Travel to Tanzania

Yes — citizens of more than 120 countries can apply for the Tanzania eVisa online before travelling. East African Community citizens (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan) enter visa-free. About 30 nationalities (mostly North/West African) require a Referral Visa, which is sponsored by a Tanzanian host. Use the country selector on the eVisa product page below to confirm your status.

The Tourist eVisa (Single or Multiple Entry) grants up to 90 days per entry. The Multiple Entry version stays valid for 12 months from issue, so you can re-enter Tanzania several times during the year. Extensions inside Tanzania are limited and require a formal application at the Immigration Office in Dar es Salaam or Arusha.

June to October for safari (dry season, Great Migration) and Kilimanjaro climbing. December to February for calving season in the southern Serengeti and best Zanzibar weather. April-May (the long rains) and November (short rains) are wetter shoulder seasons with lower prices but limited park access.

Yes — the main tourist circuits (Northern Circuit safaris, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, the Southern Circuit) are well-managed and safe. Petty crime exists in cities (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Stone Town) — exercise standard travel precautions. Always book safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs through KATO-licensed operators (Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators).

Yellow Fever is mandatory if you arrive from or transit through (more than 12 hours) an endemic country (Kenya, Ethiopia, etc.). Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and routine vaccinations are strongly recommended. Malaria is present year-round in most of mainland Tanzania (less so in Zanzibar) — take prophylaxis as advised by your doctor.

Yes. One Tanzania eVisa covers both mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar archipelago (Unguja, Pemba, Mafia). You will pass a domestic immigration check when flying between the mainland and Zanzibar but no separate visa is required.

The Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, accessed from Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport) is the famous one — the Great Migration, abundant wildlife, well-developed infrastructure. The Southern Circuit (Nyerere/Selous, Ruaha, Mikumi, accessed from Dar es Salaam) is wilder, less crowded, ideal for second-time visitors looking for an exclusive experience.

Budget mid-range safaris: $250–$450 per person per day all-inclusive (lodge, meals, game drives, park fees). Luxury safaris: $700–$2,000+ per day. Kilimanjaro climb: $2,000–$4,500 per person depending on route and operator. Zanzibar beach extensions: $80–$300 per night. Park entry fees alone are $70–$100 per day per person, paid to TANAPA.

Yes — Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek, not a technical climb. There is no rope work, no glacier travel, no climbing skills required. You need to be in good cardiovascular shape, prepared for cold temperatures at the summit (-15°C / 5°F), and ready to walk 6 to 9 days. Success rate varies by route: 60% on Marangu, 85% on Lemosho/Machame 7-day, 90%+ on 8-day routes.

<strong>Swahili (Kiswahili)</strong> is the national language and lingua franca, used everywhere. <strong>English</strong> is the second official language and widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and safari operations. Many ethnic groups also speak their own languages. Learning a few Swahili phrases ('Jambo', 'Asante sana', 'Hakuna matata') is appreciated.

Yes. ATMs are reliable in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi, Stone Town and most major towns. They typically dispense Tanzanian shillings (TZS); a few accept USD. Use Stanbic, NMB, CRDB, or Equity Bank ATMs for the lowest fees. Carry $50–100 in USD cash as backup, especially for safari tips and remote-park park fees.

Internal flights with Coastal Aviation, Precision Air or Auric Air are the fastest way between safari hubs and Zanzibar — typically 1 to 2 hours vs 8+ hours by road. Roads to Serengeti and Ngorongoro are unpaved and slow. Major cities are connected by buses (Dar Express, Kilimanjaro Express). Within Zanzibar, taxis and dala-dala (shared minibuses) are the standard.