Best now
Tanzania
Arusha & Serengeti
Warm
From $234 /day
Tanzania
Tanzania is a land of breathtaking contrasts where the vast golden savannahs of the Serengeti meet the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. It is home to the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, and the prehistoric Ngorongoro Crater, which acts as a natural enclosure for a diverse range of wildlife. You can experience the timeless rhythm of Swahili culture in the narrow alleys of Stone Town or witness the thunderous Great Migration across the northern plains. Whether you are searching for the elusive Big Five on a safari or relaxing on the spice-scented beaches of Zanzibar, the country offers a sense of ancient wonder. It is a destination that stays with you, defined by the warmth of its people and the raw power of its natural landscapes.
On This Page
We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
2 cities
6 guides
$99 – $234 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Dodoma
Languages
Swahili, English
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
1 $ ≈ 2,554 TSh
Plug Type
Type D/G (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Left
Dial Code
+255
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
EAT (UTC+3)
Emergency
112 (Emergency/Police), 114 (Fire)
Why Visit Tanzania
The Great Migration
Witness one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on Earth as millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the Serengeti year-round. Mara River crossings are typically late July–early September (timing varies with rainfall).
Mount Kilimanjaro
Known as the Roof of Africa, this dormant volcano stands at 5895 meters and offers one of the world's most accessible high-altitude treks. Reaching the Uhuru Peak summit provides an unparalleled view of the continent above the clouds.
Zanzibar’s Tropical Shores
The archipelago offers a perfect blend of relaxation and history with its white-sand beaches and the historic Stone Town. You can spend your days snorkeling in crystal-clear reefs or exploring the aromatic spice plantations that give the island its nickname.
Ngorongoro Crater
Often called the eighth wonder of the world, this massive volcanic caldera provides a unique ecosystem where over 25,000 large animals live year-round. It is one of the best places in Africa to spot the rare black rhino in its natural habitat.
Rich Swahili Heritage
Tanzania’s coast is a melting pot of African, Arabian, and Indian influences, visible in its intricate architecture and delicious fusion cuisine. Engaging with the local culture through traditional dhow sailing or market visits offers deep insight into the region's history.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Tanzania
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Northern Circuit
This is the most popular region for travelers, encompassing the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the gateway for world-class safaris and high-altitude trekking adventures, usually starting from the city of Arusha.
Zanzibar Archipelago
Comprising the islands of Unguja and Pemba, this region is famous for its exotic beaches and the UNESCO-listed Stone Town. It is an ideal destination for those looking to combine a safari with a relaxing coastal retreat.
Southern Circuit
For those seeking a more remote and rugged experience, the Southern Circuit includes the vast Nyerere National Park and Ruaha. These areas offer authentic wilderness encounters with far fewer crowds than the northern parks.
Western Circuit
This remote region borders Lake Tanganyika and is home to the Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream. It is the premier destination for chimpanzee trekking and exploring some of the deepest freshwater ecosystems in the world.
Cities & Destinations:
Best Time to Visit
The dry season provides the best conditions for wildlife viewing and climbing, while the lush green seasons offer unique birdwatching and lower costs.
Peak Season
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
The cool dry season is ideal for safaris as animals congregate around water sources. It is also the best time for the Great Migration river crossings and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with temperatures ranging from 20–28°C (68–82°F).
Shoulder Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
This period includes the short rains and the 'short dry' window in January–February. It is the peak calving season in the Serengeti and an excellent time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.
Off-Peak
Mar, Apr, May
Known as the 'long rains,' many dirt roads become difficult to navigate and some lodges in remote areas close. However, landscapes are exceptionally green and accommodation rates are significantly discounted.
Getting Around
Tanzania is a vast country where transport varies from high-speed domestic flights to crowded local minibuses known as dala-dalas.
Flight
The fastest way to travel between major hubs like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar. One-way tickets typically cost $59–$295 / TSh150,450–TSh752,250.
Bus
Luxury intercity coaches connect major towns like Arusha and Dar es Salaam; tickets should be booked a day in advance for ~$18–$35 / TSh45,135–TSh90,270.
Ferry
Modern high-speed catamarans operate between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar City, with the journey taking roughly 2 hours for ~$41 / TSh105,315.
