Maasai Tradition & Safari
Peter Sepere | Arusha, Tanzania

Best time to travel


Tanzania is the largest county with much religion, variation in geography and climate plus two distinct rainy seasons, so the question of when to go depends on what it is that you want to experience. The best time to come Tanzania for the Serengeti migration is between November and August but you will need to be in the right place at the right time. During November they will be moving south though Serengeti and spend Dec/Jan/Feb in the area of Ndutu. This is between Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. In March, they will make their way through Southern then Central and western before finally reaching Northern Serengeti by July/August. General game viewing in the Serengeti and Tanzanians other parks is as its peak during the June to October dry Season or December to February however there is no bad time to do this.


Climate


Tanzania has a pleasant tropical climate put has large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Tanzania is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is however a dry and wet season. The long rains and during April to May whilst the Short rains are common in November for other months of the year; it is mostly clear blue skies. Temperatures in winter (June – August) will average around 20 -25 degrees during the day whilst in the summer (December – February) around 30 – 35 degrees. The coastal areas will have a higher humidity than in land and Mt. Kilimanjaro will be much colder due to the altitude


Visa information


All passport holders are required to have a Tourist Visa for Tanzania. This can be organized in advance through a Tanzania consulate however the easiest option is to get it upon arrival at the airport this will cost USD 100 if an American passport or USD 50 For any other passport holder. This was correct at time of printing however please verify with your local Tanzania consulate. You need to have your passport holder. This was correct at time of printing however please verify with your local Tanzania consulate. You need to have your passport and USD cash (notes printed after 2003) in order to get the Visa at the airport.


Electricity


In Tanzania the Voltage is 230 and the frequency is 50HZ. For charging camera, phones, etc you will need a British plug adaptor, with three rectangular blades. On Zanzibar some European managed resorts, use the European plug. Power outrage is common in Tanzania therefore its worth while carrying a torch with you and always recharging appliances when the power is available.


Currency & ATM access


The main currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shillings(Tshs), USD is widely accepted in tourist area however it must be USD widely accepted in tourist areas however it must be USD notes printed on after 2003 older notes before 2003 are not accepted in Tanzania or many other African countries. In major towns you will have access to ATMS however they can be unreliable if requiring large amounts. Most ATMS Will only allow a maximum withdrawal amount of 400,000/ Tshs per transaction multiple transaction are allowed and based on your own banks daily withdraw limits.