Tanzania

Tanzania is one of Africa's premier tourism destinations, home to iconic attractions including Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest peak), the Serengeti National Park (famous for the Great Migration), and the tropical island of Zanzibar. The country attracts millions of visitors annually seeking wildlife safaris, mountain climbing, and Indian Ocean beaches.

The country has three main international airports serving different regions. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam is the largest and serves as the commercial capital and primary gateway. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) serves the northern safari circuit and Mount Kilimanjaro climbers. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar handles growing international traffic to the island's beaches and Stone Town.

Air Tanzania (TC) is the national carrier, operating domestic and regional routes from its hub in Dar es Salaam. The airline has been revitalized and expanded in recent years. Tanzania's position in East Africa makes it easily combined with neighboring Kenya for extended safari itineraries.

International Gateways

Airport	City	Role	Major Airlines
DAR	Dar es Salaam	Primary international hub	TC, ET, EK, QR, KQ
JRO	Kilimanjaro	Northern safari gateway	KQ, ET, KL, QR
ZNZ	Zanzibar	Island tourism hub	TC, QR, EK, seasonal charters

Julius Nyerere International (DAR) — Tanzania's busiest airport, located 12 km southwest of Dar es Salaam city center. Named after Tanzania's founding father. Terminal 3 (opened 2019) handles most international flights. Air Tanzania's main hub with connections to major African cities. Long-haul routes via Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar) and Ethiopian Airlines. Gateway for southern safari circuit (Selous/Nyerere, Ruaha) and transit to Zanzibar.

Kilimanjaro International (JRO) — Located between Arusha and Moshi, serving the northern safari circuit and Kilimanjaro climbers. 46 km from Arusha, 50 km from Moshi. International flights from Amsterdam (KLM), Doha (Qatar), and African hubs. Many visitors combine Kilimanjaro with Kenya's Masai Mara (accessible via Nairobi or cross-border transfers). Direct flights to Zanzibar available.

Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ) — Zanzibar's main airport, 5 km south of Stone Town. Handles significant charter traffic from Europe, especially during winter months. Growing scheduled service from Gulf carriers and African airlines. Quick ferry connection to Dar es Salaam available as alternative (2 hours).

Regional & Safari Airports

Airport	Code	Serves
Arusha Airport	ARK	Local flights, northern safari circuit
Mwanza	MWZ	Lake Victoria region, western Serengeti access
Seronera	SEU	Central Serengeti
Lake Manyara	LKY	Ngorongoro, Serengeti access
Selous/Nyerere	—	Southern safari circuit (multiple airstrips)
Ruaha	—	Ruaha National Park
Mafia Island	MFA	Marine park, diving

Tanzania's safari destinations are served by numerous bush airstrips. Coastal Aviation and Auric Air operate scheduled flights connecting Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, and safari destinations. Flying is the most practical way to reach remote parks and saves considerable driving time.

National Carrier

Air Tanzania (TC) — Tanzania's flag carrier, revitalized since 2016 after years of limited operations. Hub at Julius Nyerere International (DAR). Operates domestic routes and regional African destinations including Johannesburg, Harare, Mumbai, Entebbe, and Nairobi. Fleet includes Boeing 787 Dreamliner for long-haul routes. Growing network but still limited compared to Ethiopian or Kenya Airways.

Domestic routes:

• DAR → ZNZ: Multiple daily flights (20-25 minutes)
• DAR → JRO: Daily service (1 hour)
• DAR → MWZ: Daily service (1.5 hours)

Safari & Domestic Airlines

• Coastal Aviation — Main safari airline, scheduled and charter flights to all major parks from DAR, ARK, and ZNZ
• Auric Air — Domestic scheduled flights and charters to safari destinations
• Precision Air (PW) — Private airline with domestic and East African routes; codeshare with Kenya Airways
• Flightlink — Charter and scheduled bush flights

International Airlines with Presence

Tanzania is well-served by international carriers:

