About Tanzania

Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak and Mount Meru, a spectacular volcanic cone that are ideal for those looking for outdoor adventure. Furthermore, the wildebeest migration - perhaps the most stunning animal event in the world - crosses through the Serengeti every year. 

Most visitors will find themselves passing through Dar es Salaam and heading out to the wilderness areas and other destinations. For those who want to spend some time soaking up the sun, the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar beckon. Off Pemba and Mafia islands is another kind of natural wonder, appreciated by the scuba divers and snorkelers who come here from around the world to experience the coral gardens, colourful fish, and crystal clear waters.

 

Culture

The people of Tanzania are very friendly towards visitors and there will be opportunities to interact with the locals. Probably the most famous African culture today is that of the Maasai - with the red-robed figures featuring in most east African safari photo albums.

 

Best time to go

As with most wildlife destinations, there's the best time to visit Tanzania for a safari holiday. The dry season, which runs from June to October, is best for wildlife spotting. If you want to catch the Great Wildebeest Migration, though, you’ll need to plan your holiday around June and July. The islands off Tanzania’s coast, meanwhile, are subject to the same seasons. 

 

How many days do I need in Tanzania?

How long to spend will depend on whether you’re on a quick beach getaway or a safari that ticks off the blockbuster wildlife venues, or whether you want a fuller immersion in Tanzania’s broader diversity. Having only 3 days or so, we recommend flying into Zanzibar for beach lazing and watersports, with the benefit of some cultural exploration in Stone Town. Zanzibar is also the preferred add-on to a 7-day (or longer) safari trip

 

Things to do in Tanzania

Within cities and towns, dalla dalla (community minibuses), boda boda (motorcycle taxis) and bajaji (tuk-tuks) are all good options than conventional taxis. Then there are trains on Tanzania's modest rail network, and boats linking the islands in the Indian Ocean and towns along with Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.

 

Getting around Tanzania

Flights Within Tanzania

If you are arriving by air, you will likely land in Dar es Salaam. Local airlines offer connections to other domestic destinations, such as Arusha or Kilimanjaro.

Taxis

Registered taxis are generally safe and easily accessible from the Dar airport. Tuk-tuk’s and boda bodas are cheaper options available throughout Tanzania.

Buses

Local buses (dala dalas) are a cheap way to get around Tanzania’s cities. Overland buses are also an economical option to travel from city to city across Tanzania

Trains

Trains are a safe transit option to connect from Dar es Salaam to both Mwanza and Kigoma via Tabora. There is also a second railway service which runs all the way Southwest to Zambia.

 

Health & Safety

All travellers must have a PCR COVID-19 Clearance Certificate issued by a recognised facility within 48 hours from the date of departure, in line with WHO guidelines. Yellow fever and Malaria vaccination certificate is required from travellers from risk areas. Furthermore, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you are away.

Interesting places to visit in Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak (5,895 m) and Tanzania's most iconic image. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, unlike other parks in northern Tanzania, is not visited for the wildlife but for the chance to stand in awe of this beautiful snow-capped mountain and, for many, to climb to the summit. The slopes of rainforest are home to buffaloes, leopards, monkeys, elephants and eland. The alpine zone is where bird watchers will find an abundance of birds of prey.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is a vast treeless plain with millions of animals living here or passing through in search of fresh grasslands. It's most famous for the annual wildebeest migration but you can also see the Big Five here, and nearly 500 species of birds have been recorded on the Serengeti. The best months for wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park are between December and June.

Zanzibar Beaches

The island of Zanzibar, also called Unguja, is a major holiday destination in Tanzania and known for its beautiful beaches. Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, which consists of the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, this island has some of the best beaches in the world. The surf varies depending on what side of the island you are on, but visitors will find soft white sand and clear shallow water, along with traditional boats lining the shore.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Located between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and is one of Tanzania's most popular wildlife viewing areas. This huge volcanic crater has a permanent supply of water, which draws thousands of animals who stay in this area rather than migrating.

Mafia Island

Mafia Island draws divers and snorkelers from around the world to the undersea world protected by the Mafia Island Marine Park. The best months for diving are October to March but the best weather on Mafia Island is May to October. March and April are months of heavy rain. Mafia Island Marine Park has coral gardens, an abundant variety of fish, and a relaxed diving atmosphere.

Responsible Tourism

Join us in supporting small independent businesses which may have struggled for tourism licences, planning permission and, sometimes, to appear on the national tourism marketing campaigns.

Stay at locally owned lodges in out of the way locations; eat out at locally owned restaurants with just a phrasebook and a smile; haggle in the souks and support smaller cottage industries. By travelling differently, you will be changing tourism for better! Be part of our community.