Discover Tanzania
Located in East Africa, Tanzania is one of Africa’s most fascinating adventure destinations—not surprisingly, as it is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and Serengeti National Park, where many species of African wildlife can be discovered. Active travelers come to Tanzania to hike up its famous mountain, see the world’s largest mammal migration, and for the chance to see the Big Five on safari: lion, elephant, African buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.
In-between adventures, travelers can head to the island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania for white sand beaches and cultural exploration. Or visit the Massai people, learning about their culture and way of life, or the nomadic Hadzabe bushmen who share their hunting and survival skills in the wild. With 22 national parks—a third of the country—Tanzania is one of the world’s best destinations for getting outdoors and exploring some of the world’s most fascinating people, animals, and landscapes.
Planning a trip to Tanzania? Read on to find out when to visit, what to do, and more to make your vacation unforgettable.
What is the best time to visit Tanzania?
Just south of the equator, Tanzania benefits from a temperate climate year-round. You can expect tropical and warm days and somewhat chilly to comfortably cool evenings. The seasons are marked by rains more so than by temperatures.
The best time to see wild animals is during Tanzania’s dry season, which runs from June—September. It can be overcast, dry, and dusty with daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Evenings can be chilly, dropping into the 50s and sometimes the 40s. The green season is December—March. These months are marked by pleasantly warm and sometimes wet days with daytime highs typically in the 80s and evening lows in the 60s. The main rainy season, masika (“Long Rains”), falls in late March—May. The vuli season (“Short Rains”) falls in October—December. These shorter rains are much lighter and less reliable than the main rainy season.
How to get to Tanzania?
From the mainland United States, you can fly through a number of countries including Qatar, UAE, and some European countries like the Netherlands. Most international flights will arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport as it’s the closest airport to the popular sites in the north. For those looking to go south to visit Selous Game Preserve or other parks and reserve in the area, Julius Nyerere International Airport is the better option (it’s also the country’s largest airport). For flights to Zanzibar, arrivals will be at Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume Airport.
How to get around in Tanzania?
The most common way to get around Tanzania is by bus. There are multiple bus companies that offer daily services in Tanzania, including Express Bus Lines and Akamba Bus. You can also travel by train, which is operated by Tanzania Railways Corporation. Taxis are also available in the larger cities and towns, and rental 4WDs are available from major airports and cities but be sure to check the roads before you travel, as some roads are in poor condition (only 20% of the country’s roads are paved). If short on time (but not money), inter-country flights are the quickest option to get to far-flung locations. Other forms of transport include ferries, water taxis, tuk-tuks, motorbikes, carriages, and shared minibuses called dalla dalla.
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Visas are required to enter Tanzania. The current fee is $100 USD for a 12-month single-entry tourist visa. Visas can be obtained on arrival, but it is recommended that you get your VISA in advance.
- eVisa: You may apply for an eVisa in advance of your arrival online. Please note that eVisas can take 2-3 weeks to issue. See the eVisa site for further information.
- Visas on arrival: Payment must be made in cash. Bring exact change using a new, clean, and crisp $100 bill with no tears or markings. Travelers must pass through three queues to obtain a government control number, pay for the visa in USD cash, and have the immigration agent check and issue the visa.
How many days should I spend in Tanzania?
To enjoy your Tanzania adventure without feeling rushed, you should plan to spend 10-14 days in Tanzania. This allows time to experience a safari, visit a few of the national parks, enjoy time in the cities, or visit Zanzibar for some beach time. Most travelers will be following the northern circuit route—which includes the country’s most famous sites, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro National Park, as well as other notable national parks—and will need at least 10-12 days to complete it.
What are the top 5 places to visit in Tanzania?
1. Serengeti National Park
If coming to Tanzania, this national park is a must. Covering an area over 5,700 square miles, the park is known for its safaris and the fact that it has one of the highest concentrations of large mammals in the world, including giraffes, elephants, zebras, lions, ja ckals, and more. One of its most exciting annual experiences is the chance to see The Great Migration, when over one million wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras make the move from Tanzania to Kenya (and back again).
Tagging alongside are hyenas, lions, cheetahs, and other predatory beasts, looking to pull the weakest animals from the herd. It usually happens around July—September, with the Grumeti River crossing being one of the most exciting times to watch the herd as it packs into the river despite the risk of thousands of crocodiles waiting to attack. Other favorite experiences include the hippos at the Retina Hippo Pool in Central Serengeti, where hundreds of hippos converge, and the Lobo Valley in the north, where a concentration of leopards, cheetahs, and lions can be found. For those who have the inclination, a hot air balloon ride over the park is one of the best ways to see the scope of The Great Migration.
