Tanzania
Discover
Tanzania
Africa's crown jewel — from the endless Serengeti plains to the turquoise shores of Zanzibar
16+
National Parks
5,895m
Mt. Kilimanjaro
~1M
Wildebeest Migration
150+
Islands & Islets
Overview
The Land of Wonders
Tanzania is East Africa's ultimate destination — a country of extraordinary diversity where vast savannah plains, snow-capped volcanic peaks, ancient rainforests, and pristine coral reefs coexist in breathtaking harmony.
Home to the world's greatest wildlife spectacle — the Great Wildebeest Migration — and the continent's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania offers experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth. Its 16 national parks and 28 game reserves protect some of the planet's most precious ecosystems and biodiversity.
Beyond wildlife, the Zanzibar Archipelago captivates with its spice-scented Stone Town, ancient Swahili culture, and impossibly turquoise waters. The country's rich tapestry of over 120 ethnic groups creates a vibrant, welcoming cultural mosaic rooted in the warmth of Swahili tradition.
Whether you're tracking the Big Five through the Serengeti, trekking the Roof of Africa, or dhow-sailing the Indian Ocean, Tanzania delivers memories that last a lifetime.
Capital
Dodoma (administrative) · Dar es Salaam (commercial)
Languages
Swahili (official), English, 120+ local languages
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) — USD widely accepted
Main Entry Points
Julius Nyerere Intl (DAR) · Kilimanjaro Intl (JRO) · Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ)
Time Zone
EAT — UTC+3 (no daylight saving)
Electricity
230V / 50Hz — Type G sockets (UK-style)
Dialing Code
+255
Top Destinations
Where to Go
Tanzania's highlights span savannah, summit, coast, and culture — each destination a world unto itself.
Wildlife
Serengeti National Park
Northern Tanzania · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Africa's most iconic wildlife sanctuary, the Serengeti stretches 14,763 km² of endless golden plains hosting the planet's greatest natural spectacle. The annual Great Wildebeest Migration sees over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle thunder across the savannah in an ancient rhythm of survival and renewal.
Key Highlights
- Great Wildebeest Migration (year-round)
- Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino
- Balloon safaris over the plains at sunrise
- Predator-prey action on the Mara River
- Kopjes — ancient rock formations with resident wildlife
- Infinite star-gazing from mobile camps
Trekking
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Region
Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest free-standing mountain. Six routes of varying difficulty take trekkers through five climate zones from lush rainforest to arctic summit.
- Uhuru Peak — 5,895 m above sea level
- Routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai
- No technical climbing required
- Stunning glaciers and volcanic crater
Beach & Culture
Zanzibar Archipelago
Indian Ocean · Island Escape
The Spice Islands — a world of powdery white beaches, turquoise lagoons, and UNESCO-listed Stone Town. A perfect post-safari paradise with deep Swahili and Arabic heritage.
- Stone Town — UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Nungwi & Kendwa pristine beaches
- Spice tours (cloves, vanilla, pepper)
- Snorkelling & diving in crystal waters
Wildlife
Ngorongoro Crater
Northern Tanzania
The world's largest intact volcanic caldera — a natural enclosure hosting one of Africa's densest concentrations of wildlife, including the critically endangered black rhino.
- 25,000+ animals in 260 km² crater
- All of the Big Five in one day
- Maasai living in the Conservation Area
- Olduvai Gorge — cradle of humankind
Remote Wilderness
Nyerere / Selous NP
Southern Tanzania
Africa's largest protected area and one of its most remote. Vast and wild, offering walking safaris, boat safaris on the Rufiji River, and fly-camping adventures far from the crowds.
- Largest elephant herds in Africa
- Boat safaris on the Rufiji River
- Walking safaris available
- Wild dogs and massive croc populations
Wildlife
Tarangire National Park
Northern Tanzania
Famous for its ancient baobab trees, massive elephant herds, and dramatic dry-season concentrations of wildlife around the Tarangire River. An underrated gem.
- Largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania
- Ancient baobabs — iconic landscape
- 700+ bird species
- Less crowded than Serengeti
Wildlife
Lake Manyara NP
Northern Tanzania
A compact park of brilliant contrasts — the alkaline lake turns pink with flamingos, while tree-climbing lions doze in fever trees in the forest below the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
- Tree-climbing lions
- Hundreds of flamingos on the lake
- Hippos in the shallow waters
- Rift Valley groundwater forest
Diving
Pemba & Mafia Islands
Indian Ocean
Tanzania's secret island treasures. Pemba offers world-class wall diving in pristine reefs, while Mafia Island Marine Park protects whale sharks, mantas, and ancient coral gardens.
- Whale shark encounters at Mafia (Oct–Feb)
- Some of East Africa's best scuba diving
- Clove-scented Pemba — the Green Island
- Barely touristed — true off-the-grid escapes
Must-See
Top Attractions
Tanzania's most iconic experiences and natural landmarks that belong on every bucket list.
01
The Great Wildebeest Migration
Witness over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebra, and 400,000 gazelle making their annual circular journey between the Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara — the greatest wildlife show on Earth. Dramatic river crossings at the Mara and Grumeti rivers are its most spectacular moments.
02
Uhuru Peak — Kilimanjaro Summit
Stand atop Africa's highest point at 5,895 m, where glaciers meet volcanic rock and clouds lie far below. No technical climbing required, making this the world's most accessible high-altitude trek — rewarded with one of Earth's most extraordinary sunrises.
03
Stone Town, Zanzibar
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and living museum of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European history. Lose yourself in labyrinthine alleyways lined with intricately carved doors, bustling spice markets, mosques, and 19th-century palaces still resonating with the complex era of the Indian Ocean trade.
04
Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Descend into the world's largest intact caldera — a 260 km² natural amphitheatre containing one of Africa's densest wildlife concentrations. It's virtually guaranteed to deliver the Big Five in a single game drive, including the exceedingly rare black rhino.
05
Hot Air Balloon Safari — Serengeti
Drift silently at dawn over the golden Serengeti plains as wildlife stirs below. One of Africa's most extraordinary experiences — an hour-long flight followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush, celebrated by camps across the park year-round.
06
Olduvai Gorge — Cradle of Humanity
Archaeology's most important site, where Mary and Louis Leakey unearthed fossils of our earliest hominid ancestors dating back 1.8 million years. An on-site museum and guided visits bring the epic story of human evolution to vivid life in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
07
Mafia Island Whale Sharks
Between October and February, the Mafia Island Marine Park hosts aggregations of the world's largest fish — the whale shark. Swimming alongside these gentle giants in warm, clear water is one of the Indian Ocean's most unforgettable marine encounters.
08
Rufiji River Boat Safari — Nyerere NP
Glide along the vast Rufiji River on a motorised boat through one of Africa's most untouched landscapes. Hippos surface metres away, Nile crocodiles bask on sandbanks, and elephants wade at the waterline — all experienced without the crowd of Northern Circuit parks.
Experiences
What to See & Do
Tanzania offers every kind of adventure — from pulse-quickening wildlife encounters to gentle cultural immersions.
🦁
Big Five Safari
Track lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo, and black rhino across Tanzania's top parks. Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire give the highest chances.
🦩
Birdwatching
Over 1,100 species recorded. Lake Manyara for flamingos, Arusha NP for turacos, Tarangire for raptors and ostriches. Endemic species abound.
🌄
Night Safaris
After dark the bush transforms. Spot genets, civets, bushbabies, and hunting leopards on guided night drives in select parks and private conservancies.
🐆
Walking Safaris
Experience the bush on foot with armed rangers. Available in Nyerere, Ruaha, and Mahale Mountains — a completely different and intensely personal wildlife perspective.
🐒
Chimpanzee Trekking
Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream NP are East Africa's best spots to trek habituated chimpanzees in their natural rainforest environment — a profoundly moving encounter.
