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Enquire TodayCountry Facts
Capital
Dodoma
Size
947,300 square kilometers
Time Zone
Dodoma, Tanzania (UTC+3)
Population
Approximately 65 million
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling
Tanzania Travel Guide
Tanzania is one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations, combining some of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences with dramatic landscapes, ancient cultures and the beaches of Zanzibar. From the endless plains of the Serengeti and the extraordinary wildlife of the Ngorongoro Crater to the remote wilderness of Ruaha and the tropical shores of the Indian Ocean, Tanzania offers remarkable variety within a single country.
A Tanzania holiday can be built around the experiences that matter most to you. Follow the Great Wildebeest Migration across the Serengeti, explore the Ngorongoro Crater, watch elephants beneath the baobabs of Tarangire, discover the quieter wilderness of southern Tanzania or trek through the forests of Mahale in search of chimpanzees.
This Tanzania Travel Guide provides practical information to help you plan your journey, including the country’s geography, climate, wildlife, visa requirements, health considerations, getting around and the best time to visit.
For inspiration, discover our Tanzania bespoke holidays, explore Tanzania’s best attractions and experiences, or speak to our Tanzania travel specialists about creating a private itinerary.
Why Visit Tanzania?
Tanzania offers an exceptional combination of wildlife, scenery, culture and relaxation. Few African countries can match the variety of experiences available within one journey.
- The Serengeti: explore one of Africa’s most famous wildlife landscapes and experience the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Ngorongoro Crater: descend into an extraordinary volcanic caldera supporting a remarkable concentration of wildlife.
- Tarangire: discover huge baobab trees, seasonal wetlands and some of northern Tanzania’s most impressive elephant herds.
- Ruaha: experience a remote and spectacular wilderness with fewer visitors than Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
- Nyerere: explore a vast wilderness where boat safaris can complement traditional game drives.
- Mahale Mountains: trek through rainforest in search of wild chimpanzees beside Lake Tanganyika.
- Zanzibar: finish a safari with white-sand beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters and fascinating Swahili culture.
The Serengeti and the Great Wildebeest Migration
The Serengeti is Tanzania’s most famous safari destination and one of the world’s great wildlife regions.
Its vast grasslands support large populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and numerous antelope species. The wider Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is also the stage for the annual Great Wildebeest Migration, when huge herds move in search of fresh grazing.
The Migration is a natural process rather than an event with fixed dates. The location of the herds changes throughout the year, making the timing and routing of a safari particularly important.
Even outside the Migration, the Serengeti offers outstanding wildlife viewing and can be visited throughout the year.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Tanzania’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Created by the collapse of a huge volcanic caldera, its enclosed ecosystem supports an extraordinary concentration of wildlife.
The crater floor contains grasslands, woodland, wetlands and permanent water sources. Game drives can produce sightings of lion, elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hippo and many other species.
The surrounding Ngorongoro Highlands are equally impressive, with cooler temperatures, volcanic landscapes and opportunities to experience Maasai culture and rural life.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is particularly famous for its enormous baobab trees and impressive elephant populations.
During the drier months, wildlife gathers around the Tarangire River and other remaining sources of water. Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a wide variety of antelope can all be seen.
Tarangire is an excellent addition to a northern Tanzania itinerary and can provide a quieter experience than some of the country’s better-known parks.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha offers a very different safari experience from the popular northern circuit. Its enormous landscapes, baobab-studded plains and seasonal rivers create a genuine sense of wilderness.
The park supports elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, wild dogs and many other species, while its relatively low visitor numbers can make wildlife encounters feel particularly intimate.
Ruaha is an excellent choice for travellers who have visited Tanzania before or who want a more remote safari experience.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, is one of Tanzania’s largest protected areas.
The park’s rivers, lakes, woodland and open plains support elephants, hippos, crocodiles, lions, wild dogs and numerous other species.
One of the attractions of southern Tanzania is the range of experiences available. Depending on the area and current conservation arrangements, a safari can include traditional game drives alongside boat-based experiences and walking activities.
Mahale Mountains National Park
Mahale Mountains National Park lies beside Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania and is one of the country’s most remote wildlife destinations.
The forested mountains are home to wild chimpanzees, and guided chimpanzee trekking provides an opportunity to experience Tanzania’s rainforest environment on foot.
Mahale is particularly well suited to adventurous travellers and anyone looking to go beyond the classic northern safari route.
Zanzibar and the Tanzanian Coast
Zanzibar provides a natural complement to a Tanzania safari. After days exploring the bush, the island offers white-sand beaches, warm waters and a slower pace.
Stone Town provides an important cultural dimension, with its historic buildings, narrow streets and distinctive Swahili heritage. Elsewhere on the island, travellers can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, diving, sailing and simply relaxing on the beach.
A Tanzania safari and Zanzibar combination is particularly popular for honeymoons, anniversaries and longer holidays.
Preparing For A Trip To Tanzania?
