On this page you can find helpful information on Electricity, Language, Local Time, Shopping, Tipping and More...
Getting to Tanzania
A wide number of international airlines fly directly to Dar es Salaam,Killimanjaro and Zanzibar. International flights serve Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) 15km from Dar es Salaam city center and Killimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 42km from Arusha city. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) airport is 8km from stone town.
Language
Tanzania national language is Kiswahili, which is spoken by the majority. Additional, there are about 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania of which each has its own indigenous language. English is widely spoken in business related to tourism. However, please do not expect everybody to speak English. Learning a few words of Swahili can be useful and will be appreciated greatly by the local people.
Tanzania is in the East African Time Zone, which is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).
Climate
Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings in June October; short rains from November to mid-December and long rains from March to May, but the seasons can vary. The coastal strip is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures on mount Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing.
Electricity
220V/240V 50 Hz, power supply is often subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation. It is helpful to bring a universal adapter and flashlight or headlight. For US appliances you will need a voltage converter and plug adapter.
On Safari, Most lodges use generators. These generators are often turned off during night to reduce noise and fuel consumption. Please be aware that you will not find a plug socket in your room/tent at many of these lodges. You will also be able to charge your Electronics in the Safari car during the Safari as our vehicles are all equipped with Power outlets rating 220V/50HZ.
Food and Drinks
It is generally recommend to drink only bottled mineral water which is readily available everywhere. A good selection of local beers and soft drinks are available everywhere, and you will find a range of imported wines, beers and spirit in many places, although these can be expensive. Local and international cuisine are served in hotels and lodges
Photographing
Please make sure to bring sufficient memory cards and batteries as these are sometimes not readily available. Please remember to ask permission before taking a photograph of indigenous people.
Shopping & Business Opening Time
Most hotels/lodges have gift shops with a selection of local crafts and souvenirs. Many beautiful items are available in Tanzania, like gems (e.g. Tanzanite), wooden carvings, soap, stone carvings, Tinga Tinga paintings, pottery and colorful fabrics (e.g. kangas and Masai Shukas). Prices are often not marked and bartering is expected.
Business hours in Tanzania are generally from 08:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Some businesses are also open on Saturday and Sunday Mornings.
Bank opening hours are from 08:30 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory, but usually expected as a sign of appreciation for a good service. In Tanzania it is a custom to tip local Guides, Drivers and Crew:
The typical tip is recommended as follows:
Guides $20 per day per guide
Assistant Guides and Cooks $15 per guide
Porters $8 per day per porter
A wide number of international airlines fly directly to Dar es Salaam,Killimanjaro and Zanzibar. International flights serve Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) 15km from Dar es Salaam city center and Killimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 42km from Arusha city. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) airport is 8km from stone town.
Language
Tanzania national language is Kiswahili, which is spoken by the majority. Additional, there are about 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania of which each has its own indigenous language. English is widely spoken in business related to tourism. However, please do not expect everybody to speak English. Learning a few words of Swahili can be useful and will be appreciated greatly by the local people.
- Hello – Habari!
- Welcome – Karibu!
- Please – Tafadhali
- Thank you – Asante
- Good bye – Kwaheri!
Tanzania is in the East African Time Zone, which is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3).
Climate
Generally dry and hot with cool nights/mornings in June October; short rains from November to mid-December and long rains from March to May, but the seasons can vary. The coastal strip is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures on mount Kilimanjaro and Meru drop to below freezing.
Electricity
220V/240V 50 Hz, power supply is often subject to cuts and voltage fluctuation. It is helpful to bring a universal adapter and flashlight or headlight. For US appliances you will need a voltage converter and plug adapter.
On Safari, Most lodges use generators. These generators are often turned off during night to reduce noise and fuel consumption. Please be aware that you will not find a plug socket in your room/tent at many of these lodges. You will also be able to charge your Electronics in the Safari car during the Safari as our vehicles are all equipped with Power outlets rating 220V/50HZ.
Food and Drinks
It is generally recommend to drink only bottled mineral water which is readily available everywhere. A good selection of local beers and soft drinks are available everywhere, and you will find a range of imported wines, beers and spirit in many places, although these can be expensive. Local and international cuisine are served in hotels and lodges
Photographing
Please make sure to bring sufficient memory cards and batteries as these are sometimes not readily available. Please remember to ask permission before taking a photograph of indigenous people.
Shopping & Business Opening Time
Most hotels/lodges have gift shops with a selection of local crafts and souvenirs. Many beautiful items are available in Tanzania, like gems (e.g. Tanzanite), wooden carvings, soap, stone carvings, Tinga Tinga paintings, pottery and colorful fabrics (e.g. kangas and Masai Shukas). Prices are often not marked and bartering is expected.
Business hours in Tanzania are generally from 08:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Some businesses are also open on Saturday and Sunday Mornings.
Bank opening hours are from 08:30 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.
Tipping
Tipping is not compulsory, but usually expected as a sign of appreciation for a good service. In Tanzania it is a custom to tip local Guides, Drivers and Crew:
The typical tip is recommended as follows:
Guides $20 per day per guide
Assistant Guides and Cooks $15 per guide
Porters $8 per day per porter
