Before the adventure begins, let’s get the essentials straight. This page is your no-nonsense briefing for travelling with Jackpot Safaris – based on experience, not guesswork. From entry requirements and vaccinations to tipping customs and packing tips, you’ll find everything you need to travel smart, stay safe and make the most of your time in Tanzania.
This page covers:
- Entry & visa requirements
- Health, vaccinations, and insurance
- Currency, payments, and practical advice
- Local customs and cultural etiquette
- What to pack for safari, trekking, or beach travel
- Tipping guidelines
- Use of drones
- Mobile phones, roaming & Wi-Fi
Passport & Visa
To enter Tanzania, you will need:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
- A visa – most travellers require one. You can choose between:
- eVisa: Apply online in advance at https://visa.immigration.go.tz
- Visa on arrival: Available at major airports in Tanzania (may involve delays)
We recommend applying for an eVisa before your departure to ensure a quicker and smoother entry process.
Health, Vaccinations & Insurance
Travel Insurance
Ensure that your health insurance covers medical treatment abroad. If not, we strongly recommend purchasing international travel insurance that includes medical repatriation.
Recommended Vaccinations
Vaccination requirements depend on your travel route. Commonly advised (but not mandatory in all cases). Please consult a travel health clinic or your physician 4–6 weeks before departure.
- Malaria prophylaxis
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid, Tetanus, and Rabies (depending on region and activity)
Yellow Fever
- A yellow fever vaccination is only mandatory if you are entering Tanzania from a yellow fever endemic country (such as Rwanda or Uganda).
- Travellers arriving directly from Europe or North America do not require proof of vaccination.
However, immigration officers may occasionally ask for your yellow fever vaccination certificate, even if not officially required. If you are not vaccinated, we recommend carrying a medical exemption certificate from your doctor to avoid confusion at the border.
COVID-19
As of July 2025, no COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate is required for entry into Tanzania. However, local authorities may conduct symptom screenings and random rapid antigen tests on arrival.
Currency, Cash & Credit Cards
The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TSH). US dollars are widely accepted, especially in hotels, safari camps, and by tour operators. Banks, foreign exchange bureaus, and ATMs are available in most urban centres.
Practical tips:
- Bring smaller USD denominations (1, 5, 10 dollar bills). Large bills may be rejected or exchanged at a less favourable rate.
- Euros are accepted in some places, but less commonly than USD.
- Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and shops in major towns and tourist areas.
- For remote regions, always carry some cash in both TSH and USD.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Tanzania is a culturally diverse country known for its warm hospitality. Understanding a few basic customs will enrich your experience and foster respectful interaction with locals.
Important guidelines:
- Greeting people properly is essential. A firm handshake and brief friendly exchange are expected and appreciated.
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting rural areas or religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered by both men and women.
- Public displays of affection are considered inappropriate in Tanzanian culture.
- Remove your shoes when entering a private home or traditional space.
- If you are offered food or drinks as a guest, it is customary to accept them as a sign of respect.
What to Pack
In addition to your personal essentials, we recommend the following items depending on your destination:
For Safari:
- Lightweight, long-sleeved clothing for sun and insect protection
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Binoculars, camera (drones are not permitted without special permission)
- Refillable water bottle
For Mountain Treks (e.g. Kilimanjaro):
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Layered clothing: softshell and fleece for both warm and cold temperatures
- Waterproof outerwear (jacket and trousers)
- Hat, gloves, and thermal base layers
- Daypack with headlamp, spare batteries, sunscreen, thermos flask, and energy snacks
- Personal first-aid kit including medication, blister plasters, and tape
- Large duffel bag or backpack (no suitcase) to be carried by a porter
Sleeping bag and trekking poles are provided by Jackpot Safaris.
For Beach Travel:
- Swimwear and casual clothing for the day
- Smart casual attire for the evening
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, light clothing)
- Sandals and comfortable walking shoes
- Light sweater or hoodie for cooler evenings
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is an established part of the tourism industry in Tanzania and constitutes a significant part of staff income. It is not mandatory but is a gesture of appreciation. The following amounts are per day, to be shared among all group members:
| Service Role | Suggested Tip (per day) |
|---|---|
| Safari Guide | USD 25 |
| Camping Cook | USD 15 |
| Mountain Guide | USD 25 |
| Assistant Guide | USD 20 |
| Porter | USD 7–10 |
| Driver or Airport Transfer | USD 5–15 depending on duration and waiting time |
You will receive customised tipping guidance with your individual itinerary based on the number of crew members and services involved.
Use of Drones
The use of drones in Tanzania is subject to strict regulation. In most national parks, drones are prohibited without explicit written permission. Due to administrative complexity and concerns over wildlife disturbance, we do not recommend bringing a drone unless you have secured all required permits in advance. Unauthorized drone use can lead to confiscation, fines, or legal action.
Mobile Phones, Roaming & Wi-Fi
Tanzania has a reliable mobile network in most urban and tourist areas. You can use your mobile phone with international roaming, but charges can be high depending on your provider.
Our recommendations:
- Purchase a local SIM card (e.g. Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo) upon arrival for affordable data and calls
- Local SIMs are available at the airport and in most towns (bring your passport & some time for registration)
Wi-Fi:
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, lodges and safari camps in and around major destinations
- Connection quality may vary depending on the location – in remote areas, expect limited or no service
- Mobile data is often faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi in rural regions
If staying connected is important during your trip, a local SIM with data is the most reliable option.
Questions?
We want you to feel well prepared and confident before your journey begins. If you have any questions or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Tanzania.