tanzanie voyage zanzibar

Des idées pour voyager au bout du Monde

Tanzanie et Zanzibar : Itinéraire de 3 semaines

Voici l'itinéraire de mon voyage de 3 semaines en Tanzanie. Les parcs nationaux de Tanzanie et les plages de Zanzibar offrent une combinaison parfaite d'aventure sauvage et de détente tropicale. J'ai passé les premiers jours à m'émerveiller devant la faune sauvage lors de safaris inoubliables, puis je suis partie me détendre sur les plages idylliques de Zanzibar et sa culture fascinante. Un circuit de rêve pour les amateurs de nature, d'aventure et de culture, offrant une expérience inoubliable en Afrique de l'Est. Nous avons passé 10 jours en 4X4 à faire plusieurs safaris et promenades dans les parcs et villages Maasaï du nord, puis nous avons terminé par 10 jours à Zanzibar.

Voyage en Tanzanie

Cartes de l'itinéraire

Etapes de l'itinéraire

Moyens de transports

Budget du voyage

Quand Partir en Tanzanie ?

Ce voyage de trois semaines en Tanzanie nous a menés dans la savane des grands parcs du nord à la rencontre du peuple Massaï et des safaris à la recherche du "Big Five" mais aussi sur les plages féériques de l'île de Zanzibar .

Entourés par des lions, éléphants, buffles, léopards, rhinos, hippos, zèbres, girafes et impalas, à l'ombre des acacias, nous avons vécu un rêve éveillé, guidés par l'agence francophone Serengeti Big Cats , spécialiste de la Tanzanie.

Après 10 jours en 4X4 , ponctués de safaris, de nuits dans des lodges somptueuses et de promenades dans les villages Massaï, nous avons pris un vol pour aller passer 12 jours à Zanzibar , le paradis des plages de sable blanc. Ce voyage m'a offert un périple contrasté au cœur des paysages somptueux d'Afrique de l'Est, dans les montagnes de haute altitude et dans les profondeurs de la barrière de corail.

Cartes de l'itinéraire Tanzanie & Zanzibar

1. carte de l'itinéraire global.

Ci-dessous la carte de notre itinéraire de trois semaines en Tanzanie.

Il vous permet de localiser les étapes de la première partie ( 10 jours de safari dans les parcs du Nord ) et de la seconde partie ( 12 jours à Zanzibar ).

2. Carte de l'itinéraire au nord de la Tanzanie

Voici la carte de l'itinéraire de la première partie du voyage, au nord de la Tanzanie, au départ d'Arusha à la découverte des safaris dans les grands parcs du nord.

➜ Circuit réalisé par l'agence francophone Serengeti Big Cats ,

2. Carte de l'itinéraire à Zanzibar

La carte ci-dessous détaille notre itinéraire de 12 jours à Zanzibar. Nous avons passé trois nuits à Stone Town avant de partir pour un tour de l'île du nord au sud, consacrant 2 à 3 nuitées par étape (Nungwi, Matemwe, Kiwenga et Jambiani/Paje). Nous avons réalisé à Zanzibar deux sorties en mer pour du snorkeling dans les eaux turquoise. Nous avons rejoint Zanzibar en une heure de vol depuis Arusha.

Étapes de l'itinéraire Tanzanie & Zanzibar

Ci-dessous le détail de chaque étape de cet itinéraire de trois semaines entre les safaris du nord et l'île de Zanzibar. Un article de blog est dédié à chaque étape.

Partie 1 : Safaris au nord de la Tanzanie

Engare Nanyuki

Parc Tarangire

Parc Manyara

Parc Serengeti

Cratère du Ngorongo

Partie 2 : Zanzibar

Arusha a été notre point de départ pour les safaris dans les parcs du Nord en Tanzanie. Arusha est une ville d'altitude perchée à 1400 mètres qui possède un environnement spectaculaire, au pied du mont Meru et du Kilimandjaro qui dominent la ville. Nous sommes partis, avec une jeune guide locale, arpenter les environs en dala dala ou en moto taxi. Nous avons découvert un grand marché, des rues pleines de vie et une cascade verdoyante après une petite randonnée dans la jungle.

➜ Notre logement : Dan Stam Hôtel

➜ Nous y avons passé : 2 nuits

➜ Notre trajet : 50 km de l'aéroport Kilimandjaro à Arusha, 1h15 en taxi

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Arusha en Tanzanie

2. Engare Nanyuki

Nous avons quitté Arusha pour nous rendre en terre Massaï dans un lodge qui appartient au projet caritatif Africa Amini Life. À Engare Nanyuki, entre les montagnes du Kilimandjaro et le mont Meru, nous découvrons un havre de paix reculé dans la brousse tanzanienne face à des horizons époustouflants de beauté. Le lodge est un hébergement haut de gamme qui fait vivre toute une communauté. Et depuis notre maison construite selon les traditions Massaï, on se sent les rois du Monde, face à la savane à perte de vue.

➜ Notre logement : Original Maasaï Lodge

➜ Nous y avons passé :1 nuit

➜ Notre trajet : 70 km de Arusha à Engare Nanyuki, 2h en 4x4

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Le Original Maasaï Lodge en Tanzanie

3. Parc de Tarangire

Nous avons fait notre premier safari dans le Tarangire, une réserve protégée qui abrite une très forte concentration d'animaux, majoritairement des éléphants, des gnous, des zèbres et des impalas mais aussi des centaines d'oiseaux multicolores. Une première rencontre magique avec la faune sauvage ! Notre lodge tente ultra spacieuse et confortable nous a offert une vue imprenable sur le lac et les zèbres, impalas et gnous venaient paitre devant notre terrasse. Incroyable !

➜ Notre logement : Maramboi Tented Lodge

➜ Notre trajet : 200 Km de Engare Nanyuki au Parc de Tarangire, 4h en 4x4

➜ Découvrir cette étape :: A lire pour découvrir cette étape : Le parc de Tarangire en Tanzanie

4. Parc du Lac Manyara

Notre second safari a eu lieu dans le parc national du lac Manyara, le plus petit des parcs du nord de la Tanzanie. Il se situe au pied des hautes falaises de la vallée du grand rift et le lac Manyara occupe les 2/3 de la superficie du parc. Il est recouvert de forêts tropicales denses, de petites clairières et de marais qui attirent flamants roses et oiseaux. Nous avons découvert une faune spectaculaire, des singes, des lionnes, des zèbres, des éléphants, des girafes, se promènent avec grâce sous nos yeux ébahis.

➜ Notre logement : Gilala Hai 360 Safari Lodge

➜ Notre trajet : 300 Km du Parc de Tarangire au Parc du lac Manyara, 5h en 4x4

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Le parc du lac Manyara en Tanzanie

5. Parc du Serengeti

Nous regagnons ensuite le Parc du Serengeti, le second parc animalier d'Afrique . Ce parc immense qui abrite des plaines qui s'étendent à l'infini est chaque année le théâtre de la grande migration des gnous et des zèbres. Dans cette étendue qui grouille d'animaux sauvages, on observe les Big Five (le lion, le léopard, l'éléphant, le rhinocéros et le buffle africain) mais également de nombreux félins, herbivores et oiseaux. Nous logeons au cœur du parc dans des tentes safaris surveillées par des Massaï. Un spectacle magique !

➜ Notre logement : The Whisper

➜ Notre trajet : 400 Km du Parc du lac Manyara au Parc du Serengeti, 6h en 4x4

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Le parc du Serengeti en Tanzanie

6. Cratère du Ngorongo

Le cratère de Ngorongoro est une caldeira volcanique qui abrite une incroyable concentration d'animaux sauvages et nous faisons encore une fois un parfait "Big Five" (lions, léopards, éléphants, buffles et rhinocéros). Dans cette immense dépression de 20 km de diamètre, on se croit dans un jardin d'Eden. Définitivement, le paradis est en Tanzanie.

➜ Notre trajet : 70 Km du Parc de Serengeti au Parc du Ngorongoro, 2h en 4x4

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Le cratère du Ngorongoro en Tanzanie

7. Mto Wa Mbu

Le village de Mto Wa Mbu se trouve sur la route du retour vers Arusha. C'est une étape qui nous a permis de découvrir la vie rurale locale, les plantations de bananiers, les rizières, les marchés et les terres agricoles du nord de la Tanzanie. Nous avons logé dans un lodge somptueux, au beau milieu de la savane africaine.

➜ Notre logement : Isoitok Camp Manyara

➜ Notre trajet : 75 Km du Parc du Ngorongoro à Mto Wa Mbu, 2h en 4x4

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Mto Wa Mbu en Tanzanie

Fin des safaris : Départ pour Zanzibar

L'Aéroport d'Arusha est à 105 Km de Mto Wa Mbu, soit 1 heure en 4x4

Vol de Arusha à Zanzibar City

Durée : 1 heure

➜ A réserver ici

8. Stone Town à Zanzibar

Arrivés sur l'île de Zanzibar dans l'Océan Indien, nous avons passé trois nuits à Stone Town, la cité ancienne de Zanzibar City à l'histoire tumultueuse. Cette ville commerçante qui date du 18ᵉ siècle possède un charme fou, issu du métissage des influences arabes, indiennes et européennes. Stone Town a une longue histoire qui se traduit dans ses ruelles et leur architecture unique mêlant les styles swahili, arabe et indien. Les locaux nous accueillent à bras ouverts.

➜ Nous y avons passé : 3 nuits

➜ Notre logement : Zanzibar Palace Hôtel

➜ Notre trajet : 7 Km de l'Aéroport de Zanzibar à Stone Town,15 min en taxi

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Stone Town à Zanzibar

9. Nungwi à Zanzibar

Nous quittons Stone Town pour rejoindre la plage de Nungwi sur la pointe nord de Zanzibar. On y trouve de magnifiques plages de sable blanc et des eaux turquoise. Tout le long de cette station balnéaire très touristiques, nous découvrons une enfilade de restaurants, de bars et les "massaï de plage" vendent des bracelets traditionnels. C'est la plage la plus touristique de l'île, car elle offre la rare opportunité de se baigner, contrairement à d'autres plages de l'île qui se caractérisent par une faible profondeur d'eau due à la présence de la barrière de corail.

➜ Nous y avons passé :2 nuits

➜ Notre logement : Baobab Sandies Beach Hotel

➜ Notre trajet : 60 km de Stone Town à Nungwi, 1 h 15 en taxi

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Nungwi à Zanzibar

10. Kiwengwa beach à Zanzibar

Nous découvrons ensuite Kiwengwa sur la côte nord-est de Zanzibar, une fine plage sauvage de sable immaculé loin des foules de vacanciers de Nungwi. Kiwengwa propose de nombreux complexes hôteliers haut de gamme et notre bungalow possède une petite piscine privée face à la mer. Nous passons d'excellents moments avec le personnel de l'hôtel qui vit ici en famille et qui est particulièrement attachant. Nous passons notre soirée sur la plage, seuls au Monde.

➜ Nous y avons passé : 1 nuit

➜ Notre logement : Marafiki Bungalows

➜ Notre trajet :40 km de Nungwi à Kiwengwa, 50 min en taxi

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Kiwengwa à Zanzibar

11. Matemwe et île de Mnemba à Zanzibar

Matemwe possède des étendues de sable blanc comme neige et des eaux émeraude à couper le souffle. Elle semble s'étendre à l'infini et l'on regarde les bateaux traditionnels faire des va-et-vient, un spectacle si beau qu'on se croit au paradis.

Nous voguons jusqu'à l'atoll de Mnemba , une petite île corallienne hallucinante de beauté, avec des fonds marins riches en poissons tropicaux. Et un bungalow sur le sable, avec un kayak à disposition. Un rêve éveillé.

➜ Nous y avons passé : 4 nuits

➜ Notre logement : Sunrise Beach at Bandas

➜ Notre trajet : 15 Km de Kiwengwa à Matemwe, 15 min en taxi

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Matemwe à Zanzibar

12. Jambiani à Zanzibar

Jambiani est une petite merveille située au sud-ouest de l'île de Zanzibar, à 6 km au sud de Paje. Ici, la plage de sable blanc est d'une pureté absolue et s'étend sur 4 km. On y observe femmes et enfants attelés à la culture des algues , les hommes qui partent prendre la mer en boutre, et on se promène sur les bancs de sable immaculés, encerclés par des eaux incroyablement turquoise. À marée basse, je pars explorer les récifs coralliens à pied, le ciel sur Terre !

➜ Notre logement : Sharazād Boutique Hotel

➜ Notre trajet : 80 km de Matemwe à Jambiani, 1 h 15 en taxi

➜ Découvrir cette étape : Jambiani à Zanzibar

Moyens de transports en Tanzanie

La Tanzanie et l'île de Zanzibar offrent une variété de moyens de transport pour se déplacer à l'intérieur du pays et explorer les différentes destinations touristiques. Dans toutes les villes de Tanzanie, on se déplace facilement en dala-dala, les bus publics qui ne sont jamais assez remplis. Il y a toujours une place pour celui qui veut y grimper et plus on avance, plus on se serre les uns contre les autres. Et ça ne coute que quelques centimes d'euros. Dans les grandes et moyennes villes, on peut aussi trouver des tuk-tuk facilement. Pour la route des safaris, il est d'usage de louer un 4x4 avec chauffeur-guide !

Voici quelques-uns des principaux moyens de transport en Tanzanie et à Zanzibar :

Emblématiques de la vie quotidienne en Tanzanie, les "dala-dala" sont des minibus bondés et au parcours informel qui quadrillent le pays. Nous l'avons utilisé pour nous déplacer à Arusha ou pour explorer les environs depuis les plages de Zanzibar. C'est un mode de transport très économique (l'équivalent de 50 centimes d'euros pas trajet), les véhicules sont toujours ultra-bondés et le paiement se fait à l'arrache.

Les tuk-tuks qui sont appelés "bajaj" en Tanzanie, sont des véhicules à trois roues qui sont couramment utilisés pour les courts trajets dans les villes et les villages. Ils sont abordables et pratiques pour se déplacer sur de courtes distances.

En Tanzanie, vous pourrez aussi prendre des " motos-taxi ", pratiques pour vous déplacer rapidement sur de courtes distances dans les grandes villes.

Les taxis sont disponibles dans toutes les villes de Tanzanie. À Zanzibar, c'est le mode de transport privilégié par les touristes, car l'île n'est pas grande et on fait généralement des sauts de puce de plage en plage. À Zanzibar, les taxis se commandent à l'hôtel ou en contactant directement un chauffeur qui vous a donné ses coordonnées. Il est important de négocier le prix avant de monter à bord, ou bien de s'assurer que le taxi est officiel et dispose d'un compteur fonctionnel. Le prix du kilomètre au compteur est élevé, ne l'utilisez pas pour les longues distances.

Pour vous donner une idée du prix des trajets, voici ce qu'on a payé (en $ US) :

Aéroport Kilimandjaro - Arusha : 50 km, 1h15 - 30$ Usd

Aéroport Zanzibar - Stone Town : 7km, 15 min - 15$ Usd

Stone Town - Nungwi : 60km, 1h15 - 30$ Usd

Nungwi - Kiwengwa : 40km, 50 min - 25$ Usd

Kiwengwa - Matemwe : 15km, 15 min - 10$ Usd

Matemwe - Jambiani : 80km, 1h30 - 30$ Usd

Jambiani - Aéroport Zanzibar : 60km, 1h15 - 30$ Us

4X4 de safari

Pour explorer les parcs nationaux au cours de Safaris, il vous faudra un 4X4 et un chauffeur guide qui sait où aller pour observer les animaux les plus rares. Les guides sont connectés entre eux par radio et se préviennent quand un animal rare est en vue.

Voiture de location

Louer une voiture peut être une option pour explorer les régions de la Tanzanie en toute autonomie si vous êtes à l'aise avec la conduite à gauche et sur piste. Cependant, il est important de noter que la conduite en Tanzanie peut être chaotique et que les routes peuvent être en mauvais état dans certaines régions, nécessitant une conduite prudente et une connaissance des règles de conduite locales.

À Zanzibar, c'est une bonne option, mais vous devrez parfois vous armer de patience et accepter qu'il est quasiment impossible de stationner à Stone Town.

➜ Comparez les tarifs des locations de véhicules en Tanzanie

Pour plus de confort tout en voyageant en autonomie, vous pouvez partir en autotour. Une agence vous loue un véhicule avec assistance 24/24 sur place, vous remet un itinéraire tracé qui vous guide kilomètre par kilomètre et réserve en avance les lodges, hôtels et éventuelles activités.

➜ Demandez un devis à cette agence experte si vous souhaitez partir en autotour.

Les vols domestiques sont un moyen rapide et pratique de se déplacer entre les principales villes de Tanzanie, notamment pour le vol d'Arusha à Zanzibar

Nos trajets

Les trajets en tanzanie du nord.

