Are there any 5-star accommodations in Tanzania?
There are 4 and 5-star hotels available in all the cities we travel to. Whatever your housing desires are can be accommodated.
What is different about Tanzania compared to the US?
Everything. One could not even begin to explain how the Swahili culture is different from Western culture. Most people are humble, soft-spoken, and never in a hurry, very different from our everyday hustle and bustle.
Should I expect Tanzania to be just like Ohio/[my city, USA]?
No. They are two different cultures. Many people experience culture shock when they have to turn on a switch 30 minutes in advance to warm up the water in the water tank before they can take a hot shower. Or being in places where there is no WiFi, your GPS won’t work, and no one speaks English. Hakuna Matata means no worries. So traveling to Tanzania can be the experience of a lifetime, but only if you leave all of your fears and preconceived expectations at home.
Will I be safe?
Tanzania overall is a safe country. However, as in all parts of the world, thefts and muggings can occur. Therefore, walking alone is not recommended, especially at night.
Will I have to dress conservatively due to local traditions?
There is no strictly enforced dress code. However, revealing shoulders and thighs should be avoided, for modesty and to mitigate mosquito exposure.
How should I dress or act in Tanzania? The mainland is predominantly Christian while Zanzibar has a large Muslim population. To not offend local customs, dress modestly and no loud or vulgar language.
Is the ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar safe?
The ferry makes several successful trips each day. Each one-way trip is approximately 2 hours. VIP tickets are preferred due to the availability of amenities like food/beverage service and air conditioning.
What will the balance be between walking and riding during the trip?
It depends on the activities selected for the itinerary. There is little/no walking while on safari, however there is quite a bit of walking in Stonetown, Zanzibar. So it is recommended that comfortable shoes be worn.

Can children travel to Africa?
Of course! If traveling with one parent, in order to obtain the necessary visas, you may need to provide custody documents or written consent from the other parent.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is not required. However, delays when traveling internationally can have a significant downstream impact on connecting flights, so insurance to cover emergencies or lost/stolen luggage can provide assurances.
Will I need a passport?
Yes. U.S. citizens traveling to any destination outside of the United States will be required to present a valid U.S. passport. Passports must be valid for 6 months past the return date. You are responsible for ensuring the name on your passport is an exact match to the name on all travel documents (e.g., plane ticket, hotel reservations, etc).
Will I need a visa?
Yes. Many countries require a visa for transit or entry. Once you enter Tanzania, you will be required to apply for a visa. The cost is $100. Bring a $100 with an issue date of 2009 or sooner.

When is the best time to travel to Tanzania?
The peak season is July to October. June and July are best for seeing the migration. February is best for wildebeest calving. The dry months (December to February) offer good wildlife viewing.
When is the rainy season?
There are two rainy seasons; the short rains are generally from October to December, while the long rains last from March to June.
How hot does it get in Tanzania?
The average temperature is 89*F. It's hottest late morning, mid-day.
What is the time difference?
Dar es Salaam is 7/8 hours ahead of Columbus (Eastern Standard) time. Ex. Depending on daylight savings time, when it’s 11:00 am in Columbus, it’s 7:00 pm in Dar es Salaam.
Will there be WiFi?
For the most part, WiFi and 3G service is good. However, there will be occasional lapses in service when we travel from one location to another. For your convenience, our travel escort will provide mobile WiFi for all group excursions. Many larger establishments (e.g., hotels and restaurants) also provide free WiFi.
How long is the flight?
The length of your particular flight will depend on which U.S. city you leave from and the number of layovers. It has taken me between 18 - 44 hours from Columbus to Dar es Salaam. The variation was based on whether I left from Columbus, Chicago, New York, or Cincinnati; whether I had 1, 2, or 3 layovers; and whether I stayed 1, 3, 6, or 12 hours per layover.
Will I get malaria?
Malaria is common on the mainland of Tanzania, and less common on the island of Zanzibar. Therefore numerous protective measures are taken to prevent contraction. Most beds have mosquito nets to protect you while sleeping. However, if this is a concern for you, fill your malaria prescription before you leave and bring enough for the entire trip; some pills need to be started before you leave home.
Does Ms. Makeda take responsibility for me during the travel event?
No. Ms. Makeda considers international travel to be an Inherently Dangerous Activity. Before traveling with Ms. Makeda, you will be required to sign a waiver stating that you understand there are potential risks inherent in your participation in the travel event and these potential risks include, but are not limited to: travel to and from your home city in the US; local travel within layover or trip countries; consumption of food; weather conditions; language barriers; contagious diseases; terrorism; negligent first aid operations or procedures; and other risks that are unknown at this time. Although Ms. Makeda has made every reasonable effort to assure your safety while participating in the travel event, there are unavoidable risks. You understand that Ms. Makeda is not in any way responsible for your well-being with respect to any travel destinations and /or participation in activities that you may choose to undertake before, during, or after the travel event. By traveling with Ms. Makeda, you knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of Ms. Makeda and you voluntarily assume full responsibility for your participation in the travel event.
What are some items I would want to bring?
Benadryl, pain relievers, insect repellent, universal/international charging adapter, wipes, motion sickness pills, water-proof phone and/or camera case.