• Ethiopian Airlines (ET) — Best African connectivity via Addis Ababa hub
• Kenya Airways (KQ) — Nairobi connections to DAR, JRO, ZNZ
• Emirates (EK) — Dubai hub, DAR and ZNZ service
• Qatar Airways (QR) — Doha connections to DAR, JRO, ZNZ
• KLM (KL) — Direct Amsterdam-Kilimanjaro service (seasonal/year-round varies)
• Turkish Airlines (TK) — Istanbul-DAR service
• RwandAir (WB) — Kigali connections
• Oman Air (WY) — Muscat-Zanzibar service

Visa Requirements

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania. Options include:

E-Visa (Recommended)

• Apply at: visa.immigration.go.tz
• Cost: $50 USD (ordinary visa) or $100 USD (multiple entry)
• Processing: Apply at least 2 weeks before travel; processing typically 3-10 business days
• Validity: Single entry valid for 90 days; multiple entry valid for 1 year

Visa on Arrival

• Available at main entry points (DAR, JRO, ZNZ)
• Cost: $50 USD (cash, USD bills preferred)
• Processing can be slow during peak arrivals
• E-visa recommended to avoid queues

Who Needs a Visa

Visa required (most nationalities):

• USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand
• EU/Schengen countries
• Most Asian countries

Visa exempt (90 days):

• Some SADC and East African Community member states
• Check immigration.go.tz for current exemption list

Passport Requirements

• Valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
• At least two blank pages
• Proof of return/onward travel may be requested
• Proof of accommodation or tour booking recommended

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa, parts of South America). Some reports of enforcement at Zanzibar being stricter. Certificate must show vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.

Zanzibar Entry

Zanzibar is part of Tanzania but has its own immigration procedures. If arriving directly to Zanzibar from outside Tanzania, you'll clear immigration there. If traveling from mainland Tanzania to Zanzibar, no additional immigration is required but you may go through a brief document check.

Official information: visa.immigration.go.tz

Domestic Flights

Flying is the most practical option for covering Tanzania's vast distances:

Route	Flight Time	Notes
DAR → ZNZ	20-25 min	Multiple daily, Air Tanzania, Coastal
DAR → JRO	1 hour	Air Tanzania, Precision Air
DAR → Serengeti	2-2.5 hours	Coastal Aviation, Auric Air
JRO/ARK → Serengeti	45-60 min	Direct safari flights
DAR → Ruaha	1.5 hours	Southern circuit access
DAR → Selous/Nyerere	45 min	Southern safari circuit

Safari flights operate from Arusha (ARK), Dar es Salaam (DAR), and Zanzibar (ZNZ) to bush airstrips near lodges. Book through safari operators or directly with Coastal Aviation/Auric Air. Baggage limits: typically 15-20 kg in soft bags only (no hard cases).

Dar-Zanzibar is the busiest domestic route with numerous daily departures. Flying is far quicker than the 2-hour ferry.

Ferry (Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar)

Fast ferries operate multiple times daily:

• Duration: 1.5-2 hours
• Operators: Azam Marine (most reliable), Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries
• Cost: $35-50 USD tourist class, $50-60 USD VIP
• Book at: Ferry terminals or azammarine.com
• Morning departures recommended; sea can be rough in afternoon

Road Transport

Self-driving is challenging and not recommended for most tourists:

• Drive on the left (same as UK)
• Road conditions vary dramatically—main highways acceptable, rural roads poor
• 4WD essential for national parks
• Traffic in Dar es Salaam is heavily congested
• Hiring a driver strongly recommended

Organized transfers:

• Safari operators arrange all ground transport
• Shared shuttle buses connect JRO-Arusha-Moshi
• Private transfers available between airports and hotels

Long-distance buses connect major towns but are time-consuming and quality varies. Not recommended when flying is an option.

