Tanzania is safe to visit, with no major travel advisories, but avoid areas within 20km of the border with the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique.
The short rains arrive. November is humid and changeable with intermittent showers that can affect parks and beaches; crowds are smaller and prices lower. December dries slightly, January gets hotter and drier, and February brings excellent game viewing and Sauti za Busara; book Zanzibar Archipelago early.
Safaris here are the main event, with the northern circuit out of Arusha as the classic first timer route. Many trips finish with a few slower days on Zanzibar, mixing Stone Town and beaches. It works best with 10-14 days, or longer if you add Kilimanjaro.
Why Visit Tanzania?#
Tanzania is built for big, once-in-a-lifetime trips: a proper safari, iconic landscapes, and an easy beach finish. You just need to plan around seasons, park fees, and long driving days.
Classic northern safaris. Start from Arusha and link Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti on the classic northern circuit.
Great Migration. The Serengeti hosts the Great Migration, with timing varying between northern and southern areas.
Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Crater packs dense wildlife viewing into a compact crater floor.
Kilimanjaro trekking. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenge of altitude and pacing, with routes like Marangu or Machame.
Zanzibar mix. Zanzibar combines Stone Town alleyways and spice markets with beach hubs like Nungwi, Kendwa and Paje.
Remote parks and chimps. Go beyond the north with Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha, or head to Mahale for chimp tracking.
Things to Watch Out For#
Roads. Poor roads and night driving are a major crash risk.
Malaria. Malaria is a key risk in many lowland areas.
Altitude. Kilimanjaro altitude can be dangerous without proper acclimatisation.
Theft. Petty theft happens in Dar es Salaam and Stone Town.
Laws. Follow local laws, and avoid protests and public LGBT exposure.
Who Is Tanzania For?#
Nature Buffs
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and coastal reefs deliver standout wildlife and landscapes.
Adventure Seekers
Kilimanjaro trekking, multi-day safaris and diving around Mafia Island suit active trips.
Families
Family tents, tailored safaris and calmer Zanzibar beaches balance action and downtime.
Backpackers
Budget travel exists, but safaris and park fees force at least one splurge.
Foodies
Zanzibar spices, pulao and coastal seafood are the culinary highlights.
Party Animals
Most nightlife is in Dar es Salaam, with occasional Zanzibar beach events.
What you need to get in#
Almost everyone needs a visa for Tanzania, and the site recommends applying for the official e-visa well before travel. The country page also notes that most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa online or on arrival, and you should check what is recommended for your passport beforehand.
Visa and fees
Apply via the official e-visa, listed at US$50, or US$100 multiple-entry for US citizens.
Insurance required
Inbound travel insurance is compulsory, shown as a US$44 policy for 92 days.
Health and checks
You need a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country, or long transit.
Passports should generally be valid for at least six months from entry. Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be requested at immigration. Single-use plastic bags are banned and can be confiscated at the airport, although clear zip-lock toiletry bags are tolerated if you take them home.
When to go#
The short answer is late June to October for the long dry season and the most reliable safari conditions. Tanzania also has a popular December to February shoulder season, plus long rains and short rains that affect roads and camps.
| Months | What it is like | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| June to October | Cool and dry, with reliable game viewing and passable roads. | This is the busiest safari period, and prices peak. |
| December to February | Warm, generally favourable conditions for safari and beach time. | January to February is calving season in southern Serengeti. |
| March to May | Long rains, heavy showers and muddier roads in many areas. | Some camps close, and park access can be harder. |
| November to December | Short rains and more changeable conditions, especially on the coast. | Weather can disrupt boat schedules for Zanzibar and Pemba. |
On the coast and islands, it is hot and humid year-round, with long rains (Mar-May) and short rains (Oct-Dec).
The classic trips and what they cost#
Most first trips follow the same shape: start around Arusha for the northern circuit, then finish with Zanzibar for beaches and Stone Town. Kilimanjaro climbs tend to add a separate week.
