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Essential Advice
Safari Travel Tips
Everything you need to know before your Tanzania adventure, from currency and tipping to photography, culture, and getting around.
Be Prepared
Practical Tips for Your Safari
A well-prepared traveler enjoys every moment more. These tips are drawn from years of guiding visitors across Tanzania and will help you make the most of your trip.
Money & Currency
- Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency
- USD is widely accepted for tourism (carry newer bills, 2006 or later)
- Credit cards accepted at larger hotels and lodges
- ATMs available in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar
- Tip: carry small USD bills ($1, $5, $10) for everyday purchases
Tipping Guide
- Safari guide: $15–20 per person per day
- Safari cook: $5–10 per person per day
- Hotel porter: $1–2 per bag
- Restaurant: 10% if service charge is not included
- Kilimanjaro guides: $20–25 per day to the lead guide
Photography Tips
- Bring a long zoom lens (200–400mm) for wildlife shots
- Golden hours: sunrise and sunset offer the best light
- Use a bean bag on the vehicle for camera stability
- Charge batteries nightly and bring extras
- Respect wildlife distance guidelines at all times
Communication
- Buy a local SIM: Vodacom or Airtel (~$5 for 5GB data)
- WiFi is available at most lodges (speeds vary)
- International dialing code: +255
- WhatsApp is widely used for local communication
Cultural Etiquette
- Always ask before photographing local people
- Remove shoes when entering homes
- Use your right hand for greetings and eating
- Dress modestly in towns (especially in Zanzibar)
- “Jambo” (hello) and “Asante” (thank you) go a long way
Getting Around
- Arusha is the gateway city for northern Tanzania safaris
- Domestic flights connect all major destinations
- Road conditions vary, so a 4x4 vehicle is essential on safari
- Tanzania drives on the left side of the road
At a Glance
Quick Reference
Key facts you will want to remember during your trip.
CurrencyTZS / USD accepted
Dialing Code+255
Gateway CityArusha (ARK / JRO)
Driving SideLeft-hand traffic
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