2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
One of the most popular attractions at this conservation area is the 12-mile-wide Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can explore one of the world’s largest unbroken volcanic calderas. Inside this caldera, travelers can see some of the Great Migration as well as some of the 300 species of animals that congregate here, including black rhinos, elephants, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, cheetahs, and much more. While in the conservation, travelers can opt to coordinate a visit with the fascinating Maasai tribe or the Hadzabe tribe, a tribe of hunter/gatherers that have somehow managed to hold off the modern world. Sitting between the conservation and Serengeti National Park, is the Olduvai Gorge, a paleoanthropological site recognized for its fossil beds.
3. Mount Kilimanjaro
Tanzania’s most recognized resident is Mount Kilimanjaro. This dormant volcano is Africa’s tallest mountain and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, measuring an astonishing 19,300 feet above sea level. Climbing to its summit is considered easy (compared to other top 10 mountains in the world) as no special skills or tools are needed—it’s essentially a hike up to the top. The mountain has seven treks to its summit, and hikers should plan accordingly on which trek is best suited to them as a significant number of the 30,000 people who hike it every year won’t make it to the summit because of altitude sickness. To acclimate slowly to the altitude and to help guarantee a successful climb, hikers should consider taking the nine-day Northern Circuit route, which is also one of its easiest routes.
4. Zanzibar
Situated about 20 miles off the eastern coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean is an archipelago of islands. Known as the Spice Islands because of the farming and production of spices (in particular, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper), the islands are also popular with travelers looking for sun and sea, especially Unguja Island—more commonly known as Zanzibar and the largest island in the archipelago. White sand beaches surrounded by palm trees lure travelers to one of Zanzibar’s 25 beaches for relaxation and water sports. For breaks between beaches, visit historic Stone Town in Zanzibar City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its narrow streets, fortresses, former sultan palaces, and where the majority of the island’s 550 iconic wooden doorways can be found.
5. Tarangire National Park
The second most visited park in Tanzania (after Serengeti National park) is Tarangire National Park, a 1,100 square mile park popular for safaris. The park is known for its baobab trees, the largest elephant population in Tanzania, leopards, oryx, antelope, zebras, and cape buffaloes, and is also home to one of Tanzania’s Lion Conservation Units. Bird lovers will enjoy sighting one of the 500 bird species in the park, including the rufous-tailed weaver, which is only found in Tanzania.
What are the best Tanzania adventure tours?
1. Tanzania Ultimate Serengeti Active Safari
It’s hard to top a classic safari in Tanzania, unless you add the rare experience of exploring the Serengeti on foot! Immerse yourself in the great plains on a three-day walking adventure then join game drives in Tanzania’s four great parks. Explore Tarangire’s unique baobab woodlands; visit Lake Manyara, home to tree-climbing lions and Ngorongoro Crater with an Eden-like floor; and take in the Serengeti, home to the world’s largest and longest migration. Learn about century-old customs from the Maasai people and relax at comfortable camps and lodges in the wild on this 11-day adventure.
2. Tanzania Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
Summit mighty Kilimanjaro on this 10-day dream mountain adventure! Follow MT Sobek’s highly experienced guides up a less-traveled route with a 98% summiting success rate. Journey along the forested slopes of Mount Meru, home to colobus monkeys, buffalo, giraffes, and elephants. Marvel at the Great Barranco Valley’s otherworldly senecio, groundsel, and lobelia plants and witness the stunning Lava Tower, a rocky outcrop piercing up over 15,000 feet into the sky. Magical sunsets and glacier vistas await at campsites en route to the “roof of Africa” at 19,340 feet.
Where are the top places to stay in Tanzania?
1. Moivaro Lodge: Arusha, Tanzania
Surrounded by an impressive array of flora and fauna, the charming Moivaro Lodge is a perfect African retreat. Set in thatched brick cottages surrounded by pretty tropical gardens, spacious rooms showcase private verandas, fireplaces, and en-suite bathrooms. Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Meru from the porch, or laze by the pool in the midst of coffee plants.
2. MT Sobek Deluxe Camp – Misigiyo: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Surrounded by volcanic landscapes of the Crater Highlands, the deluxe Misigiyo Camp brings true meaning to the phrase “getting away from it all.” Luxury-style tents feature en-suite bathrooms. Guests enjoy meals at the large mess dining tent, and lounge with books and games at the library. Outdoor seating provides lovely vistas of the wilderness.
