Plan an amazing trip to Tanzania
Whether you want to climb Kilimanjaro, and stand on the roof of Africa, or laze away your days on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar or the east coast, a trip to Tanzania will not leave you short of fond memories. Tanzania’s biggest asset is its wide variety of fauna and flora. Picture yourself on safari in the famous Serengeti Park, surrounded by the "Big Five", or meeting the Maasai tribes. With its network of natural parks and vast unspoilt areas, the diversity and beauty of wildlife on offer is unrivalled. With 1,100 species of birds, the country also attracts bird watchers from around the world. Sports, hiking, mountaineering and diving are also big attractions. You can be sure that a trip to Tanzania will be the trip of a lifetime for young and old alike!
Best time to go to Tanzania
The dry season is from June to September and is the best time to visit Tanzania, as the weather is dry and sunny and temperatures a little lower. However, the wet season is the best time to see the migration of zebra and wildebeest.
What to see and what to do in Tanzania
Answers to your most frequently asked questions
During your stay most of your meals will be taken at your hotel, lodge or camp. During safaris, picnics will be provided. Ugali (a cornmeal porridge), wali (rice) and nyama choma (grilled goat’s meat) form the basis for most meals and are eaten throughout the country. At the markets you’ll find high quality fresh produce, including fruit and vegetables, for ridiculously low prices. On the coast you’ll find fish, prawns and other delicious seafood. Last, but not least, you’ll find Swahili cuisine, which includes different types of curry, mild and spicy, flavoured with coconut milk and other spices...
Lesser known than their counterparts in neighbouring Kenya, Tanzanian national parks and reserves are some of the most beautiful in the world, especially for those wanting to see the “big five” (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and buffalo) in their natural environment. Traditionally, safaris are in a 4x4 vehicle with a local guide, and a fee is payable for park entry. You should expect to pay between 30 and 100 euros per day per adult. There are also walking, boating or canoeing safaris.
The country’s best parks include:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
- Manyara National Park
- Selous Game Reserve
- Ruaha National Park
- Mikumi National Park
Few tourists opt to hire cars in Tanzania for a variety of logistical and economic reasons. It’s best to book an all-inclusive safari via a travel agent. Major roads are ok, however secondary roads range between good and bad depending on the season. The biggest problem with driving in Tanzania is the driving behaviour of locals. While driving on the left is the norm, many drivers take no notice of the regulations and seldomly use their indicators… If you really want to hire a car, then choose a 4x4 with a driver.
Generally, there is very little risk for women travelling alone. Tanzanians are traditionalists and will treat you with respect. However, there are some simple rules you should follow:
- Dress simply and discretely
- Avoid going out in the evenings and sitting alone in a bar
- Don’t travel alone in remote areas
The simplest way of travelling alone is to choose an organised safari or hire a guide to accompany you throughout your stay.
Travelling with a baby in Tanzania is not advisable as very young children often find it difficult to cope with the heat. What’s more, local food is not really suitable for young children, journeys are long, and malaria is a real danger for the very young. Generally, to really benefit and enjoy a visit, children should be at least 12 years old. From this age they are more likely to have an original and enriching experience. In hotels and lodges, they are likely to benefit from reduced prices. Viewing the local fauna is a great activity for older children, providing they have the patience to sit around in a vehicle for long periods of time. The coastline and beaches are also a great attraction for younger children; however, be careful of jellyfish and sea urchins when swimming. Finally, there is the Kunduchi Wet ‘N’ Wild Water Park to the north of Dar Es Salaam – this is a huge water park that will delight young and old!
There are many holidays and festivals throughout the year in Tanzania. For athletes, a marathon attracting runners from all over the world is organized every year in March or February, with the course departing from Moshi and circumnavigating Mount Kilimanjaro.
Sauti za Busara is a 3-day traditional Swahili music and dance festival held on various dates around the island of Zanzibar.
Another event not to be missed: the migration of wildebeest and zebra. It's an impressive sight; a unique moment where thousands of animals migrate to greener pastures. However, it's hard to give precise dates for the migration as they change from year to year.
There are hundreds of possibilities, from circuits to theme-based trips to itineraries taking you off the beaten track; there’s something for everyone! But the best way to enjoy Tanzania is with a combined Safari / Beach holiday for around two weeks.
- From Arusha, explore the northern parks (Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park), or why not try a small trek on Kilimanjaro
- Pass through the city of Moshi for other beautiful hikes
- Spend a day exploring the port city of Dar es Salaam
- Take a car and go to the Selous Game Reserve
- To end to your holiday, take the ferry to Zanzibar, the Spice Island, and enjoy some relaxation time on its heavenly beaches.
Don’t forget to bring an adapter for your trip to Tanzania; the sockets take plugs with three flat pins. Power cuts are common in Tanzania. In most lodges and camps, electricity is provided by a generator which limits access. Remember to regularly recharge your camera and phone batteries. Regarding phone calls, the network is still expanding, it covers the big cities but not the wilderness of nature reserves! Regarding internet and Wi-Fi, there are many cybercafes and agencies that provide access at a very affordable price. You can also connect in the more upmarket hotels or purchase a local SIM card from your smartphone.
- Together with Kenya, Tanzania is one of the only places in the world that can lay claim to a diverse range of wild animals living in freedom, in their natural environment.
- Its beaches, and all they have to offer, also attract travellers
- The rich historical and archaeological sites are also one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.
Tanzania is a popular destination in Africa. A trip to this country must be prepared well in advance because without prior reservation it can be difficult to find good accommodation. The country is relatively stable, but foreigners are advised against visiting the regions located next to the border between Rwanda and Burundi.