Few places in the world offer the variety of landscapes, cultures, and experiences that Tanzania possesses in abundance. From the sparkling waters and white sand beaches of Zanzibar to the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro and everything in between, Tanzania has got range, y’all. One could argue that it is the best country in Africa for its sheer diversity in landscapes, cultures, and experiences. It boasts among the most recognizable landmarks in the world, but also harbors countless hidden gems that go overlooked beneath the shadows of colossi like Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. The longer I spent in Tanzania, the less I felt I had actually seen. Every day, I would hear about a new national park to visit or mountain range to go trekking in. It was honestly overwhelming.
Well, a lot about Tanzania can be overwhelming, actually. I made a lot of mistakes here. I had about as many bad days as I did good days. Solo traveling in Tanzania will be a challenge. As unforgettable as its highlights are, there were some aspects of the trip that I’d like to forget entirely. I can’t lie, I envied the tour groups that had every aspect of their itinerary taken care of. Meanwhile, I was fighting through hustlers at every bus station, or becoming a hustler myself as I haggled to my wits’ end to scrape together a reasonably-priced safari. As beautiful and enriching as Tanzania is, it is far from a beginner backpacking destination.
But you already know, baby, that’s what I’m here for. I make the mistakes so that you don’t have to. Here’s everything you need to know before backpacking Tanzania.
And hey, if this post helps you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated. It allows me to keep providing free travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world.
This post contains affiliate links. That means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of these links
Table of Contents
- What To Know Before Going to Tanzania
- Best Time of Year To Visit Tanzania
- Getting Around: How To Travel Tanzania
- Budgeting for Tanzania
- Best Destinations to Visit in Tanzania
- Closing Thoughts
- More on East Africa
- Buy Me A Beer!
What to Know Before Going to Tanzania
Do You Need a Visa for Tanzania?
Tanzania requires a visa for many countries. The price can vary depending on the type of visa. A single-entry visa costs $50. Despite only needing one entry, I paid $100 for a multiple-entry visa. For some reason, American passport holders are required to do so. It really sets the tone from the get-go that Tanzania will be milking you for everything you’ve got. Both visas are valid for 90 days and can be obtained on arrival at the airport. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa online. I got mine on arrival and it was straightforward. The fee can be paid by cash or credit card, at least in the larger, more touristic airports.
There is a chance that you will be asked to provide proof of onward travel from Tanzania. I had to book a flight on the spot after they refused to let me enter with just vague promises of hopping on the even vaguer Tazara train to Zambia. It’s hard, if not impossible, to book overland travel in advance. Finding a refundable flight out of the country is really your only option if they stand firm about needing a return flight.
Recommended and Required Vaccines for Tanzania
The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory to enter the country. Whether or not they’ll actually check for it is totally up in the air. They didn’t check mine at all but it’s better to have it than to risk being refused entry. Yellow fever is the only required vaccine to enter Tanzania, but there are others that are recommended. Here’s a full list of recommended vaccines from the CDC.
Currency and Cash in Tanzania
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling. U.S. dollars are commonly accepted throughout the country. Annoyingly, tour agencies often required to be paid in U.S. dollars. They would offer a worse rate if you wanted to pay with their actual currency. We had to pay $1,220 USD for a safari and they refused to let us pay by card. Some ATMs will allow you to withdraw U.S. dollars, but I don’t know which because most of them don’t allow foreign cards to withdraw dollars. It is infuriating. If you find yourself in a similar pickle, ABSA bank offers cash advances of up to $1,500. The fees are comparable to withdrawing money out of the ATM over and over again. I loved Tanzania, but there are a lot of things that just seemed set up to milk tourists for every last drop of money.
ATMs are plentiful in most cities, although they are often out of order or out of cash. Many places in Tanzania are still cash-only, so always carry some Tanzanian shillings with you.
Is Tanzania Safe to Visit?
Tanzania is a fairly safe destination. As always, proper caution should be exercised, especially in larger cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Many locals view foreigners as a way to make money, whether through honest work or through more dubious means. Most locals won’t do anything beyond over-charging you.
