What you need to know before you travel to Tanzania
If you’re thinking about journeying to Africa, then we’re sure travel to Tanzania is near the top of the list of countries that you are desperate to visit. We wouldn’t blame you, and you’re certainly not alone. From natural landmarks including Mount Kilimanjaro to a gorgeous climate perfect for a summer vacation, there are plenty of reasons why Tanzania is one of the most popular places to visit across the whole of Africa. However, before you venture there yourself, there are a few things that you should be aware of. Don’t worry; none of these facts are going to put you off visiting. You just need to be prepared for the some of the things you will certainly encounter.
You Need To Get To Know The Locals
You’re just not getting the full experience if you don’t get to know the locals who live in Tanzania. There are 100 different ethnicities in Tanzania. Each group has various cultures, traditions and ways of life that you must explore. It’s incredible to venture into a society that you never knew existed, and you’ll be pleased to hear that Tanzania locals are incredibly friendly. They will love sharing their stories with you and will welcome you to discover how they live. How deep you want to go here is really your choice.
However, there are opportunities to live in a local village rather than one of the hotels and become accepted for a short time. You can go hunting with them, help in their society and perhaps teach English. While you’re there make sure that you try some of the local cuisine. With so many exciting dishes to discover, the food available here is sure to tantalize your taste buds beyond belief.
If you don’t decide to stay in one of the local villages, that’s okay. You can still venture down to visit the communities through the day. You’ll be welcomed and amazed when you discover how many people here are fluent in English!
Kilimanjaro Is Not For The Faint Of Heart
If you’re travelling to Tanzania then, you might be keen to visit Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s certainly one of the most popular places for tourists. After all, reaching a tremendous 5895 meters at it’s peak, this mountain is the tallest in all of Africa. Yes, it soars over the cloud cover and is one of the most sought-after selfie opportunities.
You’ll no doubt be tempted to try and climb it but be warned, Kilimanjaro while popular, is not an easy climb. It will be a struggle to reach the top or even get halfway. The routes are long, and you will be on the path for more than seven days! That said, if you are desperate to test your might against the mountain, then there are a variety of local companies that can arrange a guided climb for you. This is definitely the best way to do it because when you take a guided climb, you will always be in the safe hands of experts. You won’t have to worry about straying off the beaten bath and that’s important because doing so could lead to unforeseen dangers. Of course, if you do reach the top or even get anywhere near it, you need to be ready for one incredible view of Africa. So make sure you pack that camera, binoculars and the selfie stick!
Stay Healthy
It is important to be aware that Tanzania is not an exception when it comes to illness issues in Africa. Indeed, it’s true to say that problems such as yellow fever and typhoid are not uncommon. At the top of the list of worrying medical issues is certainly malaria. This is why it’s important to make sure that you do speak to a doctor or visit a travel clinic before you venture over. They will give you all the shots you need and make sure that you have a full supply of malaria pills for your trip. While you might be tempted to buy these online, you don’t want to do this. You won’t be able to be certain that you have all the meds you need for your journey unless you visit an expert doctor or take a trip to the clinic.
The easiest way to avoid contracting illness in Tanzania is to make sure that you are drinking the right water. It’s no secret that water in places like Tanzania is not safe to drink. You can not drink water from the tap or local water resources. This is true, even if you do choose to live with the locals. Instead, it’s crucial to make sure that you rely on bottled water.
However, this is easy, and you’ll find that plenty of hotels and shops stock bottled water that you can purchase. You do however need to make sure that these bottles have been broken and then resealed. It’s easy to note whether this is the case and you must avoid buying water like this.
Gifts Are Appreciated
You’ll find that locals in Tanzania are very accommodating. You could knock on someone’s door, and you’ll more than not find a great level of hospitality. Locals are more than happy to let tourists stay with them and make sure that travellers never feel lost or alone. You may also find that you need to ask for help with translations or guidance on where to go. You will hardly ever be turned away or dismissed.
When you get help from a local, you will want to show your thanks. The best way to do this is to bring gifts from your home country. These don’t have to be massive. Small trinkets and keepsakes will be greatly appreciated by anyone who you encounter on your travels in Tanzania.
You Have To Go On A Safari
You’re not getting the full experience when you visit Tanzania unless you head out on a safari. Tanzania is filled with wildlife to see and discover from rhinoceros, and leopards to zebra and wildebeest. As well as the animals, there are a range of different safaris to choose from. You can go on a camping safari. These are favoured as it allows you to experience what it’s like to stay out in the wild with animals and beasts all around you. Of course, this is only going to be safe if you have the right guide who will tell you where you can and can’t camp.
Alternatively, you might want a more adventurous journey in a 4×4. These cars are built to go anywhere and get you onto the plains so that you can be up close and personal with the animals. The jeeps are very popular as it can allow tourists to stay out for hours waiting for that perfect photo opportunity.
Are you eager to explore the world of crocs and snakes? It sounds like a boat safari could be the perfect choice on the Rufiji or Ruaha Rivers. You might also see animals like Lion and giraffes coming down to the river edge for a drink throughout the day. These are just some of the incredible possibilities available to you and they are definitely worth exploring for animal lovers.
You can even arrange for a hot air balloon. Glide silently over the Serengeti below where you’ll be able to see countless animals and be completely undetected.
Navigating The Roads Can Be Tricky
If you don’t have a guide and you’re not on a safari, you will need to navigate the roads of the country by yourself. It is possible to rent your own car and take to the highways. While many places around Tanzania are now paved, there are still places that aren’t and others that are covered with potholes. It could be quite a bumpy journey so if you do get carsick, it’s certainly worth taking some medication with you. This will make things more bearable.
Remember, if you are renting a car that you will be driving on the left. This should be no problem if you’re coming from the UK but can be confusing for Americans. Do make sure you get the right insurance coverage as well. These roads go through wild lands and animals won’t always get out of your way. If you don’t stop in time, you’ll be fine, but the car may not be quite as lucky.
Travel Is Cheap
Finally, you’ll be delighted to hear that it won’t cost you a fortune to travel through Tanzania. If you can’t afford a guide and you don’t want to risk your driving on the roads, there is the Tazara train. This can take you a full 1,160 miles across the country for a very modest price! The only issue is that the train can get quite full. So, you will need to make sure that you book well in advance if you’re keen to get a seat.
We hope this helps you plan your trip to Tanzania. It truly is a wonderful country with so many exciting and thrilling experiences. No matter how long you stay, you still won’t be able to see everything it has to offer.