Tanzania Travel Guide

Tanzania: A Magnificent Tourist Destination East Africa

Tanzania is a highly attractive tourist destination in East Africa, home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and wildlife. With its vast plains, rolling hills, and iconic sites like Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park, Tanzania is a dream for nature lovers and adventurers. The country’s diversity—pristine beaches, rich culture, and abundant wildlife—makes it a must-visit for all types of travelers, whether you’re seeking thrilling safaris, romantic getaways, or cultural exploration.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Visa Required

Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania.

eVisa: Apply online before arrival via the official portal.
Visa on Arrival: Available at major airports and borders for many nationalities.

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Top Destinations

Tanzania offers an incredible range of travel experiences — from world-famous safaris to pristine beaches, ancient archaeological sites to vibrant island culture.

Serengeti National Park UNESCO World Heritage Site

Serengeti National Park is one of the most popular and iconic tourist destinations in Tanzania—and indeed, all of Africa. With its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, it is the perfect place to visit on a safari holiday. Spanning over 14,750 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its vast, open plains, dramatic sunsets, and some of the richest wildlife populations on the continent.

Wildlife & The Great Migration

The Serengeti is home to the legendary annual wildebeest migration, where over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, traverse the plains in search of fresh grazing. This spectacle, often called “the greatest wildlife show on earth,” typically occurs between June and October, but wildlife viewing is excellent year-round.

You can spot the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—as well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more than 500 bird species.

Safari Experiences

The park offers a range of safari options, from classic game drives and mobile tented camps to luxury lodges and even hot air balloon safaris at sunrise. Guided tours are available for all budgets and interests, and many include visits to the neighboring Ngorongoro Conservation Area or the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Culture & Local Communities

The Serengeti region is also home to several indigenous communities, including the Maasai and Kuria peoples. Some tours offer cultural visits to local villages, where you can learn about traditional lifestyles, crafts, and customs. Responsible tourism practices are encouraged to ensure mutual respect and community benefit.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: June–October for the migration; December–March for calving season.
Getting there: Most visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha, then take a small plane or drive to the park.
Park fees: Entry fees apply and vary for residents and non-residents; check the official TANAPA website for current rates.
Accommodation: Options range from basic campsites to high-end safari lodges—book early during migration season.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and a bucket-list destination for trekkers worldwide. Its snow-capped summit rises above the savannah, offering a unique trekking experience through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert.

Climbing Routes & Experiences

Several routes are available to reach the summit, each with distinct scenery, duration, and difficulty:

Marangu Route: The only route with huts; shorter but with lower success rates.
Machame Route: The most popular trail, scenic and gradual ascent.
Lemosho Route: Longer and less crowded, high success rate.
Rongai Route: Approaches from the north, drier and more remote.

Practical Tips

Acclimatization is crucial — altitude sickness is a major risk.
Guides and porters are mandatory — licensed operators are available.
Best times to climb: January–March and June–October.
Gear: Proper boots, cold-weather clothing, and a headlamp are essential.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, famous for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rich history. The main island, Unguja, is home to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its winding alleys, wooden doors, and Swahili-Arabic architecture.

What to See & Do

Beaches: Nungwi and Kendwa offer calm, crystal-clear water and luxurious resorts.
Snorkeling/Diving: Off Mnemba Atoll and Chumbe Island, coral reefs are stunning.
Stone Town: Explore the Old Fort, slave market memorial, and spice bazaars.
Jozani Forest: Home to rare red colobus monkeys and mangrove walks.

Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is an extinct volcanic caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering one of the most compact yet diverse wildlife experiences in Africa. Measuring about 20km wide and 600 meters deep, it shelters over 25,000 animals.

Spot the Big Five in a single day.
Unique geological setting with soda lakes, forests, and open plains.
Maasai herders coexist with wildlife on the crater rim.

Tips:

Go early in the morning for best wildlife sightings.
Park permits are required; usually organized through safari operators.
Lodges on the rim offer breathtaking sunrise views.

Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

Formerly known as Selous Game Reserve and now renamed Nyerere National Park, this southern wilderness is one of the largest protected areas in Africa, spanning over 30,000 km². Unlike the more visited northern parks, Nyerere offers a remote, off-the-beaten-path safari experience with fewer crowds and vast, untouched landscapes.

Wildlife & Safari Activities

The park is home to a high density of elephants, lions, leopards, African wild dogs, giraffes, buffalo, and hippos. Birdlife is prolific, with over 440 recorded species.