Aéroport Kilimandjaro - Arusha : 50 km, 1h15 en taxi (30$ Usd)

Arusha - Africa Amini Life Maasai Lodge : 68 km, 2h en 4x4

Africa Amini Life Maasai Lodge - Parc de Tarangire : 200 km, 4h en 4x4

Parc de Tarangire - Parc du lac Manyara : 300 km, 5h en 4x4

Parc du lac Manyara - Parc du Serengeti : 400km, 6h en 4x4

Parc de Serengeti - Parc du Ngorongoro : 70km, 2h en 4x4

Parc du Ngorongoro - Mto Wa Mbu : 78km, 2h en 4x4

Mto Wa Mbu - Aéroport d'Arusha : 105km, 1h en 4x4

Les trajets à Zanzibar

Aéroport Zanzibar - Stone Town : 7km, 15 min en taxi (15$ Usd)

Stone Town - Nungwi : 60km, 1h15 en taxi (30$ Usd)

Nungwi - Kiwengwa : 40km, 50 min en taxi (25$ Usd)

Kiwengwa - Matemwe : 15km, 15 min en taxi (10$ Usd)

Matemwe - Jambiani : 80km, 1h30 en taxi (30$ Usd)

Jambiani - Aéroport Zanzibar : 60km, 1h15 en taxi (30$ Usd)

Budget de voyage en Tanzanie

Voici en détail le budget de ce voyage en couple en Tanzanie. La Tanzanie est une destination couteuse, principalement pour la partie safari qui nécessite un bon véhicule, un guide, un droit d'entrée dans les parcs nationaux, un chauffeur et des nuitées dans les lodges au cœur des réserves.

Pour la partie du voyage à Zanzibar , nous avions des lodges plutôt haut de gamme mais vous pourrez parfaitement trouver des hébergements à petit prix !

Le budget des vols

Paris-Kilimandjaro + Zanzibar-Paris avec Qatar Airways : 580€ A/R en vols directs

Arusha - Zanzibar avec express air : 85€ A/R en vols directs

➜ Comparez les vols pour la Tanzanie

Le budget à Arusha

Avant de partir avec l'agence qui nous a fait découvrir les grands parcs du nord, nous avons séjourné deux nuits à Arusha. Voici notre budget pour cette première étape :

25€ de taxi pour le transfert Kilimandjaro - Arusha

70€ / chacun pour 2 nuits à Arusha

20€/ chacun pourboire inclus pour notre excursion guidée d'une journée à Arusha et dans les chutes d'eau

30€/ chacun pour nos 4 repas à Arusha

Le budget de la partie "Safaris"

Voici le coût des 8 jours de Safari que nous avons effectué avec l'agence Big Cats

1 900 € par personne pour 7 jours et 7 nuits (270 € par jour) :

safaris guidés dans le parc Tarangire, Mayara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro

visite de Mto Wa Mbu

transferts aux aéroports

all inclusive (repas et nuitées)

Nous avons ajouté à ce forfait les pourboires pour environ 70€ par personne (10 € par jour)

➜ Trouvez des excursions courtes ici

Le budget à Zanzibar

1 070 € par personne pour 12 nuits dans des hôtels type bungalows sur la plage (environ 180 € la nuitée pour deux)

➜ Découvrez Où loger à Zanzibar

➜ Réservez vos nuits dans les plus beaux hôtels de Zanzibar

165 € chacun pour tout le séjour, environ 8 € personne par repas (sans les boissons)

30 € chacun pour la journée à Mnemba Island

145 € chacun pour le safari blue privé

100 € chacun au total pour tous nos déplacements à Zanzibar.

Un trajet Stone Town - Nungwi coûte environ 30 USD en taxi privé pour vous donner une idée.

Budget Total

Soit un budget total de 4 280 € par personne pour trois semaines complètes.

Attention, il s'agit d'un budget élevé, car nos prestations étaient carrément au top !

La Tanzanie bénéficie d'un climat tropical et équatorial le long de ses côtes et plus tempéré sur les hauts plateaux du centre.

Les saisons des pluies

La grande saison des pluies s'étend approximativement de mars à mai. Sur cette période, on rencontre des averses tropicales après midi, principalement le long de la côte et sur les îles et les températures quotidiennes atteignent les 30 degrés.

La petite saison des pluies s'étend sur novembre et décembre, les averses sont moins prévisibles, plus courtes et plus rares. Certains voyageurs apprécient cette période pour sa tranquillité (peu de touristes), ses tarifs plus bas et l'observation des oiseaux qui est propice.

La saison sèche

La longue saison sèche s'étend de juin à octobre, c'est généralement un temps ensoleillé et la période la plus propice à l'observation des animaux, car les points d'eau sont asséchés et la nature est sèche et plus éparse.

La courte saison sèche s'étend ensuite entre janvier et février, les températures sont élevées, la nature est luxuriante et les points d'eau sont remplis donc l'observation des animaux est un peu plus aléatoire (mais ne l'empêche absolument pas).

➜ Découvrez les plus beaux hôtels de Zanzibar

➜ Consultez les Démarches pour partir en Tanzanie et à Zanzibar

➜ Préparez vos affaires pour les safaris

➜ Blog voyage en Tanzanie

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Bonjour, merci pour votre retour d'expérience qui est d'une grande d'aide pour notre organisation ! Quand avez-vous fait ce voyage ? Je suis assez surprise, j'ai demandé un devis, pour le même temps, par la même agence et sans l'ajout des activités il est 1 tiers plus cher que ce que vous avez réglé. Merci !

Excellent article!! Merci beaucoup pour le partage! Vous avez donc tout organiser en solo, pas d’agences?

Bonjour, vous étiez combien pour faire ce Safari ?

Réservez vos voyages avec mes partenaires

8 Best Tanzania safari and Zanzibar Packages

These are the 8 best Tanzania safari and Zanzibar Packages ! Tanzania safari combined with beach holiday in Zanzibar Island , makes any tour package in Tanzania an unforgettable no matter the length of tour. These tours start with arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport which is in mainland Tanzania, located between Moshi town the base town for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Arusha, the base for all safari tours in Northern Tanzania .

Northern Tanzania safari Circuit is where the most famous parks and wildlife reserves are located. Northern Tanzania safari takes you to the Serengeti National Park , Ngorongoro Crater, but also the smaller parks like Tarangire and Lake Manyara before you fly into Zanzibar Island with flights departing from both Arusha Domestic Airport and Serengeti Airstrips like the Seronera Airstrip or Kogatende Airstrip in Northern Serengeti.

We have a list here below of the 8 best Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages  with the list growing every time as we come up with more combined Tanzania and Zanzibar combined tours .

8 Best Tanzania safari & Zanzibar Packages

14 Days Honeymoon in Tanzania and Zanzibar Beach

8 days Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday

10 days Serengeti Safari and Zanzibar Beach Special Offer

10 Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar Beach

8 Days Safari and Beach Zanzibar

Tanzania Honeymoon Safari & Zanzibar Beach (12 Days)

14 Days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach

14 Days Family Package Tanzania

The above packages are sample tours that you book ‘as it is’, but the same Tanzania safari and Zanzibar itineraries can be customized to meet your budget, accommodation luxury level, as well as your prefered duration of stay. We can add more days or reduce depending on your schedule.

Don’t hesitate to contact our travel experts for free advice on how best to plan your next wildlife safari in Tanzania and Zanzibar beach holiday.

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Savane africaine et paradis turquoise

Petit paradis à la nature préservée et à la faune exceptionnelle, la Tanzanie est une terre dont vous reviendrez assurément transformés. Plongez dans un univers de savane à perte de vue où paissent zèbres, gazelles et gnous, de grands lacs asséchés, de forêts tropicales, de montagnes aux neiges éternelles, de plages de sable blanc et réveillez votre esprit d’enfant ! Votr... Voir plus

Petit paradis à la nature préservée et à la faune exceptionnelle, la Tanzanie est une terre dont vous reviendrez assurément transformés. Plongez dans un univers de savane à perte de vue où paissent zèbres, gazelles et gnous, de grands lacs asséchés, de forêts tropicales, de montagnes aux neiges éternelles, de plages de sable blanc et réveillez votre esprit d’enfant ! 

Votre voyage organisé en Tanzanie et Zanzibar débute dans le parc national de Tarangire pour deux journées de safari . Ce parc exceptionnel d’une superficie de 2 850km2 offre un paysage spectaculaire de savane arborée et abrite un grand nombre d’éléphants venant s’abreuver dans la rivière Tarangire. Un coucher de soleil des plus inoubliables vous attend également au cœur de cette nature grandiose. 

Poursuivez votre route en direction du parc national du lac Manyara , le plus beau parc d’Afrique selon l’écrivain Ernest Hemingway !  Vous y découvrirez des panoramas variés entre savane, prairie et forêt tropicale et pourrez observer une incroyable biodiversité : singes, lions, girafes, zèbres et gnous cohabitent sur ces terres. L’émerveillement sera à son comble lors d’un arrêt pour pique-niquer sur les rives du lac Manyara , où vous pourrez observer ses eaux scintiller dans un cadre enchanteur. 

La découverte de la Tanzanie continue en direction du cratère du Ngorongoro ! Cette immense caldeira, classée au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO, abrite une faune et une flore exceptionnellement riche. Vous aurez la chance d’y faire la rencontre du peuple semi-nomade des Massaïs pour une promenade à pied à travers le parc au coucher de soleil. Un moment hors du temps !

Vous quitterez ensuite pour une autre journée de safari, cette fois-ci dans le parc national de Serengeti , l’un des plus beaux parcs tanzaniens. Dans cette vaste étendue de 14 000km2 de savane et de plaines, vous pourrez observer une forte concentration de félin ainsi qu’un grand nombre d’hippopotames. 

La dernière journée de safari se déroulera dans la réserve privée de Grumeti . Vous y profiterez d’une randonnée terrestre, accompagnés de votre guide et d’un ranger. À la tombée de la nuit, une expérience unique vous attend : vous partirez pour un safari nocturne qui vous permettra d’observer les félins sortis de leur cachette pour chasser. 

Terminez votre voyage en Tanzanie par un séjour à Zanzibar ! Ses longues plages de sable blanc qui bordent l’ océan Indien sont le lieu idéal pour se ressourcer et s’octroyer un repos bien mérité après ces journées de safari riches en émotions. Vous profiterez d’une visite guidée de Stone Town , la vieille ville de Zanzibar, dont l’architecture révèle les influences portugaises, omanaises et britanniques qui se sont succédé sur l’île. Ne manquez pas de faire une excursion en boutre sur les eaux limpides de l’île !

Tout au long de votre circuit, vous aurez la chance d’être logés en campements de luxe et en lodges pour la plus belle des immersions au cœur de la nature sauvage qui vous entoure. 

Envie d’en apprendre davantage sur nos voyages organisés en Tanzanie et à Zanzibar ? Ne manquez pas de visionner nos vidéos de voyages , de lire les témoignages de voyageurs et d’assister à une conférence pour vous aider à faire votre choix de destination.

Inspirations voyages

Une foule d'articles pour vous inspirer et vous aider à préparer votre voyage.

Nos voyageurs en parlent

Consulter les avis et commentaires de nos récents voyageurs.

La Tanzanie, quel bel endroit à visiter pour ces charmes naturels sans artifice. Les gens ont également beaucoup à offrir, le plus impressionnant est le respect mutuel entre hommes et bêtes. Les guides chauffeurs que nous avons eu ont partagé sans retenue la savane et la brousse si abondante en richesse animale. Ils ont fait preuve d'un immense respect pour cette faune qui fai... Lire la suite

Le Zoo inversé (l’animal dans son élément et le visiteur dans le jeep)... Un Safari en Afrique représentait un rêve de longue date. Le parcours proposé par Traditours en Tanzanie : par la qualité de l’hébergement, de l’accompagnement et par sa réalisation a transformé ce rêve en souvenirs inoubliables qui, dans les faits, ont dépassé la féérie du rêve d’origine.

La Tanzanie & Zanzibar, paradis terrestre? Pour nous, absolument ! Un ravissement continuel pour les yeux, ce safari en Tanzanie nous a comblés. Un contact presqu’intime avec la girafe, l’éléphant, la lionne, le chacal, la hyène, le zèbre, le babouin, l’hippopotame et le guépard en toute sécurité. Un spectacle de danse époustouflant par un caméléon vraiment pas pressé de traver... Lire la suite

J'arrive d'un voyage inoubliable en Tanzanie & Zanzibar. Mes attentes étaient très élevées, car je rêve de ce voyage depuis mon enfance. Le circuit préparé par Traditours a été à la hauteur de mes attentes et les ont même dépassées. Les parcs nationaux et réserves ainsi que les hébergements ont été choisis avec soin. Les guides pisteurs sont compétents et fiers de nous faire dé... Lire la suite

Voyage en Tanzanie & Zanzibar: au-delà de toute imagination. Des moments de pur bonheur. Douze jours de plaisirs, de découvertes, de rencontres avec les animaux magiques de notre enfance, éléphants majestueux, girafes élégantes, buffles promeneurs, zèbres rayés (facile), gazelles gracieuses, chacals énergiques, phacochères coureurs, hyènes toutes en dents, marabouts boudeurs,... Lire la suite

Nous sommes de retour depuis environ une semaine de notre voyage en Tanzanie & Zanzibar et nous sommes toujours sur notre nuage. Même avec les plus belles photos prisent lors de notre séjour, il nous est impossible de décrire l'incroyable voyage que nous avons fait... le plus beau parmi tous. Chaque fin de journée, nous nous disions ... qu'est-ce qui pourrait nous arriver de pl... Lire la suite

La Tanzanie & Zanzibar : WOW! Quel voyage! Inoubliable! Qui n'a rêvé un jour de vérifier, par lui-même, ce que la magnifique Afrique orientale avait à lui offrir. Tant de secrets: la faune, si nombreuse et si diverse, surtout les « big five » , la flore, de la savane sèche à la savane arbustive qui sait si bien abriter toutes les espèces d'animaux et d'oiseaux , les ethnies, bi... Lire la suite

Quelle merveille que cette partie de l’Afrique : Tanzanie & Zanzibar, beauté et grandeur à perte de vue. Difficile de décrire ce merveilleux et inoubliable voyage en quelques phrases. Tous les sens sont à fleur de peau: la vue, l’ouïe, l’odeur, le goût. L’aventure, dépaysement total. L’immensité de la savane, des animaux à perte de vue, tout près du Jeep et à distance moyenne o... Lire la suite

J’ai choisi la Tanzanie & Zanzibar pour ne pas aller en Afrique du Sud, trop en vogue, mais je tenais absolument à faire une plongée en Afrique. Quel choix heureux ce fut ! Il est difficile d’exprimer les émotions qui se bousculent devant la beauté d’une savane qui se déploie à l’infini, la liberté ressentie devant ces paysages vierges, dans ce silence de début du monde, devant... Lire la suite

Wow et re-wow !!! Je reviens à peine de mon séjour en Tanzanie & Zanzibar… Comment expliquer cette nature immense à perte de vue et cette diversité d’animaux en quelques mots ? Comment décrire avec les mots justes cette beauté, aussi loin que le regard peut se poser, un monde sans fin. Les animaux qui tantôt se font timides, tantôt téméraires, nous dévoilent leurs habitudes de... Lire la suite

Tanzanie & Zanzibar : un voyage exceptionnel ! Nous étions un groupe témoin, comme le disait notre accompagnatrice hors pair. Eh bien, pour un premier voyage, ce fut une grande réussite. La Tanzanie est certainement le meilleur endroit pour un safari : on peut y observer quantité d’animaux, y compris les « big five », des paysages immenses et magnifiques ainsi que des voûtes ét... Lire la suite

Safari en Tanzanie et voyage organisé à Zanzibar : Bonjour à tous, nous n’avons pas l’habitude, ma femme et moi, de s’exprimer en public et encore moins, de laisser des témoignages, mais ce voyage justifie une exception. Cela fait déjà un mois et demi que nous sommes de retour, et il n’y a pas une journée où nous ne pensons pas à notre voyage. En fait, c’est la première fois q... Lire la suite

Tanzanie & Zanzibar - Habari za asubuhi ! Comment allez-vous ce matin (en Swahili) ? Si notre accompagnatrice dit avoir encore un pied dans la savane, moi de mon coté, j’y suis encore... Même aujourd'hui, lorsque j’en parle et/ou montre des photos, il y a ce phénomène incontrôlable qui vient me chercher, qui me transporte carrément dans un autre monde, les poils se raidissent,... Lire la suite

Un rêve d’enfant devenu réalité et tellement plus ! Pouvoir observer ces animaux vivre leur vie chez eux, quel privilège! Ils vont et viennent paisiblement dans cette savane qu’on a vu qu’à la télé, ou se prélassant à l’ombre des acacias et des baobabs, mais pourtant ils demeurent aux aguets.&... Lire la suite

C’était mon voyage de rêve et je n’ai pas été déçu. Tous ces animaux sauvages qui se promènent  sans se soucier de nous, c'était plutôt impressionnant. Que ce soit les éléphants qui passent en courant juste devant la jeep pour aller prendre un bain de boue, les girafes buvant dans un tro... Lire la suite

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Voyage Tanzanie et Zanzibar 13 jours

À partir de 2185 €* / service 24h/24 et 7j/7 / 13 jours.

