Tanzania holidays
A holiday to Tanzania rolls all kinds of once-in-a-lifetime experiences into a single trip. This East African country is one of the best safari destinations on the planet, and its tropical, white-sand beaches are the stuff of legend. If you’re down for a challenge, the trek up Mount Kilimanjaro pays off with breathtaking views and some serious bragging rights. Explore it all in our ultimate guide to Tanzania.
Top destinations in Tanzania
Zanzibar
Framed by powdery white sands, coconut palms and turquoise waters, the Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar is the crowd-free beach break you’ve been searching for.
Dar Es Salaam
A gateway to the pristine shores of Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam beckons you to linger and experience its cultural sites, from traditional Tanzanian villages to impressive museums.
Kilimanjaro
Ready for the climb of your life? Tanzania’s legendary peak is no easy feat, but that on-top-of-the-world feeling (and those epic views) makes it worthwhile.
Tanzania: fast facts
Language
Swahili, English
Currency
Tanzanian shilling (TSh)
Time zone
UTC+3 (EAT)
Tanzania holiday highlights
Go on safari
Big cats hunting, wildebeests grazing, giraffes thundering across the plains — the scenes at the Serengeti are straight out of a wildlife documentary. Elephants congregate in Tarangire National Park, while the forests of Gombe Stream National Park are known for their chimpanzees. And animals of all stripes (and spots) reside in Tanzania’s largest national park, Nyerere.
Hit the islands
The islands of the Zanzibar archipelago are the perfect break for beach lovers. The largest is Unguja (also known as Zanzibar), a roughly 90-minute ferry ride from the city of Dar es Salaam. Here, you’ll find stretches of palm-fringed beaches and fragrant spice farms. Smaller islands like Mafia and Pemba are even more low-key, with quiet beaches and coral reefs to explore.
Climb a mountain
One of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Tanzania is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the largest free-standing mountain in the world. The multi-day trek takes you through rainforest, alpine desert and arctic landscapes, with wildlife sightings along the way. The journey is gentle enough for less-experienced climbers but still requires good physical fitness and can induce some altitude sickness. All climbers must travel with a guide.
Things to do in Tanzania
Top attractions
See if you can spot the ‘Big Five’ (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffalo) on a Serengeti National Park safari. Or watch herds of zebras and gazelles roam through volcanic landscapes at the nearby Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Got an appetite for adventure? Try scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Allow plenty of time to plan and train for this multi-day guided hike.
Beaches
Many of the best beaches in Tanzania are in the Zanzibar archipelago. On Unguja, Kendwa offers calm waters for swimming. Nungwi is known for its beachside amenities, while Paje has a more local vibe. Misali Island draws snorkellers to its unspoilt reefs. Mainland Tanzania has some lovely shores too, including Sange Beach and Ras Kutani Beach, not far from Dar es Salaam.
Nature
For a diversity of landscapes, focus on the northern part of the country, where you’ll find Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and the volcanic caldera known as the Ngorongoro Crater. The southwest region has scene-stealers too, like Lake Victoria and the wildflower-strewn Kitulo National Park. Many parks offer hiking trails, though some areas only allow entry to official tour groups.
Culture and museums
The National Museum in Dar es Salaam is one of the best museums in Tanzania, covering the country’s history through everything from paleontological artefacts to contemporary art. On Unguja, Stone Town’s historical buildings reflect the region’s African, European and Arabian influences. Don’t miss the Slave Memorial, a moving reminder of a dark chapter in human history.
Cuisine
You’ll find lots of international options at restaurants in Tanzania, particularly at the resorts and in Dar es Salaam. But don’t miss out on the local specialities. ‘Nyama choma’ (barbecued meat) is a must. And for an only-in-Tanzania treat, try Zanzibar pizza — fried dough filled with a savoury combination of African, Arabian and European ingredients.
Family friendly
If you’re visiting between May and September, get a bird’s-eye view of the Great Migration on a Serengeti hot-air balloon ride (most trips accept kids over seven). In Zanzibar, stroll through Jozani Forest to spot red colobus monkeys. Or appreciate the island’s culinary history on a spice farm tour. Learn about Tanzania’s venomous snakes from local Maasai guides at Meserani Snake Park near Arusha.
Find the best time to visit Tanzania
Weather in Tanzania
January – February: This brief dry season brings high temps and clear, sunny days. It’s the perfect time for a Mount Kilimanjaro trek or to see newborn wildebeest and zebras roaming the Serengeti.
March – May: The main rainy season begins around mid-March. Although downpours can be heavy and many safari lodges close, you’ll get lush, green landscapes and the best birdwatching conditions.
June – October: Expect dry, sunny weather and pleasant temperatures. This is a great time to see wildebeest, zebras and gazelles begin their journey across the Serengeti.
November – December: The short rains season experiences brief showers, usually later in the day. If you don’t mind a little rain, November to mid-December is a great time to snag travel deals.
Events in Tanzania
Kilimanjaro Marathon (February): This scenic race winds through the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, creating a stunning backdrop.You’ll find the biggest crowds anda buzzing atmosphere in the town of Moshi.
Sauti za Busara (February): Choose from a lineup of live performances at Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town, where you’ll hear everything from Afrobeat to jazz and hip-hop.
Zanzibar International Film Festival (June): One of East Africa’s most prestigious arts and cultural events, this festival features five days of screenings at Ngome Kongwe (Old Fort) in Stone Town.
Serengeti Cultural Festival (July): While wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti, Indigenous communities bring the town of Mugumu to life with traditional music, dance, drumming and storytelling.
Know before you go
Getting around Tanzania
Public transportation
Buses: Long-distance buses can get you around most of the country cheaply, though trips can be slow in rural areas. Shabiby Line, Kilimanjaro Express, Ratco Express and Dar Express are the most reputable companies.
Trains: Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) runs services between Dar es Salaam and cities like Arusha, Mwanza and Kigoma. For a scenic rail adventure, hop on the two-night TAZARA train between Dar es Salaam and Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia. Book a first- or second-class ticket for a sleeper berth.
Boats: Ferries connect Dar es Salaam with the Zanzibar archipelago — Azam Marine is the main operator. Some tour companies also offer services between towns on Lake Victoria in the north. Avoid ferry crossings in rough weather or at night, and pay for tickets with US dollars.
Domestic flights
The fastest way to get around Tanzania is by plane. Air Tanzania and Coastal Aviation fly between Zanzibar, Arusha, Mwanza and other top destinations. Many safari lodges also offer private charter flights.
Driving
Hire a 4x4 to explore Tanzania, as most roads are unpaved, especially outside the major towns. Bring your domestic driving licence, and remember to drive on the left. If you’re worried about road conditions, pay extra for a driver.
