Tanzania and Zanzibar
About
| Tanzania fulfils everyone's dream of Africa: the wildebeest migration along an infinite savannah; the incongruous snow of Mt Kilimanjaro; proud Masai warrior tribes; exotic beaches along the spice islands of Zanzibar. It's all here in Tanzania. The famous Serengeti National Park is found in Tanzania, and a safari through the vast plains is a must - especially during the famed wildebeest migrations (November to May). The colourful marine life surrounding the coral islands of Zanzibar and Pemba makes for an ideal place to go scuba-diving and snorkelling. As the highest peak on the African continent at 5,895m, Mt Kilimanjaro has taunted avid explorers with its snow-capped peak for decades. As the epicentre of the historical spice trade, Zanzibar is the place to do a tour of its many spice and fruit plantations. The endless plains of the Serengeti come to life in the early hours of the dawn, and seeing the park waken from a hot air balloon is one of the world's great natural spectacles. |
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| Capital: | Dodoma (DOD) / Zanzibar City (Stone Town)(ZNZ) |
| Currency: | Tanzania Shilling(TZS) |
| Language: | Kiswahili & English |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 255 |
| Time Zones: | UTC/GMT +3 hours (1 hour ahead of South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Left |
| Best Time to go: | July to October |
| Best For: | Mt Kilimanjaro (Tanzania); Beach Resorts (Zanzibar) |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are mostly UK-style square three-pin, but round three-pin plugs are also in use. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. |
| Health: | There are some good private hospitals in Dar es Salaam and Stone Town on Zanzibar, but facilities are rudimentary outside of these and medicines are often unavailable. Travellers climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro are at risk for altitude sickness. Travel insurance is recommended, but hospitals will want to be paid up front. |
| Customs: | Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim society and beachwear should be reserved for the beach. Women should cover their arms and legs outside of the beach and the tourist resorts. Respect to religious customs should be shown during the month of Ramadan. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Smoking in public places is illegal |
| Duty Free: | The following items may be imported into Tanzania by travellers over 18 without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 1 bottle of alcoholic beverages. • 580ml of perfume. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Plants and plant products require a phytosanitary certificate. |
| Prohibited Exports: | The export of gold, diamonds and tanzanite unless bought from a licensed jeweller is prohibited. Exporting souvenirs made from wildlife skins (this includes reptiles), shells and coral is forbidden. |
Issuing Authorities
High Commission of Tanzania in Pretoria
822 George Ave., Arcadia 0007
Tel: 012 342 4371/ 93
E-mail: tanzania@mweb.co.za / pretoria@nje.go.tz
Web: www.za.tzembassy.go.tz
Office hours: Mon - Fri 8:30 - 16:00
Visa hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 12:00
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 12; Mar 31; Apr 1, 7, 18, 21, 26; May 1; Jun 7; Jul 7; Aug 8; Sep 5; Oct 14; Dec 9, 25-26
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 12; Mar 20-21; Apr 3, 6-7, 26; May 1, 27; Jul 7; Aug 8, 26; Oct 14; Dec 9, 25-26
Visa Requirements
SA passport holders holding ordinary passports who wish to travel to Tanzania DO NOT require a visa.
This visa exemption will be for up to a stay of 90 days and will apply for tourism and transit travel.
Business travellers do require a visa.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Ensure the passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date of return and has 3 blank pages.
- Return tickets & proof of accommodation must be presented on arrival
- Evidence of available funds for visit
- Starting October 1, 2024, all visitors to Zanzibar (excluding residents) must have mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. This insurance ensures your peace of mind during your stay, offering comprehensive coverage for emergencies such as medical evacuations and repatriation. Book through: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/
VISA APPLICATIONS
- Visa applications can be made online at visa.immigration.go.tz
- For more information on visas, please visit: www.immigration.go.tz
SA Representative
SA High Commission
Plot 218/50 Corner Garden Avenue and Shabani Robert Rd, Dar-es-Salaam
Tel: +255 22 221 8500
E-mail: sahc.tanzania@dirco.gov.za
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/tanzania/
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever (Dependent on Country of Origin) |
| Recommended: | Hepatitis A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
