Tanzania Travel Guide

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 home to Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises to approximately 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) 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 mountain, 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 summit of 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 Archipelago to enjoy turquoise waters, water adventures and 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 cooler weather and some of Tanzania’s most incredible views. Lushoto is surrounded by farmland and mountain landscapes with guided walks to waterfalls and nearby natural areas. Moshi is the principal 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?

What is the currency of Tanzania?

The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Under Tanzania’s 2025 foreign-currency regulations, local goods and services are generally priced and paid for in Tanzanian shillings. Foreign visitors can exchange currency through commercial banks or authorized bureaux de change and can also use bank cards or other digital payment methods where accepted.

Carrying some Tanzanian shillings is useful for smaller purchases, markets, local transportation and gratuities. Travelers should verify current payment arrangements with hotels, tour operators and other providers before departure.

Do people speak English in Tanzania?

Tanzania is a multilingual country. Kiswahili (Swahili) is the national language and is spoken widely throughout the country, while English is also extensively used in education, tourism, business and other formal settings. Numerous indigenous languages are spoken by different communities.

We suggest familiarizing yourself with common Swahili phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

Tanzania’s climate varies by region and altitude, but safari areas generally move through dry periods and rainy or “green” seasons. The long dry season is centered on June through October, while the short rains usually arrive around November and December and the long rains are strongest around March through May. July through September is one of the most popular periods for safaris, the Great Migration, trekking and beach holidays in Zanzibar.

These months are among the peak travel times in the country and will be busier than the rest of the year.

Wildlife viewing and the number of animals that can be seen are strongly influenced by rainfall, providing a different experience depending on the time of year you visit.

The Great Migration is a year-round movement through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. A popular time is the dry season from July to September, when travelers may have opportunities to witness large herds of wildebeest and zebra moving through the northern Serengeti and crossing river systems. November to March is generally quieter, with a higher chance of rain showers, while birdwatching is excellent as migratory species arrive. Heavy rains can occur in April and May and can disrupt wildlife viewing and road access.

The shorter rainy season usually occurs from late October through December, while the longer rainy season is concentrated around March, April and May. The long rains can bring tropical downpours in the afternoons, and some safari camps or activities may close seasonally. Coastal regions along the Indian Ocean and lakeside regions remain hot and humid through much of the year, while temperatures can fall below freezing at high elevations on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.

Travelers combining wildlife and beaches often favor June through September. June or September can also help avoid some of the largest safari crowds, while Tanzania’s southern national parks are generally quieter than the northern circuit.

January – March

January is a great time to take a tropical beach vacation on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline with destinations such as Zanzibar. Soak up the sunshine on beautiful white-sand beaches, cool off in the Indian Ocean, and enjoy time at coastal resorts. During this period, migration herds are generally in the southern and southeastern Serengeti ecosystem for calving season.

There is a chance of rain and temperatures and humidity increase. Rates and crowds can be lower than in peak dry-season months, while safari experiences remain excellent with migration herds and many other animals.

February brings heat and humidity, and the calving season continues as large numbers of wildebeest calves are born. The plains are full of new life, with predators and grazing herds creating highly active wildlife conditions.

March is hot and increasingly wet, with the long rains beginning in many safari areas. Landscapes become green and flowers bloom. The Ngorongoro Highlands can experience short, sharp afternoon rainfall, and migration herds begin moving away from the Ndutu area toward the west.

March begins the lower season before the heaviest rains, and travelers can sometimes find better accommodation rates.

April – June

April is one of the wettest months of the year, with rain often arriving as afternoon thunderstorms. There can also be large storms at night and extended grey periods. National parks in western and southern Tanzania can experience high humidity. Accommodation and tour rates are often lower than during peak safari months.

May remains wet, but areas begin to dry toward the end of the month as June approaches. The Great Migration progresses from the southern Serengeti toward the western corridor during this broader seasonal transition.

June marks the beginning of the main dry season and is considered one of the best times of year for safaris. The savannas begin changing from green to yellow, and wildlife sightings improve as vegetation recedes. Migration herds concentrate around the western corridor and Grumeti area during part of this period.

Early in this period, lush green vegetation can make wildlife more difficult to see, while birdwatching remains rewarding, particularly in less-visited southern parks. By June, conditions become progressively drier and easier for game viewing.

July – September

July is the start of peak safari season in Tanzania, with excellent weather and game-drive opportunities. The Great Migration moves into the northern Serengeti during this period, while elephants increasingly gather in Tarangire as conditions become drier.

This is a strong time to combine Kenya and Tanzania as wildlife movements extend across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Temperatures are generally comfortable in many safari regions and humidity is lower than during the wet season.

August remains peak season across the northern safari circuit, including Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Zanzibar. Wildlife viewing is excellent as dry conditions make animal movements more predictable and northern migration activity continues.

Ruaha’s dense bush landscape also dries out during this period, making wildlife easier to spot.

In September, crowds begin to ease in some areas while dry conditions continue. The month is popular with hikers attempting Mount Kilimanjaro and is an excellent time to see large numbers of elephants in Tarangire National Park. It also marks the beginning of fishing season in some of Tanzania’s great-lake regions.

October – December

October is a transition month, with thunderclouds and the first rains developing in parts of Tanzania. It can be an excellent period for chimpanzee experiences in Mahale Mountains National Park. Lake Tanganyika is warm, while Mount Meru and Arusha National Park can also be attractive at this time.

By this point of the year, migration herds may be moving through Kenya and northern Tanzania, while game viewing in the central Serengeti remains very good. Southern national parks can also be rewarding during this period.

November safaris are often underrated. Rain usually comes in periodic showers or thunderstorms rather than continuous all-day rain. Tanzania’s northern national parks remain strong wildlife destinations year-round, and lower seasonal rates can make this an attractive time to explore less-visited areas.

Migration herds begin moving south from Kenya and northern Serengeti areas as seasonal rainfall patterns shift.

December falls within the short-rains period, while visitor numbers build around Christmas and New Year. It is an excellent month for birdwatching when migratory species arrive, particularly in Nyerere and Tarangire National Parks. The Great Migration returns toward the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti, beginning another calving-cycle phase.

The heat and humidity increase in December, and the festive season can be very busy, so travelers should make reservations well in advance.

This guide covers common situations that travelers may encounter when interacting with local service providers in restaurants, bars, hotels, lodges, tours, safaris, climbs and taxis.

Tipping is common in Tanzania’s tourism industry and should depend on the quality of the service received. Gratuities are particularly established for safari guides, drivers, trackers, climbing crews and lodge staff. Tips should reflect your satisfaction with the experience.

Currency: Should I use the Tanzanian Shilling?

The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Tanzania’s foreign-currency rules require local goods and services to be priced and paid for in Tanzanian shillings except where specific legal exceptions apply. Foreign visitors can exchange money through commercial banks or authorized bureaux de change and may also use bank cards or other digital payment methods where accepted.

Final Thoughts:

It is perfectly acceptable not to leave a gratuity when you are unhappy with the service provided. Tipping expectations in Tanzania differ from those in the United States and should reflect the service received. If you encounter a service problem at a hotel, lodge or camp, speak with the manager.

When paying for services in cash, keep your receipt where one is available. If a gratuity is added to a card payment, the person providing the service may not always receive it directly, so follow the establishment’s or tour operator’s guidance on how staff tips are distributed.