Tanzania travel guide
Tanzania offers some of Africa's most celebrated landscapes. You can watch the Great Migration cross the Serengeti plains, descend into the wildlife-filled Ngorongoro Crater, climb Mount Kilimanjaro or relax on the beaches of the Indian Ocean coast, a short hop from the spice-scented island of Zanzibar. Arusha is the safari capital and gateway to the Northern Circuit, which includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Moshi sits at the foot of Kilimanjaro and is the base for climbers, and Dar es Salaam is the coastal gateway, with ferries across to Zanzibar for beaches and Stone Town. The dry months, June to October and January to February, are the best time for safari and climbing, while the coast is warm throughout the year. Tanzania suits first-time safari-goers, keen climbers, photographers and honeymooners, and Zippy Trips can help you plan the itinerary city by city.
Before you go to Tanzania
- Currency
- TZS TSh
- Emergency number
- 112
- Plug type
- Type D, G
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Customary
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard (fewer ATMs)
- ATM fees
- Varies by bank; expect a local fee plus your home-bank foreign-withdrawal fee
Cities in Tanzania
- Zanzibar (Stone Town) Spice-island capital and UNESCO World Heritage labyrinth of coral-stone alleys, Omani palaces and Swahili culture, gateway to Nungwi and…
- Moshi (Kilimanjaro) Laid-back coffee town below Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak — start point for the Machame and Marangu climbing routes.
- Arusha Safari capital of Tanzania at the foot of Mount Meru — springboard for the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake…
- Dar es Salaam Tanzania's largest city and main port — bustling commercial hub with Swahili markets, museums, beaches and the ferry gateway to Zanzibar.
- Ngorongoro (Karatu) Karatu is the gateway town to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the wildlife-packed Ngorongoro Crater and the Olduvai Gorge cradle…
- Serengeti (Seronera) Iconic endless plains famed for the Great Migration and big cats; Seronera in the central Serengeti is the main safari hub and airstrip.
Frequently asked questions about Tanzania
- What currency is used in Tanzania?
- The currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. ₹1 is about 28 TSh.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Tanzania?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard (fewer ATMs). Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Tanzania?
- Tipping in Tanzania: customary. Tipping is customary in tourism; USD 10-20 per day for safari guides and porters, ~10% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Tanzania?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Tanzania use?
- Tanzania uses Type D, G plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Tanzania?
- Emergency: 112. Police: 112.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Tanzania?
- SIM and eSIM available in Tanzania.