Food and drink highlights of Tanzania
- Tipping - Tipping is not obligatory, but it's definitely appreciated. It is your choice whether or not to tip.
- Eating hours -
- Shopping hours - Stores in larger cities and tourist resorts are open between 8 am and 6 pm.
- Discount shops -
- Cuisine type - Tanzania isn't well-know for its haute cuisine. Despite its simplicity, the dishes are delicious and nutritiou, it often hangs around ugali (maize mash), with fish, meat and vegetables.
- Savoir Vivre - Do not refuse if someone offers you food. This is rude and offensive behaviour to Tanzanians.
- Main ingredients - The most commonly consumed food in Tanzania are fish, meat (beef, goat), rice, and vegetables such as carrots, onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
- Most popular alcohol - Tanzanian's most sold and drink beer is Kilimanjaro. Loved by both tourist and locals is a refreshing pale lager with 4,5% alcohol.
- Important info - People often eat meals with the right hand. Don't even think about using left one - it's considered dirty.
- Warning - Don't sniff your meal! This is perceived as rude and disrespectful.
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Foods to try in Tanzania
- Chipsi MayaiStaple of Tanzanian street food - French Fries Omlette. A common accompaniment is Kachumbari, a sauce made from chilies, tomatoes and onions.
- Zanzibar PizzaPizza in a slightly different form. Filled with ingredients dough is rolled, and fried until they are crispy. The most popular toppings are beef, chicken, vegetables, cheese, mayonnaise or egg.
- MchichaA delicious and satiating dish, usually prepared with amaranth (or spinach), peanut butter, coconut milk, curry and onions. Served with ugali or rice.
- UgaliThe basic ingredient of ugali is flour - corn or cassava. Mixed with water and salt forms a slurry served as an accompaniment to many dishes.
- Ndizi na NyamaStew made of plantains/bananas and meat. Simmered with tomatoes, onions and coconut milk often served with ugali or rice.
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Unusual facts about food in Tanzania
- The great influence on Tanzanian cuisine had Indians who migrated to control the trade. Among indian-ispired dishes one can find: Biryani, Kashata Korma Tabsi, or Voodo Aloo.
- If someone invites you to dinner, don't be surprised if women and men are seated in different rooms.
- You can find around 17 types of bananas which are used for many dishes.
- Very often of Tanzanian cuisine are uses starches, plantains, coconut, and beans.
- Ugali (corn flour dumpling) is national dish of Tanzania, its often used as a spoon for scooping food.
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Place to stay in Tanzania
- Best booking sites -
- Seasonality - Due to the climate, Tanzania can be visited all year round. It is up to you and your weather preferences whether you choose the dry or wet season.
- Cost-effective - Most tourists choose budget hotels, hostels, bungalows, hostels, guesthouses and campsites.
- Air conditioning -
- Parking - Parking space is often included in the price of accommodation of the hotel or apartment.
- Payments - One night in Tanzanian hotel costs about 20-30$ per person.
- Unusual accommodation - An interesting option is to stay overnight in the middle of the wilderness. Overnight in a tent on Safari can be both a good adventure, interesting experience as well as an opportunity to explore the wild side of Africa.
- Camp - There are public campsites in many national parks. Camping is a perfect solution for everyone who want experience the real African adventure.
- Important - Avoid guesthouses with bars because you may end up having a sleepless night.
- Warning - Don't leave precious belongings and money in the hotel room - they may get stolen.
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Accommodation in Tanzania
- Be aware that not all camps in Tanzania have mosquito nets. You should always be armed in an insect repellent.
- Although most of the campsites are in animal-free zones, don't be surprised if a zebra passes by your tent
- If you would like some privacy there are some private islands, like Chumbe or Mnemba, where you can stay for a night.
- If you fancy admiring shimmering blue ocean and subtle white sand, hotel by the ocean is perfect choice.
- A great option for large families and budget-conscious travelers is self-catering accommodation, such as an apartment.
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Getting around Tanzania
- Most popular - The most common means of transportation in Tanzania are buses.
- Cost-effective - Buses and minibuses, called dala-dala. No air conditioning, often overcrowded. Beware of pickpockets.
- Time-efficient - There are 13 airports in Tanzania and the plane is the fastest means of transportation. An alternative is to rent a car.