Violent crimes towards tourists are rare, but it’s best to avoid making yourself a target regardless. Be cautious at ATMs and avoid flaunting any expensive items like camera gear or jewelry. Travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and the many, many opportunistic scams that one will inevitably encounter. Avoid walking alone at night outside of touristic neighborhoods and use Uber when possible. I felt safe in most parts of Tanzania, but it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Cultural Norms in Tanzania
Tanzania is a culturally diverse nation with over 100 distinct ethnic groups. Many of these tribes observe their own customs and traditions. Tanzania has a religious split of 63% Christian and 34% Muslim, with the remainder observing traditional African religions. Zanzibar and the coastal cities are predominantly Muslim, while inland Tanzania lean more Christian. However, Tanzania and Zanzibar are accustomed to international tourists. There aren’t any major adjustments that you’ll need to make.
Tipping is common in Tanzania, primarily with service workers. Tip your tour guides and safari drivers, and perhaps any outstanding hotel staff. Most local restaurants aren’t service-oriented, but leaving small change is still a kind gesture.
Haggling is common in Tanzania. Expect to haggle for literally everything, from a piece of fruit to a multi-day safari. It is beyond frustrating. I do not mind paying a tourist tax, but Tanzania is one of the worst offenders with how much they try to over-charge you. A 20-30% uptick in price is a fair starting point. In Tanzania, they’d frequently start with a 500% markup. Someone tried ringing me up $6 for a single mango after the vendor told me it was 3 for $.50.
That’s small time, too. I managed to get a 3-day safari down to $610 after starting in the $1,500 range. I understand that travelers visiting Tanzania are often wealthier, older tourists that might not bat an eye at a $1,000 markup, but it is rough when they apply the same blanket strategy to budget backpackers. Long gone are the days where I got any satisfaction from haggling. It is a waste of time, energy, and just truly sucks the joy out of any local interaction. It was perhaps my least favorite thing about Tanzania.
Staying Connected in Tanzania
Before setting off on a Serengeti safari or trekking up the heights of Kilimanjaro, staying connected is a must. I use Saily eSIM to keep me online during my travels, ensuring that I have internet from the moment I land to when I leave. From figuring out directions, coordinating plans with new hostel friends, or keeping friends and family back home updated, having an eSIM makes travel so much easier. Tanzania eSIMs start at just $4, and you can use my code “eli5” for an additional 5% off of your first Saily eSIM.
Travel Insurance for Tanzania
While Tanzania is generally safe, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance while you’re off adventuring across the world. You’ll be dealing with poorly-maintained roads at the very least, and adrenaline-inducing adventures that I’d recommend having travel insurance for. I use SafetyWing to keep me covered throughout my travels for just a few dollars a day, and their coverage includes most of Africa among the 190+ countries that they cover.
Best Time of Year to Visit Tanzania
Choosing when to visit Tanzania is a tricky dilemma. It isn’t as simple as dry season or wet season. Each month has its own pros and cons for travelers. First, figure out what your main priorities are. A traveler with aspirations of summiting Kilimanjaro will plan differently than someone seeking out the quieter shoulder months for Zanzibar.
June to October is the preferred time of year for travelers coming to Tanzania. It coincides with the region’s longer dry season, as well as the unforgettable Great Migration. Visiting the Serengeti during this natural wonder is on many travelers’ bucket lists. The longer dry season is also your best bet for summiting Kilimanjaro, although a shorter dry season from December to March may be a quieter alternative.
While it all sounds like those summer months are the best time to visit Tanzania, it also comes with its negatives. Prices skyrocket and entrance fees to national parks and game reserves double in price. Availability for accommodation and tours also book up very quickly. One will need to save up more money and plan further in advance to put together a trip during Tanzania’s high-season. The crowds can also be off-putting. When dozens of safari vehicles crowd a lone male lion or rhinoceros, it can detract from the experience of being out in the wild.
I visited in the shoulder season of May and early June and it felt like perfect timing. There were minimal crowds and the rain was a non-factor. I would not recommend attempting to summit Kilimanjaro during the peak rainy season, though. I encountered many muddy roads and rural areas that instantly became flooded after a short stint of rain. I can only imagine how much worse the trails are, especially as the route to Kilimanjaro traverses several different terrains, including rainforest.
Overall, it depends on where your priorities lie and what bucket list activities you have on your radar.