🎈
Balloon Safaris
Float silently over the Serengeti at dawn, watching wildebeest herds below and lion prides stir in the golden light. Land for a champagne breakfast. Truly unforgettable.
🏔
Kilimanjaro Trek
Africa's ultimate trekking challenge. Choose from 6 routes (Lemosho, Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Umbwe, Northern) ranging from 5–9 days. Guides and porters are mandatory.
⛷
Mount Meru Climb
Tanzania's second-highest peak (4,566 m) offers a superb 3–4 day trek with close wildlife encounters, volcanic scenery, and a dramatic crater summit — often a Kili warm-up.
🚴
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Explore the Ngorongoro Highlands, Usambara Mountains, and rural villages by bike. Excellent multi-day routes exist through lush tea plantations and Maasai land.
🪂
Zanzibar Kitesurfing
Paje and Jambiani on Zanzibar's east coast are prime kitesurfing destinations with consistent trade winds — suitable for beginners and advanced riders alike.
🧗
Rock Climbing — Arusha
The volcanic plugs and granite outcrops around Arusha National Park offer exciting technical climbing routes for experienced climbers seeking something different.
🏄
White Water Rafting
The Rufiji and other rivers in southern Tanzania offer seasonal rafting opportunities — best combined with a wilderness safari for an adrenalin-nature combo.
🛖
Maasai Village Visits
Visit authentic Maasai bomas in the Ngorongoro area and Arusha region. Learn about cattle culture, traditional medicine, Moran warrior traditions, and beadwork crafts.
🌶
Zanzibar Spice Tours
Explore working spice plantations on Zanzibar's main island — taste and smell cloves, vanilla, cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon growing on the trees in their raw form.
🕌
Stone Town Cultural Walk
Wander through centuries of Swahili history — ornate carved doors, the Palace Museum, Old Fort, slave memorial site, and Forodhani night food market on the seafront.
🥘
Swahili Cooking Classes
Learn to cook pilau, biriani, ugali, and coconut curries with local women in Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. A delicious way to connect with Tanzania's food culture.
🎭
Makonde Craft & Art
The Makonde people of southern Tanzania are Africa's finest wood carvers. Visit workshops in Dar es Salaam or Mtwara to see master craftsmen at work and purchase originals.
🏛
Olduvai Gorge & Laetoli
Visit the sites where our hominid ancestors walked 3.6 million years ago. Guided tours explain the archaeology and you can view fossil replicas and original excavations.
🤿
Scuba Diving
Pemba Island offers world-class wall diving with 800 m drop-offs. Mafia Island Marine Park, Zanzibar, and Mnemba Atoll all have outstanding coral reef diving.
🐢
Sea Turtle Nesting
Green and hawksbill turtles nest on several Zanzibar beaches between October and February. Responsible guided night tours let you witness nesting or hatchling releases.
⛵
Dhow Sailing Cruises
Sail traditional Swahili dhows between island sandbanks, stopping for snorkelling, fishing, and sunset champagne. Available from Zanzibar, Mombasa, and Pemba.
🐬
Dolphin Watching — Kizimkazi
Spinner and bottlenose dolphins regularly gather off Kizimkazi on Zanzibar's southwestern tip. Early morning boat trips offer the best chance of snorkelling with them.
🏖
Beach Relaxation
Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Matemwe — Zanzibar's beaches rival any in the world. White sand, warm Indian Ocean water, swaying palms, and spectacular sunsets over the horizon.
🦈
Whale Shark Snorkelling
Mafia Island Marine Park aggregates whale sharks October–February. Swimming beside the world's largest fish — some reaching 12 m in length — is a bucket-list ocean experience.
👨👩👧
Family Game Drives
Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire are especially family-friendly — compact, elephant-rich, and offering virtually guaranteed Big Five sightings that thrill children and adults alike.
🦒
Arusha National Park
Close to Arusha town, this underrated park offers giraffes, monkeys, flamingos, and forest walks — perfect for families with younger children not yet ready for longer game drives.