Safari Transport

Most safari operators provide:

• Airport transfers (JRO/DAR/ZNZ to lodges or starting points)
• Safari vehicles (4WD Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs for game viewing)
• Internal flights between parks (highly recommended for northern-southern circuit combinations)
• Walking safari guides in permitted areas

Dry Seasons (Best for Safari)

June-October — Peak safari season:

• Dry conditions concentrate wildlife at water sources
• Great Migration in Serengeti (July-October: Mara River crossings)
• Excellent game viewing across all parks
• Cool and dry; comfortable weather
• Kilimanjaro climbing: Best visibility and conditions
• Peak prices and advance booking essential

January-February — Short dry season:

• Calving season in southern Serengeti (January-March)
• Excellent predator action during calving
• Good weather, fewer crowds than June-October
• Good Kilimanjaro climbing conditions

Wet Seasons

March-May — Long rains:

• Heavy afternoon/evening showers
• Some roads and camps close (especially remote areas)
• Lowest prices, fewer tourists
• Lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching
• Zanzibar: Beach holidays less ideal

November-December — Short rains:

• Brief afternoon showers
• Migration returns to southern Serengeti
• Shoulder season pricing
• Safari still excellent

Regional Timing

Destination	Best Time	Notes
Serengeti	Jun-Oct (migration north), Jan-Feb (calving)	Year-round game viewing
Ngorongoro	Jun-Oct, Jan-Feb	Wildlife concentrated year-round
Kilimanjaro	Jan-Feb, Jun-Oct	Dry seasons for climbing
Selous/Nyerere	Jun-Oct	Boat safaris possible
Ruaha	Jun-Nov	Remote, excellent dry season
Zanzibar	Jun-Oct, Dec-Feb	Avoid Apr-May rains
Mafia Island	Oct-Mar	Best diving conditions

Weather Overview

Location	Dry Season	Wet Season
Dar es Salaam	26-31°C, humid	24-30°C, rainy
Arusha/Kilimanjaro	20-27°C, cool nights	18-25°C
Serengeti	24-30°C, cool nights	20-28°C
Zanzibar	28-32°C, breezy	26-30°C, humid

Safari Parks (Northern Circuit)

Park	Nearest Airport	Known For
Serengeti	JRO → Seronera (SEU)	Great Migration, Big Five, endless plains
Ngorongoro Crater	JRO (3hr drive)	Volcanic crater, concentrated wildlife
Tarangire	JRO (2hr drive)	Elephants, baobab trees
Lake Manyara	JRO (1.5hr drive)	Tree-climbing lions, flamingos
Arusha National Park	JRO (45min drive)	Kilimanjaro views, walking safaris

Safari Parks (Southern Circuit)

Park	Nearest Airport	Known For
Nyerere (Selous)	DAR (45min flight)	Largest reserve, boat safaris, wild dogs
Ruaha	DAR (1.5hr flight)	Remote, elephants, predators
Mikumi	DAR (4hr drive)	Accessible from Dar, similar to Serengeti

Beach & Island Destinations

Destination	Airport	Known For
Stone Town	ZNZ	UNESCO heritage, Swahili culture, spice tours
Nungwi/Kendwa	ZNZ	Northern beaches, resorts, nightlife
Paje/Jambiani	ZNZ	Kitesurfing, quieter beaches
Mafia Island	MFA	Marine park, diving, whale sharks
Pemba Island	PMA	Off-the-beaten-path, excellent diving

Mountains & Adventure

• Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa's highest peak (5,895m). Fly to JRO, multiple routes from Moshi/Marangu. 5-9 days depending on route. No technical climbing required but proper acclimatization essential
• Mount Meru: Tanzania's second peak (4,566m). Good acclimatization for Kilimanjaro. 3-4 days
• Usambara Mountains: Hiking, birdwatching, local villages

Cities

City	Airport	Known For
Dar es Salaam	DAR	Commercial capital, National Museum, markets
Arusha	JRO/ARK	Safari capital, gateway to northern circuit
Moshi	JRO	Kilimanjaro climbing base, coffee tours
Dodoma	DOD	Official capital (limited tourist interest)

