WEATHER   Back to top

Tanzania’s weather and climate leaves nothing to be desired. .  While the coast tends to be more humid and the central plateau drier, Tanzania enjoys pleasant and comfortable weather all-year round.
 
Warm and sunny days are followed by cool and balmy nights, and whether you’re on safari on the Serengeti plains or enjoying the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, the temperatures are generally welcoming and gentle.

Tanzania’s equatorial climate brings two seasons of rain each year: the masika, or long rains that fall from mid-March to the end of May, and the mvuli, or short rains, that come intermittently throughout November and parts of December, and sometimes stretch into early January. During the long rains, heavy showers fall in the early mornings but usually clear up by mid-day, with the weather often remaining clear and sunny until late afternoon. By evening, impressive cloud formations build, breaking sometime after dark and the rain often continues throughout the night. During the short rains, light showers in the mornings and late afternoons are punctuated by stretches of clear weather and beautiful rays of sunlight.


Please go to our Weather Page for current forecasts and more.

GOOD TO KNOW    Back to top

Time:  Local time in Tanzania is GMT +3 hours

Electricity:  230 volts, 50Hz. Square or South African round three-pin plugs are used

Language:  Swahili & English are the official languages.  Arabic, Italian and several indigenous languages are also spoken.

Telephone dialling codes:  The international country dialling code for Tanzania is +255. The outgoing code is 000, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00027 for South Africa).

Currency / Money:  The Tanzanian Shilling is the official currency.  Travellers cheques and major credit cards are accepted at most upmarket hotels and restaurants.  Major currencies can be exchanged in the larger towns. ATM’s are in major cities only.

Note:  Please go to our Currency Converter for the latest rates

Tipping:  While tipping is at the travellers own discretion, restaurant waiters providing good service should be tipped around 10%.  Guides, porters and cooks in the wildlife parks, safari lodges and on safari trips expect tips. The amount is discretionary according to standard of service.

Passports & Visas:  Most passport nationalities require a visa for Tanzania, and should be obtained in advance.  Please ensure that your passport is valid for more than 6 months after your departure from Tanzania and that you have at least 2 blank pages in your passport.

Note:  Entry requirements change, sometimes with little notice.  Please CHECK with your World Wide Travel West Coast consultant regarding updates at the time of making a travel enquiry.

Health Requirements:  The information shown below is general with regard to health requirements.  These do change on a regular basis so check with your World Wide Travel West Coast consultant at the time of making a travel enquiry.

• Compulsory vaccinations:  Yellow Fever
• Recommended vaccinations:  Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Tetanus & Meningitis
• Precautions:  Malaria Prophylaxis & advisable to drink bottled water

 

Note:  The information shown below is general with regard to health requirements.  These do change on a regular basis so check with your World Wide Travel West Coast consultant at the time of making a travel enquiry

General:   Visitors to Tanzania & the Archipelago islands of Zanzibar should be aware that it is a predominantly Muslim area and a modest dress code, especially for women, should be respected when away from the beach and in public places. Topless sunbathing not accepted.