Ultimate Guide to Tanzania: What to See, Do, and Know Before You Go

Tanzania is one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations, combining legendary wildlife, snowcapped peaks, Swahili coast islands, and deeply rooted cultures. In 2026 it remains a bucket-list trip for many travelers, but it is also a place where logistics, seasons, park rules, and a shifting political situation all matter.

This guide brings together the latest information on what to see, what to do, and what you must know before you go so you can plan a memorable and safe journey.

Understanding Tanzania Today

Tanzania stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Great Rift Valley and the shores of Lake Victoria, with a landscape that ranges from sun-baked savanna to misty mountain forests.

It includes some of the world’s premier safari parks, Africa’s highest peak, and coastal archipelagos such as Zanzibar and Mafia Island that were once key ports in the Indian Ocean trade. For travelers, knowing the lay of the land and the current context is the first step to planning wisely.

As of late 2025, tourism is officially operating normally across the country. The government has declared that peace and stability have been restored after post-election unrest earlier in the year, and major tourist circuits and airports are open.

At the same time, several Western governments still urge heightened caution or advise against non-essential travel because of the political situation, periodic protests, and the risk of local disruption, especially in major cities and parts of the south. Travelers should plan their route with this in mind and stay on top of advisories as their departure date approaches.

Geography and Key Regions

Tanzania is roughly divided into three tourism “zones” that most itineraries stitch together in different combinations: the northern safari circuit, the southern and western parks, and the coast and islands. Each offers a different rhythm, level of infrastructure, and price point.

The northern circuit, anchored by Arusha, includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Mount Kilimanjaro. This is Tanzania’s most developed safari region, with a dense concentration of lodges, camps, airstrips, and tour operators. First-time visitors and families often start here because of the relatively smooth logistics and high odds of big-game sightings.

The south and west are more remote and wild, with parks like Nyerere (formerly Selous), Ruaha, Katavi, and Gombe. They appeal to repeat visitors and those seeking fewer vehicles, more walking and boating, and extended stays in small camps. The coast and islands form the third pillar, centered on Zanzibar but also including Mafia and Pemba. These are the places for white sand, Swahili heritage, spice tours, and some of East Africa’s best diving.

Current Safety and Political Climate

Following a disputed national election on October 29, 2025, Tanzania experienced protests, especially in large cities such as Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Arusha, and Zanzibar City.

There were casualties, arrests, and temporary internet restrictions. In response, a number of foreign governments raised their travel advisories. Some continue to advise against non-essential travel or urge visitors to exercise a high degree of caution, citing the potential for further demonstrations, curfews, and transport disruptions.

On the ground, tourism operators report that safari parks, Kilimanjaro routes, and main beach areas have remained calm, with international flights and park access operating normally most of the time.

The main risk to travelers has been indirect: sudden roadblocks, checkpoints, or local curfews that can delay airport transfers or internal travel. If you are planning a trip for 2026, assume cities may see intermittent protests and give yourself extra buffer time for movements into and out of Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar City.

Practical steps include scheduling arrivals and departures outside politically sensitive dates, allowing generous transfer times, and following guidance from your hotel, safari operator, and embassy. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, stay flexible with your itinerary, and keep both physical and digital copies of all travel documents.

Top Places to Visit in Tanzania

From wildebeest-filled plains to coral-fringed islands, Tanzania’s highlights cover a vast range of landscapes. Most travelers will not be able to see everything in a single trip, so understanding the character of each major destination will help you build a realistic route.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is Tanzania’s flagship park and one of the most famous wildlife reserves on earth. It is best known for the Great Migration, when more than a million wildebeest, accompanied by zebra and antelope, move in a clockwise circuit between the Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing. The result is a constantly shifting drama of river crossings, predator encounters, and mass calving.

Game viewing is excellent year-round, but different areas peak at different times. The Ndutu and southern Serengeti plains are typically best from about December to March, when calving draws predators, while the western corridor and northern Serengeti appeal in the midyear dry season when groups often cluster near the Grumeti and Mara rivers. Even outside the core migration months, lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and countless birds make the park rewarding.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater, a huge volcanic caldera with its own grassland floor and forested walls, packs an extraordinary density of wildlife into a compact area. Big cats, elephants, hippos, and large herds of buffalo and gazelles are frequently seen here, and rhinos are present, giving the crater some of Tanzania’s best odds for the full “Big Five.”

Because of the crater’s popularity and limited capacity, visits are tightly regulated and usually limited to a single day on the floor as part of a wider northern circuit safari. Early morning starts help avoid some of the traffic. The surrounding highlands, home to Maasai communities and walking trails, are worth extra time for those interested in culture and cooler mountain air.

