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Tanzania Travel Guide
Ultimate Tanzania Travel Guide: Safaris, Beaches, and Hidden Gems
Are you looking for the quintessential African experience? Our Tanzania Travel Guide offers insights into some of the continent’s most iconic landscapes. Marvel at the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, especially during the cool, dry months, which are the best times to visit. Experience the awe-inspiring Serengeti migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra embark on their 500-mile journey. Enjoy the stunning vistas on a Ngorongoro Crater tour and cap off your adventure on the mystical spice islands of Zanzibar. For those with a taste for adventure, there are plenty of opportunities to explore off the beaten path.
Discover the charm of smaller national parks like Tarangire and Manyara, and visit Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and the source of the Nile. Enjoy unforgettable sunsets on the Rufiji River in the Selous, watch elephants and antelopes at the beach in Saadani, and have close encounters with chimpanzees in Mahale and Gombe Stream. Explore the remote wilderness of Katavi and Ruaha, where you might not see another vehicle for miles. After your safari, unwind on Tanzania’s beautiful offshore islands, where pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs teeming with Indian Ocean fish await.
If you’re concerned about safety, rest assured that Tanzania is quite safe for travelers. Before your trip, learn about Tanzanian culture and get the latest travel information from experts with our comprehensive Tanzania Travel Guide.
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Visa and entry
Most visitors need a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. To confirm whether you need a visa, please contact your local Tanzanian Consulate. Obtaining a visa at the point of entry, such as a border crossing or airport, is straightforward. For US citizens, a tourist visa costs $100 USD per person, while for citizens from the UK, Australia, and Canada, it costs $50 USD per person. Important: Ensure your USD notes are from 2013 or later. For travelers entering Tanzania via Kilimanjaro International Airport, an e-Visa is recommended.
You can apply for an electronic visa through this link.
Health information
All visitors traveling to Tanzania from East African countries must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.
There is a risk of malaria in Tanzania, so taking anti-malaria prophylactics is strongly recommended. It is also wise to carry mosquito repellent, especially in high-risk areas like safari parks. Regions at altitudes of 1,800 meters or higher, such as Mount Kilimanjaro or the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, are free from malaria.
Dar Es Salaam, the capital, offers medical facilities that meet most international standards. However, as you travel further inland, the availability of appropriate medical facilities and pharmacies decreases. Therefore, it is advisable to bring all necessary prescription medicines with you.
Language and religion
In Tanzania, Swahili and English serve as the official languages, with Swahili being the national language. Various local languages are spoken among different tribes, such as Maasai, Meru, and Sukuma. Among the Asian communities, Indian languages like Gujarati are also spoken. Typically, people learn their local language first and are introduced to Swahili and English in school.
Religiously, about one third of Tanzania’s population is Christian, another third is Muslim, and the remaining third follows indigenous or other beliefs. Muslim communities are predominantly found in coastal areas and Zanzibar, with some significant Muslim populations inland, especially along former caravan routes. Among Christians, the majority are either Catholic or Protestant, with other denominations making up the rest. Additionally, there are smaller religious communities of Buddhists, Hindus, and Bahá’ís in Tanzania.
Currency and cards
The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TSZ), but most popular tourist spots also accept USD. Note that US dollar bills printed before 2013 might not be accepted, and those printed before 2009 will be rejected. When exchanging currency at authorized money exchange centers, always remember to collect your receipt.
To avoid card cloning at ATMs in Tanzania, inform your bank before and after your trip to monitor and cancel any fraudulent transactions. Use ATMs located inside or at bank premises for added security. Visa is the most widely accepted card, though a surcharge may apply for transactions.
For more detailed information, our destination experts are ready to help. Contact us today for a customized, obligation-free Tanzania tour itinerary.
Popular Trips to Tanzania
Best Places To Visit
Mahale Mountains National Park, located in western Tanzania along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, is a remote and
Africa’s Highest Peak Mount Kilimanjaro, located in northeastern Tanzania, stands as Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341
Ngorongoro Crater Ngorongoro Crater is a geological marvel located in Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It is a UNESCO
Lake Natron Lake Natron, located in northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border, is a saline lake known for
Location and Size Serengeti National Park. Serengeti National Park, situated in northern Tanzania, is one of the world’s
Lake Manyara National Park, nestled in the Great Rift Valley of northern Tanzania, is a diverse and picturesque
Best Time To Visit
The best travel time for your tour of Tanzania depends on the regions you visit, and what you wish to experience. Discover the climate and month by month highlights.
Safety
Tanzania as well as Zanzibar, are generally considered a safe destination for travel. As with all other destinations, all you need to do is follow these simple safety measures.
Things To Do
Great Migration, the magical Serengeti National Park, fascinating indigenous cultures, and the spice islands of Zanzibar – discover the top ten things to do in Tanzania.
From the Blog
What Our Guests Say
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Dzigbordi A / Mar 2024 • Solo
The trip were really amazing and took many pictures and videos and we enjoyed a lot it was a great experiences that we are not going to forget.
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Diakiss D / Feb 2024 • Friends
The trip were really amazing and took many pictures and videos and we enjoyed a lot it was a great experiences that we are not going to forget.
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Alessandro S / Feb 2024 • Friends
Great experience absolutely recommended!
Great driver too 💪🏻 we saw all the animals we wished to see!
Everything was planned by African Diurnal so we could enjoy the most without any stress in planning