+255 717 397 816 info@kilisatours.com
Kilisa Tours & Safaris Design my Tour
Discover how to travel to Tanzania with this guide, covering visas, flights, best times to visit, and top tips for an unforgettable trip

Safari preparation

How to Go To Tanzania

How to Go to Tanzania: A Simple Travel Guide

Whether you want a safari in the Serengeti, a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro or a few days on Zanzibar's beaches, getting to Tanzania is easier than you might think. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan the trip.

1. Decide What You Want to Do and Where

Tanzania has a bit of everything:

  • 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 business center) or Arusha (the gateway to the safari parks).
    Start with what interests you most, because it will shape the rest of your plans.

2. Check the Entry Requirements

  • Passport: It must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have one blank page.
  • Visa: Most travelers need a tourist visa ($100 for U.S. citizens, $50 for most others). You can:
    • Apply online for an e-visa on Tanzania's official immigration website (allow 4-10 days for processing). You'll need your passport details, a photo and your return ticket details.
    • Get a visa on arrival at major entry points like airports and border posts (cash only, U.S. dollars preferred).
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination: Required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (like Kenya) or have spent more than 12 hours in transit there. Bring your certificate.
  • Travel Insurance: Required for visitors to Zanzibar (bought from Zanzibar Insurance Corporation, from $8 for up to 92 days). Good comprehensive insurance is a smart idea for any trip.

3. Book Your Flights

  • Main airports:
    • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): best for safaris and Kilimanjaro.
    • Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): in Dar es Salaam, good for the southern parks and connections to Zanzibar.
    • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ): straight to Zanzibar.
  • From the U.S.: There are no direct flights. Options include:
    • Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (JFK to JRO or DAR).
    • Qatar Airways via Doha (from several U.S. cities to JRO or DAR).
    • Delta/KLM via Amsterdam (for example BOS to AMS to JRO).
    • Expect 18-24 hours of travel with layovers and $800-$1,500 round-trip.
  • From nearby countries: Kenya Airways from Nairobi and Rwandair from Kigali have short flights (1-2 hours).
  • Tips: Book early for the high season (June-September) and for Migration viewing (December-February). Sites like Skyscanner help you compare prices.

4. Plan Your Ground Travel

  • By land from neighboring countries:
    • Kenya: Buses run from Nairobi to Arusha (for example Tawakal, $20-$30, 5-6 hours), or you can take the SGR train from Nairobi toward Mombasa and then a bus ($40-$50 in total). Namanga is the most used border crossing.
    • Uganda/Rwanda: Buses via Kampala or Kigali (longer, rougher routes).
    • Roads can be bumpy. Renting a 4WD with a driver is safer but costs more ($100+/day).
  • Within Tanzania:
    • Flights: Air Tanzania and Coastal Aviation connect cities and parks (for example DAR to Serengeti, $150-$300).
    • Buses: Cheap ($15-$25 from Dar to Arusha, 10-12 hours) but slow. "Luxury" buses have AC; book a VIP seat for more legroom.
    • Safari vehicles: Most tours include 4WD transport with a guide.

5. Budget and Money

  • Currency: The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted (only bills printed after 2006).
  • Costs: Safaris $200-$500/day (budget to luxury), Zanzibar $50-$150/day, food $5-$20/day.
  • Tips: Carry small U.S. dollar bills for tipping guides ($10-$20/day) and cash for rural areas, where ATMs are hard to find.

6. Pack and Prepare

  • Clothes: Light, neutral colors for safari; layers for cool nights; rain gear for March-May or November-December.
  • Gear: Binoculars, a camera, sunscreen, bug spray and a reusable water bottle.
  • Health: Malaria tablets are recommended (ask your doctor), plus basic first-aid supplies.

7. Final Steps

  • When to go: The dry season (June-September) for wildlife; the wet season (March-May) for fewer people and green scenery.
  • Safety: Tanzania is generally safe for visitors, but keep an eye on your things in cities like Dar es Salaam.
  • Book tours: Use a local operator or international sites like SafariBookings.com for safaris and climbs.

Suggested Safaris