Mount Kilimanjaro

At 5,895 meters, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the world’s most accessible high mountains. Climbing it is a non-technical but physically demanding trek that typically takes between five and nine days, depending on the route. Success rates rise on longer itineraries that allow more time for acclimatization.

Several established routes, such as Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai, differ in difficulty, scenery, and crowd levels. All require you to go with a licensed operator providing guides, porters, and camp support. Regulations are strict and evolving, so choose a reputable outfitter that follows ethical porter treatment guidelines and keeps up to date on park rules and rescue procedures.

Zanzibar Archipelago

The Zanzibar archipelago, centered on Unguja Island, is Tanzania’s best-known beach destination. Its historic capital, Stone Town, blends Omani, Persian, Indian, and African influences in a warren of carved doors, spice markets, and centuries-old mosques. Inland, spice farms offer an introduction to the cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg that once drove the island’s fortunes.

Along the coasts lie a series of beach zones, from the tidal flats of the east coast to calmer bays in the north. Many travelers split their time between cultural exploration in Stone Town and relaxation at a beach lodge. Diving, snorkeling, dhow sailing, and visits to Jozani Forest to look for rare red colobus monkeys are common activities, and the island has a well-developed tourism infrastructure across a range of budgets.

Mafia Island and Coastal Marine Parks

For divers and snorkelers seeking quieter shores, Mafia Island and the marine reserves along Tanzania’s southern coast are a strong alternative to busier parts of Zanzibar.

The Mafia Island Marine Park shelters thriving coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, with abundant reef fish, turtles, and macro life. Seasonal plankton blooms sometimes draw whale sharks, especially between about October and February, although sightings vary by year.

Lodges on Mafia tend to be small and low-key, focusing on marine activities and village walks rather than nightlife. Access is via small aircraft from Dar es Salaam, and flights can be weather-dependent, so allow extra time for connections. The island’s more remote feel is part of its appeal, but it also means visitors should arrive with any specialist medications and be prepared for basic but friendly services.

Nyerere, Ruaha and the Southern Parks

Travelers willing to venture away from the main northern circuit are rewarded with some of East Africa’s wildest corners in the south. Nyerere National Park, carved from the northern portion of the former Selous Game Reserve, stretches across a huge area of miombo woodland and riverine plains. Boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris with armed guides, and fly-in camps define the experience here.

Ruaha National Park, further inland, offers rugged terrain, large elephant and buffalo herds, and impressive lion prides, often with very few other vehicles in sight.

Logistics in the south rely heavily on small-plane connections from Dar es Salaam, and camps tend to be more intimate, with a focus on guiding and immersion. Costs can be similar or higher than the north despite fewer crowds, reflecting the price of operating in such remote locations.

Best Things to Do in Tanzania

A Tanzanian journey can be crafted around many themes: classic game drives, mountain trekking, underwater exploration, or cultural immersion. The most satisfying itineraries blend several activities so you see different sides of the country while managing pace and travel days.

Go on a Classic Safari

For most visitors, safari is the centerpiece of a Tanzania trip. A typical northern circuit safari might run seven to ten days, visiting Tarangire or Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti, with a mix of tented camps and lodges. Safari days usually revolve around early-morning and late-afternoon game drives, when wildlife is most active.

Options range from group overland safaris using 4x4 vehicles and fixed lodges to fly-in luxury camps with gourmet food and bush sundowners. The key distinctions are group size, accommodation level, and degree of flexibility. Private safaris cost more but allow you to set your own pace, linger over specific sightings, and tailor your days for photography or birding.

Climb Kilimanjaro or Trek Other Peaks

Summiting Kilimanjaro is a major undertaking, but northern Tanzania also offers shorter and quieter treks on Mount Meru and in the Ngorongoro Highlands. Kili itself suits reasonably fit walkers who are prepared to camp in cold conditions, cope with altitude, and commit to several days of continuous hiking.

If a full summit feels too ambitious, day hikes on the lower slopes, multi-day treks on Meru, or cultural walks through Maasai and Chagga villages offer mountain scenery without extreme elevation gains. Always use licensed guides, especially in high-altitude zones and national parks, and ensure your operator is transparent about equipment, rescue plans, and acclimatization schedules.

Dive, Snorkel, and Sail

The waters off Zanzibar, Mafia, and Pemba provide some of East Africa’s most accessible coral reefs. Certified divers can explore walls, pinnacles, and drift sites with local operators, while snorkelers join boat trips to shallow lagoons and sandbanks. Conditions vary seasonally, but visibility is often best in the dry months when seas are calmer.

