Travel to Tanzania
From the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro to the white sand beaches of Zanzibar, by way of the great migration across the Serengeti, a trip to Tanzania is one of the most complete travel experiences East Africa has to offer. If you're planning to travel to Tanzania, here's what to know before you book.
Tanzania in numbers
Capital
Dodoma
Population
70.6 M
Currency
Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
Language
Swahili & English
International visitors
2.14 M
Continent
Africa
Time zone
UTC+3
Airports covered
3
Why visit Tanzania
Legendary safaris and a spice-scented archipelago
Northern safari circuit
The Serengeti and its great migration, the Ngorongoro Crater with its record wildlife density, and Tarangire's ancient baobabs form one of the richest clusters of parks anywhere in Africa.
Kilimanjaro
Africa's highest peak at 5,895 metres, Kilimanjaro can be climbed without technical gear in 5 to 9 days depending on the route, usually starting from Moshi or Arusha.
Zanzibar & beaches
UNESCO-listed Stone Town and the white sand beaches of Nungwi or Kendwa make the Zanzibar archipelago a natural beach extension after a safari.
Tanzanite & craft markets
The world's only known deposit of tanzanite lies near Arusha, while Zanzibar's spice markets keep alive a trading tradition that goes back centuries.
Getting to Tanzania
Three airports already covered by SniperAir
Kilimanjaro International Airport
The gateway to the northern safari circuit, roughly halfway between Arusha and Moshi.
Julius Nyerere International Airport
The country's main air hub, in Dar es Salaam.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
The gateway to the Zanzibar archipelago.
More Tanzanian airports will progressively join this list.
SniperAir destinations in Tanzania
Explore our destination pages
Tanzania
Arusha
The gateway to the northern safari circuit, at the foot of Mount Meru, close to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Discover
Tanzania
Dar es Salaam
The country's largest city, its historic port and its main international air hub.
Discover
Tanzania
Zanzibar
UNESCO-listed Stone Town and the white sand beaches of the spice archipelago.
DiscoverBefore you go
Three ways to explore Tanzania
| Area | What you'll find | Best time to go |
|---|---|---|
| Arusha & northern circuit | Safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire), climbing Kilimanjaro | June to October & December-February |
| Dar es Salaam | City life, port, museums, stopover to Zanzibar | June to October |
| Zanzibar | Stone Town, beaches, spice tours, snorkeling | June to October & December-February |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania
What's the best airport for arriving in Tanzania?
It depends on your itinerary: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for a safari on the northern circuit, Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) to fly straight into Zanzibar.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
The dry season, from June to October, remains the most popular for both safaris and beaches. December to February also offers good conditions, coinciding with the calving season in the Serengeti.
Can I combine a safari and a beach stay in one trip?
Yes — it's one of the country's classic itineraries: a safari on the northern circuit out of Arusha, followed by a beach extension in Zanzibar, reachable by direct flight or via Dar es Salaam.
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Most travellers can get a tourist visa on arrival or online before departure, valid for 3 months. It's best to check current requirements with Tanzanian authorities before booking.
How much time should I plan for a trip to Tanzania?
Allow at least a week for a comfortable safari on the northern circuit. To combine a safari with Zanzibar, it's best to plan for 10 to 14 days.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Tanzania drops below my budget?
Create a SniperAir alert profile with your departure airport and your Tanzanian destination: we track prices for you and notify you as soon as an opportunity matching your criteria appears.
Ready to track prices to Tanzania?
Create an alert and let SniperAir do the rest.
Create my alert