Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Practical Guide: Visas, Health, Money and Luggage

Because the safari and the beach are both in Tanzania, practical planning is simpler than on a multi-country trip. Even so, a few details deserve attention before you fly, and some rules differ between the mainland and Zanzibar.

This guide sets out the essentials. Always confirm current requirements with official sources and your operator before travel.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Visas and Entry

Tanzania requires its own visa, which is separate from the East Africa Tourist Visa that covers Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Zanzibar is part of Tanzania, so one visa covers both. Check fees and the application process on the official sites before travel, and make sure your passport has enough validity and blank pages. Our East Africa visa guide explains the rules for the region.

Health and Vaccinations

Speak to a travel clinic well before departure. Advice typically covers malaria prevention, routine vaccinations and, depending on your route, yellow fever documentation. Insect repellent, long sleeves at dusk and a bed net where provided are sensible. See the East Africa health and vaccinations page, and bring any regular medication in hand luggage.

Money and Tipping

Cards work in many lodges and larger hotels, but cash is useful for small purchases, markets and tips. Stone Town stalls and spice farms often prefer cash. Tipping is customary for guides, drivers and staff, and our Tanzania money and tipping guide gives practical advice. Notice that ATMs may be scarce outside towns.

Luggage on Light Aircraft

Flights between parks and to Zanzibar use small aircraft with strict weight limits and soft-bag rules. Pack light, wear your heaviest items, and ask whether extra luggage can be stored at your Arusha hotel while you travel. Leave unnecessary hard cases behind.

Dress and Culture on Zanzibar

Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim, and Stone Town is a place of homes, mosques and markets. Cover shoulders and knees when walking through town, and save swimwear for the beach and hotel. During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during the day is discouraged in some places. See Zanzibar and Stone Town guide for cultural pointers.

Responsible Travel

Choose operators that support local communities, stay on tracks in parks and avoid single-use plastics where possible. On the coast, do not touch coral or feed marine life, and ask permission before photographing people. The responsible travel guide has more suggestions. Official park and marine fees apply and are handled through your booking.

Packing Checklist for Bush and Beach

For the bush: neutral shirts and trousers, a warm fleece, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars and a small daypack. For the coast: swimwear, a light cover-up, sandals, a sarong for shoulders in Stone Town and reef-safe sun cream. Shared items include a power adaptor, a head torch, a refillable bottle and any prescription medication. Keep chargers and camera gear in hand luggage, and place everything else in soft bags. If you are travelling during the rains, add a light waterproof jacket and a dry bag for electronics.

Related Pages

Return to the combination guide, check flights and transfers, or browse frequently asked questions.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team