The country is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 metres, the vast plains of the Serengeti, the animal paradise of the Ngorongoro Crater and the picture perfect beaches of Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean Coast.
Tanzania is an amazing destination, but it does still hold certain challenges for visitors.
Language
All the guides and transfer drivers generally speak good English and are always eager to give information. But most of the population speak Swahili and very little English. Swahili is one of those languages where for the most part you say it like you spell it, so it is extremely easy to pick up a few key words to help you through. Jambo – hello, Karibu – you’re welcome, Asante – thank you, and so forth. Ask your guide about some key words and keep a short diary of these to use along your travels.
Currency
Currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling, but US Dollars are widely accepted as long as the print run is past 2005. I found that most places will give you change in USD if you pay in USD, and TZ Shilling if you pay in Shilling, even the smaller shops and vendors. All tourism services will accept US Dollars and guides welcome tips in USD. If possible, travel with smaller denomination notes. Credit cards are also accepted at most properties with telecommunications signal.
Airports
Arusha, a city in the north of Tanzania and the main hub for safari tourists, has two airports – Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha Airport. Arusha Airport is mainly used for regional (internal) flights and is about 10 minutes from the city centre. Kilimanjaro Airport is used for the international flights and is about an hour from the city.
If you have an international departure flight with a delay of more than five or six hours at Kilimanjaro Airport we recommend returning to Arusha city and arranging a day room at one of the properties close by, such as Legendary Lodge or Arusha Coffee Lodge, and then transferring to Kilimanjaro Airport closer to your departure time. Kilimanjaro Airport has one restaurant and a few kiosks, but no comfortable areas for guests in which to spend a considerable amount of time.
Tipping
Tipping has become a way of life for all involved in the tourism industry in Tanzania. As visitors, it is important to attach the correct value to service and not encourage an expectation for tips. For example, locals have learned to ask for money whenever their picture is taken, so it is good to check with your guide first before you snap away. You will need to allow a certain budget for tips throughout your trip though. Your consultant will give you some brief information about tipping before you travel, do check if there is anything you are unsure about. Tips are accepted in US Dollars as well as Shillings and preferably in cash.
The country is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 metres, the vast plains of the Serengeti, the animal paradise of the Ngorongoro Crater and the picture perfect beaches of Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean Coast.