Money

• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS, TSh)
• Exchange rate: Check current rates; roughly 2,500-2,700 TZS per USD
• USD: Widely accepted at hotels, lodges, and tourist services. Bring clean, recent bills (2006 or newer)
• Cards: Accepted at upmarket hotels and lodges. Visa more common than Mastercard. Don't rely solely on cards
• Cash: Essential for markets, small purchases, tips, and rural areas
• ATMs: Available in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar Stone Town. Use bank ATMs. Daily withdrawal limits apply
• Tipping: Expected and important:
  • Safari guides: $15-25 per day
  • Safari camp staff: $15-20 per day (shared pool)
  • Kilimanjaro porters/guides: Follow operator guidelines ($20-30/day for lead guide typical)
  • Restaurants: 10% if service not included

Electrical

• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
• Plug types: Type D (three large round pins, Indian style) and Type G (three rectangular pins, UK style)
• Adapters: US, European, and Australian travelers need adapters. Universal adapters recommended
• Safari lodges: Many run on solar/generator with limited charging times; bring power banks

Connectivity

• Mobile carriers: Vodacom (best coverage), Airtel, Tigo
• SIM cards: Easy to buy at airports and shops. Bring passport for registration. Data very affordable
• eSIM: Airalo and others work well
• Safari camps: WiFi limited or unavailable in remote locations. Some have satellite internet (slow, expensive)
• Coverage: Good in towns; limited to none in remote safari areas
• Zanzibar: Good coverage in tourist areas

Health

• Malaria: Present throughout Tanzania including Zanzibar. Prophylaxis strongly recommended. Use mosquito repellent and bed nets
• Yellow fever: Certificate required if arriving from endemic country
• Vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus recommended. Rabies for extended stays
• Tap water: Not safe—drink bottled water only
• Altitude: Kilimanjaro climbers must acclimatize properly. Acute mountain sickness is common
• Sun: Strong equatorial sun—sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, and sunglasses essential
• Travel insurance: Essential, including medical evacuation coverage for safari areas and Kilimanjaro

Safety

Tanzania is generally safe for tourists with sensible precautions:

• Dar es Salaam: Avoid walking alone at night; use taxis or ride-hailing
• Zanzibar: Generally safe; some petty theft in tourist areas. Modest dress appreciated
• Safari: Follow guide instructions—wildlife is dangerous. Stay in vehicles unless permitted
• Beaches: Don't leave valuables unattended; use hotel safes
• Petty theft: Keep valuables secure; don't display expensive items
• Swimming: Some beaches have strong currents; check locally

Cultural Notes

• Greeting: "Jambo" (hello) is tourist Swahili; "Habari" (how are you) more authentic. People appreciate basic Swahili greetings
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people. Some may request payment, especially Maasai
• Maasai: Many work in tourism. Visits to villages can be arranged through operators
• Dress: Casual acceptable in tourist areas. Modest dress in Zanzibar (cover shoulders and knees away from beach—predominantly Muslim)
• Ramadan: In Zanzibar during Ramadan, be respectful of those fasting
• Bargaining: Expected in markets and for souvenirs

Useful Apps

• Uber: Available in Dar es Salaam only
• Maps.me: Offline maps essential for safari and Kilimanjaro
• XE Currency: Exchange rate calculations
• iNaturalist/Merlin: Wildlife and bird identification
• Safiri (Tanzania): Local travel booking app

• Tourism: Tanzania Tourism Board
• Visa: Tanzania Immigration e-Visa
• Air Tanzania: airtanzania.co.tz
• Coastal Aviation: coastal.co.tz
• Azam Marine (Ferry): azammarine.com
• Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA): tanzaniaparks.go.tz
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area: ngorongorocrater.go.tz
• Zanzibar Tourism: zanzibartourism.go.tz
• Kilimanjaro National Park: tanzaniaparks.go.tz/kilimanjaro