Traditional wooden dhows, powered by both sail and engine, are a fixture along the coast. Sunset cruises, sandbank picnics, and short sailing excursions are popular, and many lodges bundle them into activity packages. Confirm safety standards, life jacket availability, and trip duration before booking, especially if traveling with children.

Experience Swahili and Maasai Culture

Tanzania is culturally diverse, with Swahili culture dominating the coast and more than 100 ethnic groups inland, including Maasai, Chagga, Sukuma, and others. Engaging with local communities thoughtfully can be a highlight of your trip and a way for tourism dollars to spread more widely.

In Zanzibar, guided walks through Stone Town, spice farm visits, and cooking classes introduce Swahili cuisine and history. On the mainland, village visits and homestays, particularly around Arusha, Moshi, and the Ngorongoro highlands, often include song, dance, craft demonstrations, and discussions about pastoral life, land rights, and modern education. Seek tours run in partnership with local organizations that emphasize fair compensation and consent.

Relax on the Beach

After long days of game drives or trekking, many travelers schedule three to five days on the coast. Tanzania’s main beach zones each have distinct personalities: the quieter southeast of Zanzibar, the livelier north, or the more remote Mafia and Pemba islands. Activities range from reading in a hammock to kitesurfing on the trade winds of the east coast.

Planning the beach portion at the end of your trip provides a buffer for any inland transport delays and allows you to unwind before a long flight home. Just remember that tides on the east coast can be extreme, dramatically changing swimming conditions by the hour. If constant swimmable water is important to you, ask your lodge how tides affect their specific stretch of beach.

When to Go: Seasons and Wildlife

Choosing the best time to visit Tanzania involves balancing weather, wildlife movements, and your own tolerance for heat, rain, and crowds. With climate patterns becoming more variable, traditional “rules” around seasons are less rigid, but they still provide a helpful framework.

Dry Season Highlights

The main dry season generally runs from about June through October. During these months, skies are often clearer, humidity is lower, and many dirt roads are in better condition. In the savannas, grasses are shorter and water sources fewer, which tends to concentrate wildlife and make it easier to spot animals on game drives.

This is typically the busiest and most expensive time for safaris, especially July and August in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Parks and popular Kilimanjaro routes can feel crowded, and availability at the best camps and lodges may require booking a year or more in advance. On the coast, the dry season usually brings pleasant beach conditions, though wind patterns influence kitesurfing and visibility for diving and snorkeling.

Green Season and Shoulder Months

Short rains often arrive around November, with heavier long rains from roughly March to May, though timing can shift. These showers turn the landscape green, fill waterholes, and bring dramatic skies. They can also cause muddy tracks, delayed flights to small bush airstrips, and, in some rural areas, temporary road closures.

The shoulder months around the rains can offer quieter parks and lower prices. The calving season in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, usually between about January and early March, is especially attractive to photographers who want scenes of newborn wildebeest and attendant predators. Light rain typically does not halt game drives entirely; guides adjust timing and routes to conditions.

Festivals and Local Events

Tanzania hosts a number of cultural and religious festivals spread across the year, including Islamic holidays on the coast, harvest celebrations in rural areas, and film or music events in larger cities.

In recent years, political events such as elections and national holidays have also had logistical implications, with some protests timed to symbolic dates like Independence Day on December 9.

Before finalizing dates, check whether your travel window coincides with significant political or religious events, as these can affect everything from business hours to security measures.

While this does not mean you must avoid such periods entirely, it may be wise to minimize time in major cities and give multiple days’ margin around key internal flights or ferry crossings.

Entry Requirements, Health, and Money

Well-prepared travelers are less likely to face surprises at the airport or in clinics. Tanzania’s entry rules, health recommendations, and currency regulations are relatively straightforward but do change periodically. Always verify close to departure, especially if transiting other African countries en route.

Visas and Entry Rules

Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania. Many nationalities, including citizens of the United States and much of Europe, can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, while others are expected to apply in advance through the official e-visa system or at a Tanzanian embassy. E-visas are typically issued via email confirmation that you present on arrival.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure and contain at least one blank page for stamps. Officials may ask for proof of onward or return travel and evidence of sufficient funds. Volunteer work is not permitted on a standard tourist visa; those planning to volunteer or work must secure the correct residence or work permit in advance.

Vaccinations and Malaria Prevention

Routine vaccines such as measles, tetanus, and influenza should be up to date before any international travel. Travel health authorities and clinics commonly recommend additional vaccines for Tanzania, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and sometimes rabies for those spending extended time in rural areas or working with animals.

