OUR GUARANTEES

No worries… or… Hakuna Matata!

A well-known phrase to anyone who has ever traveled to Africa. And this is exactly how we want YOU to feel when booking that amazing holiday with us! Totally carefree. This, for example, means that the down payment for your upcoming trip should be in good hands, right?! With Tanzania Specialist it is, because we are a member of SGR. Let’s be honest: in the past, we’ve helped multiple customers who had lost their down payment to a travel company that went bankrupt. Imagine that: booking the safari of your dreams, only to find out later your chosen travel company has gone up in smoke, and so have your travel plans! When traveling with Tanzania Specialist, this cannot happen.

TANZANIA WEATHER

Tanzania weather differs from region to region – but there is always a great time to travel in Tanzania! Weather in the coastal areas is the hottest and most humid, while the North and highlands of Tanzania are cooler because of altitude. The temperatures vary between 22°C and 31 °C throughout the year. During the night, the temperature in Tanzania drops to between 10°C and 22°C. The beaches of Zanzibar have a distinctively tropical climate since it is located close to the Equator.

Tanzania weather: the seasons

Tanzania has two seasons yearly: the wet and the dry season. The wet season (also called the rainy season) runs from the end of October right through to December, and then again from the end of March to the beginning of June. They are referred to as the ‘short-’ and ‘long rains’. These tropical rains mostly start late afternoon and continue all night till early morning. The rains of Africa are famous worldwide and are a soothing, enchanting sight to behold during a trip to Tanzania!

Can I go on safari during the rainy season?

Did you know that National Geographic, Discovery and other major media companies choose the rainy season to shoot their wildlife documentaries in Tanzania? Tanzania weather is fantastic all year round and though heavy rains persist most afternoons in the rainy season, the natural environment comes to life. Nature is colourful, the grass is lush and green, beautiful flowers grow, animals find plenty of food, temperatures are nice and cool and, better yet, the main highlights of Tanzania are far less crowded with tourists.
Another benefit of travelling in rainy reason is the lower costs of safaris and accommodation during this low season. The disadvantages of travel during the wet season are that some accommodations are closed and the (sometimes) poor road conditions. Fortunately, this mainly concerns the roads in the national parks in South Tanzania.
For those travelling to Tanzania during the rainy season, the following national parks are open and ready for your visit. Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Lake Natron and Arusha National Park. The national parks of Tanzania that are better avoided during the wet season include Nyerere, Ruaha, Mikumi & Udzungwa. So if any of the latter destinations are on your must-do list in Tanzania, be sure to head out in dry season.

TANZANIA TRAVEL ADVICE

With almost a decade of experience, we’re proud to be able to offer customised Tanzania travel advice that is second-to-none. Here we answer your top questions regarding need-to-know Tanzania travel advice.

Is Tanzania safe to travel?

”I want to visit Tanzania, but is it safe?” This is a question that regularly comes up from our clients seeking Tanzania travel advice. The short answer? Yes! Tanzania is one of the safest destinations in Africa, with more than 1 million tourists visiting the country every year.Travelling with the travel experts at Tanzania Specialist, safety is paramount. Our private safari experiences with knowledgeable, professional guides enhance your experience in Tanzania and ensure your total peace of mind.Check out our Tanzania safety tips for more information on safe travel in Tanzania.

What is the population of Tanzania?

The population of Tanzania is almost 60 million. One of Africa’s most ethnically diverse countries, around 125 different ethnic groups live in Tanzania, with more than 100 different languages spoken nationwide.

The Tanzanian people are well-known for their hospitality, often warmly welcoming tourists to experience their beautiful nature, wildlife and culture. Meeting the locals is one of the best ways to really learn more about a country and its culture and is well recommended on your Tanzania discovery!

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

Most international travellers will need a visa to travel to Tanzania. Your visa can be requested online through the official visa website from the Tanzanian government. Please note that this is the only official link for Tanzania visa applications. It is also possible to get a tourist or business visa for a single entry on arrival at the main ports of entry to Tanzania. This visa for Tanzania is valid for three months. You may be asked to provide proof of your return journey, and costs are $50 per person, US Citizens $100 per person. When arranging your trip to Tanzania with Tanzania specialist, we guide you through every step of the visa and administration process.

Passport requirements

Passports should have at least six months of validity after the final day of travel.

Safety First: Don’t forget your Travel Insurance

When it comes to embarking on your dream adventure to Tanzania, your safety is our top priority! That’s why we urge all travelers to ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance in place before setting off. While Tanzania Specialist doesn’t provide travel insurance directly, we’re delighted to recommend Chapka Travel Insurance as your go-to provider for your upcoming trip to Tanzania.

