Tanzania is one of Africa’s most breath-taking travel destinations, offering everything from the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar.
Whether you’re visiting for a wildlife safari, cultural exploration, or relaxation by the Indian Ocean, understanding the local customs and expectations will give you peace of mind and enhance your experience.
While Tanzanians are known for their hospitality, it’s essential to respect their traditions, follow local laws, and be mindful of certain travel precautions.
This guide highlights key dos and don’ts that will help you navigate your trip smoothly, ensuring you have an enjoyable and culturally respectful visit.
Tanzania Travel DOs
1. Greet People Respectfully
Tanzanian people place great importance on greetings. A proper greeting is not just a formality - it sets the tone for any interaction. When meeting someone, offer a handshake while maintaining eye contact and a friendly smile.
In Swahili, a common greeting is “Jambo” (hello), but if you want to show extra politeness, you can say “Shikamoo” when greeting elders, as it is a respectful way of acknowledging their seniority. They will typically respond with “Marahaba” as a sign of appreciation.
A few moments of small talk before getting to the main discussion is considered polite and nice.
2. Dress Modestly, Especially in Rural Areas and Zanzibar
While Tanzania is a diverse country with varying levels of conservatism, dressing modestly is generally expected, particularly in rural areas and the island of Zanzibar, where Islamic traditions are strong.
Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, such as short skirts or tops with deep necklines, especially in public markets and villages. A good rule of thumb is to keep shoulders and knees covered in non-tourist areas.
Men, too, should avoid walking around shirtless unless they are at the beach.
While tourist-heavy areas like Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar’s resorts are more relaxed, dressing appropriately shows respect for the local culture and helps avoid awkward attention.
3. Carry Local Cash (Tanzanian Shillings)
While some hotels, restaurants, and tour operators accept credit cards, Tanzania is cash-based economy. ATMs can be unreliable, especially in remote areas, and many small businesses, markets, and taxis do not accept cards.
Having Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) on hand is essential for purchasing local goods, tipping service workers, and making small transactions.
It's advisable to exchange money at banks or authorized exchange bureaus rather than relying on currency exchanges at the airport, whose rates may not always be the best. Ask you travel guide to help you do this.
4. Follow Park and Wildlife Rules
Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife parks, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Observing wildlife in these reserves is an unforgettable experience, but it comes with some rules.
When your are on a safari, follow your guide’s instructions, stay inside your vehicle, and respect the animals' space.
Disturbing wildlife by making loud noises, getting too close, or attempting to feed them is not only dangerous [to you] but also disrupts their natural behaviour. Avoid littering, and do not pick plants or take anything from the parks.
You will be briefed on the rules and reminded of their importance in helping preserve the wild ecosystems for future generations to enjoy as you will.
5. Only Drink Bottled Water
Tap water in Tanzania is not treated to be safe for drinking, and consuming it can lead to stomach issues. Always drink bottled or filtered water to stay hydrated. When purchasing bottled water, ensure the seal is intact to avoid tampered products.
If you prefer a more sustainable option, carry a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. Many lodges and safari camps provide filtered or boiled water, which is safe for consumption.
Additionally, be cautious with ice cubes, to be certain they are made from filtered, boiled or bottled water.
6. Be Patient – Embrace “Pole Pole” Time
Tanzanians often use the phrase “pole pole” (pronounced “poh-leh poh-leh”), meaning “slowly, slowly.” Life in Tanzania moves at a relaxed pace, and this applies to customer service, transportation, and day-to-day interactions.
Travelers from fast-paced cultures may find this frustrating at first, but embracing it can make your experience more enjoyable.
Expect things to take longer than anticipated, whether it’s waiting for a meal at a restaurant or dealing with bureaucracy. Getting frustrated won’t speed things up - being patient and maintaining a friendly attitude will lead to better interactions and experiences.
7. Ask Before Taking Photos of People
Photography is a wonderful way to capture memories. While in Tanzania, always ask for permission before taking pictures of people, especially in rural areas or among Masai communities. Many locals appreciate the courtesy of being asked - just to be sure they are properly represented.
In certain situations, photography is not allowed at all. Government buildings, military facilities, and border posts are off-limits for photos.
Always check with your guide or local authorities before taking pictures in unfamiliar settings.
Tanzania Travel DONT's
1. Avoid Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
While holding hands is acceptable, kissing, hugging, and other forms of PDA (Public Displays of Affection) are frowned upon, particularly in Zanzibar and conservative areas.
Tanzania has a strong sense of public decorum, and couples should be mindful of how they interact in public spaces to avoid drawing attention.
2. Don’t Touch People’s Heads
In Tanzanian culture, touching someone’s head is considered intrusive and disrespectful.
The head is viewed as the most sacred part of the body, and placing your hand on someone’s head - especially a child’s - can be seen as inappropriate.
If you are unsure about local customs, a good practice is to observe how locals interact and follow their lead.
3. Don’t Feed or Get Close to Wild Animals
Feeding animals might seem like a kind gesture, but it disrupts their natural foraging instincts and can make them dependent on humans. This behaviour can be dangerous for both animals and people.
Additionally, attempting to get too close for photos or interactions can provoke aggressive reactions, putting you and the wildlife at risk.
Always respect the space of wild animals and enjoy watching them from a safe distance - as directed by the guides and rangers.
4. Don’t Walk Alone at Night
While Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, walking alone at night - especially in cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha - is not recommended.
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and muggings, can occur in poorly lit or less crowded areas. If you need to move around after dark, use a reputable taxi service or ride-sharing app rather than walking alone.
As with any place, there are good spots and bad spots of a large city. As a tourist, you won't know which one is better, and that is why you need to get help from your guide or trusted friends.
5. Don’t Wear Camouflage Clothing
Camouflage-patterned clothing is associated with the military and is illegal for civilians in Tanzania. Wearing it can lead to unnecessary issues with law enforcement.
Stick to neutral, comfortable clothing that is suitable for the climate and activities you plan to engage in.
Closing Thoughts
Tanzania is a remarkable country filled with natural wonders, diverse cultures, and warm hospitality. By following these essential dos and don’ts, you’ll not only have a smoother travel experience but also show respect for the local way of life.
Whether you’re trekking Kilimanjaro, exploring the Serengeti, or relaxing in Zanzibar, being mindful of cultural norms and travel etiquette will make your visit even more memorable.
Travel responsibly, embrace the adventure, and enjoy all that Tanzania has to offer!