*prix par personne, Incl. guide, jeep safari, hôtel et entrée aux parcs, Excl. vols internationaux (sur une base de 6 personnes)

• Safari Tanzanie

Dans ce safari de 13 jours en Tanzanie et à Zanzibar, explorez une terre riche en découvertes où la nature dévoile ses merveilles. Découvrez la plus grande concentration d’animaux sauvages au cratère du Ngorongoro , la plus haute montagne du continent le Kilimandjaro , le célèbre parc national  du Serengeti , la plus grande migration terrestre d’animaux sauvages, et les plus belles plages du monde à Zanzibar . Profitez de 13 jours riches en moments exceptionnels.

Avec ce safari privé, voyagez à votre propre rythme grâce à un véhicule de safari et un guide dédiés, pour une expérience personnalisée selon vos préférences.

Notre but ? Créer le voyage parfait. Celui dont vous avez toujours rêvé. Chez Tanzania Specialist, vous ne réservez pas seulement un voyage, vous vous embarquez pour une expérience personnalisée inoubliable. Notre équipe travaille en étroite collaboration avec vous, pour s’assurer que voyage est composé sur mesure.. et continuera ses efforts jusqu’à ce que vous soyez 100% satisfait.

Pendant un safari en Tanzanie, vous explorez une faune incroyable et des paysages époustouflants.

Nous sommes spécialisés dans les safaris privés et sur mesure, ce qui signifie que vous disposez d’un 4×4 confortable et d’un guide expérimenté pour vous seuls. A vous de choisir si vous voulez commencer votre journée de safari tôt pour voir les animaux plus actifs, au lever du soleil. Ou bien si vous souhaitez rentrer plus tôt au lodge pour terminer la journée au bord de la piscine. Vous êtes les seuls voyageurs à bord de votre 4×4 et votre guide vous aidera à organiser vos journées de safari comme bon vous semble.

Oh que oui ! Le parc du Serengeti en Tanzanie est justement l’un des seuls endroits au monde où l’on peut se retrouver nez à nez avec les Big Five. Ces magnifiques créatures – lion, léopard, éléphant, rhinocéros et buffle – y sont observées dans leur habitat naturel.

Bonne nouvelle ! Ce n’est pas plus dangereux que de rester chez soi. La Tanzanie est une destination sûre et accueillante pour les touristes. Surtout dans les zones touristiques ! Les locaux sont amicaux. Bien sûr, comme partout au monde, il faut faire un peu attention à ses affaires et ne pas laisser un objet de valeur sans surveillance. Mais honnêtement, pas plus que si vous étiez dans votre ville.

Basse saison (1 Avril - 19 Mai)

2 personnes

2.788,00 € *

4 personnes

2.318,00 € *

6 personnes et +

2.185,00 € *

Moyenne saison (le reste de l’année)

3.226,00 € *

2.593,00 € *

2.408,00 € *

Haute saison (Juillet + Août + 20 Déc – 10 Jan)

3.601,00 € *

2.863,00 € *

2.643,00 € *

* Prix approximatifs par personne, hors vols internationaux

• Service 24h/24 et 7j/7
• Hébergements inclus
• Guide francophone
• Pension complète
• Safari en 4x4
• Véhicule de Safari 4x4 privé et luxueux
• Entrée aux parcs nationaux
• Prise en charge et transfert aéroport
• Frais de réservation
• Vols internationaux et visas
• Assurance de voyage

Faites de vos rêves une réalité avec Tanzania Specialist.

Ce voyage vous intéresse ? Tous les voyages que nous organisons sont privés et composés sur mesure, afin de vous faire passer un séjour unique et inoubliable. Nos experts vous aideront à organiser le plus beau voyage de votre vie.

Jour 1: Arrivée à l'aéroport international du Kilimandjaro (JRO)

Jour 2: journée relax à arusha, jour 3: parc national d'arusha, jour 4: journée relax avec activité optionnelle, jour 5: parc national du tarangire.

• Jour 6: Parc national du Serengeti (centre ouest/est)
• Jour 7: Parc national du Serengeti (centre ouest/est)

Jour 8: Aire de conservation du Ngorongoro (cratère inclus)

Jour 9: vol pour zanzibar (inclus dans le prix).

• Jour 10: Zanzibar
• Jour 11: Zanzibar

Jour 12 - 13: Vol de retour au départ de Zanzibar (ZNZ)

À votre sortie de l'aéroport international du Kilimandjaro, votre guide privé Tanzania Specialist vous accueillera avec un grand sourire : « Karibu Tanzania - Bienvenue en Tanzanie ! » Il vous déposera à votre hôtel, où vous pourrez vous détendre et commencer à vous imprégner de l'ambiance africaine. Le lendemain, vous partirez avec votre guide pour un véritable safari privé, qui vous permettra de tirer le meilleur parti de votre voyage. Avoir votre propre jeep de safari est un luxe que vous ne regretterez pas : vous pouvez vous arrêter pour observer les animaux qui vous fascinent aussi longtemps et souvent que vous le souhaitez !

Aujourd'hui, c'est journée détente. Si vous le souhaitez, vous pouvez passer toute la journée au lodge pour profiter de son excellent service, siroter des boissons rafraîchissantes, vous prélasser près de la piscine et vous immerger dans l'atmosphère africaine qui vous entoure. Vous pouvez également découvrir Arusha à travers des activités intéressantes , telles qu'une visite de la ville, une promenade en VTT dans ses environs ou encore un tour au marché Maasaï...

Aujourd'hui, vous ferez votre premier safari dans le parc national d'Arusha ! Ce parc proche d'Arusha est connu pour son abondance d'oiseaux tropicaux, la présence de singes colobes noirs et blancs et de quelques rares babouins albinos. Avec un peu de chance, vous apercevrez le magnifique calao à joues argentées, un magnifique oiseau rare ou peut-être même un albinos. Au sein du parc national se trouvent un lac, quelques cratères, des cascades, des montagnes et de belles plaines... Un superbe endroit pour commencer un safari !

Aujourd'hui, vous pouvez vous détendre à votre hôtel et profiter de son excellent service, ou bien sortir et découvrir les nombreuse s activités qui vous attendent ! Vous pouvez par exemple visiter la magnifique cascade du mont Meru. Après une courte randonnée, vous arriverez à la cascade et pourrez prendre un bain rafraîchissant dans ses eaux fraîches. Déjeunez dans ce cadre paisible, au milieu des chants d'oiseaux et des méandres de l'eau, et essayez de repérer l'étonnant singe colobe ou le calao à joues argentées sur le chemin du retour !

Le parc national du Tarangire est connu pour ses nombreux éléphants et ses énormes baobabs. Ces arbres vieux de centaines d'années sont une source d'eau pour les éléphants pendant la saison sèche, qui percent leur écorce pour boire l'eau qui y est présente. En outre, la rivière Tarangire est l'unique source d'eau pour la faune pendant la saison sèche, ce qui explique pourquoi on y peut voir des troupeaux de 250 éléphants et bien d'autres animaux encore s'y abreuver à cette saison !

Jour 6 - 7: Parc national du Serengeti (centre ouest/est)

Le parc national du Serengeti est connu comme étant LE parc où aller faire un safari, principalement en raison de la grande migration q ui y passe. Les immenses troupeaux qui se bousculent sont impressionnants, tout comme le gra nd nombre de prédateurs qui vivent ici, avec plus de 4 000 lions, 225 guépards, un millier de léopards, 3 500 hyènes et des centaines de lycaons ! Et bien entendu, il y a plein d'autres beaux animaux à observer, que votre guide sera ravi de vous montrer. Êtes-vous prêts ?

Le célèbre cratère du Ngorongoro est l'une des sept merveilles d'Afrique. Le cratère s'est formé il y a deux millions d'années lors de l'éruption d'un immense volcan. Sa lave fertile a créé un écosystème unique, qui abrite aujourd'hui la plus grande concentration d'animaux d'Afrique ! Une fois dans le cratère, des milliers d'animaux tels que des lions, des zèbres, des buffles et des rhinocéros noirs vous entourent. Les panoramas sont époustouflants. Vous ne saurez plus où donner de la tête ! Regardez ici la vidéo sur ce parc.

Aujourd'hui, vous vous envolez pour l'île aux épices de Zanzibar. Votre guide vous accueillera à l'aéroport et vous déposera à votre hôtel.

Au cours des prochains jours, vous découvrirez des plages de sable blanc, des eaux turquoise cristallines et des récifs coralliens colorés. Plongez dans la riche culture et l'histoire de Stone Town, visitez des fermes aux épices et savourez de délicieuses spécialités locales. Ce paradis tropical n'attend plus que vous !

Jour 10 - 11: Zanzibar

Le paradis sur terre est ici, sur l'île magnifique et tropicale de Zanzibar ! L'eau cristalline de l'océan Indien et les plages de sable blanc bordées de palmiers sont presque trop belles pour être vraies. Offrez-vous une boisson à la noix de coco fraîche sur la plage, passez des heures à bronzer ou à nager, et goûtez à la délicieuse cuisine zanzibarienne. Envie de bouger un peu ? Explorez la plage, l'océan et l'île à travers toute une série d'activités ! Nous vous recommandons vivement la croisière Safari Blue ou une visite de Stone Town.

C'est votre dernier jour à Zanzibar ! En fonction de l'heure de votre vol, vous pourrez vous détendre encore un peu sur la plage ou continuer à explorer l'île avant que notre chauffeur ne vous conduise à l'aéroport international de Zanzibar (ZNZ) pour votre vol de retour. Vous hésitez à partir ? Il est également possible d'ajouter quelques jours à votre séjour sur une autre  île paradisiaque   de Tanzanie, comme Mnemba, Pemba ou Mafia !

Pourquoi choisir Tanzania Specialist?

• Service haut de gamme
• Service client réactif et aux petits soins
• 100 % spécialiste de la Tanzanie
• Conseillers en voyages résidant en Tanzanie
• Guides de safari très compétents
• Prix compétitifs
• Avis clients très élogieux !

La création du voyage de vos rêves, c'est par ici.

Devis gratuit, sans aucune obligation.

Appeler un expert

Nos spécialistes sont là pour vous aider.

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Tanzania and Zanzibar: A 10 Day In-depth Itinerary

Tanzania is a vast country, from the snowy peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the incredible wildlife parks and turquoise waters of Zanzibar. Ten days is a reasonably short time to spend in both Tanzania and Zanzibar but if you are short on time, there is still a lot you can pack into 10 days.

Here is a 10 day itinerary for an amazing week in Tanzania and Zanzibar !

Day 1 in Tanzania

Arusha is a fairly large town and is where most of the safari tours will depart from. There is actually quite a bit you can do here, so it is worth spending at least a day here. You can visit the Cultural Heritage Centre (which has an awesome souvenir shop) or explore the Arusha Natural History Museum.

There are many markets and souvenir shops that sell some really unique gifts, such as wooden animals masks and beautiful oil paintings. If you have more time to spend here, then head out on a coffee plantation tour or take a visit to the stunning hot springs (which aren’t actually hot!).

Accommodation: There are a lot of places to stay in Arusha from homestays, hostels, bnb’s, and nice hotels. If heading out on a safari and returning to Arusha, it may be worth seeing if your hotel can arrange for your luggage to be kept safe, so you only have a small bag for safari. Although I kept my big backpack, so this is still fine.

Take a look on booking.com for a whole range of options.

Day 2 in Tanzania

Maasai tribe.

Close to Mto wa Mbu village, take a visit to see one of Tanzania’s Maasai tribes, which is a 2 to 3 hour drive away. These tours can give a real insight into how the tribe lives, their culture and traditions, and their homes. The tribe is incredibly welcoming and will greet you with big smiles. You can even have a go at jumping with the ladies, whilst they sing.

The G Adventures tour I was on had created the Planeterra project, which installs cooking stoves in the villager’s huts. These can help keep out 90% of the pollution from the smoke, as well as being much safter than having an open fire. The women were very happy to show us inside their huts.

Accommodation: Again, there are so many options here in the village of Mto wa Mbu . I stayed at the Twiga Campsite and would recommend it. They have cheaper camping, as well as actual lodges if you fancy something a bit nice. Although I would recommend camping! There is something pretty special about sleeping under the African sky. The Twiga site also has a pool to relax in at the end of the day.

Day 3 in Tanzania

Mto wa mbu to serengeti national park.

This is a long 8 hour drive, but on the way, you will still see lots of wildlife through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way you will pass through a few towns and villages, be sure to stock up on food and essentials if you are camping in the Serengeti.

Your best bet is to book a tour when in Arusha (or whilst planning your trip). Whether it is a camping tour, or a luxury resort stay, they should take care of the food for you, so you only really need to buy any snacks, or toiletries etc. Tours can range from budget to luxury. My tour was one of the cheapest as I chose to camp, and I absolutely loved it!

Arriving to the entrance of the Serengeti is incredibly exciting and you will see animals almost immediately! If you choose to camp, then you will be sleeping amongst the lions, zebras and all the other wild animals, as there are no gates or barriers. This is a little scary but also pretty amazing, I mean my group even had a wild elephant take a walk through the campsite.

Accommodation: There are many types of accommodation in the Serengeti, but you will most likely be booked on a tour in which it comes included. Whether you have a tent or a 5* resort, you will not be disappointed.

Day 4 in Tanzania

Full day safari.

Wake up early for sunrise to get the most out of your day of wildlife viewing. This is such a pretty time in the Serengeti National Park and the animals will all be out, so this is a good time to spot them. I was only in about 10 minutes before we saw a big male elephant walking through the trees.

You could spot anything from lions, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeest, crocodiles, monkeys, elephants, birds, hippos, giraffes and so much more! There is even a small café right in the middle of the park, where you can grab a coffee and snack. Our group headed back to camp for lunch, before heading out again the afternoon.

Accommodation: Same as previous night. If you are camping, then you can sit by the bonfire with a cold beer and roast marshmallows. If staying in a lodge, well…. Just enjoy whatever amazing things they have to offer there haha!

Day 5 in Tanzania

Serengeti national park to ngorongoro.

Slowly drive out of the Serengeti National Park, seeing all the animals from the previous day, and make your way to the stunning Ngorongoro Crater. If you thought you saw a lot of animals in the Serengeti, you will be amazed what you find here.

I could not believe how much wildlife there was, and all so close together too. The backdrop of the crater is absolutely stunning. Driving through, I saw herds of wildebeest and zebra, lions, elephants, a hippo, and a rhino which was in the distance.

Accommodation: Your accommodation will be included in your tour. If on a camping tour, you may get to stay at a campsite overlooking the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. I stayed at Simba Campsite, which had beautiful views. This is also where the elephant casually walked through our tents!

Day 6 in Tanzania

Back to arusha.

Your safari tour is likely to drop you back off at Arusha, where you first departed. Enjoy the drive back, taking in all the small villages and dusty roads. When back in Arusha, either relax in your accommodation or campsite, or enjoy the nightlife, ranging from bars, restaurants, clubs, a cinema, or live music venue. Just be sure to go out with a group after dark to keep safe when in Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Accommodation: Arusha accommodation ranges from hostels to fancy hotels.

Day 7 in Tanzania

Arusha to stone town, zanzibar.

Get an early flight and travel to the beautiful Zanzibar. The time from Arusha to the airport is around a 1 hour drive, and then the flight to Zanzibar is approximately 1.5 hours. If you get an early flight, you will have plenty of time to explore Stone Town.

The flight to Zanzibar will likely be on a small plane and you will get some incredible views flying onto the island. The blue waters are just divine!

Stone Town is such a cool place, with a mix of different cultures and architecture. It has a sort of European feel with all the old buildings but mixed with African, Arab, and Indian cultures. Its full of life, with many markets, palaces, and museums to visit. I would recommend a visit to the slave chambers. Even though it can be upsetting it can give a real insight into life back then and allow you to understand more about the island’s history.

There are many restaurants and bars to spend the evening too. I went to one rooftop bar to watch the sun go down with a lovely cocktail in hand.

Accommodation: There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to stay at in Stone Town.

Day 8 in Tanzania

Stone town to beach resort.