🌊
Zanzibar Water Sports
Glass-bottom boat rides, snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll, and learning to kiteboard or kayak are all accessible to families with children of various ages.
🍽
Forodhani Night Market
Stone Town's famous waterfront food market is a sensory feast — fresh Zanzibar pizza, grilled seafood, sugar cane juice, and fresh coconuts. Magic for adventurous young foodies.
🐵
Colobus Monkey Sanctuary
The Colobus Conservation sanctuary near Diani (across the border) or primate walks in Mahale captivate children — an educational and intimate wildlife experience close to camp.
🌺
Cultural Village Days
Many lodges organise visits to nearby villages where children can participate in drumming, beadwork, cooking, and learning a few words of Swahili from local kids.
Planning
Best Time to Visit
Tanzania is a year-round destination, but each season brings a different kind of magic.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season
Good Season
Shoulder
Long Rains
🌟 Peak Season
Jul – Oct · Feb
Dry conditions with sparse vegetation make wildlife viewing exceptional. July–October is prime for the Mara River crossings. February features Serengeti calving season. High demand — book early.
☀️ Good Season
Jun · Nov – Dec · Jan
Shoulder periods offer quality wildlife viewing, slightly lower prices, and fewer visitors. January is good for calving season and Zanzibar. December is festive and beautiful everywhere.
🌧 Long Rains
Mar – May
The Masika (long rains) brings green landscapes, baby animals, and significant lodge discounts (30–50%). Fewer tourists. Some roads become difficult, but birdlife explodes and flowers bloom.
🌦 Short Rains
Nov
The Vuli (short rains) brings brief afternoon showers. Many areas remain very accessible. Good value, lush scenery, and migratory birds arriving from Europe. Often overlooked — worth considering.
Entry Requirements
Visa Information
Most nationalities require a visa for Tanzania. The process is straightforward and can be completed online before you travel.
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Most travellers · Recommended
- Cost: USD 50 per person (most nationalities)
- Validity: 90 days from issue date
- Maximum stay: 90 consecutive days
- Apply online at: eservices.immigration.go.tz
- Processing time: 5–10 business days (apply early)
- Covers mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar
- Can also be obtained on arrival at major airports
East Africa Tourist Visa
Multiple countries · Great value
- Cost: USD 100 per person
- Valid for Tanzania, Kenya & Uganda simultaneously
- Multi-entry within the three countries
- 90 days total validity
- Ideal for combined safari itineraries
- Apply via any of the three countries' portals
- Excellent value for multi-country trips
Visa-Free Nationalities
Select countries only
- Citizens of certain African Union countries
- EAC member state nationals
- Confirm your country's status before travel
- Even visa-free visitors need a valid passport
- Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond stay
- Check current list on immigration.go.tz
Business & Other Visas
Special categories
- Business visa: USD 250 (multiple entry)
- Volunteer/researcher visas available
- Student permits for longer study stays
- Gratis visas for some diplomatic categories
- Journalist visas require advance application
- Contact the nearest Tanzanian embassy for specifics
1
Visit the Official Portal
Go to eservices.immigration.go.tz — Tanzania's official e-visa portal. Avoid third-party agencies that charge premium fees for the same service.
2
Create Account & Complete Application
Register with your email, fill in personal details, travel dates, accommodation, and upload a passport-size photo and the biographical page of your passport.
3
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay USD 50 online via credit/debit card. Keep the payment confirmation. Processing takes 5–10 business days — apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
4
Receive & Print Your e-Visa
You'll receive an approved e-visa by email. Print a physical copy and have it ready alongside your passport at immigration. Digital copies are generally also accepted.
5
Documents to Carry at Entry
Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), printed e-visa, return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, yellow fever certificate if entering from endemic countries, and sufficient funds evidence.
Travel Guide
Essential Information
Everything you need to know to plan a seamless, safe, and memorable Tanzania journey.
