Travel tips for Tanzania - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Going to Tanzania, you need to get vaccinated against yellow fever. When travelers pass the customs control, the authorities of the country may ask for a certificate.

2. There may be strong outflows on several beaches in Tanzania, especially, on the islands of Zanzibar. If the height of the water is vital, it’s better to ask about it in advance.

3. In Tanzania, as in most African countries, the tap water is of very poor quality. It should not be drunk at all. Use special disinfecting tablets first to brush your teeth or wash dishes.

4. The level of life in this African state is rather low, and therefore, some local people rob tourists. For security reasons, it’s not recommended to walk around the streets unaccompanied during the dark hours and to move away from busy streets.

5. Don’t make photos of local residents in Tanzania, especially women. A significant part of the population of the country professes Islam, and therefore, this behavior can be regarded as an insult.

6. The Tanzanian motto is Hakuna Matata, which translates from Swahili as 'no problem'. The local population does not hurry anywhere and doesn’t rush to fulfill orders or requests of guests. It’s worth to be ready for this. This behavior is one of the peculiarities of the mentality.

7. Another feature of Tanzanians' mentality is an increased interest in white people. It’s especially true for those living far from cities. This is due to the fact that many of the locals have never seen people with another skin color. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. Laws regarding the conservation of nature and reserves are severe in Tanzania. Tourists who have left any garbage face a serious fine. All who visit the local reserved lands, have to treat flora and fauna with great respect.

9. In any case, you can’t violate the guide's instructions or try to feed the animals. Such safety breakage can lead to animal attack and even death.

10. Tourists have to pay an additional amount for obtaining a permit to visit a reserve. If you plan to spend a night during the trip, you will also have to pay for staying in the hut.

11. Plastic bags are prohibited on the island of Zanzibar. Instead, environmentally friendly paper bags are used everywhere.

12. During the period from March to May, the rainy season continues in Tanzania. It's not recommended to visit a country. The very humid air provokes infections.

13. Tanzanians can persistently offer their help. It’s not necessary to agree. As a rule, local residents try to earn a tip or simply to solicit money from tourists.

14. The official currency of Tanzania is shilling, but most hotels accept US dollars. You can use latter to pay for a tour or a safari.

15. In Tanzania, local burglars often drive to their victims on motorcycles or mopeds and tear off bags or clothes. You should be careful. Don't approach the edge of the road and do not take large amounts of money with you. Another danger can wait on the sidewalks. Open hatches are common even in the large cities.