This morning, you could either explore some more of Stone town, or make your way straight to the beach resort. I booked half day tour for myself, going out to Changuu Island. I would really recommend this tour; it is only 30 minutes from Stone Town by boat. The island has a hard history and was used to hold slaves back in the day. However nowadays many people visit to see the giant tortoises that live here. You can also go snorkelling off the island as part of the tour, where you can see lots of colourful little fish.

If you want to head straight to the beach, basically anywhere you go in Zanzibar is gorgeous, so not sure you can go wrong here. However, the North and West side beaches are said to be a little better. I stayed in Nungwi (North point) at cheapish hotel beach resort, with buffet breakfast included (bacon here I come).

The area is essentially a long strip of beach resorts and bars and cafes. You can venture out to the local area and villages if you want a bit more of an authentic experience, but I would either book a village tour or go with other people, as I’m not sure how safe it would be if you are alone.

Generally, the locals are friendly, but you may get hassled by the beach boys trying to sell you cheap sunglasses! Apart from that, you can basically just relax and enjoy paradise. The water is so clear and if you get up early for sunrise, you will see the calm waters sparking. You may even see the local women going out in the ocean to fish.

If you are after a little more action, then there are a few water sports to enjoy, as well as paddle boarding, snorkelling, and sunset boat tours.

Accommodation: There are so many fabulous places to stay in Zanzibar, ranging from low budget backpackers to luxury resorts.

Day 9 in Tanzania

Beach resort.

Explore more of the beautiful resort, sip cocktails on the beach, have a game of beach volleyball with the locals, read a good book, go for an ocean swim, or just sit and people watch! This is a great time to sit and relax after a busy safari. I would recommend you time your trip here well though as I got caught out with monsoon rain for much of my time here!

For those who cannot sit still, why not try making your way to a few beaches and seeing what Zanzibar has to offer. A trip from the Northern end and down the West coast could be a great way to see a few different beaches.

Accommodation: Again, plenty of places to stay for all budgets.

Day 10 in Tanzania

Beach resort to stone town.

Enjoy the morning before heading back to Stone Town and traveling to your next destination (book a late flight so you can still have almost a full day!).

If you have time, you could visit some of Zanzibar’s wildlife filled forests, such as the Jozani Forest or Masingini Forest. There are also caves to explore, old ruins and spice plantations.

When to Visit Tanzania and Zanzibar

Tanzania (serengeti).

Safaris can be enjoyed any time of the year, although March to May is the low season as there will likely be rain. However, I went in March and had great weather, so you never know! January and February can also be a good time to visit the Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

If you are wanting to catch the great wildebeest migration at its best, then go in June to September. Temperatures are generally in the mid to high 20’s region (Celsius) but at night they can drop to around 15 degrees. During early morning and night, it can get cool on safari, so bring some warmer clothes.

The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June-October. This is when you will see the least rain and the temperatures are a little cooler. You could also try January and February when it will be dry but hot.

The rain comes from March-May when there will be tropical monsoon rain throughout the island (usually in the afternoon). November and December also have a short rainy season, but its generally lighter (but can be unpredictable).

Temperatures are nice and warm, going down to 19 Celsius at night in the cooler months and going up to low to mid 30’s in the hotter months.

Best time for Tanzania and Zanzibar combined

June to September is one of the best times to see the wildebeest migrations, as well as dry weather in Zanzibar.

January and February is another good time, if you don’t mind it being that bit hotter. The island will be dry, and the animals will be likely to gather at the watering holes.

What to wear in Tanzania and Zanzibar?

For safari, you will want some neutral coloured clothing to blend in with the scenery. Anything really bright could scare off animas and anything blue tends to attract the tsetse flies. You will want some longer trousers for safari and clothing you do not mind getting a bit dusty. Bring along some shorts or a dress to wear around camp/ hotel. You will also want some warmer clothes for early morning and night-time.

As it is hot and humid you will want to bring loose fitting clothing, with breathable fabrics such as linen. Of course, bring along bathing suits, shorts, dresses etc but do remember this is a Muslim country so these types of clothes would be better for the beach. For walking around Stone Town, or the villages, you will want to cover up your legs and shoulders and not wear anything too tight or figure hugging.

I really hope this post on Tanzania and Zanzibar was helpful. If you wanted a longer safari, you could either take out the full day in Arusha or sacrifice a beach day for an extra day of wildlife viewing. The safari was one of the best things I have done so its worth doing 2 days minimum, preferably 3 or 4 days.

Please share or take a read of some of my other adventures from Tanzania and Zanzibar!

Tanzania and Zanzibar Travel Guide

Hi, I'm Sam, a British backpacker, solo travelling for over a decade. I aim to inspire and advise on solo female travel.

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Related posts.

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This looks amazing! Zanzibar has really caught my attention lately.

Gorgeous post. I absolutely loved the photos – can’t wait until we can all travel properly again.

Great information! I love this post so much! Thank you for sharing!

Beautiful itinerary highlight. Thank you for sharing

Thank you, hope it was helpful!

Sam, this is such an amazing read and I love your photos!

We recently visited and we loved every second! we also visited the Maasai tribe, and what an experience that was!

We can’t wait to go back!

Thanks for sharing your amazing adventure!

aww glad you liked it…. such an amazing country!

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Our amazing 10-day Tanzania and Zanzibar itinerary

Well, after some lack of inspiration and good travel deals we kind of managed to find one – so we knew country number 73 would be Tanzania. We came up with a nice combination of adventure and safari on the mainland and beach hopping and snorkeling on the island. And that doesn’t even begin to describe our fully-packed Tanzania and Zanzibar itinerary!

In this article, you will find all the tips and tricks to plan your amazing trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, including when to go, where to go, how to travel, where to stay, things to do, and other practicalities. The second part of the post is our detailed 10-day itinerary in Tanzania and Zanzibar. Let’s go!

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8 Responses

Only one world Incredible. Zanzibar is a most beautiful island i ever had been.. The simplistic beauty attract me.. Hope I come again with my family once…

Climbing Kilimanjaro: All Your Questions Answered

[…] yes, yes! Tanzania is an amazing country with so much to offer. A Tanzanian safari and visiting Zanzibar island are amazing adventures to add on to your […]

Hi, it looks amazing! How much did you budget for this itinerary?

Bistra Yakimova

Hey, thank you for the question! We don’t have the overall budget for this itinerary, but here are some budget notes that might help you plan your trip to Tanzania. – 3-day safari (including accommodation for 2 nights, food, entrance fees, activities) – 890 USD pp – Accommodation – 25 – 40 USD per double room per night – Flight Dar es Salaam – Zanzibar – 41 USD pp – Rental car Zanzibar – 35 USD per day – Safari Blue tour – approx. 50 USD pp – Eating out really varied but starting from 3 USD to 20 USD pp per meal

Bea Adventurous

This is amazing!

We have returned home recently from our trip and we loved it so much!

Your photos (The B&W one, wow!) really show this amazing country so well, and thank you so much for your insight and tips. We’re so excited to go back again soon!

Hi Bea! Thank you for the nice words! Tanzania is so special that one does not even need a good camera to capture its magic!

Adrina Matt

Beautiful post with great photos..

Which flight do you use from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar? Also the hotel names will be very helpful….

Thank you xo xo

Hi Adrina! We found the best deals on the internal flights with PrecisionAir for our dates. All the hotel names are well-mentioned in the article. Have fun!

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Tanzania Safari From Zanzibar - Compare 528 Tours

Zanzibar may be part of Tanzania but it really is a world apart. Adding a mainland Tanzanian safari to your Zanzibar holiday allows you to enjoy the best of both of these worlds. Zanzibar is a special place where history seems written on every stone. It’s also a long-standing favorite Indian Ocean beach destination for many travelers, with fabulous stretches of sand and stunning resorts. Over on the mainland, Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier safari destinations with world-class parks filled with wildlife. Whether you visit Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) in the south or Serengeti National Park in the north, it’s all within a short flight from Zanzibar.

2-Day Fly-in Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro

$1,420 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Tented Camp

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar (End)

Mountain Warriors Tours and Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  76 Reviews

4-Day Serengeti Fly in, Fly out Safari Luxury Safari

$2,475 to $2,640 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Central Serengeti, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Zanzibar (End)

Safari Soles   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  246 Reviews

2-Day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Lodge Fly in/Fly Out

$912 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar (End)

African Polecat Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.8 /5  –  92 Reviews

4-Day Beach to Bush, Fly in, Fly out Luxury Safari

$2,750 to $2,860 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Tented Camp

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Zanzibar (End)

Serengeti Wakanda Tours and Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  475 Reviews

2-Day Serengeti National Park Fly in/ out to Zanzibar

$1,574 pp (USD)

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Serengeti NP, Zanzibar (End)

Golden Trips Tanzania   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.8 /5  –  31 Reviews

8-Day Beach & Safari Zanzibar and Serengeti

$3,092 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Tented Camp & Resort

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Zanzibar (Beach) , Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Serengeti NP, Serengeti NP, Zanzibar (End)

Paradise & Wilderness   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  132 Reviews

3-Day Focus on Great Serengeti Migration

$1,843 pp (USD)

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Northern Serengeti NP, Zanzibar Airport (End)

Professional Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  56 Reviews

1-Day Safari from Zanzibar to Selous with Photographer

$490 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Day tour Shared tour (max 7 people per vehicle)

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Nyerere NP, Zanzibar (End)

Wild Hello Tanzania Tours & Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  208 Reviews

4-Day Fly in Serengeti from Zanzibar - 2 Nts Four Season

$3,079 to $3,765 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury+ Lodge

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP, Arusha (End)

Kojuu Safaris Africa   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  36 Reviews

2-Day Zanzibar Fly in & Fly out to Ngorongoro, Tarangire

$900 pp (USD)

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire NP, Zanzibar (End)

Psalms Adventures   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  18 Reviews

4-Day Group Safari from Zanzibar to Three Special Parks

$1,231 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Highlands, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar (End)

Goldfinch Adventures   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  17 Reviews

4-Day Safari to Tarangire Serengeti &Ngorongoro Crater

$2,123 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar (End)

Tanzania Roadside Expeditions   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  250 Reviews

7-Day Budget Safari with Flight and Kilimanjaro Foothill

$1,590 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping & Hotel

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Arusha (City) , Tarangire NP, Serengeti NP, Central Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Materuni (Highlight) , Zanzibar (End)

Everlasting African Adventure   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  7 Reviews

3-Day Luxury Fly in Zanzibar Tarangire Ngorongoro

$1,573 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Tarangire NP, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara NP, Zanzibar (End)

Dancing Simba Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.8 /5  –  38 Reviews

2-Day Photographic Fly in & out Ngorongoro Crater

$1,155 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Mid-range Lodge

Go Serengeti African Tours   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  122 Reviews

3-Day Mikumi N P and Maasai Village Tour from Zanzibar

$827 pp (USD)

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Mikumi NP, Stone Town (Zanzibar) , Zanzibar (End)

Tanzania Offroad Trips   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  13 Reviews

4-Day Fly-in from Zanzibar to Nyerere National Park

$1,650 pp (USD)

Ngekewa Tours and Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  41 Reviews

3-Day Boat from Zanzibar to Dar, Drive to Selous NP

$1,111 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Private tour Budget Lodge

Great Minds Tour & Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

5.0 /5  –  8 Reviews

1-Day Safari from Zanzibar to Mikumi National Park

$660 pp (USD)

Tanzania: Day tour Private tour

You Visit: Zanzibar (Start) , Mikumi NP, Zanzibar (End)

Greg Adventures   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  32 Reviews

2-Day Tarangire and Ngorongoro Fly in Safari

$1,200 pp (USD)

Mellivora African Travels   Tour operator has an office in Tanzania

4.9 /5  –  31 Reviews

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6 Questions About Safaris From Zanzibar

Answered by

Anthony ham.

What parks are best for a safari from Zanzibar?

“Most parks on the Tanzanian mainland are a short flight from Zanzibar, although in some cases you may need to change planes in Arusha or Dar es Salaam. If I could visit just one area of Tanzania on my safari from Zanzibar, it would be the country’s north. This is where you find Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, which are undoubtedly my top picks. Both of these destinations are really close to Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks, which are fantastic wildlife destinations if you can spare the time. To do all four of these destinations, you would need a minimum of 10 days. Another option would be to head south, where you’ll find the wildlife-rich Nyerere National Park, which is especially good for varied landscapes, as well as elephants and lions. Visiting Nyerere would add at least 3 days to your overall trip. With more time, you could include Mikumi National Park and possibly even Ruaha National Park for a wilderness experience.”

How many days is recommended for a trip from Zanzibar?

“How long you devote to your safari from Zanzibar will depend on where you want to go. If you only have 3 to 4 days, you should probably focus on just one park. This might be Nyerere or the Serengeti. With each extra couple of days, you could add an extra park or two – Ngorongoro and perhaps even Lake Manyara in the north, or Mikumi in the south. If you can allow 10 days out of Zanzibar, then you could possibly complete the Northern safari circuit, or visit three or four parks across Tanzania’s south. It's worth talking with your operator about what combined Tanzania safari and Zanzibar packages are on offer. Many people who visit Zanzibar also visit the Tanzanian mainland, so you should have plenty of choice. And one final thing to remember: if you’re looking for a cheap or more affordable safari, you will need to try and minimize the number of flights while you’re on the mainland.”

Is a Serengeti safari possible from Zanzibar?

“It is possible to combine a trip to the Serengeti with time on Zanzibar, and there are lots of tours where this is an option. It usually involves a flight from Zanzibar to Arusha, in northern Tanzania, with a further flight from Arusha to one of the airstrips in the Serengeti. It is also possible to drive from Arusha to the Serengeti and enjoy some of the other attractions along the way (such as Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater), but this will add quite a bit of extra time. The Serengeti is certainly worth it and it’s one of my favorite parks anywhere in Africa. The wildlife here is incredible. This is especially the case during the great wildebeest migration, which you can see at different stages from January to August or September. But any time of year is good for wildlife viewing in the Serengeti, where you’ll see the big cats, elephant and so many other species.”

Should I go on a fly-in trip from Zanzibar?

“There will almost certainly be a flying component to your safari from Zanzibar. Although there are boat connections between Zanzibar Island and the mainland, they’re much slower than flying and not very convenient for those heading over to Tanzania for a safari. In addition to your flight from Zanzibar to the mainland (which usually means flying into Arusha or Dar es Salaam), you may also fly from these airports into the national park of your choice. This is, of course, much more expensive than driving. But it will save precious holiday time for actually being on safari, rather than driving to get there. It will also provide you with some incredible views. Taking an air transfer is like going on a scenic flight, and there’s something special about getting off a plane deep in a national park with wildlife all around you.”

How much does a Tanzania trip from Zanzibar cost?

“There are so many variables when it comes to calculating the cost of a Zanzibar to Tanzania mainland safari. But as a general guideline, you can expect your safari from Zanzibar to cost at least US$300 per person per day, with prices for more expensive packages triple that or more. There are many reasons for such differences. One is your accommodation: it obviously costs a lot more to stay in luxury tented camps than it does to go on a budget camping safari. The number of flights you take can also have a big influence. Other factors include the number of days you spend on safari, the season in which you’re traveling (high-season prices can be double what you’ll pay in low season) and the type of safari you choose (a private safari costs more than a group safari, for example).”

Can you do a classic safari on Zanzibar Island?

“A classic safari is not really possible on Zanzibar Island. You might find some wildlife parks on the island, but they are more like zoos, and visiting them is nothing like going on a real safari in one of Tanzania’s parks. If you’d like to get a real safari experience while you’re on Zanzibar, ask your tour operator what might be possible. They will have suggestions about where to go and what you can see by flying to the mainland. Before having such a conversation, you should do some of your own research and have a very clear idea of which animals you’d really like to see. If it’s big cats and elephants, then places such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Nyerere are all excellent. If, on the other hand, you’d like to follow in the footsteps of Jane Goodall and spend time tracking chimpanzees through the forest, then Gombe and Mahale Mountains National Parks (in the far west of the country) should be high on your list.”

Tanzania Safari Reviews

Sue is an award-winning writer who specializes in African travel and conservation. She writes for national newspapers, magazines, Rough Guides and Lonely Planet.

The perfect safari destination

With almost a quarter of this vast country dedicated to wildlife reserves and national parks, Tanzania is justifiably regarded as Africa’s premier safari destination. It’s one of my favourite countries, not just for the bush, beaches...

Full Review

Brian is an award winning travel writer, author of safari books and regular contributor to magazines such as BBC Wildlife and Travel Africa.

Wilderness unlimited

Tanzania may be one of the world’s poorest countries but its national parks and game reserves are the crown jewels of Africa. First among equals is the Serengeti, probably the most famous wildlife refuge on the planet, a wilderness the...

Best experience ever!

