If you want to see wildlife, you’re in the right place. Tanzania is among Africa's most popular safari destinations, with 22 national parks, endless things to do, and all sorts of wild beasts, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, rhinos, and lions. Tanzania is also the site of the tallest mountain in Africa—Mount Kilimanjaro—a bucket list destination for many hikers and climbers. And when you’re done with the parks, you can zip over to Zanzibar, Tanzania’s spice island, for your fill of white-sand beaches and gorgeous old architecture.
The best time to visit Tanzania is during one of the two dry seasons: A shorter one runs from around December or January through February, and a longer dry season starts in June and goes well into October. However, these are also the busiest times to visit, which means crowds at the national parks, particularly in July and August, during the Great Migration. Visit in May for fewer crowds and usually only moderate rainfall.
There are all sorts of ways to get around Tanzania. If you're getting from point to point within a city, you'll have your choice of options, including dalla dallas (shared minibusses), normal busses (depending on the destination), regular taxis, boda bodas (motorbike taxis), and auto-rickshaws, or tuk-tuks, known locally as bajajis. There are international airports in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam and the Moshi/Arusha area, making for easy access to Kilimanjaro hikes and northern circuit safaris.
Many travelers to Tanzania take home a bit of tanzanite, a semi-precious gem only mined in a small area near Kilimanjaro. You can pick it up at souvenir shops across the country, but you may feel more comfortable purchasing through the Tanzanite Experience, one of the most established sellers in Tanzania, with outlets across the north and in Zanzibar. They even have a mini museum at their Arusha location.
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Tanzania is best known for its natural areas, including Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, which protects the highest peak in Africa, and Serengeti National Park, which—along with Kenya’s Maasai Mara—is the site of the Great Migration. Zanzibar is also part of Tanzania and is famous for its beaches, architecture, and spices.
...MoreYes, Tanzania is tourist friendly. Tourism is among the major industries in the country, and many people visit Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, go on safaris, or both. Areas that attract tourists have developed infrastructure with excellent roads, plenty of restaurants, and various accommodation options.
...MoreNo, Tanzania is not cheap to visit, particularly compared to other countries in the region. While accommodation and meals cost less than in highly developed economies, safaris and national park entry fees can be steep. Outside of major tourist areas, however, prices are much lower.
...MoreTanzania is popular because it is home to some of the world’s most incredible safari areas, including the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. It’s also where you’ll find Mount Kilimanjaro, among the world’s best-known mountain-trekking destinations, and the tropical spice island of Zanzibar.
...MoreYes, you can wear shorts in Tanzania, but you may not want to. If you’re on a walking safari or trekking Kilimanjaro, long trousers are a better option to protect your legs from mosquitoes and tsetse flies. Shorts are common on Zanzibar beaches but are better avoided in conservative Stonetown.
...MoreHow much time you spend in Tanzania depends a lot on what you plan to do. If you’re hiking Kilimanjaro, you’ll need a little over a week, depending on your route, while travelers just visiting Zanzibar could be fine with only three days. Safari packages range from day trips to multi-day adventures.
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