Yellow fever vaccination is not required if you arrive directly from non-endemic regions such as North America or most of Europe, but a valid yellow fever certificate is generally required if you are traveling from or transiting through countries where the disease is present, even for layovers longer than 12 hours.

Given occasional confusion at border posts, it is wise to carry your certificate if your route includes other African or South American countries.

Malaria is present in many parts of Tanzania, especially at lower elevations and along the coast. A comprehensive prevention plan usually includes prescription antimalarial medication, insect repellent with a high concentration of DEET or other recommended active ingredients, long sleeves and trousers at dusk and dawn, and sleeping under treated mosquito nets. Consult a travel medicine specialist at least six weeks before departure to tailor a regimen to your itinerary and health profile.

Health Care and Travel Insurance

Urban centers such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha have private clinics and hospitals that can handle many routine issues, but serious cases often require evacuation to Nairobi or further afield. Medical facilities in rural areas and on small islands are basic. Travelers should carry a well-stocked personal medical kit with any prescription medicines, along with copies of prescriptions and a summary of their medical history.

Comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage, emergency evacuation, and trip interruption is strongly recommended. Policies designed for adventure travel often cover trekking above certain altitudes and participating in safari activities, but you must verify these inclusions explicitly. Keep emergency numbers, policy details, and your insurer’s procedures for authorizing evacuation easily accessible.

Currency, Payments, and Tipping

The Tanzanian shilling is the official currency. U.S. dollars are widely accepted for park fees, high-end lodges, and some tours, but for everyday purchases, taxis, and local restaurants, shillings are more practical. Recent regulations limit the import and export of local currency by non-residents and require declaration of large amounts of foreign cash at the border.

ATMs are available in major towns and cities but should not be relied on exclusively, especially in more remote safari gateways where machines can be out of service.

Credit and debit cards are accepted by many midrange and upscale hotels and tour companies, often with a surcharge. Carry a mix of card and cash, keeping high-value currency and passports in a secure location such as a hotel safe or concealed money belt.

Tipping is customary in the tourism sector. Check whether service charges are included in your safari or lodge package, and ask your operator for current guidelines on amounts. Typically, guests leave pooled tips for camp staff and separate amounts for guides, drivers, and porters at the end of a stay or climb.

Practical Travel Tips and Responsible Tourism

Logistics and cultural etiquette can make the difference between a smooth, respectful journey and a frustrating one. Tanzania’s tourism infrastructure is generally reliable in the main circuits, but it still pays to plan for delays, show cultural sensitivity, and reduce your footprint on fragile ecosystems.

Getting Around

Most international travelers arrive through Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar airports. From there, internal movements are generally by small domestic airlines or overland by 4x4. Fly-in safaris use scheduled bush flights to connect parks and often provide spectacular aerial views, but they have strict luggage weight and size limits, usually favoring soft duffel bags.

Road conditions vary from paved highways to corrugated dirt tracks. During or after heavy rains, some rural routes become difficult or temporarily impassable.

Public buses and shared minibuses connect towns but are usually not recommended for visitors on tight itineraries because of variable safety standards, unpredictable departure times, and crowding. For most travelers, private transfers organized through reputable operators are the safest and most efficient option.

Safety and Security on the Ground

In addition to the broader political context, day-to-day safety considerations in Tanzania are similar to those in many developing countries. Petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing occurs, especially in busy markets and transport hubs.

Take common-sense precautions: keep valuables out of sight, use hotel safes where available, avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas, and use registered taxis or transfers recommended by your accommodation.

In wildlife areas, follow guide instructions at all times. Remain inside vehicles unless specifically told it is safe to disembark, maintain a respectful distance from animals, and avoid loud noises or sudden movements that could disturb them. On the coast, pay attention to currents, tides, and local swimming advice, particularly when lifeguards are absent.

Cultural Etiquette and Responsible Behavior

Swahili and English are widely spoken, and learning a few basic Swahili phrases is appreciated. Tanzania is religiously diverse, with significant Muslim and Christian populations, and visitors should dress modestly in towns and villages, particularly along the coast and on Zanzibar. This generally means covering shoulders and knees and avoiding beachwear away from the shore.

When visiting villages or markets, always ask before taking photographs of people, and be prepared for some to decline. Buying locally made crafts and using community-run tours helps spread the benefits of tourism, but avoid activities that exploit wildlife or people, such as handling wild animals for photos or visiting schools during class time without prior arrangement through a reputable organization.