I did 4 days of safari with Moria Safaris (Joshua helped organize everything). The itinerary was very cleared, organized, the guide/driver (Samuel) was very nice and professional. I traveled alone and I was put together with a Canadian...

Unforgettable Experience

I had an amazing safari adventure with Tanzania Pilgrimage Safaris, exploring Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti, and Tarangire National Parks. The knowledgeable guides made each stop unforgettable, from the vast plains of Ngorongoro...

Absolutely loved my day safari at Mikumi Park! It was a one-day trip from Dar es Salaam, and it exceeded all expectations. Huge thanks to the agency for their flexibility and accommodating all our special requests, like starting the tour at...

Unforgettable!

Our safari was great. At the airport, after resolving a few small problems, we were picked up by the driver and taken to Arusha to a good hotel to spend the night and agree on the Safari that would start the next day. We had booked the...

Beaches and beyond: the best reasons to visit Zanzibar

Aug 15, 2019 • 5 min read

Zanzibar's coast is a picture perfect palette of tropical beach bliss © Den-Belitsky / Getty Images

The allure of Zanzibar is timeless. White sands and turquoise waters ring the island, and African, Indian, Arabic and Persian influences intertwine in Stone Town to form a rich cultural backdrop. If it is your first time visiting Tanzania 's most famous island, here are some tips to get started.

Zanzibar’s beaches are justifiably famous. Fine white sands edge clear turquoise waters, traditional Arabic dhows sail into the dawn, silhouetted against pastel-tinted skies. Coconut palms wave gently in the breeze. Whether as post-safari relaxation or as a stand-alone destination, the beaches on Zanzibar’s east coast and around its northern tip offer a quintessential tropical island paradise. Each beach has its own personality. Paje is known for its kitesurfing. Matemwe has a more chilled vibe, and entices with its powdery sands and glimpses of village life. Nungwi , in northern Zanzibar, sees tradition mix with contemporary life. Fishing boats launch from the beach and dhow builders ply their ancient craft against a backdrop of western-style hotels and partying. Nearby Kendwa shares some of Nungwi’s buzz, but everything is more spread out, and the beach here has the advantage of being swimmable around the clock. Quiet Pongwe is more isolated, and good for getting away from the crowds. Jambiani, with its impossibly turquoise waters and sun-bleached coral-rag houses, is an ideal spot to gain insights into local life.

All the beaches are within a one to two hour drive of Stone Town. Transport in private minivans or public dalla-dallas is frequent and affordable, and it is quite feasible to base yourself at the beaches and explore Stone Town on a series of day trips.

2. Stone Town

Zanzibar Town is the island's main settlement, and the historical old Stone Town is its heart and soul. It's also a wonderful spot to get immersed in island rhythms. Start exploring at Forodhani Gardens , a lively stretch of seafront where Zanzibaris of all ages gather in the early evening to watch the sun go down and enjoy the passing scene. Young men jump from the thick stone seawall into the harbour waters below, children play and women in bui-bui (black shawls) gather to chat. Food vendors hawk sizzling skewers of grilled pweza (octopus), steaming bowls of urojo (a tasty coastal soup) and hot mkate wa kumimina (a filling rice-flour bread).

Just opposite the gardens is the massive Old Fort , built by Omani Arabs when they seized Zanzibar from the Portuguese in 1698. Also here is the imposing House of Wonders , which boasts what are said to be the largest carved doors in East Africa. From the House of Wonders, wind your way through Stone Town’s maze of narrow alleyways, stopping en route at the Palace Museum , with its displays on the Omani sultanate in the 19th century. Other worthwhile stops include the beautiful Aga Khan and Ijumaa mosques, Hamamni Persian Baths – Zanzibar’s first public baths – and the Anglican Cathedral , with its moving Slave Memorial and the East Africa Slave Trade Exhibit. Finish up at lively, crowded Darajani Market , where sellers offer a colourful assortment of textiles, fruit, plastic ware and more. Along the way are plenty of small shops for browsing, packed with curios and fragrant with cloves, cinnamon and other spices.

3. Jozani-Chwaka National Park

Jozani is the largest area of indigenous forest on Zanzibar, and offers a glimpse of the vegetation that once covered much of the island. It is famous for its Zanzibar red colobus monkeys, an endangered species found only here. The forest is also home to other monkey species, plus duikers, bushbabies and over 40 species of birds. Jozani can easily be visited as a day trip from Zanzibar Town, or as a stop en route from town to the beaches. Allow a couple of hours to walk the forest trail and enjoy the nature.

4. Spice tours

In bygone days, spices dominated the economy of the Zanzibar Archipelago . Today, the trade has faded, but going on a spice tour to the plantations that dot the island makes for an enjoyable and informative half-day excursion. On these tours, you will get to see, taste and smell many of the spices, herbs and fruits that grow on Zanzibar, including cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, jackfruit and lemongrass. Tours can be arranged through hotels and local tour companies, and usually include lunch. Some also offer visits to local schools or village cooperatives.

5. Diving and snorkelling

The waters off northeastern Zanzibar offer excellent diving, with rich coral reefs, wall and drift dives and a wonderful array of fish. There is also rewarding diving off-shore from Stone Town, with soft and hard corals and wreck dives. There are many dive companies to choose from in all of the major beach destinations, inluding Nungwi, Kendwa, Matemwe and Paje, as well as in Stone Town. Expect good visibility and water temperatures averaging about 27°C.

Make it happen

Flights to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam are frequent and fast, taking about 30 minutes and costing between US$45 and US$80 one-way. There are also daily ferry connections to and from the mainland, taking about two hours and costing US$35 one-way. Once on the island, you'll need to go through (usually brief) immigration formalities. Whether arriving by air or by sea, it's a good idea to take advantage of the advance-arrangement pick-up services offered by most hotels, so that a taxi will already be waiting for you.

Zanzibar offers a wide selection of accommodation. In Stone Town, budget travellers can try Jambo Guest house or Lost & Found . Mid-range options include Beyt al-Salaam and Tembo House Hotel , while top-end travellers can try Kisiwa House or Emerson Spice .

On the beaches, try Demani Lodge in Paje or Seles Bungalows in Matemwe for budget accommodation; Mnarani Beach Cottages in east Nungwi or Bellevue Guesthouse , just north of Paje in Bwejuu, for mid-range; and Pongwe Beach Hotel in Pongwe or Matemwe Lodge in Matemwe for top end.

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Geography
• 4.3 Climate
• 4.5 Tourist information
• 5.1.1 E-Visa
• 5.1.2 Visa on arrival (VOA)
• 5.1.3 Land borders
• 5.2 By plane
• 5.3 By train
• 5.4.1 Bus lines
• 5.5 By boat
• 6.1 By bus and mini-bus
• 6.2 By taxi
• 6.3 By plane
• 7.1 Safari prices
• 7.2 Wildlife viewing
• 7.3 Islands
• 7.4 Mountains
• 10.2 Shopping
• 10.3 Air freight
• 16.2 Walking
• 16.3 Corruption
• 17.1 Illnesses and diseases
• 17.2 Insects and animals
• 17.3.1 Government hospitals
• 17.3.2 Mission hospitals
• 19.1 Telephone calls
• 19.2 Internet
• 19.3 Emergency

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa . From the picture-perfect coasts of Zanzibar to the world-renowned wildlife of the Serengeti , from the snowy slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to the coral houses of Mikindani , Tanzania is the heart and soul of East Africa. Tanzania has several national parks and game reserves, where you can see some of the finest African flora and fauna .

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• -6.1835 35.746 1 Dodoma – the capital
• -3.366667 36.683333 2 Arusha
• -6.816111 39.280278 3 Dar es Salaam – largest city and cultural capital with a mix of African, colonial, and Indian Ocean influences
• -4.883333 29.633333 4 Kigoma – city on Lake Tanganyika and gateway to Gombe Stream National Park
• -8.9 33.45 5 Mbeya
• -6.824167 37.663333 6 Morogoro
• -3.334883 37.340381 7 Moshi
• -10.273611 40.182778 8 Mtwara
• -2.516667 32.9 9 Mwanza

Other destinations [ edit ]

• -3.25 36.833333 1 Arusha National Park – includes Mount Meru, a 4,562 m active stratovolcano
• -7.2 37.133333 2 Mikumi National Park
• -3.066667 37.359167 3 Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa's highest peak and the world's highest freestanding mountain, which you can climb with a guide
• -3.21 35.46 4 Ngorongoro Conservation Area – includes the Ngorongoro Crater and the Olduvai Gorge
• -7.531111 34.636944 5 Ruaha National Park
• -2.332778 34.566667 6 Serengeti National Park
• -6.164944 39.198789 7 Stone Town
• -4 35.978611 8 Tarangire National Park
• -7.8 36.683333 9 Udzungwa Mountains National Park

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Tanzania is probably one of the oldest known continuously inhabited areas on Earth; fossil remains of humans and pre-human hominids have been found dating back over two million years. More recently, Tanzania is believed to have been populated by hunter-gatherer communities, probably Cushitic and Khoisan speaking people. About 2,000 years ago, Bantu-speaking people began to arrive from western Africa in a series of migrations. Later, Nilotic pastoralists arrived, and continued to immigrate into the area through to the 18th century.

Travellers and merchants from the Persian Gulf and Western India have visited the East African coast since early in the first millennium CE. Islam was practised on the Swahili Coast as early as the eighth or ninth century CE. The Swahili Coast eventually grew to encompass several wealthy city-states, which included Zanzibar and Kilwa Kisiwani . Zanzibar in particular became the main centre of the Arab Slave Trade, the former slave market in its capital, Stone Town, has now been converted to a tourist attraction commemorating slavery, and with the Anglican cathedral having been built on the site of the former whipping post.

In the late 19th century, Imperial Germany conquered the regions that are now Tanzania (minus Zanzibar), Rwanda, and Burundi, and incorporated them into German East Africa . The post-World War I accords and the League of Nations charter designated the area a British Mandate, except for a small area in the northwest, which was ceded to Belgium and later became Rwanda and Burundi).

British rule came to an end in 1961 after a relatively peaceful (compared with neighbouring Kenya, for instance) transition to independence. In 1954, Julius Nyerere transformed an organization into the politically oriented Tanganyika African National Union (TANU). Nyerere became Minister of British-administered Tanganyika in 1960 and continued as Prime Minister when Tanganyika became independent in 1961. After the Zanzibar Revolution overthrew the Arab dynasty in neighboring Zanzibar , which had become independent in 1963, the island merged with mainland Tanganyika to form the nation of Tanzania on 26 April 1964.

In the 1970s, Tanzania repelled an Ugandan invasion waged by tyrant Idi Amin. The Tanzanian military fought back and ultimately overthrown Amin's government with Ugandan dissidents, but mass mobilization and war damages means Tanzanian economy took a turn for the worse. Tanzania also aligned with China, seeking Chinese aid. The Chinese were quick to comply, but with the condition that all projects be completed by imported Chinese labor. From the mid-1980s, the regime financed itself by borrowing from the International Monetary Fund and underwent some reforms. From the mid-1980s Tanzania's GDP per capita has grown and poverty has been reduced.

Geography [ edit ]

A large central plateau makes up most of the mainland, at between 900 m and 1800 m. The mountain ranges of the Eastern Arc and the Southern and Northern Highlands cut across the country to form part of the Great Rift Valley.

A land of geographical extremes, Tanzania houses the highest peak (Mount Kilimanjaro), the lowest point (the lake bed of Lake Tanganyika), and a portion of the largest lake (Lake Victoria, shared with Uganda and Kenya ) on the African continent.

Climate [ edit ]

Tanzania's weather varies from humid and hot in low lying areas, such as Dar es Salaam, to hot during the day and cool at night in Arusha. There are no discernible seasons, such as winter and summer -- only the dry and wet seasons. Tanzania has two rainy seasons: The short rains from late-October to late-December, a.k.a. the Mango Rains, and the long rains from March to May.

Many popular resorts and tourist attractions on Zanzibar and Mafia Island Marine Park close during the long rains season, and many trails in the national parks are impassable during this period. For that reason, in most cases tours are restricted to the main roads in the parks. Travellers should plan their trip accordingly.

During the dry season, temperatures can easily soar to above 35°C in Dar es Salaam. You should seek shelter from the sun during the midday heat and use copious amounts of sunblock, SPF 30+.

Best times to visit are:

• June to August: This is the tail-end of the long rainy season and the weather is at its best at this time of year -- bearable during the day and cool in the evening. However, this is not necessarily the best time of year for safaris, as water is plentiful in the parks and animals are not forced to congregate in a few locations to rehydrate, as they do in the middle of the dry season right after Christmas.
• January to February: This is the best time to visit the Serengeti. It is usually at this time that huge herds of Wildebeest, Zebra and Buffalo migrate to better grazing areas. At this period you could observe some of the 1.5 million Wildebeest that inhabit the Serengeti undertake their epic journey. This is most likely the hottest time of year in Tanzania, when even the locals complain about the heat. You've been warned!

People [ edit ]

Tanzanians form more than 120 ethnic groups. Besides the native Africans, there is also a significant Indian community who are descended from colonial-era immigrants.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Tanzania Tourism website

Get in [ edit ]

Visa [ edit ].

No visa is required for stays of less than 3 months for citizens of Namibia , Romania , Rwanda , Hong Kong , Macau , Malaysia and all commonwealth member states ( except Australia , United Kingdom , Canada , Bangladesh , New Zealand , Nigeria , India .) A Tourist Visa on arrival costs US$50 or US$100 for a three-month single entry and a multiple entry visa (valid 3 to 12 months), respectively. Bring crisp USD cash for this. You will receive a stamp in your passport and a payment receipt. Holders of a U.S. passport can only obtain the multiple-entry visa. If on a tourist visa, visa duration can be extended for a month without any extra charge at the Tanzania immigration office in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania has extra requirements for anyone who is not visiting for tourism purposes. Any sort of business visit requires a specific business visa which costs US$250 and can also be applied for through the electronic visa system.

E-Visa [ edit ]

The visa can be applied for online through the government electronic visa application system . Please note that online visa holders can enter Tanzania only at specific ports of entry as defined in the official guidelines . As of October 2021, these include

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA);
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA);
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA);
• Namanga border (Kenya)
• Tunduma border (Zambia)

Most travelers planning to enter Tanzania by land (e.g. from Uganda or Zambia) will therefore have to apply for a visa on arrival.

Visa on arrival (VOA) [ edit ]

Visa on arrival can be obtained upon landing in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Mwanza, and other ports of entry such as land borders. At land borders, the visa fee is to be paid in cash. It is a good idea to have the exact amount of US$ at hand! At airports, the wait for visas on arrival can be especially long if your flight arrives at the same time as other international flights. Visas are valid for the duration from the date of issuance.

Land borders [ edit ]

When crossing by ground at the Namanga border crossing (e.g. travelling from Nairobi, Kenya to Arusha, Tanzania), you will need to cross the border on foot. Scammers in the no man's land between the border control offices of Kenya and Tanzania will try several scams, including offering outrageously poor currency exchange rates and pretending to be officials selling Tanzania visa stamps. Those attempting to sell the Tanzania visa stamps will act official and ask to see your passport, then they will place an item (a small Tanzanian bank note) in your passport, close the passport, and request the visa-on-arrival fee. Only do business with the immigration offices and adjacent banks, located in established government buildings. Do not stop or interact with people in the no-man's land in between.

By plane [ edit ]

There are two major airports; one in Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International Airport ( DAR  IATA ) (formerly known as Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere International Airport and Dar es Salaam International Airport), and one in Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro International Airport ( JRO  IATA ) , which is halfway between Arusha and Moshi .

Tanzania is served internationally from

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines ( Amsterdam ), +255 22 213 9790 (Dar) & +255 27 223 8355 (Arusha). Daily flights with stopover in Kilimanjaro.
• Swiss International Air Lines ( Zurich ), +255 22 211 8870. 5 flights a week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) with a stopover in Nairobi .
• Turkish Airlines ( Istanbul ). Daily flights.

Middle East and Asia by

• Emirates ( Dubai ), +255 22 211 6100. Daily flights.
• Qatar Airways [dead link] ( Doha ), +255 22 284 2675, 1019, Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Daily flights.
• Etihad airways.
• Fast Jet, a low-cost airline.
• South African Airways ( Johannesburg ), +255 22 211 7044. Twice daily flights.
• Ethiopian Airlines ( Addis Ababa ), +255 22 211 7063. Daily flights (except for Monday) with a stopover in Kilimanjaro.
• Kenya Airways (Nairobi) , +255 22 211 9376 (Dar) & +255 24 223 8355 (Zanzibar). Three daily flights with some stopping in Kilimanjaro.
• Air Seychelles.
• Comores Aviation.
• Carriers originating from Malawi , Mozambique also maintain regular flights to Dar es Salaam.