What sets Nyerere apart are its boat safaris on the Rufiji River, allowing visitors to drift past crocodiles and hippos while watching elephants drink on the banks. Walking safaris and classic game drives are also available, offering close encounters with wildlife in varied ecosystems — from savannah to wetlands.

Access & Travel Tips

Best visited during the dry season (June to October).
Access via light aircraft to Mtemere or Siwandu airstrips, or a long drive from Dar es Salaam.
Less touristy, ideal for photographers, birders, and seasoned travelers seeking solitude.

Lake Manyara National Park

Located along the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is a small yet highly diverse park packed with ecological variety. Covering just 330 km², the park is ideal for day trips and easily combined with Tarangire or Ngorongoro.

Wildlife Highlights

Tree-climbing lions, unique to the area.
Elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and large troops of baboons.
Birdwatching paradise — flamingos, pelicans, storks, and over 400 species around the alkaline lake.

Unique Features

Hot springs (Maji Moto) bubble up along the lakeshore.
The Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway, a suspended canopy bridge, offers a bird’s-eye view of the forest.

Travel Notes

Easily accessible from Arusha (about 2 hours).
Best viewed in the dry season, though birding is good year-round.
Nearby Mto wa Mbu village offers cultural tours and local cuisine.

Tarangire National Park

Often overshadowed by Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Tarangire National Park is a hidden gem known for its massive elephant herds, particularly during the dry season.

Landscape & Wildlife

Rolling savannah dotted with ancient baobab trees.
Thousands of elephants, especially between June and October.
Large numbers of wildebeest, zebra, and impala, often followed by predators.
Home to rare species like fringe-eared oryx and long-necked gerenuk.

Unique Activities

Walking safaris with armed guides offer a deeper nature immersion.
Night game drives (at select lodges) reveal nocturnal species.

Access

About 2–3 hours’ drive from Arusha.
Works well as a first or last stop on a northern circuit safari.

Mafia Island Marine Park

Less developed than Zanzibar but rich in charm and biodiversity, Mafia Island is a haven for marine conservation, diving, and laid-back island life. It is part of Tanzania’s first marine park and remains one of the best-kept secrets for underwater enthusiasts.

Marine Life

Vibrant coral reefs with over 400 fish species.
One of the world’s best places to snorkel and swim with whale sharks (October–March).
Sea turtles nest on nearby beaches — conservation tours are available.

Sustainable Tourism

Mafia emphasizes low-impact tourism, with small eco-lodges and community-run experiences. Expect quiet beaches, traditional dhow sailing, and interactions with Swahili fishing villages.

Getting There

Flights from Dar es Salaam (30–40 minutes) to Mafia Island Airport.
Limited infrastructure adds to the peaceful, untouched vibe.

Olduvai Gorge

Often called the “Cradle of Mankind,” Olduvai Gorge is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Located between Ngorongoro and Serengeti, it’s a fascinating stop for travelers interested in human origins.

Historical Significance

Site of the earliest known hominin fossils, some dating back over 1.9 million years.
Excavated by Louis and Mary Leakey in the 20th century.

What to Expect

A well-curated museum explains the site’s significance and showcases fossils.
Panoramic views of the gorge itself.
Guided walks with local experts are available and highly recommended.

Kilwa Kisiwani

Once a powerful Swahili trading port, Kilwa Kisiwani is now a quiet island scattered with medieval ruins that testify to a rich and complex history of Indian Ocean commerce.

Heritage & Architecture

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
Ruins include the Great Mosque, one of the oldest in sub-Saharan Africa, and palaces, wells, and fortifications made from coral stone.
Once traded in gold, ivory, and spices as far as India and China.

Visiting Tips

Reachable by boat from Kilwa Masoko, on Tanzania’s southern coast.
Best visited with a local guide — there are no interpretive signs.
Combine with beach time or diving at nearby Kilwa Kivinje.

Practical Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

June–October (dry season) is best for safaris and trekking.
The coast and Zanzibar are pleasant year-round.

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).
Credit cards accepted in major hotels; cash is recommended elsewhere.

Transport

Domestic flights connect major destinations.
Road travel is common but can be slow and bumpy.

Health & Safety

Malaria risk exists — consult your doctor about prophylaxis.
Drink bottled or filtered water.
Tanzania is generally safe, but take normal precautions.

Further Resources

Official Tanzania Tourism Government travel portal: attractions, itineraries, and travel advice.

Tanzanian Immigration Visa requirements, application forms, and entry updates.

CDC Health Advice for Tanzania Vaccination and health recommendations for travelers.