Tanzania – Travel Guide
Explore Tanzania, a land of awe-inspiring natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, from the majestic Serengeti plains to the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. Delight in authentic cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like pilau and ugali, infused with local spices and flavors. Immerse yourself in history in the ancient city of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the archaeological treasures of Olduvai Gorge. Experience the thrill of wildlife safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park, home to diverse species including lions, elephants, and giraffes. Tanzania invites you to discover its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, promising an unforgettable journey through East Africa.
All about Tanzania
Tanzania FAQ
What is Tanzania known for?
Tanzania, located in East Africa, is famous for tourism, agricultural activities, mining and fishing as major economic drivers. In tourism it is a home for Africa`s tallest mountain Kilimanjaro standing at more than 5,000 feet above sea level.
What are the best places to visit in Tanzania?
Whether you’re all about some of the most famous beaches in East Africa, one of the biggest wildlife areas for animal sightings, climbing Africa’s tallest mountains, or having a unique cultural experience, Tanzania has almost every extreme. From powder-sand beaches of glimmering white on the Zanzibar Archipelago to the cloud-beating, snow topped summits of monstrous Mount Kilimanjaro in the north, this country offers amazing experiences.
Discover the bustling city of Arusha, a great starting point for safaris to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National parks. Escape to the breathtaking Zanzibar Archipeloago to enjoy turquoise blue waters, water adventures and explore the World Heritage Sites. In contrast to Zanzibar, Ushongo beach near Pangani on the mainland coast is idyllic and quiet. Head away from the coast and up to the mountains for some cooler weather and a peek at one of Tanzania`s most incredible views. Lushoto is mostly farmland with a few national parks offering guided walks to the waterfalls. Moshi is the best base for Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the most famous climbs in Africa and the tallest mountain on the continent.
How many days should I spend in Tanzania?
We recommend 7-10 days for a multi-park or multi-country safari as a good starting point with two nights minimum in each camp. This is also up to you based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
What is the best way to get around Tanzania ?
By Bus: The bus is the most common way to travel around in Tanzania. Most buses have a simple design, and the roads are poor, although 1st class air-con buses are available on the Dar-Moshi-Arusha route (Dar Express – ticket office on Libya Street downtown or office no. 45 at Ubungo). Nearly all buses go in and out of Dar es Salaam. The main bus station in Dar (where all buses go), Ubungo, is 5 miles west of the city center. A number of the better `intercity buses` provide complimentary drinks and biscuits. In Dar, minibuses called Dala-Dalas can be taken reasonably to most places within the city. The fare is written on the front next to the door. The route of the bus is also stenciled on the front and sides of the bus.
By Tuktuks and Taxis: There are also three-wheeled tuktuks/baby taxis/CNGs/bajajis that zoom around. They are cheaper than a taxi, and can get past traffic jams. You can negotiate the fare in advance, but sometimes the driver doesn`t know your destination and won`t know how much to charge. The drivers generally quote fair prices at the destination and if they`re trying to rip you off you can usually tell by the smirk.
Private taxis are also a convenient choice, but be sure to negotiate the price before you use them. Fellow travelers might be able to offer advice about a reasonable fare. Some places (e.g. Dar Es Salaam Airport) have a strong taxi cartel and post fixed prices.
Tour Operators: There are several local Tour Operators which have fleet of cars for hire in major airports like Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, major cities and all towns which are peripheral to tourist destinations like Moshi, Mwanza, Arusha, and Karatu around Ngorongoro.
By Car: Driving may seem like the most sensible option for moving around between safari parks, but actually, it`s not always possible due to the long distances and in some cases, wild terrain! The parks of Tanzania`s northern circuit, however, are ideally located to combine in a driving route. Driving will certainly save you some money and it`s also a great way to see the `behind the scenes` aspect of a country.
What is the currency of Tanzania?
While Tanzania has its own currency, the Tanzanian Shilling, US dollars are also widely accepted, and the locals love them. Even Euros and Pounds are also accepted at many places, although not necessarily at the normal rate.
Do people speak English in Tanzania?