3. MT Sobek Mobile Serengeti Camp: Serengeti, Tanzania
MT Sobek’s specially designed wilderness camping experience includes comfortable dome tents, all well-appointed with elevated cot beds, mattresses, sheets, duvet, and pillows. Come morning, warm water basins, soap, and towels await, as well as hot bucket-style showers. Meals are served alfresco or in the enclosed mess tent. Evenings include sundowners and pre-dinner snacks around the campfire. Your guiding team will move the mobile camp each day and you will arrive in a new part of the Serengeti with everything already set up!
Interesting Things to Know About Tanzania
- Tanzania is home to the highest and lowest points in Africa. Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the continent, stands at 19,341 feet above sea level while Lake Tanganyika is the lowest point, at 1,155 feet below sea level.
- Tanzania is home to some of the oldest evidence of human life, with some fossils being more than two million years old. The Olduvai Gorge is a paleoanthropological site that is often referred to as “The Cradle of Mankind” because of the remains found there that are believed to be from the earliest humans.
- Tanzania is one of the world’s leading producers of coffee, cotton, cashew nuts, and tobacco. Cashews are the highest yielding cash crop, and both cashews and tobacco are the most exported crops.
- The singer Freddie Mercury from the band Queen was born in Stone Town on the island of Zanzibar.
- One of only two populations of tree-climbing lions reside in Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. The other population resides in Uganda.
- When using your hands in Tanzania, the right hand is considered the “clean hand” and is used for eating as well as greeting people. The left hand is considered the “dirty hand,” and used for going to the bathroom. Always use your right hand when handshaking.
- Lake Tanganyika is the second largest, second deepest, and second oldest freshwater lake in the world and sits on the border of Tanzania, the DRC, Burundi, and Zambia.
What is the language in Tanzania?
The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, also known as Kiswahili. English is also widely spoken while Maa is spoken by the Maasi people.
What to eat in Tanzania?
Depending on where you are in Tanzania will determine some of the food you eat—cooking methods and ingredients will vary from region to region. However, there are some staples served across the country, especially grains like rice and ugali (corn meal). Plantains are popular, oftentimes fried into chips, and vegetables like okra and spinach are also prevalent throughout the country.
Some popular foods in Tanzania include ugali (maize porridge), pilau (spiced rice with meat), nyama choma (grilled meat), samaki wa kupaka (grilled fish with coconut sauce), chapati (flatbread), wali wa nazi (steamed rice in coconut milk), wali na maharagwe (rice and beans), mchuzi wa samaki (fish curry), mshikaki (marinated grilled meat, usually beef, goat, or lamb), and mchicha (stewed spinach).
What is the currency in Tanzania?
The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US dollars are accepted, particularly in the areas where travelers are most likely to be visiting. It’s a good rule of thumb to have both shillings and US dollars on you, especially when shopping in local markets or shops. Credit cards are also accepted, but usually only in the major cities or establishments, with Mastercard and Visa being the cards most often accepted.
What is the electricity in Tanzania?
The standard voltage in Tanzania is 230 V, 50Hz and uses type D and G plugs. Most electronics from the US require a 110-120V AC, 60Hz. US travelers will need a currency converter for all electronic devices. A good resource to see images of plug types is www.power-plugs-sockets.com.
What is the time zone in Tanzania?
Tanzania is on East Africa Time (EAT), which is GMT +3 hours. It is seven hours ahead of New York and ten hours ahead of Los Angeles.
What to wear in Tanzania?
Do not underestimate the intensity of the equatorial sun and the possibility for cold winter evenings and mornings. It is essential to bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and warm layers.
During the day, shorts and t-shirts are appropriate. If you are sensitive to the sun, a loose shirt is essential during the day for sun protection. Dawn and dusk game drives in open vehicles can be cold and breezy. It is best to layer with long pants, a fleece or jacket, and a warm hat. Bring a sun hat for daytime and sturdy hiking shoes for treks up Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Pack neutral colors and earth tones (khaki, green, and beige), as these are best for deflecting harsh sun, less likely to attract mosquitoes and tsetse flies, and less conspicuous in the African bush. Note that camouflage or military-style clothing is strictly prohibited. It is recommended that you also pack insect repellant to help ward off insects.
Safari camps are casual, and it is acceptable to wear your daytime safari clothing to dinner.