- Traffic safety - The condition of the roads leaves much to be desired, making it difficult to travel by land transport.
- Important - While on tours and safaris it is common to tip guide and driver.
- Warning - Don't be surprised if public transport won't be on time, it not very reliable, the journey can take longer than expected.
Car
- Locals drive outrageously fast, often disobeying speed limits.
- The speed limit for driving a car in a built-up area in Tanzania is 60 km/h. Outside the built-up area the permissible speed is 80 km/h. On expressways and highways you can go 100 and 110 km/h respectively.
- The legal blood alcohol limit for a driver in Tanzania is 0.08%.
- In Tanzania, you drive on the left side of the road.
Taxi
- Taxi do not accept credit card payment. Only Uber in Dar Es Salaam has service that accept credit card payment method.
- Taxi carrier will charge you approximately 2$ per km.
Hitchhiking
- Tanzania is considered rather safe country, friendly for travelers. Drivers expect to be paid for the journey, often quite a lot.
- Hitchhiking is not popular in Tanzania.
Bus
- Popular and cheap means of transport, used by both locals and tourists. Unfortunately, it is hard to know how long the trip may take. Nevertheless, it's a great way to meet many locals.
Train
- Traveling by train is either for really patient and sturdy people who have plenty amount of time or do not rush, or train lovers. Crossing the country from side to the other takes forever (around 2 days).
Plane
- Local airlines offer connections to most major cities. They can often be purchased for a relatively good price.
Motorcycle
- It is possible to rent a motorcycle, the cost of such a service is about $11 per day.
Boat
- If you want to get from Dar El Salaam (or back) you have a choice of flying or taking a ferry. The ferry ride may take a little longer than the flight, but is more reasonably priced. The current ferry schedule and prices are available in azammarine.com.
Bicycle
- Bike rentals are rare, the exception is Zanzibar, where we can rent a bike for about $ 5 per day.
- Some hotels offer bike renting to their guests.
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How to travel in Tanzania
- Be cautious and focused while driving, as the drivers there are quite brash.
- The thoughtless and irresponsible driving of local drivers causes a large number of accidents in Tanzania.
- When driving, be aware of animals moving along the roads.
- Roads in Tanzania are quite poorly marked and lit, so driving at night is not recommended.
- Despite the dangers of driving, it is a good option for those who want to explore the surrounding towns and villages.
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Best time to visit Tanzania
When to go
- The best time to visit Tanzania is from June to October, when the temperature is moderate and rainfall is low.
Temperature
- The average annual temperature in Zanzibar is 29°C. The warmest month is October, when the thermometer indicates about 32°C.
Rainfall
- In Tanzania from March to late May lasts rainy season, when it might rain continuously for several days.
Dry season
- There are 2 dry seasons every year - short one from January to February and long one, from late June to October. During this time, temperature is rather cool, rainfall is uncommon, Tanzania at its best.
Wet season
- In Tanzania we can experience 2 wet seasons, when heavy rainfall and high humidity are pretty common. The wet seasons last from March to April and from November to December.
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Tanzania weather Insights
- The seasons are dictated by rains.
- Avoid visiting Tanzania between April and May when the heavy rain might disrupt sightseeing.
- Tanzania has tropical, pleasant climate, with some variations within the country.
- The coast is the warmest and most humid part of the country.
- Tanzania lies in a dry subtropical climate zone.
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Savoir-Vivre in Tanzania
- Greetings - Make it simple with a handshake and smile. Make sure that you extend your right hand for handshake, in Tanzanian culture right hand is considered clean while the left one is destined for shady and dirty activities.
- Punctuality -
- Dress code - Tanzania is conservative country, so wearing revealing, brief clothes would be considered disrespectful. Try to wear clothes that cover your chest and thighs.
- Temple entrance - Temples are places of worship, so show them respect and dress in a non-offensive manner.
- Home invitation - People in Tanzania are friendly and sociable, thus they find making new friends pretty easy.
- Etiquette - Tanzanians are pretty expressive conversers, they gesticulate a lot or touch (e.g. shoulder) their interlocutors.
- Drones - We recommend using this map to easily check the applicable restrictions.
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Things not to do in Tanzania
- Showing affection and overly affectionate touch, even towards a partner in public places can offend the natives.
