Visitors entering Tanzania from yellow fever infected areas require yellow fever international certificate of vaccination. The northwestern forest region is considered a high-risk area for yellow fever.
It is recommended to take vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, polio, typhoid, measles-mumps-German measles (MPR), diphtheria and tetanus. Though proof of vaccination is not required, cholera is a risk throughout the country and precautions are necessary.
Malaria is common in Tanzania. Visitors are strongly advised to take anti-malaria medication commencing two weeks before travel.
HIV-AIDS is prevalent in the country and I cannot emphasize enough the need for protection measures. Some fresh water lakes and rivers carry the risk of Bilharzia and you are advised not to swim in such areas.
All visitors require a visa except citizens of some African and commonwealth countries. It is advisable to obtain visa's in advance from Tanzania Embassies and High Commissions as some airlines may require it before allowing you to board. But you can also be issued with a visa on arrival at Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro international airports and at the Namanga Gate on the Kenya /Tanzania border. Passports must be valid for at least six months.
The interaction of Arabs and Bantu Africans has resulted in the Swahili language now widely spoken in Eastern and Central Africa. Those in the know say that the purest Swahili dialect is spoken in Zanzibar. Swahili is now the Lingua Franca of Tanzania although English is widely understood in urban centers.
Telephone, fax, telegram, post and Internet services are available in urban centers and locations popular with tourists. Direct dialing to many countries is available at most hotels in urban areas. In rural areas international calling is through the operator. The country code for Tanzania is 255.
Mobile phones are based on GSM 900/1800 network. Coverage is however limited and you are advised to check beforehand whether your GSM phone has access if you are traveling outside the main urban centres. Mobile telephony operators include Celtel, Mobitel, Tritel, Vodacom and Zanzibar Telecom. You can obtain a GSM card that will allow you to make international calls to any country. E-mail is accessible at Internet cafes to be found in urban centres around the country.
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh). Visitors can take in any amount of foreign currency, subject to declaration. Taking out of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon arrival. Import and export of Tanzanian currency is however prohibited. Major currencies such as US dollars and now the Euro and travelers cheques can be converted at major hotels, banks and forex bureaus in the main towns and tourist areas.
In Tanzania plastic is not highly rated and credit cards are not widely accepted. And when accepted the exchange rate is unfavorable. But it is still a good idea to carry your credit cards, as the conversion rate will not matter in case of urgent need. If staying at one of the bigger hotels, however, your card will very likely be honored. Do not be tempted to change money in the streets however favorable the exchange rate may appear.
Zanzibar and the coastal areas are hot and humid and average daily temperatures hover in the 30°C range. October to March is the hottest period. Sea breezes however temper the regions' climate and June to September is coolest with temperatures falling to 25°C. In the Kilimanjaro area, temperatures vary from 15°C in May-August period to 22°C over December - March. As you head to the peaks of Kilimanjaro, temperatures can drop to below freezing, especially at night.
The climate is temperate in the northern national parks. The central plateau suffers a dry and arid climate with hot days and cool nights. The highlands in the south and northeast are cool and temperate. For the country as a whole the hottest months are October to February. The long rains fall between March and May and the shorter wet season falls in November.
Tanzania's international air gateways are at Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro (50 Km from Arusha). British Airways flies direct to Dar es Salaam from London, taking about 11 hours. A few European carriers fly to Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro via European hubs. Gulf Air and Emirates fly to Dar es Salaam using mid eastern connections. Other airlines flying to Tanzania include Air Tanzania - the national carrier, Air India, Ethiopian Airlines, KLM, South African Airways and Swiss.
My choice was Swiss. I flew to Zurich, stayed over night and continued next morning directly to Dar es Salaam.
All the major towns in Tanzania are connected by tarmac all weather roads. But outside this network, quality deteriorates. You can enjoy speedy connections by bus or car to Arusha, Morogoro, Moshi, Lushoto, Tanga and Dar es Salaam. It is useful to find out first the quality of the roads and estimated travel time when traveling overland.
Rental cars are reliably available from Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Rail service is available to the main towns except Arusha. Long haul bus service can connect you to the main towns in the country. For short haul travel, the popular way to get around is by means of dalla dalla (shared taxi).
Health and the usual travel insurance are recommended. Ensure your travel insurance includes emergency evacuation.
Tanzania never really gets cold and light clothing is recommended. Warmer clothing such as sweaters is however necessary to get you through the evenings and early mornings if you are heading for the highlands. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro of course requires special clothing and shoes.
On safari, bright colored clothing may get you in trouble with wild animals. If you are wise you will pack brown, beige and khaki clothing. Short sleeve shirts, shorts and trouser for men are sufficient. For ladies, short sleeve blouses, slacks and skirts are ideal though in the national
parks and touristy places such as Arusha and Dar es Salaam you may get along with shorts (not too short) and trousers.
At the coast and Zanzibar where Muslims are predominant, women need to dress modestly so as not to offend local sensibilities. But swimwear is perfectly acceptable at beaches and hotel premises. Nudity is totally unacceptable in the whole country. It is advisable to travel light and
some safari and air charters have a baggage limit of 10-15 kilograms maximum.