Tanzania Tours & Holidays
Home to 'the Big Five', a big mountain and a whole host of big experiences, Tanzania is a must for every African adventurer.
Search for predators in the Ngorongoro Crater, chill out on Zanzibar's perfect beaches and climb the continent's highest peak. Tanzania offers outdoor experiences, supreme wildlife viewing, warm people and the chance to connect with ancient cultures.
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Kilimanjaro: Machame Route
Kilimanjaro: Machame Route
Kilimanjaro: Machame Route
Serengeti Trail
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Articles of Tanzania
Tanzania at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Dodoma (313,831)
POPULATION
57.3 million
CURRENCY
TZS
LANGUAGE
Swahili, English
TIME ZONE
(GMT+03:00) Nairobi
CALLING CODE
+255
ELECTRICITY
Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
Learn more about Tanzania
Culture and customs
Tanzania’s population is a vibrant mix of religions, races and cultures. Depending on what area you’re travelling in, be prepared to see a variety of cuisines, customs and dress, which directly reflect the diversity of the population.
The island of Zanzibar is predominately Muslim; Maasai are largely found in the North along with other indigenous tribes whose beliefs are largely animist; and Christians, Hindus and other minority groups can be found throughout the country.
Although most Tanzanians may not have many material possessions, travellers can expect a warm welcome and generosity from most locals.
Greeting styles and language differ according to ethnic or tribal group but universally, visitors can expect to receive a warm welcome and a smile from most.
Eating and drinking
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.
Things to try in Tanzania
1. Seafood
Seafood-lovers will adore the range of fresh seafood on offer in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. From fragrant fish curries to barbecued shrimp and lobster, the waterfront markets and restaurants are full of wonders from the sea.
2. Indian cuisine
With a significant Indian population, Tanzanian cities have a fair share of Indian restaurants. Whether you’re visiting a budget cafe or more extravagant restaurant, Indian cuisine is generally a good option for vegetarians as there will always be a few meat-free options to choose from.
3. Mandazi
These sweet, fried breads can be found at markets and street stalls throughout East Africa, and make a delicious, cheap snack. Although they can be flavoured differently, the ones made in Zanzibar usually feature fresh spices and coconut.
Geography and environment
Bordered by Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania has one of the most diverse natural environments in the world.
While travelling through Tanzania, you’ll be able to see enormous gorges, sprawling savanna, ancient islands, dense woodlands, snow-capped mountain ranges, vast lakes, colonial towns and modern cities.
With the Indian Ocean occupying the eastern side of Tanzania, this country truly does have the best of both worlds. Home to Africa’s highest peak and some of the most famous nature reserves in the world, Tanzania also has eclectic cities and vibrant villages to boast of.
Tanzania’s former capital, Dar es Salaam, is a modern metropolis with a colonial flavour while the regional centre of Arusha has retained a village feel.
Zanzibar is in a category of its own with its ancient cobbled streets and unique, heritage-filled buildings.
History and government
Early history
Home to some of the earliest human remains in the world, the land now known as Tanzania could possibly be one of the first lands to have been inhabited by early humans. Human habitation can be traced back 10,000 years to a time when people lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle before outside influences arrived bringing with them organised agriculture and cattle farming. Visitors to Tanzania should head to Olduvai Gorge (known as the 'Cradle of Mankind') if interested in the early history of Tanzania and, in fact, the world.
Recent history
Europeans only arrived in the 15th century, via the East Coast. Zanzibar was first controlled by the Portuguese, then by Arabian traders interested in easy access to the Indian Ocean that allowed trade with Asia and beyond. This was also a time when the human slave trade was a lucrative business. The island of Zanzibar became a pivotal place for this trade, with more than 100,000 slaves passing through during this period.
Mainland Tanzania came under the influence of German, Belgian and British colonisers in the 1800s, who explored and mapped the interior of the country. German colonisers brought infrastructure, agriculture and Christianity to Tanzania, but faced resistance from many tribes who fought against being forced into labour and desperately wanted to keep their land and preserve their traditional way of life. During World War I, Germany lost the colony to the British, heralding a new era of colonial rule for the region. More recently, Tanzania adopted its constitution in 1977, held its first multi-party election in 1995 and had its first female presidential candidate in 2005.
Top 8 iconic landscapes of Tanzania
1. Serengeti National Park
The grassy savannah and open plains of Serengeti epitomise Africa at its wildest. Head out on safari in the early morning to search out Africa's 'Big Five'; buffaloes, lions, rhinos, leopards and elephants all call this park home.
2. Mt Kilimanjaro
Trekking to Mt Kili's peak has to be a major highlight of any trip to Africa. Hike past ice fields, grasslands and the odd cacti to the roof of Africa for the most amazing views on the continent.
3. Zanzibar
Arabic, Persian, African and Indian cultures mingle with the scent of fresh spices on this exotic island. Relax on perfect beaches, sail turquoise waters aboard a dhow or head inland to explore tropical fruit orchards.
4. Ngorongoro Crater
This massive crater is 20km wide and home to enormous concentrations of African wildlife. Go out on safari in search of them and camp on the edge of the crater for incredible views of the animals roaming below.
5. Dar es Salaam
Balmy Dar es Salaam is a modern city with ancient origins. Colonial architecture sits beside a picturesque harbour, making it a great place to see Tanzania in a new light.
6. Lake Manyara
There's plenty of wildlife to search out in this national park including tree-climbing lions. Yes, they climb trees! Take a safari to search them out as well as the rest of Africa's 'Big Five'.
