Health & vaccination
Yellow fever certificate
Only required if you're arriving from, or transiting more than 12 hours through, a yellow-fever-endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America). Flying direct from Europe, North America, or the Gulf? You don't need it for entry — though WHO still recommends the vaccine for your own protection.
Combining with Kenya? Kenya counts as an endemic country, so a Kenya-then-Tanzania safari route does require the certificate, even for nationalities that don't need it for Kenya itself.
Malaria
Most of mainland Tanzania (below 1,800m) is a malaria risk area. Talk to a travel clinic about prophylaxis before you go, and pack a strong mosquito repellent (DEET or picaridin-based) plus a mosquito net if your lodge doesn't provide one.
Food & water safety
- Stick to bottled or filtered water — most hotels and lodges provide it free in rooms. Avoid tap water, including for brushing your teeth in budget accommodation.
- Be cautious with ice unless you know it's made from purified water — ask if you're unsure.
- Street food and market stalls in Stone Town are generally fine at busy stalls with high turnover — go where you see locals eating.
- Peel fruit yourself where possible, and ease into local food gradually in the first day or two.
Tipping guide
Tipping is expected in Tanzania's tourism industry and makes up a real part of workers' income.
| Who | Typical tip |
|---|---|
| Safari driver-guide | $15–25 per person, per day |
| Kilimanjaro porter | ~$10 per porter, per day (usually pooled) |
| Lodge/camp staff | $10–15 per guest, per night (shared tip box) |
| Stone Town/spice tour guide | $5–10 per guest |
| Restaurants | 5–10% if no service charge is added |
| Hotel porters | $1–2 per bag |
Bring small, clean bills (USD series 2009+ or TZS) — tips are usually given daily on safari, not saved for the end.
A few Swahili phrases
You won't need fluency, but a few words go a long way.
Jambo / Habari — Hello / How are things
Karibu — Welcome (also used as "you're welcome")
Asante (sana) — Thank you (very much)
Tafadhali — Please
Ndiyo / Hapana — Yes / No
Pole pole — Slowly, slowly (also the unofficial Kilimanjaro motto)
Hakuna matata — No worries
Local laws & etiquette
- Plastic bags are banned. Single-use plastic bags are confiscated at the airport on arrival — don't pack loose ones in your luggage.
- Dress modestly in Zanzibar's Stone Town and local villages — shoulders and knees covered is respectful. Beach resorts are more relaxed with swimwear.
- Never photograph government buildings, military sites, or police without permission.
- Ask before photographing people, especially in Maasai communities — a small fee is often expected and appreciated.
- Flying a drone requires a permit in advance — don't assume it's fine to fly casually over parks or towns.