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Travel Guide
Visiting Tanzania
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Exercise Caution
UK FCDO: Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Updated 2025-12-10
Discover
Top Attractions in Tanzania
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak at 5,895 metres and the world's tallest free-standing mountain, rising dramatically from the plains of northern Tanzania near the Kenyan border. Seven established routes lead through distinct climate zones, from equatorial rainforest to alpine desert and finally the glaciated crater rim at Uhuru Peak. No technical climbing experience is required, making it one of the most accessible high-altitude summits in the world.
UNESCO World Heritage
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and forms a self-contained ecosystem sheltering around 25,000 large animals on its 260-square-kilometre floor. Black rhino, lion, elephant, flamingo, and hyena all live within the crater walls, which rise 600 metres above the floor and act as a natural enclosure. The surrounding conservation area also contains Olduvai Gorge, where some of the earliest known hominid fossils were discovered.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Tanzania. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Tanzania.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 112 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Tanzania see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on t
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police111
Ambulance114
Fire115
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Tanzania
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Tanzania page at Yoogo.
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Cash is essential for most daily transactions, markets, and smaller establishments. US dollars are widely accepted at lodges, national park fees, and tourist services, and are the practical currency for safari bookings. ATMs are available in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar, but less reliable in rural areas.
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists in the main travel areas. Petty theft and bag snatching occur in cities and busy tourist spots, so keep valuables secure. Zanzibar is safe but travellers should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly at night. Check current advisories for any border areas.
Domestic flights are the most practical way to travel between Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, and safari destinations such as the Serengeti. Buses connect major towns but road quality varies significantly. On Zanzibar, dala-dala minibuses and taxis serve the island. On safari, you will typically travel in a guide's 4WD vehicle.
The dry season from June to October is the best time for wildlife viewing, with animals concentrating around water sources and the famous wildebeest migration peaking in July and August. January to March brings a short dry spell also good for game viewing. Zanzibar is pleasant most of the year, with the main rains falling April to May.
Swahili (Kiswahili) is the national language and is spoken across the country. English is an official language and is widely used in education, government, and tourism. In tourist areas and national parks, English is sufficient for communication. A few Swahili phrases such as 'jambo' (hello) and 'asante' (thank you) are warmly received.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, and is recommended for most visitors. Malaria is present throughout mainland Tanzania; consult a travel health clinic for antimalarial medication advice. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are commonly recommended. Zanzibar is also a malaria zone.
Tipping is an important part of the economy in tourist Tanzania. Safari guides and camp staff customarily receive gratuities; established guidelines suggest around USD 10–20 per person per day for guides and USD 5–10 for camp staff. At restaurants, 10% is appropriate. Hotel porters and other service workers appreciate small tips.
Mobile networks cover urban areas and most tourist destinations. Local SIM cards from providers such as Vodacom, Airtel, and TTCL are inexpensive and available at airports and shops. 4G coverage is available in cities and some tourist areas; rural and remote national park areas may have limited signal. Lodges typically offer Wi-Fi.