Tanzania · Travel guide
How the country divides into safari circuits, mountain and islands, how to choose between the ten destinations, when to go, what it costs and three routes that work.
Photo: Eric Kilby · CC BY-SA 2.0
Tanzania combines the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Africa's highest mountain, Swahili islands and remote southern parks. This guide explains how the regions divide, how to choose between the ten destinations, how to move around, when to go, what it costs and three routes that work.
Tanzania is large, and for a visitor it falls into four zones, linked mainly by short flights.
The northern circuit. Arusha is the gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire and Lake Manyara. It is the classic safari route.
The mountain. Kilimanjaro rises above Moshi, an hour from Arusha, and can be climbed in six to nine days.
The islands. Stone Town and the Zanzibar beaches offer culture and sand, with Mafia Island as a quieter alternative.
The south. Nyerere and Ruaha are remote, wild parks with fewer visitors, reached by light aircraft.
Worth knowing: A common trip is a northern safari followed by a few days on Zanzibar.
Arusha, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, or a short safari plus Zanzibar.
The Serengeti for the migration, Ngorongoro for rhinos and Ruaha for lions.
Kilimanjaro, or Mount Meru as a shorter alternative.
Stone Town and the Swahili coast.
Distances are long and roads can be slow, so light aircraft are common between parks.
Northern circuit safaris are usually done by 4x4 from Arusha, with flights to the Serengeti as an option.
Scheduled flights link Arusha, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and the southern parks. Baggage limits are strict on small planes.
Fast ferries link Dar es Salaam with Zanzibar in about two hours.
Worth knowing: Use soft bags on light aircraft.
Tanzania has two rainy seasons, the long rains from March to May and the short rains in November.
June to October is the dry season, with the best wildlife viewing and river crossings in the north.
January to March is calving season in the southern Serengeti and a good time for green landscapes and birds.
Kilimanjaro is best climbed in January to March or June to October.
Zanzibar is hot and humid from December to February, and best from June to October.
Worth knowing: April and May are quiet and cheap, but many camps close.
Tanzania is not a cheap safari destination. Park fees are high, and a mid-range safari typically costs US$350-700 per person per day.
Kilimanjaro climbs cost US$2,000-5,000 depending on route and operator, with a large part going to park fees.
Zanzibar is cheaper, with guesthouses from US$30 and mid-range resorts from US$100.
Check current health advice, including malaria precautions and vaccinations, and use licensed operators.
Fly to Arusha, then Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Tip Add two nights if you can.
The northern route plus three nights in Stone Town and Zanzibar.
Tip Fly rather than drive between parks.
The itinerary on the country page, from Arusha to Zanzibar, with Kilimanjaro, Nyerere, Ruaha or Mafia as extensions.
Tip Skip the mountain if time is short.
Reference
Every place named above has its own detailed guide — attractions, food, where to stay, how to get around and a suggested day-by-day plan.
Mara and Simiyu regions, northern Tanzania
A UNESCO-listed park of 14,750 square kilometres, home to the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, big cats, balloon safaris and classic acacia-dotted savannah.
Don't miss Watching a river crossing or a lion pride at sunrise from an open safari vehicle.
Explore Destination — Serengeti National ParkNgorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha Region
A UNESCO World Heritage caldera 600 metres deep and 20 kilometres wide, with dense wildlife, flamingo lakes and Maasai communities on the rim.
Don't miss Descending into the crater at dawn and finding a black rhino in the mist.
Explore Destination — Ngorongoro CraterManyara Region, northern Tanzania
Two compact parks on the northern circuit, famous for dry-season elephants, baobab landscapes, birdlife and the Rift Valley escarpment.
Don't miss Watching elephant herds feed beneath ancient baobab trees in the dry season.
Explore Destination — Tarangire and Lake ManyaraKilimanjaro Region, northern Tanzania
A trekkable giant with five climate zones, several routes, a UNESCO listing and gentler options like day hikes in the foothills and coffee farms.
Don't miss Standing on Uhuru Peak at sunrise after a midnight summit push.
Explore Destination — Mount KilimanjaroArusha Region, northern Tanzania
A bustling gateway city with markets, cafes and museums, plus Arusha National Park, Mount Meru treks and Lake Duluti.
Don't miss Walking among giraffes with a ranger in Arusha National Park, with Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
Explore Destination — Arusha and Mount MeruZanzibar City, Unguja island
A UNESCO-listed Swahili trading port with Omani, Indian, Arab and European influences, famous for carved doors, markets, palaces and seafood.
Don't miss Getting lost in the lanes, then watching the sun set over the harbour from a rooftop.
Explore Destination — Stone Town, ZanzibarUnguja island, Zanzibar
The north and east coast beaches of Zanzibar: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe and Michamvi, plus snorkelling, kite-surfing and red colobus monkeys.
Don't miss Watching the tide drift out and a dhow sail past at sunset on a quiet beach.
Explore Destination — Zanzibar BeachesMorogoro and Lindi regions, southern Tanzania
A huge southern park with the Rufiji River, boat and walking safaris, African wild dogs and fewer visitors than the northern circuit.
Don't miss Drifting down the Rufiji River past hippos and crocodiles at dusk.
Explore Destination — Nyerere National Park (Selous)Iringa Region, southern Tanzania
A remote, wild park of 20,000 square kilometres with huge baobabs, big lion prides, greater kudu, sable and roan antelope.
Don't miss Watching a big lion pride at the Great Ruaha River with no other vehicles around.
Explore Destination — Ruaha National ParkPwani Region, Indian Ocean
A relaxed marine park island south of Zanzibar, known for diving, whale shark encounters, turtles and the ruins on Chole.
Don't miss Snorkelling beside a whale shark in the warm waters off Mafia.
Explore Destination — Mafia IslandFAQ
Almost always yes. Park fees, vehicles and guides are most easily arranged through a licensed operator, and Kilimanjaro climbs must be guided.
It moves all year. The river crossings in the north are usually July to October, and calving on the southern plains is January to March.
Yes. Fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar, or from the southern parks to Dar es Salaam and on to the islands.
Tourist areas are generally safe with normal precautions. Check current advice before travelling and use reputable operators.
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