- Always ask if you can take a photo of the locals, some tribes believe that the flash of a camera takes away part of their soul.
- Foreigners are called 'mzungu, which means 'explorer' or 'walking in circles'. It refers to traveler who often walk with map trying to check all touristic places.
- Remember to pack a travel adaptor for G or D socket.
- Remember to use banknotes not older than 2007, previous ones won't be accepted. Mind it whenever someone gives you cash!
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Interesting facts about Tanzania
- Despite the fact that the national language is Swahilli, only 10% of the community uses it as their first language. There are more than 100 different languages in Tanzania, making it one of the most linguistically devi-sified countries in Africa.
- Tanzania is home to Africa's highest peak - Kilimanjaro (5895 m).
- About 30% of the country is covered by National Parks.
- The Great Wildebeest Migration when over 2 million wildbeest animals make their way through the country is definetly breathtaking event.
- The country has the greatest animal population per square meter, it's home for more than 4 million wild animals from 420 different species. What is more, new species are stil being discovered.
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Tanzania packing list 💡
- Warm clothes - Evenings in Tanzania are quite chilly, so it's also a good idea to have something warmer, regardless of the season. Take warmer clothing with you and at least 1 pair of long pants.
- Mosquito repellent - Good mosquito repellent (e.g. Mugga) to avoid contact with mosquitoes due to the malaria prevalent in Tanzania.
- Sunscreen with high protection factor (50 SPF) - Due to the high sun, it is better not to expose our skin to sun shock and use sunscreen.
- Water shoes - Practically the whole island has a reef coast, even in the northern part of the island where there are beautiful beaches you can always stand on something sharp.
- Flashlight - It's a good idea to take a flashlight with you. It may be hard to believe, but there are still places where the electricity goes out from time to time.
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Get a personalized packing list before travel to Tanzania 🧳
Health information
Health risks and required vaccinations
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Packing list adjusted to local weather
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Everything you need to do before leaving home
Weight limits
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Local prices
Average cost of food, tickets and accommodation
Things to do in Tanzania ⭐
- Most popular sports: 🏄♀️ Surfing, 🥽 Snorkelling, ️ 🏔 Mountain trekking
- Most popular activities: 🦩 Flamingos watching, 🦁 Safari trips, 🐬 Swimming with dolphins
- Most popular places: 🗻 Kilimanjaro, 🐆 Serengeti, 🏝 Mafia
Top attraction in Tanzania 📸
Tourist information about Tanzania
| Country | Tanzania |
| Capital | Dar es Salaam |
| Currency | Tanzanian shilling |
| Language | Swahili and English |
| Timezone | GMT+3 |
| English speaking | Official language |
| LGBT tolerance | Very low |
| Gender ratio (overall) | 50% | 50% |
| Population | 58 mln |
| Visitors per year | 0.15 mln |
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Useful information about Tanzania
| Card payments | |
| ATM Availability | Major cities |
| Suggested ATM takeout | 400000 TZS |
| Drinking in public | |
| Tap water | |
| Internet speed (avg.) | 5 Mbps |
| Socket type |
D / G
|
| Best taxi app | |
| Public toilets | Unpopular & Free |
| Top mobile providers | Vodacom, tiGo, Halotel (Tanzania Limited) |
| Best internal air carrier | Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) |
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Cost of living in Tanzania
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
2.81 EUR
2.95 USD
2.32 GBP
11.99 PLN
7000 TZS
|
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant |
23.07 EUR
24.24 USD
19.08 GBP
98.51 PLN
57500 TZS
|
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) |
0.93 EUR
0.98 USD
0.77 GBP
3.97 PLN
2315.97 TZS
|
| Gasoline (1 liter) |
0.89 EUR
0.94 USD
0.74 GBP
3.82 PLN
2228.95 TZS
|
| One-way ticket (public transport) |
0.16 EUR
0.17 USD
0.13 GBP
0.69 PLN
400 TZS
|
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Quality of life in Tanzania
| Quality of life | Low |
| Safety Index | Moderate |
| Healthcare likability | Moderate |
| Climate likability | High |
| Costs of living | Very low |
| Level of pollution | High |
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Important numbers
| General emergency number | 112 |
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