How to Go to Tanzania: A Simple Travel Guide
Traveling to Tanzania is an exciting adventure, whether you’re dreaming of a safari in the Serengeti, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get there, based on practical steps and current info.
1. Decide Your Travel Purpose and Destination
Tanzania offers a mix of experiences:
- Safaris: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park.
- Mountains: Kilimanjaro or Meru for trekking.
- Beaches: Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island.
- Cities: Dar es Salaam (the economic hub) or Arusha (safari gateway).
Pick what excites you most, as it’ll shape your travel plans.
2. Check Entry Requirements
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date with one blank page.
- Visa: Most travelers need a tourist visa ($100 for U.S. citizens, $50 for others). You can:
- Apply online for an e-visa at Tanzania’s official immigration site (expect 4-10 days processing). You’ll need your passport details, a photo, and a return ticket (no need to book it yet).
- Get it on arrival at major entry points like airports or borders (cash only, USD preferred).
- Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required if coming from a country with risk (like Kenya) or transiting there over 12 hours. Bring your certificate.
- Travel Insurance: Mandatory for Zanzibar visitors (buy from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation starting at $8 for up to 92 days). Comprehensive insurance is smart for all trips.
3. Book Your Flights
- Major Airports:
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Best for safaris and Kilimanjaro.
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam, good for southern parks or Zanzibar connections.
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) – Zanzibar direct.
- From the U.S.: No direct flights. Options include:
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (JFK to JRO or DAR).
- Qatar Airways via Doha (various U.S. cities to JRO or DAR).
- Delta/KLM via Amsterdam (e.g., BOS to AMS to JRO).
- Flights take 18-24 hours with layovers; expect $800-$1,500 round-trip.
- From Nearby Countries: Kenya Airways from Nairobi or Rwandair from Kigali offer short hops (1-2 hours).
- Tips: Book early for high season (June-September) or migration viewing (December-February). Use sites like Skyscanner for deals.
4. Plan Your Ground Travel
- By Land from Neighboring Countries:
- Kenya: Buses from Nairobi to Arusha (e.g., Tawakal, $20-$30, 5-6 hours) or SGR train Nairobi-Mombasa then bus ($40-$50 total). Namanga border is popular.
- Uganda/Rwanda: Buses via Kampala or Kigali (longer, rougher routes).
- Roads can be bumpy; 4WD rentals with drivers are safer but pricey ($100+/day).
- Within Tanzania:
- Flights: Air Tanzania or Coastal Aviation connect cities and parks (e.g., DAR to Serengeti, $150-$300).
- Buses: Cheap ($15-$25 Dar to Arusha, 10-12 hours) but slow. “Luxury” options have AC; book VIP seats for legroom.
- Safari Vehicles: Most tours include 4WD transport with a guide.
5. Budget and Money
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but USD is widely accepted (post-2006 bills only).
- Costs: Safaris $200-$500/day (budget to luxury), Zanzibar $50-$150/day, food $5-$20/day.
- Tips: Carry small USD bills for tipping guides ($10-$20/day) and cash for rural areas (ATMs are rare outside cities).
6. Pack and Prepare
- Clothes: Light, neutral tones for safaris; layers for cool nights; rain gear for March-May or November-December.
- Gear: Binoculars, camera, sunscreen, bug spray, reusable water bottle.
- Health: Malaria pills recommended (consult a doctor), plus basic first-aid.
7. Final Steps
- When to Go: Dry season (June-September) for wildlife; wet season (March-May) for fewer crowds and lush views.
- Safety: Tanzania’s safe for tourists, but watch your stuff in cities like Dar es Salaam.
- Book Tours: Local operators or international sites like SafariBookings.com for safaris or climbs.