Metro
There is no metro system, but Dar es Salaam has a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network that uses dedicated lanes to bypass traffic.
Food & Drink
Tanzanian cuisine is a flavorful reflection of its diverse cultural history, featuring staples like maize and plantains alongside aromatic spices like cloves and cinnamon. Coastal areas are heavily influenced by Indian and Arabic traditions, while the interior focuses on hearty, nourishing meals.
Must Try
Ugali
The national staple made from maize flour and water, this thick porridge is traditionally eaten with the right hand and served with stews or greens.
Nyama Choma
Meaning roasted meat in Swahili, this is a beloved social dish where goat or beef is slow-grilled over charcoal and served with a side of kachumbari salad.
Pilau
A fragrant rice dish cooked with a blend of spices like cardamom, cloves, and black pepper, often served during celebrations and special gatherings.
Zanzibar Pizza
A unique street food find in Stone Town consisting of a thin dough filled with meat, egg, vegetables, and creamy cheese, then pan-fried to perfection.
Chipsi Mayai
A comforting street food staple that is essentially a French fry omelet, usually served with a spicy pili-pili sauce and fresh salad.
Mshikaki
Marinated meat skewers, typically beef or chicken, that are grilled over open flames and sold at busy street corners in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
Chai ya Tangawizi
A powerful and refreshing ginger tea that is a morning ritual for many locals, often served with a hint of cinnamon or cloves.
Money & Costs
While Tanzania is a lower-middle-income country, safari and trekking tourism is priced for international markets with a daily budget of ~$167 / TSh427,278.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the tourism sector; safari guides typically receive $12–$24 / TSh30,090–TSh60,180 per day, while 10% is standard in city restaurants.
Cards
Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and large shops in cities, but usually attract a 3–5% surcharge.
ATMs
ATMs are widely available in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam, but often have a withdrawal limit of ~$177–$295 / TSh451,350–TSh752,250 per transaction.
Culture & Etiquette
Tanzanians are known for their hospitality and polite nature, with a deep respect for social hierarchies and elders. Visitors should be mindful of conservative values, particularly when visiting rural areas or the predominantly Muslim coast.
✓
Always greet people before starting a conversation; use 'Habari' for peers or 'Shikamoo' as a sign of respect for elders.
✓
Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees, especially when wandering through Stone Town or local villages.
✕
Do not use your left hand for eating, greeting, or exchanging money, as it is traditionally considered unclean.
✓
Ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, particularly members of the Maasai community.
✕
Avoid public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, which are generally frowned upon in Tanzanian society.
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Remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a mosque, and look for shoes placed outside as a sign.
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Do not point at people or things with your index finger; instead, use your whole hand to gesture toward a direction.
✓
Be patient and polite in all interactions, as getting angry or raising your voice is seen as a major loss of face.
Safety & Health
Travelers should exercise a high degree of caution due to crime and the risk of terrorism in specific regions like Mtwara near the Mozambique border.
Tap Water
Not safe to drink
Vaccinations
Yellow Fever vaccination is required when arriving from (or long-transiting through) a country with yellow-fever transmission risk. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Malaria prophylaxis are strongly recommended for travelers.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Express kidnappings where victims are forced to withdraw cash from multiple ATMs
- ⚠ Unlicensed 'briefcase' safari operators selling fake or substandard tours
- ⚠ Overcharging by unofficial taxis at airports and ferry terminals
- ⚠ Street sellers claiming to represent a charity or school to solicit donations
Healthcare facilities are limited outside major cities; comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is essential.
Language
Swahili is the national language and a source of pride, while English is the primary language for business, higher education, and tourism.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Jambo | JAM-boh |
| Thank you | Asante | ah-SAN-teh |
| Welcome | Karibu | kah-REE-boo |
| Please | Tafadhali | tah-fah-DHA-lee |
| No worries | Hakuna matata | hah-KOO-nah mah-TAH-tah |
| How are you? | Habari? | hah-BAH-ree |
| Slowly | Pole pole | POH-leh POH-leh |
| Goodbye | Kwa heri | kwah HEH-ree |
Visa & Entry
Most visitors require a visa, which can be obtained through the official Electronic Visa Application System before travel.
Max Stay
90 days
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Visa-free for
South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, Singapore
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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