Tanzania is a multilingual country. There are many languages spoken in the country, but no one language is spoken natively by a majority of the population. The Bantu, Swahili language and English, the last of which was inherited from colonial rule, are widely spoken. They serve as working languages in the country, with Swahili being the official national language. There are more speakers of Swahili than of English in Tanzania. We suggest you get a good English-Swahili guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Tanzania
Tanzania’s climate features two distinct seasons; the long dry season from July to September and the wet season or green season which is between November and March. The best time to visit is during teh long dry season which is the popular season for safaris, the Great Migration, trekking, and beach holidays in Zanzibar. These months are the peak travel times in the country and will be busier than the rest of the year.
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The wildlife viewing and the number of animals that can be seen are dictated by the rains, which provides a totally different experience depending on the time of year you visit.
The Great Migration which is one of Tanzania’s main attractions takes place year-round across the Serengeti. A popular time is the dry season from July to September when chances of witnessing massive herds of wildebeest, and zebra that cross the Mara River. November to March is a much quieter time of year with a higher chance of rain showers, it makes a fantastic time for birdwatching when migratory species arrive in the thousands. Heavy rains can occur in April and May and can disrupt wildlife viewing.
The shorter rainy season occurs from the end of October through the month of December and the longer rain season is during April and May. The long rains produce tropical downpours in the afternoons and many safaris and camps as well as other activities may have to close. The coastal regions along the Indian Ocean coastline and the lakeside regions in the country see hot and humid temperatures throughout the year. Meanwhile, the temperatures can drop below freezing on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
Traveling to Tanzania to see the best wildlife and visit beautiful beaches coincide, July and September is the best time to visit for multiple reasons. June or September are also some of the best times to avoid the biggest safari crowds, and the southern national parks are pretty quiet all year round.
January – March
The month of January is a great time to take a tropical beach vacation on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline with exciting destinations such as Zanzibar. Soak up the sunshine on beautiful white sand beaches, cool off in the sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean, and enjoy pure relaxation in luxurious resorts. During this month of the year, the migration herds are in the southeast of the Serengeti for calving season. There is a slight chance of rain and the temperatures start rising and the humidity builds. Rates and crowds are lower this time of year, and safari experiences are excellent with the migration herds and many other animals to see.
The month of February brings heat and humidity to the country, and the calving season continues as approximately 500,000 wildebeest calves are born during this time period. The plains are full of new life this time of year, with plenty of animals taking their first steps into the wild.
The month of March brings scorching temperatures to Tanzania, the beginning of the month tends to be dry before the ‘long rains’ set in. This month is part of the ‘green season’ when the landscapes are verdant and flowers are blooming. The Ngorongoro Highlands have short and sharp rainfall during the late afternoons, and March is considered a prime time for conquering Mount Kilimanjaro. The migrating herds are starting to leave Ndutu and head west toward Grumeti. This month begins the low season before the heavy rains hit and great rates can be taken advantage of for accommodations and more
April – June
The month of April is the wettest month of the year with rains coming in the form of afternoon thunderstorms. There can also be big storms at night, as well as some wet grey days. National parks in the west and south of Tanzania see the highest humidity levels this time of year. If you travel during this time you will see accommodation and tour prices lower than usual.
The month of May is still very wet, however, areas start to dry out towards the end of the month as June is the start of the dry season in Tanzania. The Great Migration starts during the month of May when the herds begin their trek from the southern Serengeti to the western corridor.
The month of June is the start of the dry season and is considered to be one of the best times of the year to visit the country for luxury safaris. At this time the savannahs are starting to change from green to yellow, and wildlife sightings start to improve as the vegetation slowly recedes. The Wildebeest Migration has stopped at the Grumeti River, and the numbers build as they attempt their death-defying crossing through the river.
This time of year is the ‘green season’ with lush verdant grasses and bush can make it more difficult to view wildlife. It is considered a great time of year to travel in Tanzania, especially for bird watchers when the parks are brimming with migratory birds, especially in the south
July – September
The month of July is the start of peak season in Tanzania, the peak month to visit when safari season is in full swing. This month brings ideal weather conditions along with excellent game drive opportunities. The Great Migration has reached the north of the Serengeti at this time of year, getting ready for its main event; crossing the treacherous waters of the Mara River towards Kenya when elephants start to gather in Tarangire. This is a great time to pair up a Kenya and Tanzania safari when the land is getting drier and spotting wildlife is made easier. The average daily temperatures this time of year are in the 80s F with low humidity.