Health & Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccine required if arriving from endemic countries
- Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended for all areas
- Typhoid, hepatitis A & B, tetanus vaccines advised
- Meningitis vaccine recommended for some areas
- Use DEET mosquito repellent, especially at dusk
- Drink bottled or treated water only
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential
Money & Payments
- US Dollar is widely accepted alongside TZS
- ATMs available in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar
- Visa and Mastercard accepted at most lodges/hotels
- Carry USD cash for park fees and remote areas
- Only USD notes printed after 2006 are accepted
- Tip guides: USD 10–20/day; drivers: USD 5–10/day
- Budget USD 150–400/day per person depending on style
Getting Around
- Safari by 4WD Land Cruiser is the standard
- Domestic flights link Arusha, Dar, Zanzibar, and bush airstrips
- Ferry service connects Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (2 hrs)
- Dala-dala (minibus) for budget travel between towns
- Bolt and taxi apps work in major cities
- Drive on the left; international licence required
- Road quality varies — 4WD essential in parks
Safety & Security
- Tanzania is one of Africa's safer destinations
- Petty theft exists in cities — keep valuables secured
- Zanzibar Stone Town: watch for pickpockets at night
- Avoid isolated beaches after dark
- Use reputable guides from licensed agencies
- Register with your country's embassy on long trips
- Emergency: Police 112, Ambulance 114
What to Pack
- Neutral, earthy safari clothes (khaki, olive, beige)
- Long sleeves for mosquito protection at dusk
- Warm layers for Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro mornings
- Lightweight swimwear, reef shoes for Zanzibar
- Modest dress for Stone Town and mosques
- High SPF sunscreen and quality sunglasses
- Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42) — a game drive essential
Language & Etiquette
- Swahili phrases: Jambo (hello), Asante (thank you)
- Karibu means welcome — Tanzania is famously warm
- Handshakes are the common greeting; eye contact is respectful
- Dress conservatively in Muslim areas (Zanzibar)
- Ask before photographing people — always respectful
- Bargaining is normal in markets — with good humour
- Remove shoes before entering homes and mosques
At a Glance
Tanzania Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | United Republic of Tanzania |
| Location | East Africa, between latitudes 1° and 12° S |
| Area | 945,087 km² (including 59,050 km² of inland water) |
| Population | ~65 million (2024 estimate) |
| President | Samia Suluhu Hassan (first female president, from 2021) |
| GDP per capita | Approx. USD 1,200 (lower-middle income) |
| Protected land | 38% of Tanzania's territory is under protection |
| National Parks | 22 national parks + game reserves + conservation areas |
| UNESCO Sites | Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro, Selous, Stone Town of Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro NP, Kondoa Rock Art |
| Driving side | Left |
| Telephone code | +255 |
| Internet TLD | .tz |
| Yellow fever | Required for travellers from endemic countries |
| Visa on arrival | Available at Julius Nyerere, Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar airports |
| Tipping culture | Customary — USD widely accepted for tips |
22
National Parks
6
UNESCO Heritage Sites
1,100+
Bird Species
38%
Land Protected
Tanzania
4 Days Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano Experience
This off-the-beaten-track journey explores one of Tanzania’s most dramatic and least visited regions: the Great Rift Valley
04 Days
From $200
Tanzania
7 Days Udzungwa Mountains Hiking & Safari Experience
This active journey combines rainforest hiking in Udzungwa Mountains National Park with classic safari experiences in Mikumi National Park
07 Days
From $200
Tanzania
9 Days Southern Tanzania Fly-In Safari: Nyerere & Ruaha
This fly-in safari explores Tanzania’s wild south — combining the vast waterways of Nyerere National Park with the rugged landscapes and predator-rich
09 Days
From $200
Tanzania
8 Days Katavi Remote Wilderness
This expedition-style safari explores Katavi National Park, one of Africa’s most remote and least visited wildlife destinations. Located in far western Tanzania, Katavi offers vast floodplains, seasonal lakes
08 Days
From $200