And domestically by

• Air Tanzania , +255 22 211 8411, [email protected] .
• Precision Air , +255 22 212 1718, Along Nyerere/Pugu Road, P.O Box 70770, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, [email protected] or [email protected] also flights to/from Kenya.
• Coastal Aviation , +255 699 999 999, P. O. Box 3052, 107 Slipway, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, [email protected] .
• ZanAir , +255 24 223 3670, P.O.Box 2113, Zanzibar, Tanzania, [email protected] .
• Regional Air provides almost daily service to all major cities, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza , Mbeya , Zanzibar, and most national parks.

Domestic flights are often late but generally reliable.

By train [ edit ]

The Tanzania - Zambia train service, known as TAZARA , operates trains twice a week between New Kapiri Mposhi , Zambia, and Dar es Salaam, leaving from Dar es Salaam on Tuesdays and Fridays.

A domestic Tanzania railways network links Tanzania's major cities, including Kigoma , Mwanza , Dodoma , Tabora , and Dar es Salaam. The domestic train service is usually reliable, and ticket prices are affordable. Ticket prices differ, however, according to 'class', typically first, second, and third. First and second classes offer cabins with two and six beds, respectively. Third class is open seating. Hot meals and beverages are usually available from the dining car. It is not uncommon for the train kitchen to purchase fresh produce at many of the stopping points along the way. You can also buy fruit and snacks directly from local vendors who frequent the many train stations on each of Tanzania's many train routes.

By bus [ edit ]

The bus is a great way to get into Tanzania. Fly to a place like Nairobi, then you can catch a bus down to Arusha -- a great base for Mount Meru and Ngorongoro Crater. Also, you should not forget the south central part of Tanzania, away from tourist hawkers. Roads in Tanzania aren't in good condition; there are no highways, and there are very few multiple lane segments along main roads. Buses slow down or stop in most villages because of traffic, police, and speed calming tools. For your reference, the trip from Dar es Salaam to Iringa takes at least 6 hours in a private vehicle. It's mostly a two-lane road, rebuilt by the Chinese, so it's in good condition for the most part.

Westbound and northbound buses leaving from Dar ply the same road (A7) until you get to Chalinze, which is about halfway, less than two hours, between Dar and Morogoro.

If you are going to Arusha, the bus will veer north on the A17. Other notable destinations along this route are Saandani National Park, Pangani, Tanga, Lushoto, Kilimanjaro, and Moshi. From Arusha, you can also take a bus to Mwanza and Kigoma, but once you've past the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the roads are in extremely poor condition, and you are in for a bumpy ride.

If you continue on past Chalinze you'll pass by Morogoro (also the turn off for Dodoma), the entry point into the Selous Game Reserve, Mikumi National Park, the old main gate to Udzungwa Mountains Parks, and Iringa, which is the turn off for Ruaha National Park.

Iringa is the place to explore the southern circuit, with a new campsite at the Msosa gate to the Uduzungwas (the Iringa side of the park) and the gateway to Ruaha (possibly Tanzania's best park). It is a great place to stay for a few days.

After Iringa, you'll either go west, to Mbeya, or south, to Songea. Head to Mbeya if you want to either visit Lake Tanganyika, enter into Malawi, or head north to Kigoma. North of Mbeya, the roads aren't sealed, so it will be a long and very unpleasant trip. If you want to see Lake Nyasa (a.k.a. Lake Malawi), take the bus to Songea. Although you are within a stone's throw of Mozambique, there are no official entry points into Mozambique.

Finally, if you're headed south of Dar, then you'll take the B2. This is the main route to the Selous and the Rufiji River. Along the way, you can also stop in Kilwa, Lindi, and, finally, Mtwara. The road isn't sealed the whole way, so, again, bring on a cushion.

Outside of the roads connecting Nairobi, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam, roads between other cities and villages are in very poor condition, although they are slowly being improved. For instance, traveling from Arusha to Dodoma is slow. It can be faster to return to Chalinze and then board a bus to Dodoma. This is pretty much the case for any travel between cities that are not located along the road to Dar.

The border town of Namanga is a hectic outpost that epitomizes much of Africa. The bus even waits here for you to cross the border. You can even get off on the Kenyan side, walk across the border, and get on the bus again on the Tanzanian side.

From Dar by bus it is also possible to travel to Malawi, Uganda, and Rwanda.

Useful information on the Dar es Salaam bus stand ("Ubungo") and some specific bus lines can be found in the Dar es Salaam article.

Be sure to go to the proper ticket sales desk to buy tickets, especially in larger cities.  Also, show up at the proper ticket sales desk well before the bus is scheduled to the depart, to ensure that you are directed to the correct bus and check in your luggage with the actual bus driver.  In Arusha's bus terminal, there is scam where people will attempt to impersonate the bus ticket sales people and the bus drives.

Bus lines [ edit ]

See specific cities for more information about the bus lines that serve them.

• Tahmeed Buses connect Mombasa with Tanga and Nairobi through Arusha and Dar in Tanzania.
• Royal Coach travels to Arusha, and is one of the nicest buses available.
• Dar Express services many cities, including Nairobi , Kenya.
• Sumry , Sutco , and Upendo connect the beautiful southern part of Tanzania, Iringa and Mbeya to Dar and further southwest.
• Taqwa Coach Company have buses to and from Dar to Malawi, Zambia and Kenya.
• Kilimanjaro buses, travels Arusha - Moshi to Dar es salaam .
• Abood buses, travels Dar es salaam to Morogoro

By boat [ edit ]

Azam Marine and Fast Ferries connect Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. It's about 90 minutes sailing.

Get around [ edit ]

By bus and mini-bus [ edit ].

The bus is the most common way to travel around in Tanzania. Most buses have a simple design, and the roads are poor, although 1st class air-con buses are available on the Dar-Moshi-Arusha route (Dar Express - ticket office on Libya Street downtown or office no. 45 at Ubungo). Nearly all buses go in and out of Dar es Salaam. The main bus station in Dar (where all buses go), Ubungo, is 8 km west of the city center. A number of the better "intercity buses" provide you with complimentary drinks and biscuits.

In Dar, minibuses called Dala-Dalas can be taken cheaply to most places within the city. The fare is written on the front next to the door - it's usually TSh 250 for adults (2011) except for longer distances. The route of the bus is also stenciled on the front and sides of the bus, e.g. 'Posta-Mwenge' and there's a colour coding system. Posta (outside the central post office on Azikiwe/Maktaba Street) is the main downtown daladala hub. Others are Kariakoo, Mwenge, Buguruni, and Ubungo. Hop on the daladala, take a seat if there is one, and pay the conductor ('konda') when he shakes his pile of coins at you in a meaningful way. The konda shouts the names of the stops - if you don't know where you are, or don't know the name of your destination stop, it'll be hard to know where to get off. If possible, it's worth asking someone at your destination, since the stops sometimes have no signs at all - people 'just know' that certain street corners are the daladala stop and the names are not obvious (e.g. 'Sudani' on the Masaki-Posta line - near the Sudanese ambassador's residence on Toure Drive). When you hear or see your stop and want to get off, shout 'Shusha!' (let me off), the konda will knock on the chassis twice, and the driver will immediately swerve to the side and stop. The daladalas don't run very late; on the east side of town the latest ones are the Msasani and Mwenge routes.

There are also three-wheeled tuktuks/baby taxis/CNGs/bajajis that zoom around. They are cheaper than a taxi, and can get past traffic jams. It's probably not the safest option. You can negotiate the fare in advance, but sometimes the driver doesn't know your destination (there's no Dar es Salaam 'knowledge') and won't know how much to charge. Drivers generally quote pretty fair prices (maybe with a reasonable 'skin tax' for white people) at the destination and if they're trying to rip you off you can usually tell by the leer. It may be handy to know 'right' and 'left' in Swahili: kulia (right), kushoto (left), moja kwa moja (straight), simama (stop), asante kaka (thanks brother).

• Modern Coast

By taxi [ edit ]

Private taxis are also a convenient choice, but be sure to negotiate the price before you use them. Fellow travellers might be able to offer advice about a reasonable fare. Some places (e.g. Dar es Salaam Airport) have a strong taxi cartel and post fixed prices.

Little [dead link] ride hailing app works in Tanzania.

If you can afford it, flying around Tanzania is faster and safer. See Tanzania#By_plane section above. Even the busiest roads are in poor condition, and bus drivers are not known for their patience or great driving skills. Road accidents claim more lives in Tanzania than any other cause of death.

By car [ edit ]

Warning: It's not advised to drive in Tanzania, or throughout most of Africa, unless you have already experienced the driving conditions in developing countries. Nonetheless, here is some useful information for those thinking to undertake the challenge.

Drive on the left side of the road

• Tanzanians drive on the left (like in the UK, India, Australia, Japan, and other countries), as opposed to driving on the right, like in North America and most European countries. Experienced drivers from "right-hand drive" countries will need about half a day of driving around before adjusting to the change. Although the gear shift, windshield wipers and turn signal activators are reversed, luckily, the pedals are not. Just follow the traffic. However, even with some practice, you should always be vigilant, as you could easily find yourself disoriented, which could put you at risk of a head-on collision or hitting a pedestrian, if you are used to driving on the opposite side of the road.

Choice of vehicle

• If you're hiring a car when you get here, your best option is a 4x4 sport utility vehicle with good road clearance, especially if you plan on going on safari in any of the national parks. Look for the Land Cruiser, Hilux Surf (4Runner), and Range Rover vehicles. Avoid mini-SUVs, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV, because they can't always negotiate the poor road conditions in most of Tanzania's national parks. Another issue is 4-wheel drive options. Vehicles with always-on 4x4 are not the best choice for off-road driving. These vehicles were designed for driving in the snow on paved roads or through small mud holes. What you encounter in national parks in Tanzania is quite different and demands a proper 4-wheel drive vehicle capable of traversing large mud holes and sandy roads. Even then, you may still get stuck.
• Nelles Maps of Tanzania, Rwanda & Burundi is the best map. They've taken the time to locate the smallest of villages along the routes, which is great for navigating places where landmarks are scarce.
• There are markers and white concrete pillions along the main roads. They identify the next major city or town along the route and how many kilometers remain.

Driving in the city

• This only applies to Dar es Salaam, since all other cities and towns are relatively small and easy to get around in. The city center is extremely congested from 9AM-6PM, Monday to Friday. There are few traffic lights, and the streets are very narrow. It's a dog-eat-dog kind of place, so offensive driving skills are a must, as no one will let you pass if you just sit and wait at stops signs. Streets are crowded with parked and moving cars, SUVs, lorries, scooters, and very muscular men pulling insanely overloaded carts. People can spend hours stuck in traffic jams, especially around Kariakoo Market.
• There are a few roundabouts in downtown, which the locals call "keeplefties" because they thought that the sign advising drivers to "Keep Left" when entering the roundabouts named this fascinating Mzungu invention. Mzungu is the Swahili word for "white" foreigners. It is not derogatory, and it's more along the lines of calling a white person a Caucasian.
• When parking on the street in Dar, find a spot to park, then lock your doors and leave. When you return, a parking attendant wearing a yellow fluorescent vest will approach you for payment. The fee is Tsh 300 for two hours. The attendant should either hand you a ticket, or the ticked will already be on your windshield. Do not leave without paying if there is a ticket on your windshield. The attendant will most likely be forced to make up for the missing money, as he probably earns, at best, Tsh 3000 a day.
• Carjacking is uncommon but opening doors or jumping through open windows to steal valuables is not. Keep your windows closed and the doors locked. When vehicles are stopped at traffic lights or parked on unattended locations, thieves have been known to steal mirrors, paneling, spare tires, and anything that is not either engraved with the license plate number or bolted into the vehicle's body. Choose your parking spots carefully and don't leave valuables in plain sight. You can either offer the parking attendant a small tip to watch your vehicle, Tsh 500-1000, or find a secured parking lot, especially if you are leaving your vehicle overnight.
• The two main roads are the Dar es Salaam to Mbeya road (A7/A17), which takes you to the Southern Highlands through the towns of Morogoro , Iringa , and Mikumi National Park , and near the Selous and Ruhaha National Parks. The other road is the Dar to Arusha and the Serengeti road (B1), which takes you to the Northern Circuit by the towns of Tanga and Moshi , and Mount Kilimanjaro , Saadani, Tanrangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Parks.

Dangers and annoyances

• Tanzanians drive very fast and won't hesitate to overtake in a blind curve. Also, most commercial vehicles are poorly maintained and overloaded, and you'll see many of them broken-down along the main highways. never assume their brakes are working or that the drivers have fully thought through the dangerous maneuver they are undertaking.
• Most roads in Tanzania are poorly maintained and littered with potholes and dangerous grooves formed by overloaded transport vehicles. All main roads cut through towns and villages, and often traffic calming tools (a.k.a. speed or road humps) ensure vehicles reduce their speed when passing through. Unfortunately, few are clearly marked while most are hard to see until you are right upon them, and if you are coming too fast, you could be thrown off the road. Slow down when entering any town, or you might not be able to avoid these and other hazards. This defensive driving attitude is also prudent because animals and children often bolt out into the street.
• If you are involved in an accident with a pedestrian, drive to the nearest police station to advise them. do not exit your vehicle and attempt to resolve the situation, even if you are sure it was not your fault. Tanzanians are some of the nicest people you will ever meet in Africa, but they have been known to take matters into their own hands. This is largely due to their mistrust of the police and the belief that anyone with money, e.g. rich foreigners, can buy their way out of a problem.
• If you encounter a convoy of government vehicles, move out of the way. They have priority, although this is debatable, and will not hesitate to run you off the road if you don't give way. You could also be fined by the police for your failure to give way.

In Tanzania, you can determine vehicle registration by the license plate colours. Yellow plates, starting with "T" and followed by three numbers, are privately owned vehicles. Official Tanzanian government plates are also yellow, but they display only letters and usually start with "S" (the fewer the letters, the higher up in the food chain the owner is). Green plates are diplomatic; Red are international development agencies; Blue are UN and similar organizations; White are taxis, buses and commercial (safari) vehicles, and Black are the military and the police. This coding does not apply in Zanzibar and Pemba.

Passing etiquette

• Drivers following you will activate their right turn signal light to indicate they wish to pass you. If the road is clear, activate your left turn signal; if not, activate your right turn signal. Look for this when attempting to pass.

What to bring

• A large jerry can (20 litres) with emergency fuel. (Don’t enter a national park without a full tank of gas.)
• A shovel, a machete ("panga" in Swahili), and tow rope.
• Good road maps
• First-aid kit
• Drinking water, at least 5 litres, and non-perishable emergency food supplies.

Car hire - rent a car for private use.

Car hire in Tanzania is affordable and there are many reliable 4WD jeeps like Landcruisers and Landrovers available for hire. 4WD cars are comfortable and can withstand all weather road conditions in Tanzania. When you want to travel comfortably anywhere in Tanzania, being rural areas or National parks, choose private travel in a Landcruiser or Landrover.

There are several local tour operators (like [1] ) which have fleet of cars for hire in major airports like Dar es Salaam Julius Nyerere Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, major cities and all towns which are peripheral to tourist destinations like Moshi, Mwanza, Arusha, and Karatu around Ngorongoro.

See [ edit ]

Safaris in Tanzania can be put into two categories, the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire) and the Southern Circuit (Selous, Mikumi and Ruaha). This is an oversimplification though and does not include other interesting, but harder to reach, parks such as Katavi and Gombe, to name just two. For tourists, the first two groupings are more accessible, as a variety of packages are offered by several tour companies.

Safari prices [ edit ]

The cost of a safari can range from the basics (fly-tents, self-catering and guides with vehicles) to smaller parks like Manyara and Tarangire, to luxury lodges and tented camps in the Serengeti which can cost anywhere from US$250 to US$1,500 per person per night. You can use your own vehicle, provided it's a 4x4 with adequate clearance. There is a benefit to hiring a guide and a vehicle as safari vehicles are equipped with open rooftops which provide a much better vantage point for animal viewing. Also, many park will require that you hire a certified guide before you enter the park, even if you're using your own vehicle. Guides can cost around US$35 a day plus tip. Guides are good to have since they know the park and can help you locate some of the more sought after animals such as lions, leopards, rhinos, cheetahs and hyenas.

Some of the more popular safari companies are Warrior Trails, Ranger tours & Leopard tours. Other popular companies rated by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators include Ajabu Adventures, Bush2Beach Safaris, Bushmen Expeditions, Fay Safaris and Tanzania Tour Company. Serena and Sopa are popular lodging spots and have facilities throughout the Northern Circuit. However, don't discount using smaller tours and lesser known lodging facilities which are just as good if not better than the larger tours and lodges.

For better prices and some of the most beautiful parks avoiding the traffic jams of safari vehicles, head for the southern circuit, particularly Ruaha National Park where the range of wildlife is much greater and the scenery spectacular. Iringa is a great place to base yourself to explore this area and sort out your safari trips.

