Tanzania is a breathtaking destination offering a mix of wildlife, landscapes, and culture. Whether you’re exploring the Serengeti, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches, this guide provides all the essential information to make your trip unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (June – October): Best for safaris and game viewing.

• Wet Season (November – May): Lush landscapes and fewer crowds; best for birdwatching.

• Great Migration (July – September): Witness thousands of wildebeest crossing the Mara River.

Top Destinations

Wildlife & Safari

1. Serengeti National Park – Famous for the Great Migration and abundant predators.

2. Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO-listed caldera teeming with diverse wildlife.

3. Tarangire National Park – Known for large elephant herds and baobab trees.

4. Selous Game Reserve – A remote and less crowded safari experience.

5. Ruaha National Park – Ideal for off-the-beaten-path adventures.

6. Mikumi National Park – A great option for short safaris from Dar es Salaam.

Mountains & Adventure

1. Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak and a world-class trekking destination.

2. Mount Meru – A challenging alternative to Kilimanjaro with stunning views.

3. Udzungwa Mountains – Ideal for hiking and waterfalls.

4. Usambara Mountains – Known for beautiful hiking trails and cultural encounters.

Beaches & Islands

1. Zanzibar – A tropical paradise with stunning beaches, spice farms, and historic Stone Town.

2. Mafia Island – Perfect for diving and whale shark encounters.

3. Pemba Island – A secluded, less-touristy escape with lush landscapes.

4. Pangani – A quiet coastal town with beautiful, untouched beaches.

Cultural & Historical Sites

1. Stone Town (Zanzibar) – Rich in Swahili history, markets, and architecture.

2. Olduvai Gorge – The cradle of humanity, featuring early human fossils.

3. Bagamoyo – A historical town with colonial and slave trade history.

4. Lake Victoria Region – Home to local fishing communities and cultural heritage.

5. Kondoa Rock Art Sites – UNESCO-listed ancient rock paintings.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• Most travelers require a tourist visa, which can be obtained online (eVisa) or on arrival.

• Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the entry date.

• Yellow fever vaccination is required if coming from an endemic country.

• COVID-19 regulations may apply; check official sources for updates.

Health & Safety

• Malaria precautions: Use mosquito repellent and consider taking antimalarial medication.

• Food & Water: Drink bottled or filtered water; avoid raw food from street vendors.

• Emergency Numbers: Police (112), Ambulance (114), Tourist Helpline (+255-22-211-0644).

• Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

Transportation

• Flights: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ).

• Roads: Major highways are good; however, rural roads can be rough.

• Public Transport: Dala-dalas (minibuses) are cheap but crowded; taxis and ride-sharing services are available in major cities.

• Trains & Ferries: Ferries connect Zanzibar with the mainland; TAZARA train offers scenic journeys.

• Car Rental: Available for self-drive adventures, but 4WD is recommended for remote areas.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury Lodges & Resorts: Found in safari parks and beach destinations.

• Mid-range Hotels & Camps: Ideal for comfort at reasonable prices.

• Budget Hostels & Guesthouses: Best for backpackers and budget travelers.

• Eco-Lodges & Tented Camps: Sustainable accommodations close to nature.

Currency & Payments

• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); USD is widely accepted.

• ATMs & Banks: Available in major cities; credit cards are accepted at hotels and lodges.

• Tipping: Customary for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (10% is common).

• Mobile Payments: Services like M-Pesa and Tigo Pesa are widely used.

Local Customs & Etiquette

• Greetings are important; a handshake is common.

• Dress modestly, especially in rural and Muslim areas.

• Bargaining is expected in markets.

• Respect local traditions and wildlife conservation efforts.

• Always ask before taking photos of people.

Must-Try Tanzanian Foods

1. Ugali – Staple maize meal served with stews.

2. Nyama Choma – Grilled meat, often beef or goat.

3. Zanzibar Pilau – Spiced rice dish.

4. Chapati – Soft flatbread.

5. Mandazi – Sweet fried dough, similar to donuts.

6. Mshikaki – Marinated meat skewers grilled over charcoal.

7. Mchuzi wa Samaki – Fish curry, popular in coastal areas.

Popular Activities

• Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti.

• Dhow Sailing & Snorkeling in Zanzibar.

• Chimpanzee Trekking in Mahale Mountains.

• Cultural Visits to Maasai and Hadzabe tribes.

• Diving & Deep-Sea Fishing off the coast.

• Canoeing & Boat Safaris in Lake Manyara and Selous.

• Cycling Tours around local villages and national parks.

Useful Swahili Phrases

• Hello – Jambo / Habari

• Thank You – Asante

• How much? – Bei gani?

• Goodbye – Kwaheri

• Where is…? – Wapi…?

• Yes – Ndio

• No – Hapana