Africa
Tanzania
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar make it a top safari-and-beach trip, but it's pricey (park fees, mandatory insurance) and politically tense since 2025. Zanzibar suits slow travel.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa47 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyTZSUS$1 ≈ TSh2,648.20Details
- Price level29%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType D, G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112All emergencies 112
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water everywhere, including Zanzibar; many lodges and Kilimanjaro crews provide treated water.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedHighly hostile: arrests, crackdowns and online hunting have occurred, and public affection can lead to arrest.Details
- Internet41 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 33 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the leftForeign licences are valid for up to 6 months; Zanzibar also needs a local permit, arranged through rental firms.
Where to go in Tanzania
7 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZanzibarIsland | 3/5 | $1,060–1,810 | Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct | 46/100 |
| ArushaCity | 3/5 | $831–1,430 | Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct | 67/100 |
| Dar es SalaamCity | 3/5 | $944–1,700 | Jun–Oct | 55/100 |
| Stone TownDistrict | 3/5 | $1,060–1,810 | Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct | 46/100 |
| NungwiBeach town | 3/5 | $1,060–1,810 | Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct | 46/100 |
| MoshiTown | 4/5 | $680–1,210 | Jan–Feb, Jun–Sep | 86/100 |
| PajeBeach town | 3/5 | $944–1,700 | Jan–Feb, Jul–Oct | 53/100 |
When to visit Tanzania
June–October is dry, best for safaris and Kilimanjaro; January–February for Serengeti calving and Zanzibar beaches. Long rains March–May, short rains November–December.
Good to know
Entry
- Apply for the e-visa at visa.immigration.go.tz before travel; single-entry visas are also sold on arrival at main airports and borders.
- From October 2026 mainland arrivals need NIC inbound travel insurance (about US$44, up to 92 days); Zanzibar-first arrivals buy ZIC's policy instead.
- Show a return or onward ticket at the border. Plastic bags are confiscated on arrival.
- Passport must be valid 6 months. Bring a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country (Kenya counts).
Laws visitors break by accident
- Filming or sharing protest footage is illegal, and police may search phones.
- Zanzibar can fine visitors US$700 or more for 'inappropriate' clothing in public.
- Exporting shells, horns or other animal products without a permit can lead to arrest.
Etiquette
- Greet elders with 'Shikamoo' and take time over greetings
- Cover shoulders and knees in Zanzibar and coastal towns
- Ask before photographing people, especially Maasai, and expect to pay
- In Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public in Zanzibar
Tipping
Tips are a big part of safari and Kilimanjaro crew pay; follow operator guidelines. Round up or add 10% in restaurants.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Tanzania
- Immigration Services Department, Tanzania
- NIC mandatory inbound travel insurance
- Speedtest Global Index: Tanzania
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.