Visit Tanzania — Serengeti plains at sunrise
Tanzania Travel Guide 2026

Visit Tanzania — Safaris, Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar from Arusha

Plan the trip of a lifetime with local Arusha experts: Big Five safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, the Great Migration, Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, and white-sand Zanzibar beaches — all in one unforgettable Tanzania holiday.

22+National parks & reserves
5,895 mMount Kilimanjaro
1.5MMigrating wildebeest
#1Zanzibar beaches

Ready to visit Tanzania? Whether you dream of a classic Tanzania safari, witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or relaxing on Zanzibar's beaches, this guide covers everything you need to plan your Tanzania holiday. Explore the top destinations, learn the best time to visit Tanzania, budget with our safari cost guide, sort your Tanzania visa, and read the essential Tanzania safari guide. Prefer to travel with others? Join an affordable open group safari from Arusha.

Why Tanzania

Why visit Tanzania?

Tanzania packs Africa's greatest wildlife, its highest mountain, and its most beautiful beaches into a single country — with warm, welcoming people and a rich Swahili culture.

World-class wildlife

See the Big Five, big cats, and 1.5 million wildebeest across the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire on unforgettable game drives.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Stand on the Roof of Africa — Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) is the world's tallest free-standing mountain and a bucket-list trek anyone reasonably fit can attempt.

Zanzibar beaches

Unwind on the Spice Island's powder-white sand and turquoise Indian Ocean — the perfect bush-to-beach finale after your safari.

People & culture

Meet the Maasai, taste Swahili cuisine, and explore historic Stone Town. Tanzania is safe, friendly, and easy to travel with local guides.

Top Experiences

The best things to do in Tanzania

From once-in-a-lifetime safaris to summit treks and island escapes — here's how to spend your time in Tanzania.

When to Go

Best time to visit Tanzania

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the ideal months depend on what you want to see. Read our full best time to visit Tanzania guide, or use this quick overview.

Dry season — peak wildlife

June – October

The best time for general game viewing and Mara River crossings. Thinner vegetation and animals gathering at water make wildlife easy to spot.

Green season — calving & value

November – March

Lush landscapes, newborn wildlife, great birding and lower prices. January–February is the Ndutu calving season in the southern Serengeti.

Best for Kilimanjaro

Jan – Mar & Jun – Oct

The clearest, driest windows for climbing Kilimanjaro. Avoid the long rains of April–May for the best summit conditions.

Read the best-time guide
Where to Go

Where to go in Tanzania

Tanzania's northern safari circuit and Zanzibar coast combine perfectly. Explore each destination in depth.

See all destinations
Plan Your Trip

How to plan your trip to Tanzania

Everything you need to travel to Tanzania with confidence — visas, budgets, and first-timer tips.

Mount Meru

Mount Meru trek packages

Mount Meru (4,566 m) is Tanzania's second-highest peak and the perfect acclimatization climb before Kilimanjaro. Trek through Arusha National Park's wildlife-rich forest and combine it with a northern-circuit safari.

FAQ

Tanzania travel FAQ

Common questions about visiting Tanzania, answered by our Arusha team.

Is Tanzania safe to visit?

Yes. Tanzania is one of Africa's most stable, welcoming destinations and safari areas are very safe with professional guides. Use normal travel precautions in towns, and your guide handles logistics throughout.

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Most visitors need a tourist visa, available online as an e-visa or on arrival at major airports. See our Tanzania visa guide for costs and step-by-step instructions.

What is the best time to visit Tanzania?

June–October is best for general wildlife and Mara River crossings, while January–February is ideal for the calving season. Read the full best time to visit Tanzania guide.

How much does a Tanzania safari cost?

Costs vary by season, accommodation and park fees. Mid-range safaris typically start around $250–$450 per person per day. See our Tanzania safari cost guide for detailed 2026 budgets.

How many days do I need in Tanzania?

A great northern-circuit safari takes 5–7 days. Add 2–4 days for Zanzibar or 6–8 days for a Kilimanjaro climb. Most first-timers spend 8–12 days combining safari and beach.

Do I need vaccinations for Tanzania?

Yellow fever proof may be required if arriving from an at-risk country, and malaria prophylaxis is recommended. Always confirm current requirements with a travel clinic before you go.

Can I combine a safari with Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro?

Absolutely — that's our specialty. We build bush-to-beach trips with Zanzibar and combined Kilimanjaro climb-and-safari itineraries, all from Arusha.

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The clearest months are January–March and June–October. Explore Kilimanjaro routes to pick the trail that fits your fitness and schedule.

What currency and language are used in Tanzania?

The currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); US dollars are widely accepted for tourism. Swahili and English are both official languages, so communication is easy.

How do I get to Tanzania and the safari parks?

Most safari travelers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) near Arusha, the gateway to the northern circuit. From there we handle all transfers and game drives — just request a quote and we'll plan the rest.

Hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti

Ready to visit Tanzania?

Tell us your dates and dream experiences — our Arusha team will craft a private, tailor-made Tanzania itinerary and send you a free quote within 24 hours.