Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–20 | $30–80 |
| Food | $5–12 | $12–30 |
| Transport | $2–8 | $10–25 |
| Activities | $5–20 | $25–60 |
| Entry Fees | $5–15 | $15–50 |
| Daily Total | $25–75 | $92–245 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Visa on arrival ($50 USD) or e-Visa — apply at visa.immigration.go.tz before departure for faster entry
- Keep a digital and physical copy of your passport, visa, and travel insurance at all times
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from an endemic country
Health & Safety
- Malaria risk exists in Arusha — take prophylaxis and use insect repellent, especially during evening hours
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential — Arusha has decent private clinics but complex cases require evacuation
- Altitude sickness can affect visitors — Arusha sits at 1,400m and day trips go higher. Stay hydrated and acclimatise gradually
Getting Around
- Dalla-dalla minibuses are the cheapest transport around the city — routes are not well signed so ask locals for help
- Taxis and boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) are available everywhere — negotiate the price before departure
- For national park visits and day trips, hire a vehicle with driver through your accommodation or a local operator
Connectivity
- Buy a Vodacom or Airtel SIM at the airport for affordable data — 4G coverage is good in Arusha and along main roads
- WiFi is available at most accommodation and cafes but speeds can be slow — download offline maps before heading to parks
- Mobile money (M-Pesa on Vodacom) is increasingly useful for payments — register when buying your SIM
Money
- Currency: TZS (Tanzanian Shilling). USD cash is widely accepted for safari bookings and park fees
- ATMs are available in central Arusha — CRDB and NMB banks accept international Visa and Mastercard
- Tip 10% at restaurants. Safari guides and camp staff appreciate tips of $10-20 per day per group
Packing Tips
- Arusha is at altitude (1,400m) — evenings are cool (12-18°C). Bring a warm fleece or jacket for morning game drives and mountain hikes
- Neutral-coloured clothing for safari visits. A good pair of binoculars transforms wildlife viewing
- Comfortable walking shoes for market exploring and hiking. A daypack, reusable water bottle, and sunscreen are daily essentials
Cultural tips
Greetings Are Everything
Tanzanians value greetings above almost everything else. Learn "Habari" (how are you?), "Nzuri" (good/fine), "Asante sana" (thank you very much), and "Karibu" (welcome). A proper greeting before any interaction shows respect and opens doors everywhere.
Respect Maasai Culture
The Maasai are not a tourist attraction — they are a living culture with deep traditions. Ask permission before photographing, pay agreed fees for cultural visits, and avoid condescending attitudes. Show genuine curiosity and respect, and cultural exchange becomes meaningful for both sides.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask before photographing people. Many Tanzanians will happily pose but others may decline — respect this. Never photograph military or government buildings. In Maasai communities, agree on photography terms before your visit begins.
Learn Swahili Basics
Swahili is Tanzania's national language and a source of deep pride. Even basic greetings transform interactions from transactional to warm. "Mambo" (what's up — casual), "Pole pole" (slowly slowly), and "Hakuna matata" (no worries) are used constantly.
Support Local Economy
Choose locally-owned guesthouses, restaurants, and safari operators over international chains. Buy coffee directly from cooperatives, crafts from artisans, and food from local markets. Tourism is Arusha's economic engine — ensure your spending reaches the people who need it most.
Swahili Time
Tanzania uses Swahili time — 6 hours offset from Western time (7am Western time is "1 o'clock" in Swahili time because it is 1 hour after sunrise). This can cause confusion — always clarify whether times are in "Swahili time" or "English time" when making arrangements.
