National Parks in Tanzania
Tanzania's top safari and wildlife destinations
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park packs remarkable diversity into a compact space. Wedged between the Rift Valley escarpment an...
Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is often called the eighth wonder of the world, and for good reason. This massive volcanic caldera, 60...
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is Africa's most iconic wilderness, with endless golden plains stretching to the horizon, dotted with acac...
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is Tanzania's elephant paradise, home to some of the largest herds in East Africa. During the dr...
Cities in Tanzania
Explore Tanzania's urban destinations
Arusha
Arusha is the safari capital of East Africa, the gateway to Tanzania's legendary northern circuit including the Serenget...
Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and commercial heartbeat, a sprawling Indian Ocean port where Africa, Arabia, a...
Stone Town
Stone Town is the ancient heart of Zanzibar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where winding alleys lead past ornate carved d...
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Best Months
June, July, August, September, October
For Safari
Peak: June, July, August, September
Migration is year-round but in different areas
Seasons
June, July, August, September, October
Best wildlife viewing, migration crossings in Serengeti
November, December, March, April, May
Calving season (Jan-Feb), lush landscapes, fewer crowds, lower prices
Tanzania Visa Requirements
Most nationalities require a visa. The e-Visa is the easiest option, though visa on arrival is available at major entry points. US citizens have a special requirement: they must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa ($100) even for a single trip.
e-Visa Available
Yes
Cost
$50 USD
Validity
90 days
Visa on Arrival
Yes
Requirements
- • Passport valid 6+ months
- • One blank visa page
- • Return/onward ticket
- • Passport photo (45x35mm, JPEG, max 500KB)
Is Tanzania Safe?
Tanzania is one of Africa's safest countries for tourists. Safari areas and Zanzibar are very safe. Standard precautions apply in cities.
Safe Areas
- ✓ Serengeti
- ✓ Ngorongoro
- ✓ Zanzibar beaches
- ✓ Arusha (tourist areas)
- ✓ Safari circuit
Areas to Avoid
- ✗ Remote border areas
- ✗ Unlit urban areas at night
Safety Tips
- • Use reputable safari operators
- • Don't walk alone at night in cities
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Follow guide instructions in parks
Tanzania Travel Costs
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| budget | $100-$150/day | Camping safaris, budget lodges |
| mid range | $300-$500/day | Mid-range lodges, some flights |
| luxury | $800-$2000/day | Luxury camps, private guides |
Health & Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
- •Yellow Fever (If arriving from endemic country)
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus
Malaria Risk
Prophylaxis recommended for: Everywhere except highlands
Healthcare
Good in major cities, limited in remote areas
Tap Water: Not safe - drink bottled water
Getting to Tanzania
International Airports
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Arusha/Moshi (JRO)
Main HubJulius Nyerere International Airport
Dar es Salaam (DAR)
Main HubAbeid Amani Karume International Airport
Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Major Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines
Tanzania Highlights
Must See
- • Serengeti National Park
- • Ngorongoro Crater
- • Mount Kilimanjaro
- • Zanzibar
Unique Experiences
- • Witness the Great Migration
- • Climb Kilimanjaro
- • Snorkel in Zanzibar
- • Visit Maasai villages
Off the Beaten Path
- • Ruaha National Park
- • Selous Game Reserve
- • Mahale Mountains chimps
- • Lake Tanganyika
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tanzania or Kenya better for safari?
Both offer world-class safaris. Tanzania has the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and hosts the Great Migration year-round in different regions. Kenya's Masai Mara is more accessible and sees the migration July-October. Tanzania tends to be less crowded and slightly more expensive. Kenya offers better beach-safari combos.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
The dry season (June to October) is best for wildlife viewing when animals gather at water sources. January to February is excellent for the Serengeti calving season. Zanzibar is best from June to October and December to February. Avoid the heavy rains in April and May.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most visitors need a visa. Tourist visas ($50 for single entry) can be obtained online at immigration.go.tz or on arrival. US citizens pay $100. Apply online at least 2 weeks before travel for faster processing. Visa on arrival is available but online is recommended.
Can I climb Kilimanjaro without experience?
Yes, Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak that requires no technical climbing skills. However, it is a serious high-altitude challenge. Good fitness is essential. The success rate is around 65%, with the Lemosho and Machame routes offering better acclimatization. Book with a reputable operator.
How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
Tanzania safaris are generally pricier than Kenya. Budget camping safaris start around $250-350 per day, mid-range lodge safaris cost $400-700 per day, and luxury fly-in safaris range from $1,000-3,000+ per day. High park fees ($82/day for Serengeti) contribute to costs.