Visa Information / Entry requirements – Tanzania
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Tanzania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Tanzania’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.
All travellers
All travellers including Tanzanians, returning residents and members of the crew/layovers are required to truthfully fill in an online Traveller’s Health Surveillance Form for Tanzania mainland.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Passport validity
If you are visiting Tanzania, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
If you are a resident in Tanzania, your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Visas
All British passport holders need a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania. Tanzania has introduced an ‘e-visas’ system through which applications can be submitted and approved online in advance of travel. It is no longer possible to get a visa from the Tanzanian High Commission in London.
It is also possible to get a tourist or business visa for a single entry on arrival at main ports of entry to Tanzania, subject to the fulfilment of all immigration requirements. You may be asked to provide proof of your return journey. You will not be able to get a multiple entry visa on arrival. For further information about visas visit the Tanzanian immigration website.
If you are planning to work or volunteer, you will need a valid work permit which can also be applied for online via the Tanzanian immigration website. Your employer or volunteer organisation should arrange this before you travel.
If you overstay the validity of your visa or permit you can be arrested, detained and fined before being deported. Reports made to the British High Commission by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) British passport holders have indicated that they are experiencing additional levels of harassment from immigration officials. In these circumstances, you should stay calm and request that the Consular section of the British High Commission is immediately informed.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents, with a minimum of six months’ validity, are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Tanzania.
Read More On Visas
Health Advice for Travelling to Tanzania
Health advice depends on your itinerary, the areas you visit and your individual circumstances. Before travelling, speak to a GP, travel clinic or qualified travel-health professional about vaccinations, malaria prevention and any other precautions appropriate for your trip.
Malaria is present in Tanzania, so appropriate prevention is important. Other health recommendations can vary according to the destinations and activities included in your itinerary.
Comprehensive travel insurance with appropriate medical and evacuation cover is strongly recommended, particularly when travelling to remote safari areas.
For current country-specific advice, check the TravelHealthPro Tanzania guidance before departure.
Read More On Health
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?
Tanzania can be visited throughout the year, but the best time depends on where you want to go and what you want to experience.
The main dry season generally runs from June to October and is popular for safari because vegetation is lower and wildlife tends to gather around reliable water sources. January and February are also generally relatively dry in many areas and can be particularly rewarding for wildlife and calving-season experiences in the Serengeti.
Tanzania has two main rainy periods. The longer rains generally occur from March to May, while the shorter rains usually arrive around November and December. Rainfall patterns vary considerably between regions.
The wetter seasons can still be an excellent time to travel. Landscapes become particularly green, visitor numbers can be lower and some wildlife experiences can be very rewarding.
If seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration is a priority, your travel dates should be planned around the seasonal movement of the herds rather than simply choosing a generic “best month” to visit Tanzania.
Tanzania Climate by Region
Tanzania’s climate varies considerably between the northern safari circuit, the central plateau, the western regions and the Indian Ocean coast. The table below uses observed 2025 data from the Tanzania Meteorological Agency (TMA), published by Tanzania’s National Bureau of Statistics. Temperatures show the average monthly maximum and minimum, while rainfall is the total recorded during each month.
Tanzania Climate by Region
Tanzania’s climate varies considerably between the northern safari circuit, the central plateau, the western regions and the Indian Ocean coast. The table below gives an indication of regional temperatures and rainfall throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary depending on where you travel.
Tanzania Climate by Region
Tanzania’s climate varies considerably between the northern safari circuit, the central plateau, the western regions and the Indian Ocean coast. The table below gives a practical overview of temperatures and rainfall throughout the year, helping you understand the conditions you can expect in different parts of the country.
| Region | Jan–Mar | Apr–Jun | Jul–Sep | Oct–Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Safari Circuit Arusha, Serengeti | 22–30°C Generally wet | 20–27°C Rain eases | 20–27°C Mostly dry | 21–29°C Short rains |
| Kilimanjaro Moshi & mountain foothills | 25–34°C Warm, variable rain | 22–30°C Long rains early | 22–30°C Mostly dry | 25–34°C Short rains |
| Central Tanzania Dodoma & surrounding areas | 27–32°C Main rains | 26–30°C Rain decreases | 26–30°C Very dry | 28–32°C Rains return |
| Western Tanzania Lake Victoria & Mwanza | 27–30°C Variable rain | 27–29°C Rainy period | 27–30°C Generally drier | 28–30°C Rain increases |
| East Coast Dar es Salaam | 30–34°C Hot, increasing rain | 28–32°C Wettest period | 28–31°C Cooler & drier | 30–33°C Short rains |
| Zanzibar | 30–33°C Warm, increasing rain | 28–31°C Long rains | 28–30°C Dry & breezy | 30–32°C Short rains |
| Southern Tanzania Mtwara & southern coast | 29–32°C Wettest period | 28–31°C Rain decreases | 28–30°C Dry season | 29–32°C Rain returns |
In general: June to October is the driest period across much of Tanzania and is popular for safari. January and February are generally warm and relatively dry in many northern safari areas, while March to May brings the main rains to many parts of the country. The coastal areas and Zanzibar have a more tropical climate, with particularly heavy rainfall during the long rains.