Will I need cash?
Cash is the only method of payment accepted at many establishments. Due to counterfeiting concerns, all dollars must be 2009 or newer. This is strictly enforced; later-dated money is NOT accepted.

Will I be able to use debit or credit cards?
Few locations accept plastic. However, ATMs are plentiful and they can dispense TZS or USD for a fee. It is recommended that you contact your bank and/or credit card company to inform them that you’re leaving the country. This will prevent possible delays with the fraud alert systems.

What is the currency conversion rate?
The exchange rate fluctuates with the market. Currently, it takes about 2,300 Tanzanian Shillings (T shillings, or TZS) to equal $1 USD.

(This a great currency converter app - https://www.xe.com/apps/android/ )

Should I tip?
The average monthly salary for a Tanzanian is $550 USD. So tipping is recommended.

Here are the suggested amounts:

Carry luggage in the airport: 10,000 TZS ($5)
Waitress/waiter: 10,000 - 20,000 TZS ($5-10)
Hotel bellhop: 10,000 - 20,000 TZS ($5-10)

These are minimum guidelines. Feel free to tip as appropriate.

What language(s) do they speak in Tanzania?
Kiswahili is the national language. However, many people also speak English.
Will I need to learn another language
Although Kiswahili is the national language, English is widely spoken. Many people speak English and many signs will be in English. That said, there are still situations where knowing the local language would assist with communication.
How should I dress or act in Tanzania
The mainland is predominantly Christian while Zanzibar has a large Muslim population. In order to not offend local customs, dress modestly and no loud or vulgar language.
What is a boda boda, or bajaji (also called tuk-tuks)?
They are like golf carts. In some areas, you can catch a ride in a taxi, on a bike, on a bus, or in a boda boda. Because of their size, they are perfect for 3 or fewer passengers, and cheaper than a taxi. I saw very few in Stonetown and tons in Dar es Salaam.
What is illegal in Tanzania that I would not intuitively know was illegal
Homosexuality is illegal. Public displays of affection can lead to arrest.
The purchase of wildlife products (e.g., horns and seashells) is illegal, for the protection of the country’s wildlife and fauna.
Plastic bags have been banned for environmental reasons; they are not allowed in the country.
Can I smoke marijuana?
Marijuana is widely available, and though illegal, it is decriminalized. Open possession and use could result in a fine.
What are the bathrooms like?
You may encounter bathrooms with bidets or a simple water sprayer to clean yourself, and no toilet paper. If you prefer toilet paper, you may want to carry some with you.

Can I drink the water?
It is not safe to drip tap water. To avoid health problems, drink only bottled water.
What are common dishes?
Swahili food has strong Indian and Mediterranean flavor influences. Lots of seafood and chicken, no/very little pork, especially on the heavily Islamic island of Zanzibar. Very ripe and sweet tropical fruits – there are more than 20 different types of bananas. Ugali is a national side dish that accompanies most meals and is reminiscent of polenta or very thick grits. Chips mayai is an extremely popular street food consisting of French fried potatoes held together by scrambled eggs and served with hot sauce and tomato jelly (catsup) on the side.
What is the drinking age?
Those 16 years and younger are prohibited from possessing/consuming alcohol.
What foods should I stay away from? Because the climate is warm, especially in the market, it is not customary to keep fresh meat on ice, you would want to be observant to prevent gastric upset. This diligence should extend to raw dishes and items prepared with tap water.