Tanzania Travel Guide

Tanzania is an exciting bucket list-destination, with breathtaking safaris, challenging trekking in its beautiful mountains, the beautiful white sand beaches of Zanzibar, cultural experiences, and friendly people. This travel guide covers the highlights of Tanzania, how to get around, safety, scams and more to help you plan your trip.

Note: This travel guide and posts on Tanzania are updated as of July 2023.

Tanzania Travel Guide: Top Attractions

Serengeti National Park

One of the greatest attractions in Tanzania is the Great Migration in the Serengeti. The biggest unaltered wildlife migration in the world, with over a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, travel over 500 miles (800 km) in search of fresh grassland.

Actively pursued by a high density of predators, their journey is fraught with perils. Like the Nile crocodile, who wait for them at the Mara River, and the lion, who reside here in the highest density in Africa.

The rest of the Big Five is also present, with beautiful herds of elephant, numerous African buffalo, and much more, including common sightings of elusive cheetah. Even if you don’t visit when the migration is here, your trip will still be 100% amazing.

Ngorongoro Crater

Nearby Ngorongoro Crater is another top destination, boasting the highest density of wildlife in Africa. So dense, you’re likely to check the Big Five off your list in just a few hours. And as it’s only a 3 hour drive from the Serengeti, it’s great to combine the two together.

In addition to outstanding wildlife, thousands of Massai live nearby and graze their livestock in the Crater, providing an opportunity to witness an age old tradition as well as meet some of them.

You can also learn more about our ancient ancestors at the museum here, as hominid footprints over 3 million years old were found fossilized in volcanic ash nearby.

Tarangire National Park

Although the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater get most of the safari attention, Tarangire National Park also provides excellent game viewing.

Numerous game is drawn to the Tarangire river during the dry season, most notably, large herds of elephant. The only Big Five mammal missing is the critically endangered rhino.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano, is the highest mountain in Africa and very popular trekking destination. With Uhuru peak’s elevation gain of over 13,000’ (3,962 m), it’s best to acclimatize by tackling this hike over several days.

Machame, one of the most popular trails, is a little over 20 miles (32 km), but paced at 6-7 days.

The Usambara Mountains

The Usambara Mountains are another trekking destination, although much less challenging. You can hike to the panoramic view of Irente Peak in two hours from Lushoto. Plus, you pass through villages of friendly Tanzanians as you hike, making it an excellent cultural destination as well. Like the ladies below that were laughing at our attempts to dance…

Zanzibar

For some R&R after safaris or trekking, a visit to exotic Zanzibar is an ideal add-on. You can rest on its idyllic powdery-white beaches, snorkel or scuba in its colorful reefs, or visit UNESCO Heritage site Stone Town, with its rich history and unique fusion of cultures.

Or, you can also make this stunning island your main destination! I’ve been here twice now and still want to go back. Friendly people, stunning beaches, amazing history, and so much more. Like did you know that Freddie Mercury, rock icon and lead singer of Queen, was born here?

Tanzania Travel Guide: Best Time To Visit

Visiting Tanzania is generally best in the dry season, from June to October. This is conveniently true for safaris, trekking, and beaches, however, more specifics are noted below.

Serengeti

General Game-Viewing: Best in the dry season, June to October. Game congregates around water, making them easier to find.

The Great Migration: Location specifics of the Great Wildebeast Migration in the Serengeti are weather dependent, but there are general trends. The dramatic Mara River crossing is between August and October, although the animals may be in Kenya’s Masai Mara towards the end of this time. In June and July, they are generally near Grumeti River, which is another crossing, although not as dramatic. If you want to see numerous baby wildebeest, visit during calving season late January to February. Know though, that it will also be attended by many predators.

Ngorongoro Crater

General Game-Viewing: Ngorongoro is a great destination year round, but best in the dry season, June to October. You can also see wildebeest calving here in January and February.

Tarangire National Park

Game-viewing is also best here in the dry season, June to October, as the animals flock to Tarangire River.

Trekking Kilimanjaro

This trek is best with the least precipitation and most visibility, which is June to October. January to February is also good, but there may be snow at the summit.

Zanzibar

The best time to visit Zanzibar is the dry season, June to October. January and February is another dry season, but temperatures can get warm.

Although April is the rainy season, I visited during this time and got lucky with mostly sunny days. It’s also Ramadan, so between the rain and the holiday, many restaurants and tourist places are closed.

Tanzania Travel Guide: Languages

Although there are over 100 languages in Tanzania, Bantu, Swahili, and English are the three most popular.

English, spoken only by a small percentage, is more common in major tourist areas.

Tanzania Travel Guide: Money Matters

Currency: Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzanian Schilling (TZD or TSh). Conversion rates as of January 1, 2024 were as follows.

• USD (1)=2,510 TZD
• Euro (1)=2,767 TZD
• CNY (1)=352 TZD

Some locations in tourist areas accept US dollars, but only newer bills. I would stick to crisp, bills, 2009 or newer, to be safe. If bringing a US $100 bill, bring the version from 2013 or sooner. This one with the blue stripe. I have read they may consider older ones to be counterfeit.

