FAQ Zanzibar & Tanzania
The daytime temperature at both destinations ranges between 22 and 32°C. Often, the temperature drops to around 15°C at night in Tanzania, which many people find comfortable for sleeping as it is not too warm!
The destinations Tanzania and Zanzibar have a tropical climate, which means it is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with relatively consistent temperatures. There are two distinct rainy seasons in Tanzania, with the "long rains" occurring from end March to May, and the "short rains" occurring from October to December. The hottest months in Tanzania are from December to February, while the coolest months are from June to August.
Tanzania and Zanzibar are great destinations to visit all year round due to its warm temperatures and tropical climate. Do you want to know more about the “Green Season”? Click on link Green season FAQ Tanzania & Zanzibar to learn more about the climate of Tanzania!
Many people often associate the rainy season in Tanzania and Zanzibar with a bad and unpleasant period where there is nothing to do. However, in Tanzania, the rainy season is seen as a time when nature is at its most beautiful and vibrant!
Most of the rain during the rainy season falls early in the morning or in the evening, and the rains are often short showers. It is a unique experience to witness this natural phenomenon! A big advantage is that despite the rain, it is still pleasantly warm.
The environment in Tanzania and Zanzibar comes to life during this season! The normally dry plains of the Serengeti are suddenly filled with flowers and lush greenery due to the increased rainfall. For this reason, we also refer to this season as the "Green Season"! Another advantage is that wildlife in Tanzania's national parks do not have to seek shelter from the hot season, increasing the chances of spotting more wildlife during this season.
Do you want to witness the birth of hundreds of thousands of animals? Are you a bird lover, or do you want to admire the Great Wildlife Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains of the Serengeti? Then the green season is the ideal time for you to travel to Tanzania!
At the airport in Tanzania and also in Zanzibar, it is possible to apply for a tourist visa, it is not necessary to arrange this in advance if you are travelling from Europe for example! The processing time depends on the airport's workload. It is advisable to apply for a visa immediately upon disembarking from the plane. Keep a pen handy for this! On average, this takes about 30 minutes, but if the airport is busy, it can take more than an hour.
Visit this website for more information and up to date regulations and guidelines on the visa application process:
Malaria is rare in Tanzania and Zanzibar, although as for any travel, it is advisable to consult a medical professional, preferably one who is familiar with tropical medicine.
Despite significant improvements, malaria remains present at reduced levels.
Malaria has greatly decreased in Tanzania and Zanzibar as a result of consequential efforts in the fight against the disease. To reduce the risk of developing malaria, it is crucial for locals and visitors to take precaution and follow appropriate preventive measures. It is advisable to carry and use repellent in order to prevent mosquito bites. It is recommended that travellers take preventative measures to avoid contracting it. In addition to using mosquito repellent, it is also recommended to wear long-sleeved clothing and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. The likelihood of contracting malaria largely depends on the time of year and the specific locations visited. Malaria transmission is typically more prevalent during and immediately after the rainy seasons, which occur from March to May and November to December.
When travelling to Tanzania and Zanzibar, it's important to be aware of the type of electrical outlets and plugs used in the country. The most common type of plug used in Tanzania and Zanzibar is the Type G plug, which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.
If you're travelling from a country with a different type of plug, such as Type C or Type D, you will need a travel adapter to plug your devices into the Tanzanian sockets. It's recommended to bring a universal travel adapter that can accommodate different types of plugs to ensure compatibility with the outlets you encounter during your trip. It's also important to note that power outages can occur in some areas, especially in more remote locations. It's a good idea to carry a portable power bank or backup battery for your electronic devices to ensure you have power when needed.
By being prepared and having the right adapters, you can ensure that you can charge your devices and stay connected during your travels in Tanzania and Zanzibar.
The CDC and WHO advise vaccines against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid for Tanzania and Zanzibar in addition to routine vaccinations like MMR and TDP. Depending on the traveller's activities, immunizations against rabies and yellow fever are also advised.
It is required to have a proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from Yellow fever endemic countries. This condition also applies to travellers subjected to long flight connection (transit) in Yellow fever endemic countries for twelve hours (12hrs) or more.
As of January 2023, Tanzania is no longer subject to COVID-19 limitations, and vaccines or PCR tests are no longer required prior to travel.
As with all international travel, we always suggest that you seek medical advice from your doctor before visiting Tanzania.
In Zanzibar and Tanzania, the official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). It is recommended to carry some cash in local currency for smaller establishments and local markets, as they may not accept credit cards. ATMs are available in major cities and towns, where you can withdraw Tanzanian Shillings using international debit or credit cards. Currency exchange services are also available at banks and authorised exchange bureaus.
The exchange rate of the Tanzanian Shilling can fluctuate, but as of now, it is approximately 1 EUR = 2,600 TZS and 1 USD = 2,300 TZS.
It is highly recommended to have a travel insurance policy when visiting Zanzibar and Tanzania. A comprehensive travel insurance plan can provide coverage for a range of potential risks and unforeseen circumstances during your trip, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, lost or stolen belongings, and emergency medical evacuation. Having a travel insurance policy ensures that you are financially protected and can receive necessary assistance in case of emergencies or unexpected events.
Furthermore, a travel insurance policy can also offer benefits such as trip delay or baggage delay coverage, personal liability coverage, and 24/7 emergency assistance services.
Remember to carefully review the terms and coverage of the travel insurance policy to ensure it meets your specific needs and activities planned during your trip.
