Tanzania has a varied climate due to its diverse topography, which ranges from low-lying coastal areas to the mighty peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The coast — which includes the capital Dar es Salaam — experiences a tropical climate, with high humidity and temperatures of around 28 to 30°C (82.4 to 86°F) all-year-round. The main rainy season here runs from March to May, while there is a shorter one in November and December. The central plateau, which includes places like Dodoma and Arusha, tends to experience a mild climate, with warm days and cooler nights — expect highs of 30°C (86°F) in November — and a rainy season from December to March. Finally, the highlands are synonymous with a cooler climate — snow is often found on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, and you should wrap up warm here at night. Lows of around 8°C (46.4°F) are not uncommon.

There’s no bad time to visit Tanzania, though if you were looking for the best weather, then we’d recommend heading here during the dry seasons. June to October sees cooler weather — ideally for hiking and wildlife viewing — the latter (late December to February) offers similar conditions. March to May sees hot, humid and wet conditions — be prepared\!

Tipping isn’t expected in Tanzania, though it is very much appreciated and is an important source of income for those within the tourism industry. The usual ballpark figure is around 10% for good service in restaurants and other hospitality venues. If the service is exceptional, then go for 15-20% instead. You can use this guideline for staff on your tour if you'd like to show appreciation: * CEO: USD $5 per person, per day * Supply crew: USD $2-5 per person, per day * Driver: USD $5 per person, per day * Local guides: USD $1 per person, per day

Internet access in Tanzania has been steadily improving in recent years, and you’ll find relatively good internet in towns and cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha. However, in rural areas like game parks, expect it to be much slower and less reliable.

Yes — there are plenty of ATMs in Tanzania, particularly within towns and cities and tourist areas too. Most tend to accept Visa more than Mastercard, so plan accordingly, and check with your bank to find out whether you’ll be charged withdrawal fees. If you’re heading out into rural areas like game reserves, it’s a good idea to carry cash with you in case you can’t locate an ATM.

In a word — no, Tanzania isn’t particularly LGBTQ+-friendly, and same-sex relations between men are actually punishable by life imprisonment here. Be discreet and you should run into no problems. As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment. While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our [LGBTQ+ travel page](https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/).

The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, which is by the majority of the population and is used in government, commerce and education too. English is also spoken here too. Beyond these, there are over 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania, each with its own language — these include Zigua, Chaga, and Haya.

No, in a word, the tap water here isn’t safe to drink. We’d recommend only drinking bottled water wherever you are within the country. Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.

Tanzania is generally safe, and most visits here are trouble-free. That being said, petty crime does exist here, and you should be careful at night, particularly in towns and cities. Take a taxi. G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our [travel safety page](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/).