Offset of estimated CO2 emissions
Zebras and wildebeests in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

5 reasons to travel to Tanzania

Tanzania has the advantage of offering enough to satisfy the tastes of many types of visitor. There are a thousand and one reasons to choose Tanzania as a travel destination.
  1. 1
    Experience a very different kind of destination
  2. 2
    Sunbathe on fine sandy beaches
  3. 3
    Head off on a safari and see the big five
  4. 4
    Get the chance to meet the Massai people
  5. 5
    Admire or climb Kilimanjaro
1. Experience a very different kind of destination

Most tourists wanting to visit this part of the world naturally tend to choose neighboring Kenya instead. For this reason, Tanzania is a destination that's managing to avoid the effects of mass tourism. You will need a bigger budget for Tanzania than for Kenya. The Tanzanian government is keeping prices high to protect the country from the ravages of large-scale tourism. The natural reserves are therefore more wild: fewer people visit them. This makes it all the more enjoyable for those who make Tanzania their first choice.

2. Sunbathe on fine sandy beaches

Tanzania is not just about wide, open spaces and wild animals. Though not very well known (with the exception of those of Zanzibar), many of Tanzania's beaches are quite wonderful. Fine white sand, coconut palms lining their edges, the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the wild, natural beauty all around and the scarcity of tourists – you might easily think you're in paradise.

3. Head off on a safari and see the big five
Tanzania has the wildest and most beautiful animal reserves to be found anywhere on the African continent. The national parks of Tarangire and Lake Manyara provide a very good and enjoyable introduction to the safari experience, whilst those of the Sergengeti and Ngorongoro are quite simply wonderful! There herds of animals crossing the immense plains of the Serengeti are seemingly endless. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered the eighth wonder of the world. The ancient volcano crater located within this Eden-like reserve, where it feels as if you're experiencing the planet as it was when life first began, contains the greatest concentration of animals on earth. As with the Serengeti, the big five are all present here, and you won't go more than 30 seconds without seeing an animal of some kind.
4. Get the chance to meet the Massai people

The fearsome Massai, a warrior people, constitute the most famous ethnic group on the African continent. You absolutely must take the opportunity to visit one of the traditional villages out in the bush and meet the Massai. The sense of complete culture shock you experience is fascinating and wonderful. The dance demonstration the Massai put on is impressive, and a visit to a village will enable you to gain a better understanding of their way of life and their tribal traditions.

5. Admire or climb Kilimanjaro

At 5895 meters high, the summit of Kilimanjaro dominates the landscape and is impossible to miss. Though some are content just to admire it from a distance, the roof of Africa is an irresistible draw for many hikers. The climb to the top is one of the essential things to do when visiting Tanzania ; and though it's not very technical, it does require good physical conditioning and careful preparation. The sensations felt at the summit constitute a uniquely emotional experience in the life of a traveler.

Discover the destination

Why travel to Tanzania?

If you love nature, in whatever form it comes and are not afraid of cultural shocks, then book your ticket right now! If you don't like anything out of the ordinary, then this country's not for you! Here are some thoughts for you to mull over.
You should go if...
  • You yearn to see Kilimanjaro's snow
  • And you want to climb Kili's 5,895 meters to reach the Roof of Africa
  • Maybe cultural shocks are the thrill you need
  • To see the Big 5 in the Seregenti and Ngorongoro, the world's best gameparks, is a childhood dream
  • You love stretching out on white, sandy beaches
  • You want to meet and learn more about the Masai
  • You like really hot weather
  • You're a people person and can't wait to make friends
You shouldn't go if
  • Are you a townie rather than a country person?
  • Maybe you require a certain level of comfort
  • Are you looking for an affordable destination?
  • Do you have less than 2 weeks vacation time?
  • Maybe the idea of watching a lioness play with her cubs makes you yawn...

Customize your perfect trip to Tanzania

Discover all our travel ideas for a trip in Tanzania.

All our tours in Tanzania

When to go in Tanzania?

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Inland regions have a temperate, tropical climate, whilst the coast is very humid and can, sometimes, get too hot. The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. Avoid the rainy season between March and the beginning of May. Another option is to go during a short rainy season that lasts from November to mid-December. There are fewer tourists and the country is in bloom. All of this depend on what you plan to do when there. The dry season is ideal for safaris in most of the parks, but to see the wildebeest and zebra migration (as well as the predators at large), opt for the rainy season. If you dislike the heat, avoid January and February, the hottest months of the year.
See when to go

What to see in Tanzania?

Top places to discover.

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Prepare your trip in Tanzania

To enable you to properly prepare your trip to Tanzania and avoid any unpleasant surprises, here's the essential information to know before you depart.

What documents are needed for traveling to Tanzania?

A visa is required for travel to Tanzania. This can be obtained on arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport. Your passport must have at least six months validity remaining, and make sure you have an ID photo and proof of a hotel booking or a return ticket with you as well as $100 in cash.

Health advise

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for travelers from the UK. Vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Typhoid and even rabies (for some groups) are recommended however. Antimalarias are also recommended.

Language

The official language in the country is Swahili. No need to worry if you have not mastered this most widely spoken of the Bantu languages however: English is spoken everywhere in the country.

Time difference

Tanzania is two hours ahead of London. When it's 12:00 pm in London it will be 2:00 pm in Dar es Salaam.

Phone and internet connection

International dialing code +255

Internet access is available at the numerous cybercafes and hotels found in large towns and cities.

Electricity

The electricity supply is 220 or 230 volts and the sockets take plugs with three pins, two of which are flat. So you do not need an adapter.

Tanzanian embassy in the UK

3 Stratford Place

London W1C 1AS

United Kingdom

+44 20 7491 3026

tanzarep@tanzania-online.gov.uk

British embassy in Tanzania

Umoja House

Garden Avenue

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

+255 22 211 0101