7. Karatu
Leave the animals behind for some village R and R in Karatu. Set in the highlands and surrounded by coffee plantations, this town is the ideal spot to mingle with locals and try a cup of African coffee.
8. Usambara Mountains
These lush green mountains date back 25 million years and offer endless walking trails. Grab a guide, get hiking and learn about the unique flora and fauna that live here.
Shopping
Tanzania has a wealth of markets to explore, from the large markets of the big cities to the small, rural village markets throughout the countryside.
It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Things to buy in Tanzania
1. Spices
Tanzania has a huge number of spice plantations, particularly in Zanzibar. Perhaps bring home some fresh nutmeg, cinnamon and turmeric to embark on your own East African culinary adventure when you get home.
2. Handicrafts
Woven basketry, colourful batik cloth, intricate woodcarvings and tribal art can be found in Tanzania’s many markets and make good souvenirs or gifts for friends back home.
3. Jewellery
For silver and gold jewellery with Arabic flair, Zanzibar has plenty of unique pieces in the markets, galleries and antique shops of Stone Town.
Festivals and events
Sauti Za Busara Festival
Zanzibar’s Stone Town and surrounding areas swell with Swahili music and dance in this vibrant celebration of East African culture. Stay until the last day where the festivities head to the beach and include craft, cuisine and entertainment.
Festival of the Dhow Countries
East Africa’s largest film, music and arts festival takes over Zanzibar each year in July. Film screenings, exhibitions and craft classes offer entertainment during the day, while beach parties are a fun way to interact with locals at night.
Public holidays that may impact travel include:
Zanzibar Revolutionary Day
Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day
Union Day
Labour Day
Iddi El Fitry / End of Ramadan
Iddi El Fitry Holiday
Maonyesho ya Saba Saba
Wakulima ya Nane Nane / Peasants' Day
Iddi El Haji / Feast of Sacrifice
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Day
The Prophet's Birthday
Republic Day
Please note Tanzania's public holidays may vary.
Further reading
Title | Author |
The Tree Where Man was Born | Peter Matthiessen |
Antonia Saw the Oryx First | Maria Thomas |
By the Sea | Abdulrazak Gurnah |
Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar | Emily Ruete |
North of South: an African Journey | Shiva Naipaul |
Similar destinations
Thinking about a trip to Tanzania but still browsing other destinations? Check out tours to neighbouring locations:
Kenya
Rwanda
Uganda
Tanzania travel FAQs
Tanzania’s climate changes with its diverse landscapes, so expect variances in weather in different parts of the country.
Generally, January and February are the high season for travel in Tanzania as the hot, dry weather is generally considered to be the most pleasant.
The best time to visit the Serengeti is late June to October when the animals are most abundant.
Expect afternoon downpours during the wet season (from March to May); however, during this time you’ll find fewer tourists in Tanzania so you won’t have to compete with crowds.
TANZANIA:
Australia: Yes - Visa required
Belgium: Yes - Visa required
Canada: Yes - Visa required
Germany: Yes - Visa required
Ireland: Yes - Visa required
Netherlands: Yes - Visa required
New Zealand: Yes - Visa required
South Africa: Yes - Visa required
Switzerland: Yes - Visa required
United Kingdom: Yes - Visa required
USA: Yes - Visa required
It is recommended you purchase your visa in advance at any Diplomatic or Consulate Mission of the United Republic of Tanzania abroad. The cost is approximately US$100 depending on nationality and should take 1 business day. At the present time you do not require a multi entry visa to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda due to an agreement between the three countries (eg. if you exit Kenya to Tanzania you can re-enter Kenya on the same visa). However if your trip visits Tanzania twice after a visit to a country other than those listed above, you may need to purchase two visas.
For the purpose of the visa application you can use the following address:
Kibo Palace Hotel
PO Box 2523
Old Moshi Road
Arusha - Tanzania
Phone: +255 272544472
It is also possible to obtain a tourist's visa for a single entry at any one of the following main entry points to Tanzania, subject to the fulfilment of all immigration and health requirements:
-Dar es Salaam International Airport
-Zanzibar International Airport
-Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
-Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya border point)
-Kasumulu Border crossing
-Isebania Border crossing
This is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.
Last updated: 28/11/2023
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Tanzania but a little generosity will be received positively, especially when considering the low wages that Tanzanian service workers are typically paid. Setting aside a small amount for porters, guides and drivers is wise, as is leaving spare change or rounding up the bill at restaurants.
Travellers will be able to access the internet quite easily in the internet cafes of Tanzania’s large cities, but limited to no access should be expected in regional and rural areas.
Mobile phone coverage is good in Tanzania’s large cities and towns, but less so in rural and mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone.
Squat/pit toilets are the standard in Tanzania, except for western-style flushable toilets that are sometimes available in large hotels, tourist attractions and other modern buildings. Carry your own supply of soap and toilet paper, as they are rarely provided.
Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Tanzania. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.
Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and western-style restaurants but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.
ATMs are easily found in large cities and urban centres but are rarer in small towns, rural areas and villages. Be sure to have other payment methods available when venturing out of the big cities as ATMs aren't always an option.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Tanzania directly support our foundation partner, The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP).
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) provides education, support and advocacy to ensure the fair and ethical treatment of Kilimanjaro Porters. The Porters who guide and support trekkers are often overworked and underpaid; donations from our trips support KPAP to identify and monitor tour operators committed to the fair treatment of mountain crew during a Kilimanjaro climb.
Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.