Environmental responsibility is equally important. Stick to marked trails, minimize single-use plastics, carry refillable water bottles where safe with filtered or boiled water, and respect park rules on noise, speed limits, and off-road driving. Many lodges and operators are increasing their sustainability efforts; choosing those with clear environmental and community commitments helps support positive trends.

The Takeaway

Tanzania delivers some of the most iconic experiences in travel: lions on golden plains, a ribbon of trekkers heading toward the snows of Kilimanjaro, spice-laden breezes in ancient Stone Town, and coral reefs alive with color. Enjoying these rewards requires not only a spirit of adventure but also attentiveness to changing advisories, entry rules, and local conditions.

Plan your route carefully around the regions and seasons that best match your interests, work with reputable operators, build flexibility into your schedule, and stay informed right up to your departure. With thoughtful preparation and respect for the country’s people, landscapes, and current realities, an ultimate trip to Tanzania remains not only possible but unforgettable.

FAQ

Q1. Is it safe to travel to Tanzania ?
Safety conditions can vary by region and date, but as of late 2025 tourism operations are largely normal in safari parks, Kilimanjaro, and main beach areas. However, several governments still advise heightened caution because of earlier election-related unrest and the possibility of protests or curfews in major cities. The most practical approach is to avoid demonstrations, monitor official advisories and local news, and give yourself extra time for transfers in and out of cities such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar City.

Q2. Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania for tourism?
Most visitors, including many from Europe and North America, need a visa for tourism. Some nationalities can obtain visas on arrival, while others are encouraged or required to apply in advance using the official e-visa system or through a Tanzanian embassy. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date and have at least one blank page.

Q3. What vaccinations are recommended for Tanzania?
Travel clinics commonly recommend that routine vaccinations be up to date and may advise additional protection against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and, in some cases, rabies. Yellow fever vaccination is generally required if you are arriving from or transiting through a country where yellow fever is present. Because recommendations change and depend on your health and itinerary, consult a travel medicine specialist well before departure.

Q4. When is the best time to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti?
The Great Migration is a year-round movement, but key areas peak at different times. The southern Serengeti and Ndutu plains often see calving between about January and early March, while river crossings in the western corridor and northern Serengeti tend to occur from around June to October, depending on rainfall. Because exact timing varies by year, work with an experienced safari operator to match your dates to likely migration locations.

Q5. Can beginners climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is a non-technical trek that does not require climbing skills, but it is physically demanding and involves significant altitude. Fit first-time trekkers can succeed if they choose an itinerary of sufficient length for acclimatization, go with a reputable operator, use proper gear, and follow a sensible pace. Those with medical conditions or limited hiking experience should speak with a doctor and consider guided training before committing.

Q6. How much does a Tanzania safari typically cost?
Safari costs vary widely depending on length, level of accommodation, and whether you join a group or opt for a private itinerary. Budget group safaris can start in the lower hundreds of dollars per person per day, while midrange and high-end private trips often run into the mid hundreds or more per person per day once park fees, guiding, and flights are included. Traveling in shoulder seasons, choosing simpler camps, and sharing vehicles can help control costs.

Q7. Is tap water safe to drink in Tanzania?
Tap water is generally not considered safe for visitors to drink in Tanzania. Most travelers stick to bottled or properly filtered and treated water for drinking and brushing teeth. Many lodges now provide filtered water refills to reduce plastic waste, so traveling with a durable reusable bottle is a good idea.

Q8. What should I wear on safari and in Zanzibar?
On safari, neutral-colored, lightweight clothing is best, with layers for cool mornings and evenings and a hat for sun protection. Closed shoes are recommended for game drives and walks. In cities and villages, including Zanzibar’s Stone Town, modest dress that covers shoulders and knees is respectful, especially in predominantly Muslim coastal communities. Beachwear is generally acceptable at resorts and on the beach but should not be worn away from the shoreline.

Q9. Can I use credit cards, or do I need cash?
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at many midrange and upscale hotels, safari lodges, and some restaurants, often with a surcharge. However, smaller businesses, local eateries, and markets typically prefer cash in Tanzanian shillings. ATMs are available in major centers but may be scarce or unreliable in remote areas, so it is wise to carry a mix of card and cash and to plan withdrawals ahead of travel into the bush.

Q10. How far in advance should I book my Tanzania trip?
For peak-season safaris, Kilimanjaro climbs, and popular beach lodges, booking 9 to 18 months in advance is ideal, especially if you have fixed dates or are traveling during school holidays. Shoulder and green season trips can sometimes be organized closer to departure, but flights and key camps can still fill quickly. Early planning also allows time for visas, vaccinations, and proper fitness preparation for trekking.