Getting Around: How To Travel Around Tanzania
One of the advantages that I envied of the pricier overland African tours is having all transportation taken care of. As a solo backpacker on a budget, traveling Tanzania will be significantly more chaotic. On paper, it’s pretty straightforward. Go to the bus station, book a bus ticket to your next destination, and voila. However, when you roll up with two backpacks strapped around you, everyone in the station takes note. Local hustlers will grab your bags and drag you to a bus and demand a tip, without actually caring if you’re on the right bus or not. If you can find one, head straight to a ticketing office if you know which company or route you need to take.
Between major destinations, it’s not hard to find a bus at any time of day. Most buses don’t adhere to a schedule, rather leaving once they are full. It usually doesn’t take too long for a bus to fill up. Although I dreaded every moment I spent at an East African bus station, they are still the most reliable, budget-friendly, and effective of way of getting from city to city.
Tanzania also has a train that runs from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. The only Tanzanian travel destination along this route is Mbeya, but it’s a good way to reach Zambia and Victoria Falls if you plan on continuing your journey south. Flying in Tanzania is also an option. There are budget-friendly domestic flights from Kilimanjaro Airport, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar.
Budgeting For Tanzania
Sticking to a budget as a backpacker in Africa can be very challenging. For the most part, Tanzania can be an inexpensive country and many things can be done on a budget. Where Tanzania begins to get expensive is when you’re crossing off its bucket list activities one after the other. A two-week trip to Tanzania can cost $300 or just as easily run up to $5,000. It all depends on what you want to do. The cost of living is low but the cost of enjoying is very, very high.
Budgeting for Accommodation in Tanzania
Hostels, campsites, and lower-end hotels are easy-to-find in Tanzania. Expect to pay between $10 to $15 for a dorm bed in hostel or $25 to $40 for a private room or budget hotel. If you have your own tent, it’s possible to set up camp at a hostel or lodge for a small fee.
Budgeting for Food in Tanzania
Local restaurants in Tanzania are budget-friendly . Expect to pay between $2 to $3 for a meal. A standard meal typically involves meat, vegetables, french fries and ugali. It isn’t outstanding but it gets the job done, and served as the brunt of my calorie intake in Tanzania. For international cuisine or higher-end local food, you’re looking at $8 to $15 for a meal. These restaurants cater mainly to tourists. The prices are much higher and the quality of food is often not great. Taking advantage of hostel kitchens or pre-made supermarket meals is a good alternative for cheap eats.
Budgeting for Transportation in Tanzania
Bus travel is the main way to get around in Tanzania. Short-distance local buses of four hours or less are typically $5 to $10. For longer distances and overnight buses, it will be about $20 or above. Flights between the three major destinations of Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar are around $70 to $100 one-way, depending on how far you book in advance. However, prices stay pretty steady, and even if you book last-minute, it won’t be more than $120ish.
Day-to-day, the cost of traveling in Tanzania is fairly low. On paper, one could even say it is a budget-friendly travel destination. Where it all falls apart is when you decide to take part in the multitude of bucket list adventures and excursions Tanzania offers. Here are a few of those breathtaking destinations, good luck choosing between them.
The Best Destinations To Visit in Tanzania
Tanzania is a vast country with many different regions. This is a good itinerary to check out the main highlights of a first-time visit to Tanzania, but there is so much of this country that remains unexplored and overlooked. I spent over a month in Tanzania. Looking at a map, I see that I have barely scratched the surface. However, this should do the trick for a first-time traveler to Tanzania.
Arusha
Arusha is the gateway to many of Tanzania’s classic adventures, from the Serengeti to the Ngorongoro Crater. The town of Arusha itself is not particularly exciting, but serves as a reliable home base for the big adventures in the region. Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks are excellent safari destinations. Nearby Arusha National Park is a budget-friendly alternative. Mount Meru is the 5th tallest mountain in Africa and most treks depart from Arusha. It is a lesser-known, lesser-traveled, and much less expensive alternative to nearby Kilimanjaro.
Arusha Hostel Recommendation: Wakawaka Hostel
Moshi
Moshi is a wonderful little town. Most travelers are familiar with it as the starting point for trekking up Kilimanjaro. However, there is much more to do in Moshi, and it’s also just a charming, quaint little town. There are nice cafes and parks and restaurants to hang out at, as well as a number of colorful markets to wander through. Even if you don’t plan on doing any hiking, the views of Kilimanjaro from Moshi town are incredible.