Credit Cards & ATMs: Credit cards are only accepted in larger towns and by some lodges, but not consistently. Fees of 5-10% are common when they are. Due to inconsistency, it’s best to ask or pay in advance. ATMs may be available in larger cities, but may be hard to find, making it best to bring cash.

Tipping: Although tipping is voluntary, 5% is the norm for restaurants if not part of the bill. Although at your discretion, most travel guides for Tanzania suggest tipping your safari guide 10-15 USD per day. 3-5 USD/day for staff community jars is reasonable.

Tanzania Travel Guide: Safety

Tanzania is relatively safe, but pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, and robberies do occur. Especially in larger cities, like Arusha (Kilimanjaro’s base) and Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar is safe, but be cautious walking alone at night. I honestly felt safe walking solo at night here, but it’s better to be prudent.

It’s best to try to blend in, not wear flashy clothes or jewelry, or carry more cash than you need. Always be aware of your surroundings and be vigilant.

Trust your instincts. If things don’t feel right look for other options.

In addition, LGTB individuals should be cautious as homosexuality is a criminal offense here. If not kept private, it is possible to become a target.

Tanzania Travel Guide: Scams

Tanzania is generally safe, but always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in Arusha and Dar Es Salaam.

Pickpockets/Bag Snatch

Only carry as much cash as you need that day and keep your purse/wallet close. If someone grabs your bag while driving by on a bike, please let it go. You could get seriously hurt.

Fake Tours/Guides

Never buy tickets or tours from touts in the street. To completely avoid this, buy from reputable agencies or your hotel. If you do buy from someone questionable, verify their website and check reviews. Also make sure the phone number actually works. Be even more cautious if your safety is a concern.

Unofficial Taxis

Always use official taxis or ride hailing vehicles. There have been reports of tourists getting into unmarked ones, then being driven to ATMs and forced to reveal PIN numbers. It’s best to bring cards with only a small amount of money on them to minimize theft if this does happen.

Bill Switching

When you receive change, they may try to say you handed over a smaller bill than you actually did, or give you the wrong change. Try to keep smaller bills on you to minimize this.

Carjackings

Unfortunately, in Dar Es Salaam, carjackings occur. Especially with fancier vehicles. If this happens, try to remain calm, and do what is asked. Find out in advance what your insurance will and will not cover.

Imitation Tanzanite

Tanzanite, only mined in Tanzania, is best to buy there. Sometimes, however, they sell fakes. This video on tanzanite shows how to determine what is ligit. Always buy from reputable jewelers and members of the International Colored Gemstone Association.

Tanzania Travel Guide: Getting Around

Serengeti National Park

Air: You can arrange flights from Kilimanjaro, Nairobi, and Arusha airports to one of several airstrips in the Serengeti.

Drive: The Serengeti is a 7-8 hour drive from all three airports above, so faster by air.

Combination Fly/Drive: A popular option is to fly into the Serengeti and drive out (or visa versa) to visit other parks and areas.

Ngorongoro Crater

Air: Flights can be arranged with your safari group to the nearby airstrip.

Drive: The drive from Arusha and Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro is about 3-4 and 4-5 hours respectively. Ngorongoro is about 3 hours from the Serengeti.

Tarangire National Park

Air: Flights can be arranged to the nearby airstrip.

Drive: The drive from Arusha and Kilimanjaro to Tarangire is about 3 and 4 hours respectively. Tarangire is about a 4.5 hour drive from Ngorongoro.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Treks start in Arusha, which is about 45 minutes from Kilimanjaro airport.

The Usambara Mountains

The Usambara Mountains are about halfway between Dar and Arusha, making it a perfect stop.

Drive: Lushoto is about 6 hours from Arusha and 6-7 from Dar.

Bus: There are direct buses to Lushoto from Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Or, take a bus from Arusha to Dar es Salaam, and get off at Mombo (4.5 hours). Then take a dala dala to Lushoto (1 hour). Or you can do the reverse, which is slightly longer.

Zanzibar Main Island (Unguja)

From Dar es Salaam

Flights: Flights to Unguja are about 45 minutes from Dar, where you can taxi to your destination.

Ferry: The ferry is a colorful adventure, taking about 2 hours. It arrives directly in Stone Town, which is probably within walking distance of your hotel.

For getting around inside Zanzibar, see my post on the Top Things To Do In Zanzibar.

Tanzania Travel Guide: Visa Information

US, most European, and Chinese citizens can obtain a visa upon arrival or apply for an eVisa. Single and multiple entry visas are available. The visa on arrival must be paid in $50 or $100 notes cash. Bring only recent, crisp ones as noted in Money Matters.

A 14 day transit visa is also available, but proof of onward travel must be provided. See the Tanzania eVisa Policy for more details and visas for other countries.

Tanzania Travel Guide: Top Destination Blogs & Stories

Click on the icons below for more details on the top destinations and stories from Tanzania.

If this travel guide for Tanzania has been helpful in planning, or just dreaming about Tanzania, please leave a comment in the notes below.

Safe Travels!

Julie

Note: All efforts have been made to provide accurate information in the Travel Guide Android posts for Tanzania, but from time to time things change. If you see something that is not correct, please contact me below.

To learn more about me and my philosophy on travel, see my about me page.