How to Plan a Trip to Tanzania

Start 2–3 months ahead. Decide between safari (northern circuit or southern reserves), Zanzibar beaches, or both. Book flights and accommodation early, sort your visa, and plan your days around wildlife seasons and weather patterns.

1. Pick your season and region. Tanzania has two main regions: the northern safari circuit (Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro) and the southern reserves (Selous, Ruaha). The dry season (June–October) is best for safari—animals cluster around water. December–February is hot and wet but cheaper and greener. Zanzibar works year-round but is hottest March–May. Decide if you want safari, beach, or a combination. Most first-timers spend 5–7 days on safari and 2–3 days on Zanzibar.
2. Book your flights. You'll likely fly into Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International Airport, DAR) or Kilimanjaro (JRO). Book international flights 6–8 weeks out. Expect $600–$1200 from North America or Europe. Once in country, domestic flights connect to safari hubs (Arusha for the north, Iringa for the south). Budget $150–$300 per domestic flight. Book these 3–4 weeks ahead.
3. Arrange your safari. Book through a reputable outfitter 8–12 weeks ahead. Most offer 4-day or 7-day packages including lodge, guide, vehicle, and meals. Expect $200–$400 per day for mid-range safari (lodge-based); $100–$200 per day for budget camping. Get quotes from at least three operators. Ask about group size (smaller groups, 4–6 people, are better) and guide qualifications. Confirm what's included: park fees, meals, drinks, activities.
4. Secure your visa. Most visitors need a Tanzania visa. Apply 4–6 weeks before travel through the online portal (tanzaniaonlinevisa.com) or upon arrival. Visa on arrival costs $50 USD and takes 20 minutes at the airport. Online costs $50 and takes 3–5 business days. You'll need a passport valid for 6 months beyond your stay, proof of onward travel, and accommodation details. Process this early; it's straightforward but don't leave it to the last week.
5. Plan your days. Map out a rough itinerary. A typical 10-day trip: 2 days to/from Dar or Kilimanjaro, 5 days safari (Serengeti/Ngorongoro or southern reserves), 2–3 days Zanzibar. Build in a rest day if combining regions—travel days are long. Account for internal flights and road time (4–6 hours between hubs). Write down which parks you want, the order you'll visit them, and which town you'll base yourself in (Arusha for the north, Mbeya or Iringa for the south).
6. Book accommodation. Outside safari, book hotels or guesthouses in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Stone Town (Zanzibar) 4–6 weeks ahead. Mid-range hotels run $40–$80 per night. Budget places $15–$30. Avoid booking during peak season (July–August, December–January) without advance reservations. Safari lodges and camps are almost always booked through your tour operator, so that's handled in step 3.
7. Handle health and documents. Get Yellow Fever vaccination (required for entry; get proof). Malaria is present; take prophylaxis if advised by your doctor (common in lower-altitude areas and Zanzibar). Visit a travel clinic 6 weeks before departure. Get travel insurance that covers evacuation—Tanzania's medical facilities are limited outside Dar. Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your trip. Make copies of key documents and store them separately.
8. Arrange money and communications. Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the currency. Expect 1 USD = 2,500–2,700 TZS (rates fluctuate). Withdraw cash from ATMs in Dar, Arusha, or Stone Town; credit cards are less widely accepted outside tourist areas. Notify your bank you're traveling. Get a local SIM card ($2–$5) or use roaming; Vodacom and Airtel are the main networks. Data is cheap ($3–$10 for weekly plans). Many lodges have WiFi but it's often slow.
9. Prepare for the climate. Pack light, breathable clothes for heat. Bring a warm layer for early-morning safari drives (can be chilly at 5 a.m.). Rain gear for the wet season (March–May, November). Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential. Insect repellent (DEET-based) for Zanzibar and lower areas. Comfortable hiking boots for Kilimanjaro if you're climbing; sturdy sandals or shoes for safari game drives.

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?

Yes, Tanzania is generally safe for tourists. Petty theft and pickpocketing happen in crowded areas (Dar, Stone Town) but violent crime against tourists is rare. Avoid walking alone at night in cities. Use registered taxis or ask your hotel to arrange transport. Game reserves and Zanzibar are very safe. Standard travel precautions apply.

Do I need malaria prophylaxis?

Malaria is present in Tanzania, especially at lower altitudes and in Zanzibar. Consult a travel doctor 6 weeks before your trip. You may be prescribed prophylaxis depending on which regions you visit and personal risk factors. Always use insect repellent, long sleeves at dusk, and sleep under a net if not in a screened room.

Can I climb Kilimanjaro on this trip?

Yes, but it requires 5–7 days and should be a separate focus. Most climbers spend 6 days on the mountain. You'd need to arrive early, acclimatize, climb, recover, then travel to safari or beach. Budget an extra $800–$1500 for a Kilimanjaro operator and $200–$250 in park fees. Book 6–8 weeks ahead. Don't combine a serious climb with a multi-region safari in one trip.

What's the best way to get between safari regions?

Domestic flights are fastest and safest. Arusha (north) to Iringa (south) is about 1.5 hours. Dar es Salaam to Arusha is 2 hours. Flights cost $150–$300. Road travel (8–12 hours) is cheaper but exhausting. Most organized safaris handle transport as part of the package.

Is Zanzibar worth the time?

Yes, if you want beach time. It's 20–30 minutes by ferry or 1-hour flight from Dar. 2–3 days is ideal: one day for Stone Town and spice tour, one day for beach or snorkeling, one travel day. It's dramatically different from safari—green, humid, coastal, Arab-influenced. If you're short on time, prioritize safari; Zanzibar can wait for a return trip.

When should I book everything?

Flights: 6–8 weeks ahead. Safari operators: 8–12 weeks ahead (they fill up fast, especially in peak season). Accommodation: 4–6 weeks. Visa: 4–6 weeks. Don't book last-minute; availability drops and prices rise, especially June–August and December–January.

What currency should I bring?

Tanzanian shilling (TZS). Bring USD as backup—exchange rates are good and it's accepted in tourist areas. Withdraw shilling from ATMs in major towns (Dar, Arusha, Stone Town). Credit cards work in some hotels and restaurants but cash is more reliable. ATM withdrawals typically cost $2–$3 per transaction.

Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination?

Yes. Tanzania requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for entry. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry your vaccination card. It's a one-time shot and valid for life. Also consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Polio. Visit a travel clinic 6 weeks before departure.