When you’re finally in Tanzania the priority will no doubt be where to stay. Apart from making sure your accommodation has a fan and the occasional running water here are a few main point to make your stay easier and eventually-fun.

If travelling to Dar es Salaam on a  shoestring budget, Jambo Inn is located in the bustling Dar es Salaam City Centre can be a good accommodation option. By any standards this cozy little place with reliable fans guarantees you the value for your money whether in business or for pleasure.

Beachcomber Hotel & Resort backs the white of Jangwani Beach, located just 35 minutes away from the airport is also a good choice. Beachcomber is ideal for beach lovers and haters of traffic. Situated close by is Kaya Guest House, a large white villa, built like a residence and very intimate.

Mbezi Beach Home Rental is a home away from home apartment block. Each unit is a design masterpiece and has 2 bedrooms; one with a Queen size bed while the other has twin beds. The Green Hill Hotel consists 6 multi unit town houses offering luxury accommodation.

On the other hand if you’re travelling for business or you simply prefer the finer things in life Dar has an endless list of Tanzania hotels. For the best restaurants, swimming pools, room service, fitness centres, parking and access to business; you may try out Golden Tulip, Protea Hotel Courtyard, Kunduchi Beach Hotel and Resort as well as Sheraton Dar es Salaam.

The Golden Tulip is an indulgence at any time while Protea Hotel Courtyard has immaculate and extremely friendly service. Contrary to its  name, Sleep Inn Hotel is an impressive hotel bustling with just the right amount of energy to counter the lethargy of hot Dar es Salaam. Kunduchi Beach Hotel and Resort is on its part a  convenient sample of Dar’s splendid coastline while Sheraton Dar es Salaam one of the oldest modern hotels in Dar es Salaam – best recommended by the locals.

In case you would like to venture north, Arusha is a charmer of a city. More importantly, Arusha provides an ample substitute for anyone trying to escape the heat of Dar es Salaam.  Ujamaa Hostel is a volunteer based hostel in Arusha; is fun, safe, and easy on the budget. Check out the local culture and spend time volunteering in the community. Sakina Campsite is a mere 15minutes walk from Arusha town and offers everything from ensuite rooms to dormitories.

Dar es Salaam, known in ancient times as the ‘place of peace’ is an interesting combination of Tanzania  safari options. Its benevolent personalities allows it to absorb even the most cumbersome of foreign cultures. It’s nation’s political history of brotherhood and camaraderie is reflected everyday; everywhere. There are honestly very few disappointments in Dar es Salaam.
When travelling to Tanzania, it is highly recommended that you take out inclusive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs before you leave. Confirm that your insurance covers you for all the time you will be away and check what conditions and activities are not included in your policy. Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about precautionary measures, immunizations and potential outbreaks overseas.

Malaria occurs commonly and across seasons in Tanzania, except in areas above 1800 metres. Chloroquine resistant strains of malaria have been identified. It’s recommended that you take prophylaxis against malaria and take measures to evade insect bites. Furthermore consider having vaccinations before traveling, and while you’re there boil your drinking water or drink bottled water. Travellers should avoid swimming in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water borne diseases e.g. bilharzia—as well as the trifling possibility of being attacked by wildlife.

While travelling, don’t carry too much cash and remember that showy watches, jewellery and cameras put you at higher risk of theft in some areas, both urban and rural. It is generally not recommend that you use credit cards in rural Tanzania because of the risk of fraud. Although Dar es Salaam is generally safe, it is sensible to take precaution against your belongings being tampered with.

All visits to Tanzania require a visa except citizens of some African and commonwealth countries. It is advisable to obtain visa’s in advance from Tanzania Embassies and High Commissions as some airlines may require it before allowing you to board. But you can also be issued with a visa on arrival at Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro international airports and at the Namanga Gate on the Kenya /Tanzania border. Passports must be valid for at least six months.

Nationals of countries exempt from visa requirements will be issued with a free visitors pass at the same entry points. Those travelling to Zanzibar should be aware that the Islands are nominally independent and passports and Tanzania visas are required even for a days visit. Visa requirements however vary from time to time and you are advised to check on prevailing status well ahead of travel.

- Image: Coral Beach hotel, Dar es salaam, Tanzania

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