August is still considered to be a peak season when tourists flock to the northern safari circuit including Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar. The wildlife viewing during this month is sensational when the herds have already started to cross the Mara River. The Great Migration is still in the north during this peak season and the land has become more parched and the animal’s behaviors become more predictable. Ruaha’s dense bush landscape is drying out and spotting game becomes a lot easier.
During the month of September, the crowds start to dissipate in Tanzania, there is less humidity this time of year, and still no rain. The month is popular for hikers who come here to conquer the massive Mount Kilimanjaro. This is also the perfect time to see a high number of elephants at the Tarangire National Park where they can be seen in their masses. This month is also the beginning of the fishing season in Tanzania’s great lake regions.
October – December
The month of October is the arrival of the first rains in Tanzania when thunderclouds begin to build. This is the best time of year to travel to the Mahale Mountains National Park for chimpanzee encounters. Lake Tanganyika is at its warmest at this time, and climbing the mighty Mount Meru is perfect during this time and a great time to visit the Arusha National Park. By this time of year, The Great Migration has reached Kenya yet the game viewing in central Serengeti is still very good, and the southern national parks are very rewarding to visit this time of year.
In the month of November safaris in Tanzania are very underrated, there is rain at this time of year however usually in the form of periodic afternoon thunderstorms. Tanzania’s northern national parks are generally a great place to view game year-round, and this time of year can be great for exploring some off-the-beaten-track destinations in the country. This can be a great time to take advantage of the low seasonal rates, making it a popular time of year to travel. The migrating herds are starting to travel south at this time from Kenya, and herds can be seen crossing north of the Serengeti.
December can be a quiet time in the country, this month falls in the middle of the ‘short rains’, and crowds and activities start to build over the two weeks of Christmas and New Year. This is by far the perfect month for birdwatching when migratory birds start to arrive, especially in teh Nyerere, and Tarangire National Parks. This is the time when The Great Migration has returned to the short grass plains of the southern Serengeti, making it the perfect time to visit for a Serengeti Safari in Tanzania. This is a time to witness the herds feasting in preparation to give birth to their calves and bring new life on their year-round circular journey. The heat and humidity begin to build in December and the festive season can be very busy, meaning visitors planning to visit this time of year should make reservations and plans in advance.
Tipping in Tanzania
This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these ‘tips’ will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Tanzania is a common practice, and should always depend upon the quality of service received. Your tips will be highly appreciated by your tour guide and lodge staff. Tips should only be left if you are completely satisfied with the service. For many working in the service industry in Tanzania including waiters, guides, and trackers; tips are a significant part of their income.
There is a strong culture of tipping for tourist services provided in Tanzania. Tipping is expected for climbs, safaris, other guided activities, and at tourist accommodations. Tips can be given in Tanzanian Shillings or US dollars.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use the Tanzanian Shilling?
The currency of Arusha is the Tanzanian Shilling, the US dollar is also widely accepted. You will need to exchange your currency for the Shilling, which can be done upon arrival at the airport currency exchange desks or banks and specialized stores called Foreign Exchange Bureaus. ATMs can be found in the city, tipping is discretionary and appreciated, and cash is usually preferred.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?
Leaving a tip for the waitstaff at restaurants is common, leaving a small amount on top of your bill is sufficient. You can either round up to the nearest thousand or five thousand shillings (around 3-5%). Your server will be very grateful for the tip. When dining at a restaurant or dining room at lodges there is a communal tip box where tips are distributed among workers.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?
Tipping hotel staff is common in Tanzania, tipping a bellboy around 2,500 Shillings or $1 per piece of luggage is recommended. Most accommodations in the country have a tip-box located at the reception where tips can be left and distributed to the entire staff. It is recommended to carry a few dollar bills with you for smaller tips, you can also tip in the local currency.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?
Tipping taxi drivers in Tanzania is common, rounding up the change or leaving a few dollars is appropriate. Always remember when traveling abroad that it is good practice to agree on a final fare before the cab driver begins driving.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?
Tanzania is popular for safari tours, and many other organized tours, it is customary to tip the guide/driver/cook at the end of these tours. Safari workers rely on these tips to meet the basic needs of their families, so your tip will go a long way. There are shared tip boxes at lodges which are divided between staff. Tipping your tour guide and safari driver is done separately.
Final Thoughts:
Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Romania than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.
When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.
Top Cities in Tanzania
What to expect while traveling