For any of the following tours, by looking online, you can find reputable companies that are reasonably priced and make the trip enjoyable and stress-free.

Wildlife viewing [ edit ]

• Serengeti National Park , made famous by numerous Discovery Channel specials, hosts a wide range of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippopotamuses, elephants, zebra, buffalo, water buck, crocodiles, gazelle, warthogs, and wildebeest. One major attraction is the wildebeest migration, which occurs continuously between the Serengeti and Masai Mara (Kenya). A guide with a 4-wheel drive vehicle is required. If the migration is your main purpose for visiting the Serengeti, you should advise your tour company as this may require travel much further afield and could be more costly.
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area also hosts an abundance of wildlife, particularly in the Ngorongoro crater. Formed by the same volcanic activity that generated Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley, Ngorongoro consists of the highlands around the crater (rich in elephants) and the crater itself (similar animals to Serengeti, but at higher densities and with a small population of black rhino).
• Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve are far less popular but very enjoyable. You will find much greater variety of wildlife than you would in the Serengeti, if you're looking for a destination with fewer tourists these parks are for you. Ruaha is known for having the largest elephant and giraffe population of any park in Africa and often goes by the name 'Giraffic Park', it is also a good place to see large prides of lion and the elusive and rare hunting dogs. Selous is the only other place besides Ngorongoro where you may see a rhino. You can also visit the Uduzungwa Mountains Park for a truly wilderness hike through unspoiled and spectacular scenery. There are few places left in the world like this one. With new gates opened up on the Iringa side of the park with great camping it is a great addition to any visit to Tanzania.
• Tarangire National Park is in the northern circuit of Tanzania and was named after the Tarangire river flowing within the park. The park area is approximately 2,600 km 2 . Similar to Serengeti, the park has a high concentrations of wildlife during the dry seasons. Also, over 570 bird species have been identified, and the place is surely a birdwatchers' paradise. Safari accommodation is available in quality safari lodges and campsites.

When visiting wildlife parks be sure to stay as close to the viewing areas (center of the parks) as possible and leave as soon as you can in the morning as animals are typically most active soon after sunrise.

Islands [ edit ]

• Zanzibar is an island off the coast of Tanzania and includes the island of Pemba. Zanzibar has beautiful beaches and a historical Stone Town. Zanzibar is great for scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming with dolphins. Other attractions include spice tours and the Jozani Forest, which shelters a small population of red Colobus monkeys.
• Mafia Island Marine Park is south of Zanzibar and boasts some fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling. You may also get to swim with whale sharks, as this is one of the few areas in the world where they congregate annually.
• Bongoyo Island is easy to get to with a boat from Slipway. It has a remarkable beach with excellent snorkeling in clear water, although you may be better off taking your own snorkels as renting is costly. The island is not tide dependent, therefore you can swim at any time. There is a resident price and a 'muzungu' price' but still quite reasonable.
• Sinda Island is a small uninhabited island of ínner sinder' and outer sinder'.
• Mbudya Island can be accessed from Silver Sands hotel. The water is amazing although it looks clear you cannot snorkel in it as it is surprisingly murky underneath the surface.
• Lazy Lagoon There are 12 rooms on the private 9 km-long white sandy island with deserted beaches. It boasts swimming at all tides in clear azure blue water, ideal for snorkelling to be mesmerized by the shoals of iridescent tropical fish hiding among the pristine coral gardens that protect the island. The island is accessed from the mainland, just south of Bagamoyo town 70 km north of Dar es Salaam. It is home to bushbabies, wild pigs, genets, baboons, duiker, and Suni antelope. The bandas were well appointed and have solar-powered hot water, a large shady verandah with spacious rooms and big windows.

Mountains [ edit ]

• Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and one of the highest freestanding mountains in the world. Many people travel to Tanzania just to climb this mountain. Does tend to be crowded with tourists. You can either organize your trek up the mountain from your home country through a travel agency, but you'll pay a lot more for this convenience, or, if you've got a bit of time, hop on plane and save some money by organizing it in Arusha or in Dar. There are as many incompetent and dishonest trek organizers as there are good ones. Make sure your guide will deliver on his promises.
• Mt Meru is an active stratovolcano located 70 km (43 mi) west of Mount Kilimanjaro in the nation of Tanzania. At a height of 4,565 m (14,977 ft), it is visible from Mt Kilimanjaro on a clear day, and is the ninth or tenth highest mountain in Africa, dependent on definition. Much of its bulk was lost about 8,000 years ago due to an eastward volcanic blast, similar to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in the U.S. state of Washington. Mount Meru most recently had a minor eruption in 1910. The several small cones and craters seen in the vicinity probably reflect numerous episodes of volcanic activity.

Do [ edit ]

• There are loads of National Parks for those wanting to watch Tanzania's wildlife. You can gain entry for around US$100 and benefit from a tour (and perhaps a night's accommodation). The better parks, though packed with tourists, are found in the north of the country. Ruaha National Park is the best in the south (locals actually say this is the best park, especially if you want to see wild animals as opposed to semi-tame ones in the northern parks). Don't just be sucked into the tourist circuit in the north; the south offers great parks and towns (base yourself in Iringa), and you will feel less of a tourist and more of a guest if you travel this way.
• Scuba diving in and around Pemba and Zanzibar is another good experience.
• You can also visit numerous historical Slave Trade sites located in Bagamoyo , which could make for an interesting, if a little depressing, excursion.
• Beaches : Tanzania has some of the best, most unspoiled beaches in the world. They are stunning, with their white sand, palm trees, and cool Indian Ocean water!
• Kayak the beautiful coastal waters with a tour operator.
• Tanzania has two of the best Stone Age sites in the world: Isimila Gorge (near Iringa) and the earliest known examples of human art among the rock paintings, near Kolo, north of Kondoa, Dodoma -- some of which are reckoned to be around 30,000 years old.
• Kilimanjaro is one of Tanzania's main attractions. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Many visitors come to Tanzania to summit this great mountain. The main peak is estimated to be 5895 m high, making it a real challenge for mountaineers.

Talk [ edit ]

Swahili and English are the official languages of Tanzania. Swahili however is the dominant language of society, with English largely limited to commerce and higher education. Over 100 different languages are also spoken by individual ethnic groups, though Swahili is almost universally spoken across the country.

Time of day

This is where a little knowledge of Kiswahili can cause some inconveniences. Tanzanians don't function on the same time as Westerners. This doesn't mean Africa time, which is the notion that appointments are flexible and people can arrive when they please. For Tanzanians, it's illogical that the day would start in the middle of the night.

Since sunrise and sunset happen pretty much at the same time all year round, 6AM and 6PM, the day starts at 6AM which is 0 hours. So when telling time in Kiswahili, Tanzanians always subtracted 6 hours for western time. 11AM is 5AM to a Tanzanian. To avoid any confusion, a Tanzanian will tell time in English if they want to use the western standard and in Kiswahili if they use local standard.

In Kiswahili, if you say Saa kumi na moja asubuhi (11AM), instead of Saa tano asubuhi (5AM), you'll end up waiting for 6 hours if the person arrives on time, plus however long it takes to arrive fashionably late!

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The currency of Tanzania is known as the Tanzanian shilling , denoted by the symbol " TSh " or by " /= " or " /- " following the number (ISO code: TZS ). There are five denominations of notes and four of coins in circulation in Tanzania:

• Notes: 10,000 (red), 5,000 (violet), 2,000 (brown), 1,000 (blue) and 500 (green; now changed to coins) shillings.
• Coins: 500, 200, 100 and 50 shillings.

Notes and coins vary in size and colour. In descending size order, TSh 10,000 is the largest note, and 500 is the smallest.

Tanzanian currency exchangers usually have a different exchange rate for different US$ denominations, larger and newer bills having a better exchange rate than older and smaller bills. The difference in exchange rate between $1/$5 bills and $50/$100 bills may exceed ten percent. Older US$100 notes are no longer accepted in Tanzania, and any note older than 2003 will most likely be refused everywhere. Also, it's best to avoid attempting to exchange notes with pen marks or any writing on them. If you withdraw a large amount of money, in the range of US$400, you'll have to carry over 40 notes around!

The TSh 10,000 and 5000 notes can be difficult to break when shopping in small shops, a.k.a. dukas . In Tanzania, it's usually the customer's responsibility to provide exact change. But if they do agree to provide change, you could be left with several 1000 and 500 notes of very poor quality. However, you won't have such problems in the large hotels and restaurants catering to foreigners.

Most stores and restaurants expect payment in Tanzanian shillings. On the other hand, travel visas, safaris and Kilimanjaro treks are generally priced in US dollars, and entry fees to national parks must be paid in US dollars by non-residents. On Zanzibar, prices are generally in US dollars (including the ferry fare from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar), and non-residents are required to pay for hotels with foreign currency (although the hotel will change Tanzanian shillings for you). Hotels on the mainland expect payment in Tanzanian shillings.

Most hotels will exchange US dollars, euros and British pounds for Tanzanian shillings. Other currencies, such as Canadian or Australian dollars, may be accepted but at rates far below the going rate.

ATMs are mostly located in the city centre and on the Msasani Peninsula. If you have a PIN code for your credit card, almost all Tanzanian banks with ATMs will allow cash advances on credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Union Pay, JCB, Diners Club, Discover cards. If the ATM reports your home balance in TSh, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that you're a "shillionaire".

̈' Ecobank , GT Bank , KCB , I&M , DTB . have no ATM fees for overseas bank cards at their ATMs.

̈̽' Absa bank , Stanbic , Bank of Africa charges a US$5 fee for all overseas cards. Similarly most local banks will charge fees around TSh10,000–15,000 per withdrawal. Some ATMs don't even disclose the fees beforehand (e.g. TCB , Mkombozi bank )!' local banks Exim , NMB , CRDB ATMs take mastercard but with a 15,000 fee.

Traveller's cheques have become impossible to cash in. use your ATM card.

Credit cards can be used in big supermarkets, malls, large hotels, resorts and with certain travel agents – and to get cash from ATMs.

Shopping [ edit ]

There are many markets in tourist cities that sell standard "African" goods. Beaded jewellery, carved soapstone, and Masai blankets make interesting gifts. Most "ebony" wood is fake (shoe polish) - the exception being in the far south-east of the country, where the Makonde tribe of Tanzania and Northern Mozambique create masks and other carvings from ebony and mpingo wood. Be prepared to bargain for everything. Masks are not typical of most East African groups, and the ones you find in the markets are either imported from West Africa or are strange things made just for tourists, with the exception of the Makonde masks.

Tinga Tinga paintings, named after the painter who originated that style, are for sale everywhere. Their distinctive style and colors make for attractive souvenirs. A standard size painting can be had for TSh 5,000-10,000. There is a Tinga Tinga school in Dar es Salaam, where you can purchase paintings from the artists themselves.

Air freight [ edit ]

If you happen to buy too many goodies during your travels, it is possible to send them home air freight. Many airlines will allow you to check additional parcels when you fly, for a fee, which probably makes the most sense if you're going straight home. But if you're continuing on, air freight might be the way to go. Many listed rates do not include 20% VAT, or a "fuel surcharge" of 13.5% as of 2008.

• DHL . Offers quite pricey service (e.g. about US$300 for a 10-kg package to the US) but is conveniently located in Dar city centre, as well as in a bunch of other cities (see web site). Will deliver direct to the recipient in most countries.  
• KLM ( go to the old terminal at DAR airport ). Offers slightly more reasonable rates than DHL (e.g. about US$100 for a 10-kg package to the US) but requires a trip to the airport and about 1 hour of paperwork & waiting. You must pay cash, in US dollars, plus some fees in shillings. Customs will want to go through the package, so bring something to (re)seal it. You can first go to the KLM freight office (look for the sign), then to the cargo building further down the same road, or call ahead and be met at cargo. If you just arrive at cargo you will be swarmed by freight forwarders - to find the KLM staff, look for the KLM logo (e.g. on a lanyard) or call ahead ( ☏ +255 714 474 617 ). Despite what you might be told, someone will need to go to the destination airport to pick up the package - it will not be delivered to an address by KLM. Storage charges will accrue if it's left for very long.  
• EMS . EMS is a branch of the Tanzanian postal service, and is the cheapest way to send packages. It's available at most larger town post offices. But shipping time can be quite long, and delivery is not always reliable. Also there are size/weight restrictions. Packages will be transferred to the local postal service at destination, which usually provides direct delivery.  
• Fedex . Fedex have offices in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, and like DHL, they are also pricey.  

Eat [ edit ]

• Produce is often of very high quality. Meat and milk can prove difficult for western taste and diets, so be sure that all meat is cooked through. At hotels, you won't have any trouble, but if you venture into small villages, make sure that all water is filtered or boiled before drinking and all fruits and vegetables are peeled before eating.
• Local dishes include Mtori - cooked beef and bananas - and Mchicha , a vegetable stew with meat or fish in it.
• If there is anything that can be called Tanzania's national dish, then Ugali would most likely win out. A polenta-style dish made with corn flour, it accompanies cooked meat and a variety of stews, and it's eaten with your hands. Recipes vary from village to village, and everyone has their own way of making it. Many foreigners find it bland and unappealing, but it's worth a try, and some upscale establishments serve it.
• Street food is also cheap and plentiful. Barbecued maize on the cob is very nice, as are the chipped potatoes (fries), cooked over a roaring fire.
• Mandazi is a sweet doughnut-styled food that is mostly made fresh each morning. Great with coffee in the morning, it makes an ideal snack.
• Tanzania's large South Asian community ensures that a great variety of restaurants offer cuisine from all parts of that region of the globe. All eateries near Hindu temples (particularly in Dar) are a good bet. Just watch where the local Indians go to eat, and you won't be disappointed. Most of the food is cooked in large amounts of Ghee, clarified butter, which can be hard for some people to digest.
• Chipsi Mayai (chips cooked in an omelet) are served at nearly every African food stand in Tanzania and are considered a Tanzanian specialty. They're quite good with pili pili (hot sauce).

Drink [ edit ]

• Konyagi is a wonderful gin-like beverage, sold only in Tanzania.
• Domestic beers are Kilimanjaro , Serengeti, Balimi, Pilsner, Kibo and Safari , which are western-style and very good. Imports include Tusker, Stella Artois, and Castle.
• Locally produced banana-beer is also available at times, but questionably safe to drink. Traditionally, you will drink this out of a hollowed gourd. First drink the guests, who then pass it to the elders. In some parts of Tanzania, fermented bamboo juice (Pombe) is the common tipple.
• Passion fruit, mango, and orange juices are available in many restaurants, and excellent when the fruits are in season.
• Soft drinks are widely available; Stoney Tangawizi (ginger ale - tangawizi means 'ginger', in Swahili) is one of the most popular besides Fanta and Co.
• Mbege, a locally made drink made up of ripe bananas and finger millet, commonly in the northern Tanzania from the chagga community in the Kilimanjaro region.
• Other popular beverages include lassi (a sweet or salty yogurt drink) and Chai Maziwa (chai with milk) which is well worth trying if you can handle the large amounts of sugar added to this drink. (Milk) tea is a much more common drink than coffee in Tanzania.
• Northern Tanzania has a number of great coffee plantations. Although coffee does not have the same popularity in Tanzania as it has in Ethiopia, with a bit of searching you can find a decent cup of java, instead of the instant "Africa" coffee that is served in most restaurants. All large hotels in Dar make good coffee. If you want to brew your own cup, Msumbi Coffee Shop , +255 22 260 0380, Sea Cliff Village, sells Tanzanian coffee beans ground or whole, roasted on the premises.

Sleep [ edit ]

In bigger cities be sure to avoid touts. If you are travelling as a couple, a good idea is for one person to sit in a lobby or restaurant with the bags, while the other scopes out rooms. You are likely to get a cheaper price without the bags, and not be targeted by sneaky touts that will raise the price US$5-10 for you for their commission.

As of 2021 budget travelers will find guest houses to offer simple rooms in the TSh8,000-20,000 price range even in smaller towns or villages. They often come with a private bathroom, a fan and a condom hidden discretely somewhere in the room. Typically these accommodations cannot be booked online and it is rare to run into any Western tourists here.

Learn [ edit ]

Various schools and volunteer programs offer courses ranging from Beginners Swahili to Economic Development. Dar es Salaam also has a well-established university, which has exchange programs with several universities in the US and other countries.

Work [ edit ]

There is a wide assortment of volunteer organisations sending volunteers and interns to Tanzania to do work in health care, orphanages, education, and development projects. Finding a paying job may be more of a daunting task, taking more time and making use of local connections, but a job could be certainly obtainable when sought hard enough.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Theft [ edit ].

