Tanzania Travel Guide
Tanzania is situated on the eastern side of Africa. Referring to the map below you'll notice that it shares borders with several other African nations. Positioned beneath Kenya and Uganda, Tanzania is flanked by Democratic Republic of Congo to the east, while Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique lie to the south. As indicated on the map, Tanzania is well-placed and connected to other stunning countries worth exploring. It is easily accessible by various modes of transport, with air travel and driving being the most popular. Kilimanj International Airport, though small, is the primary airport for accessing the northern circuit of national parks and is highly recommended for reaching famous Tanzanian destinations. If a direct flight to Tanzania isn’t possible, flying into Nairobi, Kenya, is a viable alternative, with a driving time of around six hours from Nairobi to Arusha, which is known as the safari gateway and is just an hour from Kilimanjaro Airport.
It’s not just the migration that’s great in Tanzania – though the wildlife (and specifically the game of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater) is what draws most visitors, there’s much more to discover in this diverse East African nation.
Roam around the old streets of Stone Town and relax on the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar; spot birds around Lake Victoria or chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains National Park; dive the clear waters around Mafia island; or climb Africa’s mightiest mountain, Kilimanjaro – all 5,895m of it.
And Tanzania’s north doesn’t have the monopoly on wildlife: Selous Game Reserve, south-west of Dar es Salaam, is Africa’s largest protected area, with varied habitats – plains, rivers, forests and lakes bustling with hippo, elephant, lion, buffalo, wild dog and black rhino. Add in the fascinating relics of ancient trading kingdoms at Kilwa Kisiwani and it’s clear Tanzania offers a kaleidoscope of experiences to discover.
Tanzania is situated on the eastern side of Africa. Referring to the map below you'll notice that it shares borders with several other African nations. Positioned beneath Kenya and Uganda, Tanzania is flanked by Democratic Republic of Congo to the east, while Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique lie to the south. As indicated on the map, Tanzania is well-placed and connected to other stunning countries worth exploring. It is easily accessible by various modes of transport, with air travel and driving being the most popular. Kilimanj International Airport, though small, is the primary airport for accessing the northern circuit of national parks and is highly recommended for reaching famous Tanzanian destinations. If a direct flight to Tanzania isn’t possible, flying into Nairobi, Kenya, is a viable alternative, with a driving time of around six hours from Nairobi to Arusha, which is known as the safari gateway and is just an hour from Kilimanjaro Airport
2.The Best Time to Visit Tanzania
If you are thinking of visiting Tanzania - it's essential to take into consideration the varied weather conditions, which influence what type of adventure you can expect to experience. Visiting Tanzania during the rainy seasons or dry seasons have both advantages and disadvantages when spotting wild animals in Tanzania. It's important to research before you book your trip.
Tanzania is a relatively safe country, especially compared with some neighbours. but keeping belongings out of sight and staying alert in large towns are wise precautions.
Winter (June-September) is the coolest period, when many hotels and lodges are very busy, particularly July and August. The main rainy season (March-May) isn’t necessarily a bad time to visit, though some outlying roads may become impassable.
The Great Migration across the Serengeti is a fairly continuous rotation, but the most dramatic river crossings usually happen in June or July – though they’re not predictable.
International Airports
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is about 12km southwest of Dar es Salaam. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is about 40km east of Arusha.
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3.Getting Around Tanzania
Domestic flights link Dar es Salaam with Kilimanjaro and several other airports; small airlines serve game parks, small towns and Zanzibar. Ferries traverse the larger lakes and serve Zanzibar and Pemba from Dar es Salaam.
Buses, which vary enormously in levels of comfort, roadworthiness and overcrowding, serve most parts of Tanzania. Minibuses and dalla-dallas (even smaller buses) tend to run along shorter local routes and are even more packed.
The limited train service – Tazara line south-west from Dar es Salaam to the Zambian order, and the Central line north-west via Dodoma to Mwanza or Kigoma – is slow and unreliable. Driving in Tanzania is for the stout-hearted only.​​
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What to pack for a Tanzania safari is greatly determined by the time of year that you go. The below description could help you pack and decide what to wear which you might find interesting to read -
Clothing Packing List for Tanzania
Selecting the most appropriate clothes for a safari in Tanzania is much more straightforward than you might think. A general rule is to stick to comfortable, loose-fitting and fast-drying items.
While you may not have given much thought to what colours to wear on safari in Tanzania, this is something worth considering. Opting for neutral tones like beige, khaki and brown will help you blend in more easily with your surroundings. Leaving your white clothes at home is advisable, as trying to wash the dirt and dust out can be troublesome. Darker colours like black or navy will attract tsetse flies, whose bites can be painful and even lead to health implications.
​​​​What To Pack For An African Safari.
These guides are informative and helpful for anyone who is planning on going on safari through any of the wonderful Tanzania destinations this country has to offer.
In short, I would advise bringing the following items:
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A selection of casual but comfortable clothing for game drives and relaxing back at camp.
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Remember to bring personal toiletries and hygiene items as there is nowhere to buy them throughout the remote regions on safari.
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A camera to capture those all-encompassing moments.
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Insect repellant.
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medication for sickness (check with your doctor which to take)
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A portable phone charger as an electricity outlets are seldom on safari.
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Lastly - A first aid kit, blanket if you get cold, sunscreen and hat, sanitizer and plug adaptors are all ideal things to pack for a Tanzania safari.
