Things To Do
in Tanzania
Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas, including the plains of the Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. It borders the Indian Ocean, offering beautiful beaches, especially in Zanzibar, an archipelago that's synonymous with picturesque sandy beaches and historic Stone Town.
Tanzania is a cultural melting pot, featuring over 120 ethnic groups, making it a vibrant nation with a rich tapestry of music, art, and culinary traditions.
- "Habari gani?" - How are you?
- "Asante sana" - Thank you very much
- "Karibu" - Welcome
- "Tafadhali" - Please
- "Nzuri sana" - Very good
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up early for a delicious breakfast. Head out for a game drive in the Serengeti, spotting the Big Five.
Enjoy a packed lunch in the wild. Continue your safari adventure and explore different habitats.
Return to your lodge to freshen up. Relax with dinner under a starlit sky.
After breakfast, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for stunning views. Look for elephants and lions roaming freely.
Stop for a picnic lunch on the crater floor. Continue exploring the varied wildlife and scenery.
Drive back to your accommodation. Savor a traditional Tanzanian dinner and share stories of the day's adventures.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including national parks and Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups.
- Wildlife safaris offer unique opportunities to see diverse species.
- Friendly and welcoming locals.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries.
- Access to exotic beaches, especially on the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba.
- Infrastructure can be lacking in certain areas, affecting transportation and services.
- Healthcare facilities may not meet international standards in rural areas.
- Political instability and occasional unrest in certain regions.
- Limited job opportunities for expatriates, especially in specialized fields.
- Language barrier, as Swahili is the dominant language with varying levels of English proficiency.
- Environmental challenges, such as deforestation and wildlife conservation issues.
Best Activities in Tanzania
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vast and diverse wildlife in the national parks and reserves of Tanzania.
Trek the routes of Mount Kilimanjaro or enjoy nature walks in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and other scenic locations.
Relax and enjoy water sports on the stunning beaches of Zanzibar and the Tanzanian coast.
Engage with local communities and learn about the rich culture and traditions of Tanzania.
Experience breathtaking views of the Serengeti National Park and its wildlife from a hot air balloon.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tanzania with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tanzania
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the highest peak in Africa, perfect for photography
A natural wonder with diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes
Home to the annual wildebeest migration and magnificent vistas
White sandy beaches with crystal clear waters and picturesque sunsets
Food in Tanzania
Tanzania Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Ugali, a maize-based porridge, is a staple in Tanzanian cuisine and is often served with Nyama Choma, which is grilled meat typically seasoned with a mixture of spices. You can find this dish at local eateries and street food vendors throughout the country.
Must-Try!
Pilau, a fragrant rice dish cooked with a blend of spices, including cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon, is a must-try. It's commonly served with meat or vegetables and is available at many restaurants and food stalls.
Zanzibar Pizza, a popular street food in Zanzibar, is a thin, crispy dough folded over a variety of fillings such as minced meat, cheese, or vegetables, making for a delicious, quick bite.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tanzania better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in Dar es Salaam, Kariakoo Market offers a vibrant array of street food options, fresh produce, and local snacks, providing a dynamic culinary adventure amidst the bustling atmosphere.
This night market in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is renowned for its seafood delicacies and local street food. It's an excellent spot to sample an assortment of Zanzibari culinary delights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Tanzania, greeting is an important part of social interaction. It is polite to greet people with a handshake and a warm smile, and it is customary to use greetings such as 'Jambo' or 'Habari' when meeting someone for the first time.
Respecting elders is a fundamental aspect of Tanzanian culture. It is important to show deference and listen attentively when elders are speaking. It is also customary to greet older people first in a group setting.
Tanzanians generally adhere to conservative dress codes, especially in rural areas and when visiting religious sites. It is respectful to dress modestly, avoiding clothing that is too revealing or provocative.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tanzania with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Tanzania
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory in Tanzania, but it is appreciated in the service industry. In some tourist areas, a service charge may be included in the bill, so it's always good to check before tipping separately.
Cash is the primary form of payment in Tanzania, especially in rural areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in urban areas, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and when traveling outside major cities.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tanzania.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Tanzania as the weather is dry and the wildlife congregates around water sources, making for excellent game viewing.
This period is generally good for safari as it is less crowded and the landscape is lush and green.
This is the low season with heavy rainfall, but it is a great time for birdwatching and seeing the landscape in bloom.
Tanzania at Night
Hiking in Tanzania
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro offers several trekking routes with stunning views and diverse ecosystems.
A prominent mountain located near Arusha, Mount Meru provides a challenging hike with breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
Famous for its steep climbs and unique flora, the park features several hiking trails, including the challenging climb to the summit of Mount Rwenzori.
Known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, Mkomazi offers various hiking opportunities with less crowded experiences.
Explore numerous national parks, each offering unique trails with the chance to encounter diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
The park features scenic walking trails along the shores of Lake Manyara, providing opportunities to see wildlife and breathtaking views.
Descend into this UNESCO World Heritage site for guided hikes along its rim and within the crater, where you can observe diverse wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tanzania through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Tanzania by plane.
Located in Dar es Salaam, it is the main international airport in Tanzania and serves as the largest aviation hub in the country.
Situated near Moshi, it serves as the primary gateway for travelers heading to Mount Kilimanjaro and the northern safari circuit.
Located in Zanzibar City, this airport is the main entry point for international travelers to the Zanzibar Archipelago.
Serving the city of Mwanza, it connects the lake region of Tanzania to international destinations.
This airport serves as a key domestic and international airport in Tanzania.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mwanza is one of the largest cities in Tanzania, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, with a population predominantly comprising the Sukuma ethnic group.
Dar es Salaam is the largest city and former capital of Tanzania, featuring a diverse population that includes many ethnic groups from across the country.
Dodoma is the political capital of Tanzania and has a population that includes various ethnicities, primarily the Gogo and other Bantu-speaking groups.
Arusha is a city located in northern Tanzania, known for its proximity to major national parks, with a population that includes the Meru and Maasai communities.
Kigoma is a town in western Tanzania along Lake Tanganyika, with a population largely consisting of the Sukuma, Nyamwezi, and other local ethnic groups.
Mbeya is located in the southwest of Tanzania, home to several ethnic groups including the Safwa and the Ngonje.
The Soul of Tanzania
Discover the essence of Tanzania through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Tanzania, with a massive following and numerous local clubs and leagues.
Rugby has been gaining popularity in Tanzania, with an increasing number of teams and events being organized.
Basketball is popular among the youth, especially in urban areas, with local leagues and competitions.
Athletics is a significant sport, especially distance running, with Tanzanian athletes achieving success in international competitions.
Cricket is played in various regions, particularly in schools, and has been growing in popularity.
Volleyball is widely played, especially in schools and on beaches along the coastline.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Tanzanian cuisine heavily features meats, many restaurants and cafes, especially in urban areas, offer vegetarian and vegan options such as lentil stews, vegetable curries, and plant-based snacks.
It's important to communicate your dietary needs clearly, but some establishments in urban areas may offer gluten-free alternatives such as rice-based dishes and gluten-free bread.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tanzania with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tanzania.