As in many impoverished countries, caution should always be exercised, particularly in tourist areas, such as Arusha, Stone Town (Zanzibar), and Dar es Salaam. Violent crime against foreigners is not uncommon, particularly against those walking alone at night, which is not recommended. Pickpocketing and con artists are also common. Pickpockets work crowded markets, like Kariakoo, and bus stations. Don't be fooled by small children who are often forced into a life of crime by older kids or parents -- never carry anything of value in your pockets and don't let expensive camera equipment dangle from your neck. Don't leave bags unattended or even out of your sight when on the beach.

See specific area or city articles for details.

In general, avoid isolated areas, especially after dark. Travelling in large groups is safer. If there are many people or security guards around (e.g. city center areas) you should be relatively safe.

The safest way to travel is by taxi with a driver you know, especially when it's dark out (late night or early morning). Although it's uncommon, taxi drivers have been known to rob tourists. Get the number for a taxi you trust, from your hotel or a local.

Buses have infrequently been stopped by robbers on long-distance (often overnight) routes. If you have to travel a long distance by bus, it might be better to break it into multiple day-only trips, or to travel by plane or train.

In the event of an incident, the police may or may not make a strong effort to identify the culprits, but obtaining a police report is necessary if you plan on filing an insurance claim later, or if important documents are stolen. Make sure the police report indicates if your papers were stolen; otherwise you may have difficulty leaving the country. You should immediately contact your local embassy or consulate in the event that your passport is taken.

Walking [ edit ]

There are very few sidewalks in Tanzania, always pay careful attention to the traffic and be prepared to move out of the way, as vehicles do not make much effort to avoid pedestrians. In Tanzania, cars have priority.

The best way to avoid touts, sellers, dealers etc., when they inevitably come up to you and say "jambo" is to either say nothing, or to say "thank you" or "asante", and to keep moving. Some may be offended by 'no', and persistent touts will be encouraged by any kind of interaction at all.

Corruption [ edit ]

Tanzania, like many developing countries, suffers from corruption. Police are poorly paid - many make less than US$40/month. You may be solicited for a bribe by an official willing to turn a blind eye to your infraction, fabricated or otherwise. Some travellers are very much averse to paying bribes to anyone, especially in a country with so many needy but honest citizens.

Fraudsters are known to impersonate police, sometimes in the guise of an "immigration official" who identifies a problem with your documents. They will flash official-looking papers at you. But there are many plainclothes officers as well. And if you are confronted with someone in uniform, they will almost certainly be an actual officer.

On-the-spot-fine is one term used for a bribe. Those words are meant to initiate a conversation about money. You may be told that the real fine is TSh 40,000 or more and that for TSh 20,000 or 30,000, paid immediately, you can be on your way and avoid a trip to the police station to pay a higher fine.

If you are certain you are in the right, and do not want to pay a bribe, some strategies are:

• Involve other people . Fraudsters or corrupt officials are unlikely to pursue their schemes near an audience. You can ask bystanders for help on the pretext of not understanding the officer.
• Invoke higher powers . Insisting on going to the local police station is a good way to make an illegitimate issue go away. Suggesting a visit to your country's embassy (e.g. to have an official there help translate the conversation, due to one's poor knowledge of the local language and laws) is also effective. At this point, they usually have a look of horror on their face, since they don't want any real officials involved. Asking for bribes is illegal, and there is an office of corruption where they can be reported.
• Play dumb . Politely explain to the person that you don't understand the nature of the infraction, even if you do. Tanzanians are not direct, and prefer to imply what they want, instead of asking outright. Tell them you've only just arrived in the country, even if it's your 100th visit. If you know some Kiswahili, don't let on. It may only make things harder.
• Insist on getting a receipt with an official stamp -- a request that is most likely to be met with confusion and concern. The idea is to show that you don’t know that this is actually a bribe and that you simply wish to play by the rules. Hopefully, after 10 or 20 minutes of a circular, but always polite, conversation, they may send you on your merry way. A word of caution about this approach: corrupt officials have become wise to this and in one case a person requesting a receipt was told the cashier's office was closed and would not open until the next morning. The options were to pay the fine or spend the night in prison. It appears this was not a bluff on the part of the officer. The fine was paid and no receipt was issued. The game is constantly changing.
• Discussing money or negotiating the fine may encourage the perception that you understand the nature of the conversation (i.e. you are willing to pay a bribe).
• Directly accusing the officer of corruption is likely to be counter-productive; it is important that you allow the officer to save face.
• If you insist on going to the police station, you may be expected to give the officer a ride. If you are alone, and especially if the "officer" is plainclothes, this may not be a good idea. If you are approached by multiple people and are alone, under no circumstances get in their vehicle - insist on taking a taxi. And once you get to the station, just pay whatever fine is quoted and insist on a receipt. This may end up costing you more than the bribe, but at least this cop won't get any money out of you, and he/she may think twice before flagging down other foreigners. Also, demonstrate respect for their authority, never raise your voice, and never swear or insult them. Whether you are right or not does not matter at that point.

Finally: incidents of excessive force involving tourists are rare, but that doesn’t mean it cannot happen. For instance, police have been known to be drunk on the job, which can seriously inhibit their ability to reason. As in any situation where someone is trying to get money out of you, by force or threat of force, it's better to be safe than sorry; it's only money.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Bottled water is cheap and widely available throughout the country. You shouldn't drink the tap water unless you have no other option, and it must either be filtered with a high quality filter and purifier or brought to a boil before consumption. Tests on tap water have found it contaminated with e-coli bacteria.

Illnesses and diseases [ edit ]

As in most African countries, the AIDS/HIV infection rate is high. Tanzania's HIV/AIDS infection rate was 5% among ages 15-49 according to a 2015 UNAIDS estimate [2] . This figure is deceiving, however, since several distinct segments of the population, such as artisanal miners, itinerant fisherman, truck drivers, and sex workers, have HIV infection rates significantly higher than the national average. Do not have unprotected sex in Tanzania or anywhere else, for that matter.

After food-borne illnesses, malaria should be your greatest concern. Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes and is endemic to Tanzania. You may find yourself at risk in almost every part of the country, although this risk is diminished at altitudes above 2000 m. Care should always be taken between sunset and sunrise, especially during the rainy season. Always sleep under a treated net; wear trousers and closed footwear, and use an effective repellent. It's amazing, but many large hotels don’t automatically install mosquito nets in their rooms. However, a call to the reception requesting one is seldom ignored. In some cases, the nets have several large holes, but a bit of adhesive tape or tying a small knot to cover the hole should do the trick.

Prior to leaving for Tanzania, you may also wish to consult a physician about taking some anti-malarial medication -- before, during, and after your trip. If, in spite of your best efforts, you do contract malaria, it is usually easily treated with medication that is readily available throughout most of the country. If you plan on being in isolated locations, you may wish to drop by a clinic and purchase a batch. Symptoms associated with malaria can take up to two weeks before manifesting themselves. The rule of thumb for ex-pats living in Tanzania is this: Any fever lasting more than a day should be cause for concern and necessitate a trip to the clinic for a malaria test. Upon your return home, should you show signs of a possible malaria infection, notify your doctor that you’ve visited a malaria-infected country.

Other major illnesses to avoid are typhoid and cholera . In theory, typhoid can be avoided by carefully selecting food and drink and by avoiding consumption of anything unclean. Typhoid infection, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [dead link] , is marked by 'persistent, high fevers...headache, malaise, anorexia, splenomegaly, and relative bradycardia.'

Cholera infection is marked by vomiting and sudden, uncontrollable bowel movements, which can dehydrate and ultimately kill the sufferer within 48 hours. It is important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Cholera is more or less a seasonal phenomenon in Zanzibar, where outbreaks frequently occur during the rainy seasons. Vaccines and/or oral prevention are available for both typhoid and cholera.

Yellow fever is an acute viral disease transmitted through the bite of a particular mosquito. Although not as common as malaria, it is nonetheless a serious disease, and travelers to Africa should consult a physician about being vaccinated against it. If you plan on traveling to other countries after your stay in Tanzania, some countries, such as South Africa , may require proof that you’ve been vaccinated against Yellow Fever before allowing you to enter the country. If you aren’t or can’t prove it, you will be offered two options: 1) receive the Yellow Fever vaccination at the airport, and 2) immediately leave the country. The Yellow Fever vaccine (as any vaccine) can have side effects for some people, so you may wish to get the vaccine in your home country, under controlled conditions. Most physicians will not administer the Yellow Fever vaccine to children under the age of 1 year, and a letter from a physician explaining this will ensure that your infant child will not receive the vaccine at the airport. - People travelling to Tanzania from India, There is acute shortage of the yellow fever vaccine in India so please get yourself vaccinated at the airport in Dar-es-Salaam as soon as you land there.

Gastrointestinal Distress , a.k.a. traveler’s diarrhea, is the result of one, some, or all of the following factors: Unhygienic food preparation and storage, changes in diet, fatigue, dehydration, and excessive alcohol consumption. Prevention is your best defense. Eat only raw vegetables and fruits you can peel and which have been rinsed in clean water. Avoid street or restaurant food that appears to have been left in the open for an extended period of time. Eat only freshly fried or steamed food. You should drink only bottled water, which is available throughout the country. You should even brush your teeth with it. If you must drink tap or well water, boil it for a minimum of 10 minutes or use a high quality filter.

Rift Valley Fever: In January 2007, there was an outbreak of RFV in the Kilimanjaro area. Consumption of unpasteurized milk and improperly cooked meat from infected cows led to a number of deaths in the area. Following the deaths, beef sales dropped sharply all over the country, despite the limited scope of the infection. In general, meat served in upscale restaurants is of superior quality. However, care should be taken when indulging in street foods or when eating in remote areas.

Insects and animals [ edit ]

Tanzania has its fair share of venomous and deadly insects and animals, such as Black and Green Mambas, scorpions, spiders, stinging ants, lions, sharks, and others. You should take care when walking through high grass; when visiting national parks, or when shoving your hand under rocks or into dark holes -- unless you know what you are doing. In actuality, the likelihood of encountering these and other similar dangers is remote.

The insect/animal most residents fear is the mosquito.

Medical facilities [ edit ]

Hospitals and dispensaries in Tanzania do not meet western standards. If you require surgery or any complex medical procedure you will have to be evacuated to Kenya, South Africa or Europe. You should ensure your medical insurance covers such expenses. Outside of Dar es Salaam, and especially outside of the larger cities and towns, you will be hard pressed to get even basic medical help as many doctors are poorly trained and/or have limited equipment and medication. You should ensure you have your own medical kit to hold you over in case of an emergency. Misdiagnoses are frequent for even common ailments such as malaria, as high as 70% of the cases.

Dar es Salaam is served by a few clinics staffed by western trained physicians. However, some surgical procedures still require evacuation out of Tanzania.

• IST Medical Clinic: Just off Haile Selassie Road past the Chole Road intersection, behind the International School of Tanganyika, Msasani Pinensula, Tel: +255 22 260 1307, Emergency: +255 754 783 393.
• Premier Care Clinic Limited: 259 Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road, Namanga, Kinondoni, P.O. Box 220, Dar es Salaam, Tel: +255 22 266 8385, Mobile: +255 748 254 642.
• Aga Khan Hospital: Corner of Ocean Road & Sea View Road, Tel: +255 22 211 5151.

Government hospitals [ edit ]

• Bugando Hospital , Mwanza, Tanzania Tel: +255 68 40610. The University College of Health Sciences at Bugando Medical Center is established as a Catholic college having four schools: Medical, Nursing, Pharmacotherapy and Dental.
• Muhimbili National hospital, located in Dar es Salaam
• Mbeya Referral Hospital, PO Box 419, Mbeya Tel: +255 65 3576.
• Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, PO Box 338, Zanzibar Tel: +255 54 31071.

Other Government run hospitals used for electives:

• Hindu Mandal Hospital, PO Box 581, Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 51 110237/110428.
• Agha Khan Hospital, PO Box 2289, Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 51 114096.
• Nachingwea District General Hospital, Nachingwea, Lindi, South Tanzania
• Teule District Designated Hospital, Muheza, Tanga Region.

Mission hospitals [ edit ]

• Berega Mission Hospital, Berega, Morogoro, Tanzania.
• St Anne’s Hospital, PO Box 2, Liuli (via Songea) (connected via USPG charity).
• St Francis Hospital, Kwo Mkono, Handeni District.
• A flying doctor service is based in Arusha, Tel: +255 2548578.

For any medical issues, contact : Ministry of Health, PO Box 9083, Dar es Salaam Tel: +255 51 20261 Fax: 51 39951

In Moshi Municipality (Kilimanjaro Region) there is the renowned KCMC , Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, which is in the foothills of the snow-capped, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Respect [ edit ]

In general, tourists should wear modest or conservative attire, especially in Zanzibar, which is a conservative Muslim society. Western women should not wear clothing that reveals too much skin. 'Kangas', brightly-colored wrap-around cloth, are affordable, available throughout the country, and can serve as a discreet covering.

The Masai people, with their colorful clothing, are tempting targets for any tourist with a camera. However, they expect to be paid for it, and you should always ask before taking pictures.

It is common practice among Swahili-speakers to use 'shikamoo' (prounounced 'she ka moe' and literally meaning, 'I hold your feet') when greeting elders or superiors. The usual response from an elder will be 'marahaba'. In Zanzibar, the equivalent of 'shikamoo' is 'chei chei'. The traveler will get along very well when using these verbal expressions of respect. In addition, a title after the 'shikamoo' is also a useful indicator that you are not just a dumb tourist -- 'shikamoo bwana' for the gents, and, when addressing a female elder, 'shikamoo mama'.

Tanzanians will also comment if you are doing any work while they are not, with the phrase "pole na kazi". It literally means "I'm sorry you have to work". A simple "asante", or "thanks", will suffice in reply.

Many Tanzanian sellers are persistent and, ordinarily, a simple head shake, accompanied by "asante sana", should settle it. However, as a last resort, a firm "hapana", meaning "no", will do the trick. Tanzanians find the word "hapana" quite rude, so please don't use it casually -- only as a last resort. Whatever you plan to do, do not tell someone you will come back to buy from them later when you have no such intention; better to be honest and say 'no' than having to avoid someone for days. They somehow have a funny way of finding you when you promised to visit their stall or shop!

The most polite way to refuse something is to say "sihitaji" (pronounced see-hih-tah-jee)- "I don't need it".

Connect [ edit ]

Keeping in touch while traveling in Tanzania is rarely a problem. You can get decent mobile phone reception even in some national parks.

Telephone calls [ edit ]

The "Tanzania Telecommunications Company Ltd" (TTCL) is the state owned telecom, operating all pay phones and landlines in Tanzania. As it is the case with most developing countries, telephone fixed-lines are not affordable for many ordinary people. However, the mobile network has blossomed throughout Africa in the past years, and this is equally true of Tanzania. With many used mobile phones for sale and the very low cost of getting a SIM card, this is the popular choice of most Tanzanians. For many, a mobile phone is the first large purchase when they get a job. The major mobile service providers operate all over the country, even in some of the most remote areas, although service interruptions are common.

If you find a taxi driver or tour guide that you like, ask for their mobile number. This is often the best way to reach them.

Using a mobile phone If you have an "unlocked" GSM 900/1800MHz frequency mobile phone (the same frequency as used in the rest of the world, apart from USA and Canada), you can purchase a local SIM card for 500 Tsh from a series of Tanzanian service providers. The most popular are Airtel , Vodacom , and Tigo . Zantel is a new arrival on the mainland and, through the national roaming agreement with Vodacom, has the largest network coverage.

Air time You can top up your "prepaid" mobile phone account by using "scratch-cards", which are available everywhere. Just look for shops or even small tables set up along the road, with posters for the various mobile service providers. Those cards typically come in the denominations from Tsh500-50,000. If you plan on making frequent calls outside of Africa, you will need at least a Tsh10,000 card.

International telecommunications have low capacity, and can be unreliable

Internet [ edit ]

With the advent of Internet-equipped cell phones, internet cafés are dying out throughout Tanzania. They used to be easy to find in major urban areas, like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, and may persist.

As of 2021, all mobile providers are offering mobile internet service. Zantel, Vodacom, Tigo, Airtel and Halotel are the main providers. 4G coverage is available in many areas of Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar town and other cities in the country. A 8GB/month data bundle costs around Tsh10,000, SIM card included.

Wireless (WIFI) is also provided by some providers mainly Powernet (Bibi Titi Mohammed Road, Elia Complex) 0658769376, 0787769376, 0757769376, 0777769376, Unlimited Internet Access anywhere in the Urban Areas of Dar-Es-Salam costing Tsh 30,000 (US$20).

Emergency [ edit ]

• Emergency Services: 112 - If you can, it's probably better to go straight to the nearest police station, instead of dialing 112.

Go next [ edit ]

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