Outside of Kilimanjaro, some popular things to do in Moshi are hiking to the Materuni waterfalls, visiting a traditional coffee farm, and relaxing in the nearby hot springs.
Moshi Hostel Recommendation: Rafiki Backpackers Guesthouse
Dar es Salaam
The largest city in Tanzania is not a favorite among travelers, but in all likelihood, one will end up here at some point. It’s a gateway to many other parts of Tanzania. I spent over a week here waiting for the mythical Tazara train. There isn’t too much to do in Dar but I did enjoy being in a big city after a stretch of safaris and quiet small towns. Take advantage of good international cuisine, a lively nightlife scene, and wander through a few of the museums and historical sites.
From Dar es Salaam, the country is at your fingertips. One can head north to trek in the remote Usambara Mountains, pay a visit to the historical town of Bagamoyo, go on safari at the Mikumi Game Reserve, or catch the ferry for some sunshine in Zanzibar.
Dar es Salaam Hostel Recommendation: The Slow Leopard Hostel
Usambara Mountains
Although I didn’t get a chance to visit these mountains, I’ve heard marvelous things about them. If you want something truly off-the-grid and unknown, the Usambara Mountains are an excellent place to go trekking. The most common home base is the town of Lushoto which can be reached by bus from Dar es Salaam, but once you’re there, it’s easy to hike between the interconnected villages. There are many different hikes to do, and it’s basically choose your own adventure, but one of the most famous is the lengthy trek from Lushoto to Mtae.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania and a jewel of the Indian Ocean. The country of Zanzibar consists of a few islands, although most travelers primarily spend time in Unguja. Home to the bustling and historic city of Stone Town, Unguja is a great home base for exploring Zanzibar. Riding in trucks from village to village, watching fishermen cast their nets at sunrise, playing football with local kids at sunset, Zanzibar was much different than I envisioned. Due to its popularity, I fully expected Zanzibar to be a tourist trap and influencer hotspot. It surprised me, and I mean that in the best way possible.
Prison Island, Nakupenda Beach, and Mnemba Island are a few islands worth checking out on day trips. Nungwi is a small village in the north that serves as an idyllic, local escape. Paje Beach is a more party-oriented backpacker beach haven. Just go exploring. Zanzibar is full of gems and you never know what you’ll find.
Hostel Recommendation: Stone Town Hostel (Stone Town), Makofi Guesthouse (Nungwi), Teddy’s on the Beach (Paje Beach)
Mbeya
Located in the south of the country is the city of Mbeya. Ngozi Crater Lake is a popular attraction in the area, but otherwise, there isn’t too much to do in Mbeya. The pace of life here is pleasant, though, and it feels like a great look into Tanzanian local life. The people are friendly and welcoming, and compared to other Tanzanian cities, it feels like one can slow down and relax in Mbeya.
Mbeya is a good place to break up the journey to Lusaka, whether you’re traveling on the Tazara Train or doing the journey by bus. It sits a few hours away from Zambia’s border town of Nakonde, although Mbeya has buses to and from various destinations in Zambia.
Again, this is just a sample itinerary for first-time travelers to Tanzania. There is so much to explore. Tanzania is home to 22 national parks and countless more game reserves. I haven’t even mentioned the famed Lake Tanganyika on the western side of the country or Lake Victoria on the northern border. Tanzania is simply a treasure trove of bucket list experiences.
Closing Thoughts on Tanzania
Tanzania is Africa’s premier destination for backpackers. It has everything that one could hope for from a travel destination, from its rich cultures to its varied environments and breathtaking landscapes. Of all the countries I visited in Africa, none of them had the range that Tanzania has. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, the hordes of wildlife in the Ngorongoro to the snowy summit of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania boasts a wealth of attractions that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
While I had my fair share of challenges in Tanzania, it remains one of my favorite countries I have ever visited. Every day here felt like an adventure. For any traveler seeking a uniquely fulfilling travel destination, Tanzania is absolutely worth checking out.
Buy Me A Beer!
If this post helped you out, show some love and support for the blog and help keep my adventures going by buying me a beer! My adventures are entirely self-funded, so any show of support is greatly appreciated, and allows me to keep writing helpful travel guides and creating travel content to help you all travel the world on a budget.