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), usually with a 4–5% bank fee
Tipping Guidelines:
Tipping is customary in East Africa’s tourism industry. The following are general recommendations:
Driver-guides:
USD 10 per guest per day
(Example: 4 guests ×4 days × $10 = $160)
Hotels & Lodges:
Use the communal tip box (shared among all staff).
Recommended: USD 5–7 per person per night
Kilimanjaro / Mt Meru Climbs
Head Guide $20 per day, Assistant Guide $15 per day, Chef $12 per day, Waiter Porter $10 per day, Toilet Porter $10 per day, Porters $6 per day (per porter)
Documents
Visa (apply online: https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/)
Passport valid for at least 6 months
Emergency contact numbers
Travel insurance policy
Safari itinerary
Contact details for postcards/emails/texts
Vaccination certificates (e.g., Yellow Fever)
Compulsory health insurance for Zanzibar https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/
Arusha Medivac – Emergency Evacuation Cover
Arusha Medivac is a mandatory emergency evacuation service included in all wildlife, climbing, and beach safaris. This cover works alongside your personal travel insurance. In the event of an emergency, evacuation can be initiated immediately via a single phone call—crucial in a country where no public emergency services respond without upfront payment. Both air and ground rescue services are available. Evacuation will be to the nearest appropriate medical facility in Tanzania or Kenya, depending on the situation.