Tanzania is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture. From the iconic Serengeti plains and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro to the spice-laden breeze of Zanzibar, the country offers a diversity of experiences few places can match. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your journey.
🦁 Top Attractions
- Serengeti National Park – World-famous for the Great Migration of wildebeests and zebras, and home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino).
- Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient volcanic caldera is teeming with wildlife in a lush, natural amphitheater.
- Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak and a dream for trekkers; no technical climbing required for most routes.
- Zanzibar – An exotic archipelago known for white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and the cultural blend of Stone Town.
- Lake Victoria – Shared with Uganda and Kenya, it’s Africa’s largest lake, ideal for birdwatching and cultural tourism.
- Selous Game Reserve – One of Africa’s largest faunal reserves and less crowded than Serengeti, with boat safaris along the Rufiji River.
🍛 Food & Drink Prices
- Street food/snack: $0.50 – $2 (e.g., chapati, samosa, mandazi)
- Local meals (ugali with meat or beans): $2 – $5
- Mid-range restaurant meal: $6 – $15
- Bottled water (1.5L): $0.50 – $1
- Beer (local): $1.50 – $3
- Coffee in a cafe: $1 – $2
🏨 Accommodation Costs
- Budget hostel/guesthouse: $10 – $20/night
- Mid-range hotel/lodge: $25 – $80/night
- Safari lodge (full board): $150 – $600+/night depending on location and season
- Airbnb/Private rooms: $20 – $50/night in cities like Arusha or Dar es Salaam
💱 Currency & Exchange
- Local currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Exchange rate (approx.):
- 1 USD = 2,500 TZS
- 1 EUR = 2,700 TZS
Most places accept cash only, though some hotels and tourist operators accept cards or USD. ATMs are widely available in major towns.
⚠️ Travel Safety & Advice
- General Safety: Tanzania is relatively safe for tourists. However, petty theft can occur in cities and on public transport. Avoid walking at night in poorly lit areas.
- Health: Yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from a country with risk of transmission. Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended.
- Transport: Buses are the most common mode for long-distance travel, but roads can be rough. Domestic flights are available between major towns and safari gateways.
- Visas: Most travelers can obtain a visa on arrival or apply online for an e-visa (~$50 for a single entry).
- LGBTQ+ Travel: Homosexuality is illegal and not openly tolerated. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion.
📅 Best Time to Visit
- June to October (Dry Season): Best for safaris and wildlife viewing.
- January to March: Good for seeing wildebeest calving and climbing Kilimanjaro in drier conditions.
- April–May: Rainy season – fewer tourists, but some parks may be difficult to access.
🌍 Cultural Tips
- Swahili is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Dress modestly, especially in Zanzibar and other Muslim-majority regions.
- Greet locals with a smile and respect; learning basic Swahili phrases (like “Jambo” for hello) goes a long way.
🧭 Why Visit Tanzania?
Tanzania offers perhaps the most iconic “Africa experience”: roaring lions under acacia trees, snow-capped peaks, barefoot walks on white beaches, and centuries-old cultural traditions. It’s a paradise for adventurers, photographers, and slow travelers alike.