With Chapka, you can rest assured that you’re fully covered for every aspect of your journey, from unexpected medical expenses to trip cancellations. Their personalized service means you only pay for what you truly need, giving you peace of mind to immerse yourself in the wonders of Tanzania. So, before you pack your bags and set off on your safari, remember: Safety First. Don’t forget your Travel Insurance with Chapka.

What vaccinations are needed for Tanzania?

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required for travellers one year of age and older coming from – or who are in airport transit for more than 12 hours within – a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

In addition to standard vaccinations such as MMR and TDP, the CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for Tanzania, such as Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid. Yellow fever and rabies vaccinations are also recommended depending on the traveller’s activities. As of January 2023 there are no more COVID-19 restrictions in Tanzania, and vaccinations or PCR-tests are no longer necessary before traveling.

As with all international travel, we always advise you to consult your physician for professional health advice before travelling to Tanzania.

What is the time in Tanzania?

Tanzania is GMT + 3. To put that into terms we all understand, check out the time difference from Tanzania to LA, New York, London and more below.

Los Angeles: -10 hours
New York: -7 hours
London: -3 hours
Berlin: -2 hours
Hong Kong: +5 hours
Tokyo: +6 hours
Sydney: + 8 hours
Auckland: +10 hours

What is the currency of Tanzania?

The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, although dollars and euros are also accepted in most places in Tanzania.

Languages spoken in Tanzania

There are over 100 different languages spoken in Tanzania. The official languages, however, are Swahili and English. You can expect all your Tanzania Specialist guides and hosts to speak English, but if you’re looking to learn a few words of Swahili before your trip, check out our list of top 25 useful words in Swahili!

Swahili and English are the official languages in Tanzania, but Swahili is spoken by almost everyone. In the tourism sector, however, English is widely spoken by the majority of people.

Travelling in Tanzania is more than just a vacation. For many explorers of Tanzania, this is a bucket-list adventure to remember for a lifetime. For detailed Tanzania travel advice or to start planning your custom vacation in Tanzania, contact us now.

We look forward to welcoming you to Tanzania soon!

TANZANIA YELLOW FEVER REQUIREMENTS

Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are traveling from or transiting through a country where yellow fever is present. Always carry your certificate if required.

HOW TO GET YOUR TANZANIAN VISA

After you’ve booked one of our Tanzania safaris or Zanzibar holidays (hooray!), the next thing is to apply for your tourist visa. For many, this leads to worries and insecurities. How to apply? Where to apply? What documents do I need? Luckily for you, getting a visa for Tanzania is relatively easy, especially when booking with us. Read on to know more. When travelling to Tanzania, you can either get your visa online or upon arrival*. Both ways are fine and valid, even though the Tanzanian government prefers you use the online option as they are keen to show Tanzania is a modern country. Below, we broke down more pros and cons of both ways of applying. But first, let’s talk about the costs.

TANZANIA VISA: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The costs for a Tanzania visa differ slightly per nationality. Are you coming from Europe? Then the fee is 50 USD. Are you a US citizen? Then you need a multi-entry visa for the price of 100 USD. Both are valid for three months, but the multi-entry visa allows you to leave the country and come back again with the same visa within one year. The amounts above apply when you purchase your visa online. If you apply upon arrival the costs are either 50 USD or 50 EUR (or 100 USD for the multi-entry visa). A bit surprising because of course 50 EUR is worth more than 50 USD. In any case, you can also pay with a credit card, and then the fee is 50 or 100 USD plus credit card fees. The choice is yours.

ONLINE APPLICATION

The Tanzanian government prefers it when you apply online, and truth be told, it does have its perks: The process is relatively easy, especially with the explanatory PDF you get when booking through us. You board your plane knowing your visa is arranged and paid for. Upon arrival, you only have to wait at one counter to get your visa stamped.

To apply for a visa online, you go to the official portal of the Tanzanian government. We advise you to NOT apply through any other website because they are either more expensive or scams. We know of several travellers who lost their money through these scams, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Visit Official Visa Application portal

People booking with us get a special PDF to guide them through the process. And our travel consultants are always available for advice. We cannot apply for your visa for you, but this way it can hardly go wrong. After submitting your application it can take up to ten days before your visa is processed and approved. Make sure to take a print or download with you when you go. Upon arrival, you only have to queue at the immigration counter to get your visa stamped in your passport. Then you collect your bags and you’re good to go.

