I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.”
ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Tanzania is one of the most awe-inspiring countries in Africa—truly the Africa of your dreams. Picture yourself on the vast plains of the Serengeti, witnessing the Great Migration as thousands of wildebeest and zebras thunder across the savannah. Imagine standing in awe at the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, or relaxing on the pristine white sands of Zanzibar, where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean sparkle under the sun.
But Tanzania offers more than just iconic landscapes. From the lush Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” to the wild and remote Selous Game Reserve, there’s something for everyone here – whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, wildlife lover, or a beach seeker looking for paradise. Add to that the rich culture and warm hospitality of the Tanzanian people, and you’ve got a destination that truly has it all.
To help you plan your dream trip to Tanzania, I’ve created this helpful Tanzania Travel Guide, with lots of info and resources, useful links, and all of my Tanzania blog posts!
Things To Know About Tanzania
Capital: Dodoma
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
Languages: Swahili is the main language, however, there are over 100 regional languages spoken and English is widely understood. See my list of the most useful Swahili words and phrases here.
Visa: A 90-day Single Entry Visa is $50 for most nationalities. However, the fee for American citizens is $100 but the visa is valid for 12 months. Volunteers usually go in on a tourist visa, but then must apply for a Class C volunteer when there which costs $200. Most nationalities can get visas on arrival, however some need to apply in advance. You can check your visa regulations here.
Main Airport(s): Kilimanjaro International Airport (Arusha/Moshi), Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam), and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar).
When To Go: The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season between June and October. The short rains come in November and December and the long rains come in March to May. However, if you want to see the wildebeest migration you will want to avoid August to October as the migration moves into Kenya during this time. The wildebeest calving takes place during January and February. Whale shark season on Mafia Island is usually March to November.
Plugs: In Tanzania, they mostly use Type G British 3-pin style plugs (230V).
Festivals: Zanzibar hosts 3 major festivals a year – Sauti za Busara (February), the Zanzibar International Film Festival, (July), and the Zanzibar Beach and Watersports Festival (September).
Malaria: Malaria is a risk in parts of Tanzania so I would advise that you see a doctor before visiting to ensure you are protected. You can find more information about malaria in Tanzania here.
Vaccinations & Yellow Fever: You can see what vaccinations you need and whether you need a Yellow Fever certificate here and here.
Internet & Mobile: The two main networks in Tanzania are Airtel and Vodacom. In Zanzibar, Zantel is usually the best network. You need your passport to buy and register a SIM card.
Water: It is not advised to drink the tap water in Tanzania, so I would suggest buying bottled water, using a filter or sterilising water bottle
Safety: Tanzania is generally a safe country to visit however petty crime is common and there have been some reports of robberies and muggings in Dar es Salaam and Stone Town especially, so you need to keep your wits about you. I would advise you to take taxis after dark and if you do need to walk at night, keep to busy streets and preferably walk in a group. Unfortunately, being gay is an illegal offence in Tanzania, and in October 2018, the government announced an anti-gay crackdown and asked the public to report gay people. That includes foreigners, so be careful.
Where to Check Travel Advisories for Tanzania:
- FCDO (UK)
- Travel.State.Gov (USA)
- Government of Canada
- SmartTraveller (Australia)
What to Pack: You can see my complete Africa Packing List here.
Join a Rock My Adventure Tanzania Group Tour
Kenya & Tanzania Adventure
Kenya and Tanzania are two spectacular countries, with beautiful landscapes, vibrant cultures, world-class safaris, and some of the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever laid eyes on! So join us for an epic tour through some of the main highlights including Nairobi, the Masai Mara, Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar.
Southern Tanzania & Mafia Island Adventure
Want to get off the beaten track in Tanzania? Everybody does the Northern Circuit in Tanzania, but why not go somewhere a bit different, less visited (but just as amazing) and a lot more… ‘wild’? Then join me and some fellow intrepid travellers on a Southern Circuit safari and visit incredible Mafia Island.
Tanzania Blog Posts