5. TOP TANZANIA EXCURSIONS
Visiting Tanzania comes with an array of incredible attractions to see as well as experience. Tanzania is filled with endless opportunities to enjoy its rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. From hot air balloon rides that offer mesmerizing views from atop the trees, snorkelling with dolphins on the coast of Tanzania, immersing yourself in the culture of dancing with the Masai Mara Tribe, trekking Tanzania’s most famous mountains or even Mount Kilimanjaro if you feel extra adventurous - there is something for everyone who visit this spectacular country.
If a slower pace of life is your preference, why not enjoy Tanzania’s numerous waterfalls like the gorgeous Olmoti Crater Waterfall. We hike Olmoti Crater which is one of our trip highlights on our groundbreaking African Lion Safari. Alternatively, you could try a relaxing saunter on the Tree Top Walkway in Lake Manyara. Here you will walk sky high amongst the trees in Lake Manyara’s breath-taking forest, where the sounds and sights of nature will envelop you.
Exciting Places to Discover in 2025
Experience game viewing on the rim of a volcanic crater.
One of the world’s largest volcanic calderas has long been a top-tier safari destination, but there are compelling new reasons to visit Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater in 2025. In July, Lemala Camps & Lodges will open Lemala Osonjoi Lodge at the eastern edge of the crater; it will have 20 contemporary suites appointed with oversized beds and wood-burning stoves, a must in the region’s chilly highlands. Later in the year, Elewana will unveil Ngorongoro Explorer, the second hotel under its premier Explorer brand. Set at the highest point of the crater rim, the lodge looks down from 1,600 feet over the caldera. And there’s a reason so many travellers like to end their safari adventures with a sojourn on the sand: Bush and beach have been a pairing for the ages. The beguiling Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar is a natural add-on to any Ngorongoro Crater outing, and there are a handful of resorts worth keeping an eye on. Egyptian hotel group opened Jaz Adonia, a 182-room resort on a private beach in Uroa Bay, in October 2024; Jaz Amaluna and Jaz Aurora will follow in 2025. October also saw the reopening of AndBeyond Mnemba Island, a romantic getaway with 12 rustic-chic beachside bandas just off Zanzibar’s northeast coast, and in 2025, Marriott International brings its first Le Méridien property to the beaches of Bwejuu, on the main island’s east coast. There’s plenty of connectivity to both the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar, but there’s always room for one more flight. In November, Air France inaugurates a Mount Kilimanjaro stop to its Paris-Zanzibar route, making it easier than ever to get here.
How to plan it: Begin your Tanzanian bush-and-beach journey in Ngorongoro Crater and finish in Zanzibar, flying between the Arusha Airport and Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport. The dry season, from June through October, is the best time to visit both regions.
6.Must Attractions
Tanzania is home to a wealth of captivating attractions just waiting for your exploration. I've crafted an ideal route that showcases the renowned attractions and national parks in the northern circuit worth visiting.
I recommend beginning your adventure in Arusha, easily accessible from Kilimanjaro or Nairobi Airports, both of which offer international flights. The next day, embark on a two-hour drive to Lake Manyara, a destination I highly endorse for its diverse activities beyond game drives. From November to April, you can witness stunning flocks of flamingos at the lake, and the unique tree-top walkway a breathtaking view of the park from above. You’ll also catch your first glimpses of wildlife, setting the stage for your upcoming safari. After Lake Manyara, head to Ngorongoro Crater, with an optional stop atangire National Park for a game drive to see its magnificent landscapes and renowned elephant her. Upon arrival at Ngorongoro Crater, understand why it's celebrated as one of's 7 Natural Wonders, featuring breathtaking views, towering crater walls, and a rich variety of wildlife. It’s ideally located near the Serengeti and many other natural attractions. The Serengeti is next on my list, being one of my favorite spots in Africa. Its charm lies in its abundant wildlife, vast savannahs, the Great Migration, and the iconic Kopjes rock formations—making it a must-visit. I recommend spending at least three days here to fully appreciate its vastness. For the adventurous, consider extending your trip to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, adding unforgettable memories to your Tanzanian journey. Our African Lion Safari adventure covers all these incredible locations, and we can customize your itinerary to include more exciting destinations in Tanzania.
7.Health & safety in Tanzania
Check the NHS Fit for travel site and consult your GP or a travel health clinic for advice on which vaccinations you should have before visiting Thailand. You should use insect repellent to ward off the mosquitos and take sensible precautions to prevent other bites and stings.
8.Tanzania Food & Drink
Tanzania is not typically recognized for its fine dining. The cuisine mainly centers around ug, a thick maize meal mash, accompanied by a sauce with meat fish, or vegetables. Nyama choma or grilled meat, and mishikaki, which areabs, are also favored. Fresh fish is abundant along the coast and near lakes, and rice is commonly consumed, often paired with plantain. Kilimanjaro and Safari beers are enjoyable when served cold.
9.Where to stay in Tanzania
Located in Arusha, Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge is a 2-minute drive from the Cultural Heritage Centre and 7 minutes from Arusha Clock Tower. This tentalow is 3.4 mi (5.4 km) from Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium and 3.4 mi (5.5 km) from the Arusha Declaration Monument.
Pamper yourself with onsite massages and body treatments. If you're looking for recreational opportunities, you'll find an outdoor pool and bicycles to rent. Additional features at this tentallow include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.
When you stay at Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge in Ngorongoro, you'll be steps from Ngorongoro Crater. This all-inclusive lodge is 10.8 mi (17.3 km) from Ngorongoro Conservation Area and 12.3 mi (19.9 km) from Lake Magadi.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. Encounter the local wildlife with a safari, then enjoy recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a sauna. Additional amenities at this lodge include complimentary wireless internet access, babysitting, and a fireplace in the lobby.
