A herd of wild animals walking across a dry grass field
Travel Guide

Tanzania

Tanzania is East Africa's safari superstar, home to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the spice island of Zanzibar. It hosts the largest concentration of wildlife on Earth during the Great Migration, when over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle traverse the Serengeti plains. From climbing Africa's highest peak to diving pristine coral reefs, Tanzania offers an extraordinary range of experiences. The country's commitment to conservation is impressive: nearly a third of its land is protected, ensuring authentic wilderness encounters increasingly rare elsewhere.

National Parks in Tanzania

Tanzania's top safari and wildlife destinations

Cities in Tanzania

Explore Tanzania's urban destinations

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

Read full best time guide

When Should You Visit?

Weather varies by season. Find the best time for your trip.

Best time to visit

Tanzania Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania in 2026. The Tanzania e-Visa is the easiest and recommended option, available through the official portal at visa.immigration.go.tz. Visa on arrival is also available at major airports and border crossings, including Kilimanjaro (JRO), Dar es Salaam (DAR), and Zanzibar (ZNZ). A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD for most nationalities. US citizens are a notable exception: Americans must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa at $100 USD, even for a single trip, due to bilateral agreements.

e-Visa Available

Yes

Cost

$50 USD

Validity

90 days

Visa on Arrival

Yes

Requirements

  • Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry date
  • One blank visa page
  • Return/onward ticket
  • Passport photo (45x35mm, JPEG, max 500KB)
  • Proof of accommodation or safari booking
  • Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic country)
  • Visa fee: $50 single entry, $100 multiple entry, $30 transit
Full visa guide by nationality

Is Tanzania Safe?

Safety Rating: Generally 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
Read full safety guide

Tanzania Travel Costs

Budget LevelDaily CostIncludes
budget$100-$150/dayCamping safaris, budget lodges
mid range$300-$500/dayMid-range lodges, some flights
luxury$800-$2000/dayLuxury camps, private guides
Full budget breakdown

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 Hub

Julius Nyerere International Airport

Dar es Salaam (DAR)

Main Hub

Abeid 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 in 2026?

Most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. As of 2026, a single-entry tourist visa costs $50 USD, a multiple-entry visa costs $100 USD, and a transit visa costs $30 USD. You can apply online at visa.immigration.go.tz (e-Visa) or get a visa on arrival at major airports like Kilimanjaro (JRO), Dar es Salaam (DAR), and Zanzibar (ZNZ). US citizens must get the $100 Multiple Entry Visa even for a single trip. The East Africa Tourist Visa ($100) covers Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Apply online at least 2 weeks before travel for the fastest processing.

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.