Prices are rough totals for one person travelling alone, and don’t include international flights.
| Trip | Route | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha (1), Tarangire (1), Lake Manyara (1), Ngorongoro Crater (1), Serengeti (2), return to Arusha or fly from Seronera (1) | US$1,800-3,500 per person estimate). |
| 14 days | Arusha (1), Tarangire (1), Ngorongoro (2), Serengeti (4), Lake Natron (1), Zanzibar (3), Nungwi or Kendwa (2) | US$3,200-6,500 per person estimate). |
| 3-4 weeks | Arusha (2), northern circuit (4), Nyerere or Selous (4), Ruaha (3), Lake Victoria (3), Arusha area (4), Zanzibar (4), Pemba or Mafia (4) | US$5,500-11,000 per person estimate). |
For day-to-day costs, the site gives 150,000-300,000 TZS a day backpacking, 375,000-875,000 TZS mid-range, and 1,000,000+ TZS for comfort style travel. Guided safaris are usually quoted at US$250-600+ per person per day once park fees are included.
If you are price-sensitive, compare small-group mobile camps with fixed lodges, and confirm what park fees and transfers include.
Tanzania in a nutshell#
- Capital: Dodoma.
- People: About 69 million people. More in [Tanzania demographics].
- Language: Kiswahili or Swahili, with English also used in tourism and business.
- Money: Shilling (TZS). The site notes that goods and services must be priced and paid in shillings, with tour operators as a main exception.
- Daily budget: Backpacker budgets are listed at $60-120, or 150,000-300,000 TZS a day. More detail in Tanzania travel costs(/tanzania/costs/).
- Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz, plug type G. See Tanzania plug types.
- Emergencies: 112 and 999 are listed for dispatch, and the guide also lists 112 police, 115 ambulance, and 114 fire. More on the Tanzania emergency page.
Don't forget to bring#
Malaria protection
The site flags malaria as the main health risk in many lowland areas. Bring repellent and plan prophylaxis.
Warm layers
Nights can be cold on safari and in highland areas. Pack a warm layer even if days are hot.
Modest clothes
On Zanzibar, dress modestly away from resort beaches, and cover shoulders and knees.
Type G adapter
Tanzania uses 230V, 50 Hz and plug type G. Pack the right adapter for your chargers.
Cash buffer
Cash is dominant outside major towns, and ATMs are unreliable in remote areas. Withdraw extra TZS in Arusha, Moshi or Dar before park legs.
Clean US dollar notes
If you bring US dollars for safari balances or exchange, the site says notes should be clean and printed in 2009 or later.
Do not pack single-use plastic bags, they are banned and can be confiscated at the airport.
Good to know before you land#
- Greetings matter: Take time to greet people properly, and ask after family and health first.
- Right hand rule: Use your right hand for giving and receiving, especially in homes.
- Bargaining: Haggling is expected in many markets, so keep it polite and friendly.
- Photos: Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in rural and religious settings.
- Transport planning: Expect long travel times by road, and plan flexibility for domestic flight delays.
- Money habits: Visa and Mastercard work at major hotels, but many markets are cash-only.
Plan the rest of your trip#
More Tanzania guides#
First time in Tanzania FAQs#
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Most visits are trouble-free, but the site highlights road crashes, petty theft in Dar es Salaam and Stone Town, malaria, and wildlife and altitude risks.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
The site says almost everyone needs a visa and recommends the official e-visa well before travel. It also notes many nationalities can get an e-visa or visa on arrival, so check what is recommended for your passport.
What is the best time to visit Tanzania for a first trip?
Late June to October is the long dry season with the best game viewing, but it is also the busiest. December to February is a popular shoulder season, and January to February is calving season in the southern Serengeti.
How many days do I need in Tanzania?
The country page suggests 10-14 days for a northern-circuit safari from Arusha plus Zanzibar. Add about a week if you also want to climb Kilimanjaro.
How much money do I need per day in Tanzania?
Independent travel is listed at $60-120 a day, while guided safaris are usually $250-600+ per person per day once park fees are included. The site also lists 150,000-300,000 TZS a day backpacking and 375,000-875,000 TZS mid-range.