What to expect when traveling to Tanzania

For many people, Tanzania is the first Third World country they have gone to.  It is also very different culturally.  Here are some things to be aware of, which will make your trip more enjoyable.

Bugs

Mosquitoes are mainly a problem during the rainy season – April, May, and November.  However, there can be mosquitoes and other bugs all year round.  All hotels have mosquito nets over the beds, and tented camps have zippered screen doors and windows.  You will still want to bring bug spray and keep it handy particularly in the evenings.

Monkeys and Birds

On safari, monkeys will find their way into your hotel room through an open door or window to grab any food you might have around.  The lunch break areas on safari are also very popular for birds looking for a snack. Do not feed the animals – and watch out!

Electricity

Tanzania is a Third World country and is prone to rolling blackouts.  Most hotels have generators, but they may not operate 24 hours a day.  Some stores do not have generators, so cold drinks and ice may not be plentiful all the time.

We recommend keeping a headlamp or flashlight near your bed for nighttime bathroom visits.  Charge your batteries in the early evening and in the mornings when electricity is more dependable.  Bring multiple power converters if you have a lot of batteries to charge.

Hot Water

If there is no electricity, there is no hot water.  All of the safari lodges (no matter how expensive) are susceptible to a lack of hot water.  You are in the bush, and all the comforts of home are not necessarily available.

Bottled Water

Always use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.  Hotels will have bottled water available, but it will be cheaper at a store.  You may also want to bring a Steripen or filter if you don’t want to buy bottled water all the time to save money and the environment.

Traffic

Like everywhere in the world, traffic can be a problem in Moshi, Arusha, and at the Kilimanjaro Airport.  Getting places takes longer than you think.  Patience is appreciated.

Africa time

Life in Tanzania just moves slower than some Westerners are used to.  Be prepared to wait.

Hotel reservations

AWR makes every effort to reserve the accommodations per your itinerary.  However, hotels and tented camps are notorious for overbooking.  We may have to make a change at the last minute, but we will always find the best available option.

Itinerary

We try to stick with the trip itinerary exactly as stated in your reservation confirmation.  However, changes in accommodations or other unforeseen circumstances may require last minute changes to your itinerary.  Also, if there is a change you would like to make, your guide may be able to accommodate your request, but not always.

Selling hassles

There are many people in Tanzania trying to make a living and barely scraping by.  They may hassle you buy things from them.  Be firm and don’t let it upset you.  Learning some Swahili can also help.

Double beds

Most mid-range and budget accommodations have twin beds.  We can request a double/queen bed, but it doesn’t always happen.  Luxury accommodations have more queen/king beds.

Customer service

Like many places in the world, customer service at hotels, restaurants, and shops vary greatly.  Tanzania tends to be slower and less helpful than what some people are used to.

Internet

The Internet in Tanzania can be very slow and very expensive.  The further away you get from a major town, the slower and more expensive it gets.

Hotel charges

When you order drinks, food, Internet, laundry, or other services at a hotel, they write the charge down on a slip of paper and put it in the “box” for your room.  They will add these up when you check out.  Look carefully at these slips to make sure they are all correct.

ATMs/credit cards

ATMs are available in major towns like Moshi and Arusha, but they do not always work.  Credit Cards are accepted at larger hotels, stores, and restaurants, but sometimes they are not.  How’s that for uncertainty?!  Check with the hotel/restaurant ahead of time to budget your cash correctly, and bring more cash than you think you need.

Tipping

All AWR staff is paid a salary, but tips are greatly appreciated.  Hotels have a tip box to cover all staff at the hotel.

Safety

If you are in busy areas of town or on safari during the day, you are generally safe.  It is recommended that you keep your money well hidden, do not bring valuables, and do not go out at night alone.

Slow Food

Restaurants in Moshi and Arusha serve lunch and dinner very slow.  It can take up to an hour for food to be served after you order.  If you are eating at your hotel, consider ordering ahead of time.  If you are in a hurry, find a buffet or go to a coffee shop, which is faster.  Or, just be prepared to relax and wait.

Comfort Food

If you have particular favorite foods, you may want to bring them from home as not everything is available in Tanzania.  You may also want to stop at a local convenience store on your trip to pick up comfort foods like chocolate to have on hand.