APPLY FOR A VISA UPON ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA

If, for some reason, you cannot or don’t want to apply online, as of March 2024, you can also still apply upon arrival*. Brace yourself to experience some nice African bureaucracy, but other than that, the process is quite easy:

You fill out an application form upon arrival at the airport (keep a pen at hand and have the address of Tanzania Specialist and your first lodge at the ready). Apply at the visa counter. Go to a second counter to pay your visa fee, and pay either in cash or by credit card. Go to a third counter, and get the visa stamped in your passport. Get your bags and you’re good to go. As you can see, when applying upon arrival you have to queue three times, whereas if you apply online you only queue once upon arrival. So applying the old-fashioned way might slow you down a bit, but hey; you are in the country of ‘pole pole’ now – no hurry in Africa! You might as well get used to it. And just between you and us: these days so many people apply online that the one queue for online applications is way longer than the three queues you take when applying upon arrival. So you might even be out quicker.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Nowadays, most people prefer to apply online, just to be sure to have that visa in their pocket before travelling. Which is understandable. If you decide to apply online, make sure to be prepared:

Apply three to four weeks before travelling, in case your application gets denied. This will give you enough time to correct the mistakes and apply again. Have a credit card ready for your payment, or know how to make an international bank transfer. Have a digital passport-size picture, a picture of your passport’s biodata page (max 300 kB) and a PDF of your flight ticket (max 1 MB) ready. Make sure your passport is valid for six months upon return from Tanzania. If children travel with only one parent, you need a written document in English with the consent of the other parent for the trip and then you have to upload this into the system. Make sure to have a pen at hand when arriving in Tanzania, because sometimes there is still a form they ask you to fill. If you decide to be a bit adventurous and apply upon arrival, don’t board the plane unprepared either.

Carry the amount needed for the fee in cash (USD/EUR), or use your credit card.
No passport-size picture is needed. Have a pen at hand to fill in the application form, and the addresses of Tanzania Specialist and the first hotel you stay in. If children travel with only one parent, you need a written document in English with the consent of the other parent for the trip. It’s up to you how you apply for your visa – whatever gives you the least stress. As long as you keep the end goal in mind: to get that visa. Because only with your visa in hand, you can get your bags and start your safari adventure with us.

Nationals of some countries need a so-called Referral Visa and are not allowed to apply upon arrival. So make sure to check that before you decide how to apply. Also, applying upon arrival might not be possible anymore in the future for anyone, so make sure to check the immigration guidelines before you leave to confirm that it’s still possible.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended. It should cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

FLYING DOCTORS SERVICES

For added peace of mind, consider Flying Doctors membership covering air evacuation from remote areas in Tanzania.

TRAVELIFE PARTNER STATUS

We are a certified Travelife Partner, meeting international standards for sustainability and responsible tourism.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

We believe in responsible travel that benefits local communities and preserves Tanzania’s natural beauty for future generations.

EASY PAYMENTS

Paying for your safari is easy.

When booking a safari, you want to focus on the joys of that experience. But before you can do that, you of course need to pay for your beautiful holiday plans. As Tanzania Specialist, we’ve tried to make the payment process as smooth as possible. How? Read on to find out!

Choose your payment method

Since we have clients from different countries, we need to be as flexible as possible. That’s why we have a bank account in the Netherlands for bank transfers, but we also accept credit/ American Express/ debit card payments (via iDeal, Bancontact, EPS, Giropay and Sofort, but not Paypal).
Some people feel bank transfers are easier, whereas others prefer (credit) card payments for international transfers. In the end, it’s up to you.

How to make a bank transfer

Bank transfers are common in some countries, and uncommon in others, but we receive bank transfers from all over the world. As long as you have the details needed for a (international) transfer, it’s pretty straightforward and can usually be done online or in your banking app.
When doing an international transfer, you need two important things: the IBAN of the receiving party, which is their bank account number written in the international standard. The second thing is the BIC/SWIFT code, which is the international code for your bank.
When paying for your safari in Tanzania, you need the bank details listed below:
Name of the bank: OneBank
Account holder’s name: Generations Safaris Ltd.
International bank account number: -------
Swift / BIC Code: -----
Phone Number (if required):
US: ----------------
DE: ---------------------

How to make a credit card payment

Paying by (credit) card is fairly simple, as you just use the payment link you receive with our invoice. It is good to keep in mind that we prefer you pay in euros and that all credit, debit, American Express and other direct card payments are charged a 2% fee for service costs.

Address details

In some cases, address details are needed for payments. Please find the address of our office and bank below:
Our office:
Generations Safaris Ltd. Sanawari Street, Box 16323, Arusha Tanzania.
VAT Number: 0000000000
Our bank:
NMB

Our payment guarantees

It’s of the utmost importance to us, that you know your money is safe when booking with us. This is why we are an active member of the SGR. This is a fund that provides a guarantee to protect customer payments for travel products purchased through its members.

What do people say about Generations Safaris

To know the reputation of a company, it is best to listen to the people who have already used it. You can do this by checking their reviews on Tripadvisor, Google, Facebook and SafariBookings.

In some countries, these charges are against the (national) law. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions and have to charge the 2% fee for ALL card payments.