Note: Temperatures vary significantly according to altitude and location. The figures above are indicative regional ranges rather than guaranteed conditions for a particular day. Tanzania’s climate also varies from year to year.
Read More On Weather
Getting Around Tanzania
Tanzania is a large country and distances between safari regions can be considerable. The most appropriate way to travel depends on your itinerary and the experience you want.
Private vehicles with experienced driver-guides provide flexibility on many safari itineraries and allow you to travel at your own pace.
For longer distances, domestic flights can save considerable travelling time. Many safari areas have airstrips close to camps and lodges, allowing fly-in safaris to replace long road transfers.
A well-planned itinerary can therefore combine several regions without spending unnecessary days travelling between them.
What Should I Pack for Tanzania?
Your packing list will depend on the regions and activities included in your itinerary, but the following are useful starting points:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm daytime conditions.
- Warm layers for early mornings and cooler evenings on safari.
- Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots.
- A waterproof jacket or lightweight rain layer.
- Sun protection, including sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
- Insect repellent.
- Neutral-coloured clothing for safari.
- A small daypack for game drives and excursions.
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing.
We can provide more specific packing advice once your itinerary and activities have been confirmed.
Responsible Travel in Tanzania
Tanzania’s wildlife, landscapes and communities are central to its appeal, making responsible tourism an important part of planning a visit.
Well-managed tourism can contribute to wildlife conservation, protected areas and local communities. Choosing responsible accommodation, following wildlife-viewing guidelines and respecting local cultures all help protect the destinations that make Tanzania special.
At Earth Trip, responsible travel is part of the way we plan our holidays rather than an afterthought. We work with carefully selected local partners and accommodation providers and aim to ensure that tourism creates positive benefits for the communities and environments our clients visit.
Read more about our approach to responsible travel.
Plan Your Tanzania Holiday With Earth Trip
Tanzania is large enough to offer an enormous range of experiences but well connected enough for a carefully planned private itinerary to combine several very different destinations.
The right route depends on your interests, travel dates and preferred pace. You may want to focus on the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, explore the quieter parks of southern Tanzania, trek with chimpanzees in Mahale or combine a safari with time on Zanzibar.
Our Tanzania specialist, Aleem Raheem, has extensive knowledge of the destination and can help you decide where to go, how long to stay and which experiences are worth including in your itinerary. Earth Trip’s specialists are experienced in creating private, tailor-made journeys rather than fixed packages.
We work with experienced English-speaking guides and trusted local partners in Tanzania, giving our clients expert support throughout their journey.
Explore our Tanzania bespoke holidays, discover Tanzania’s best attractions, or contact our specialist team to start planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania Travel
Do UK citizens need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes. British citizens need a visa to enter Tanzania for tourism. Tanzania offers an online e-visa system, and tourist visas may also be available on arrival at designated ports of entry, subject to the relevant immigration requirements. Always check the latest official requirements before travelling.
How long should I spend in Tanzania?
For a first safari, around 8 to 12 days allows enough time to experience several major wildlife areas without rushing. Two weeks or longer gives you more flexibility to combine safari with southern Tanzania, Zanzibar or another destination.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
June to October is generally a popular period for safari because of the drier conditions. January and February can also be excellent, particularly for wildlife in the Serengeti. Tanzania can be visited year-round, and the best time depends on the regions and experiences you want to include.
When can I see the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Migration takes place throughout the wider Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and the location of the herds changes throughout the year. The best destination therefore depends on your travel dates. We can recommend the most suitable area for the experience you want.
Can I combine Tanzania with Zanzibar?
Yes. Tanzania and Zanzibar combine particularly well. A safari followed by several days on the beach is a popular option for honeymoons, family holidays and longer journeys.
Can Tanzania be combined with Kenya?
Yes. Tanzania can be combined with Kenya to create a wider East African itinerary. The best routing depends on your travel dates, safari priorities and the destinations you want to visit.
Is Tanzania suitable for a first safari?
Yes. Tanzania is an excellent choice for a first safari, with internationally renowned wildlife areas including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire. A private itinerary can be designed around your interests and preferred pace.
Is Tanzania suitable for families?
Yes. Tanzania can work very well for families when the itinerary is planned around suitable accommodation, sensible travel times and activities appropriate to the children’s ages. We can tailor the journey around your family’s interests.
Is Tanzania suitable for a honeymoon?
Yes. A private safari followed by time on Zanzibar can make an exceptional honeymoon. We can combine intimate safari camps, private experiences and carefully selected beach accommodation while keeping the itinerary relaxed.
What currency is used in Tanzania?
The currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). US dollars are also widely used within the tourism industry, particularly for safari-related services, although the Tanzanian shilling is the country’s official currency.
Tailor-Made Luxury Tours with a Private Driver
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