Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari Travel Guide: Where Africa's Greatest Wildlife Meets Tropical Island Paradise
Tanzania. Dar Es Salaam and Safaris
Discover the Magic of Tanzania & Zanzibar
Tanzania is one of Africa's premier safari destinations, offering breathtaking wildlife encounters, iconic national parks, the legendary Serengeti migration, and Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Combined with the idyllic island paradise of Zanzibar, where white-sand beaches meet turquoise waters and rich Swahili culture, Tanzania offers the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're witnessing the Great Migration, climbing Kilimanjaro, or unwinding on Zanzibar's pristine coastline, this East African destination delivers unforgettable experiences.
Hotels in Dar es Salaam
View and book at any of all hotels in Dar es Salaam A Brief History
Tanzania was formed in 1964 through the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The country has a rich history influenced by African kingdoms, Arab traders, Portuguese explorers, German colonial rule, and later British administration before gaining independence in 1961. Today, Tanzania is recognised as one of Africa's most politically stable countries and is world-famous for its exceptional wildlife conservation.
What Drives Tanzania's Economy?
Tanzania has one of East Africa's largest and fastest-growing economies. Key sectors include:
Tourism and wildlife safaris
Agriculture (coffee, tea, cotton, cashew nuts, and spices)
Mining (gold, diamonds, and gemstones, including tanzanite)
Fishing
Manufacturing
Natural gas
Transport and logistics
Tourism remains a major contributor to employment and foreign exchange earnings, with visitors drawn by world-renowned national parks and coastal destinations.Tourist Visa Information
Most international visitors require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania.
Visitors from many countries can:
Apply online before departure using Tanzania's official eVisa system, or
Obtain a Visa on Arrival at major international airports and selected border crossings, provided they meet the entry requirements.
As visa requirements vary by nationality, travellers should always check the latest regulations before departure.Currency; Can tourists still pay with US dollars in Tanzania?
Generally, no.
Currency: The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Following regulations introduced by the Tanzanian government, local goods and services are generally priced and paid for in Tanzanian Shillings. Visitors should exchange foreign currency at licensed bureaux de change, commercial banks, or withdraw local currency from ATMs. International credit and debit cards are widely accepted at larger hotels, safari lodges, and restaurants.
Tourism Exception: Many international safari packages booked before arrival may still be quoted and paid for in US dollars through approved tour operators. However, once in Tanzania, travellers should expect to use Tanzanian Shillings for most everyday purchases.
This means that for day-to-day expenses such as:
Restaurants
Taxis
Souvenir shops
Local markets
Domestic transport
Hotel bills paid locally
you should expect to pay in Tanzanian Shillings (TZS)
Once you are out in Serengeti or Ngorongoro there was no ATM so be prepared.Bring some new, undamaged US dollar notes as an emergency backup or for pre-booked safari arrangements if advised by your operator.
💳 Bring a Visa or Mastercard.
💰 Plan to use Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) for everyday spending while in Tanzania and Zanzibar. This reflects the current regulations and helps avoid payment difficulties.Best Time to Visit Tanzania
The dry season from June to October is generally regarded as the best time for safari travel.
Why Visit During the Dry Season?
Easier wildlife viewing around rivers and waterholes
Pleasant daytime temperatures
Lower humidity
Excellent conditions for photography
Ideal for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
The "green season" from November to May brings lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching, and fewer visitors.Malaria Information:
Malaria is present in many parts of Tanzania and Zanzibar throughout the year.
Higher-Risk Periods
The risk tends to increase after the rainy seasons:
March to May (long rains)
November to December (short rains)
How to Reduce Your Risk
Speak with your doctor about appropriate antimalarial medication before travelling.
It’s helpful to treat your clothing with bug repellent ( the kind made for clothing not skin) about a week before you travel and let them air dry. You will not smell the repellent once they have air dried.
Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin.
Wear long sleeves and trousers during the evening.
Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets where provided.
Stay in accommodation with screened rooms or air conditioning whenever possible.
With sensible precautions, most visitors enjoy a safe and healthy trip.Check for the most recent vaccine and CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) updates prior traveling to Tanzania.
Best Airports for International Flights and Arusha for domestic flights
1. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Best for Northern Safari Circuit. Book a flight.
Ideal gateway for safaris; 2. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR). Best for: Southern Tanzania. Book a flight.
Zanzibar connections
Selous/Nyerere National Park
Ruaha National ParkRent a car Julius Nyerere Int. Airport (DAR)
3. Best Airport for Zanzibar; Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Book a flight
This is the main gateway to Zanzibar, with regular domestic flights from Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam, as well as international services from several destinations. Located just 5-6 kilometers (about a 10-20 minute drive) south of Stone Town.Rent a car Abeid Amani Karume Airport
Book an airport transfer from Abeid Amani Karume Airport.4. Arusha Airport (ARK)
Which Airport Should Tourists Choose?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Best if you're arriving from overseas.
Arusha Airport (ARK): Best for onward domestic safari flights into Tanzania's national parks and Zanzibar.
Arusha Airport (ARK) is Tanzania's primary domestic safari airport.
Unlike Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), it mainly serves small aircraft flying directly into national parks, safari airstrips, and nearby regional destinations.
Domestic Destinations
From Arusha Airport you can fly directly to:
Seronera (SEU) – Central Serengeti National Park (the busiest safari route)
Grumeti (GTZ) – Western Serengeti and Grumeti Game Reserve
Lake Manyara (LKY) – Gateway to Lake Manyara National Park and Ngorongoro
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Connections to international flights
Dar es Salaam (DAR) – Tanzania's largest city and international hub
Zanzibar (ZNZ) – Beach holidays and island connections
Mwanza (MWZ) – Access to western Serengeti and Lake Victoria region
International Destination
Arusha Airport currently has one scheduled international destination:
Nairobi (Wilson Airport – WIL), Kenya
This route is popular for travellers combining a Kenya and Tanzania safari, with flights operated by regional safari airlines.
Why Safari Travellers Use Arusha Airport
Arusha Airport is ideal for fly-in safaris, allowing visitors to avoid long road journeys. Instead of driving 6–8 hours, you can board a light aircraft and arrive at remote safari airstrips in under two hours.
Popular fly-in safari destinations include:
Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area (via Lake Manyara Airport and road transfer)
Tarangire National Park (via nearby safari airstrips or Lake Manyara)
Lake Manyara National Park
Grumeti Game Reserve
Zanzibar for a beach extension after your safariFour Popular Inland Safari Destinations
These iconic safari regions are among the most sought-after experiences and are featured by leading safari specialists such as Go2Africa.
Great Migration Big Five wildlife Hot-air balloon safaris
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Best for Northern Safari Circuit. Book a flight.
UNESCO World Heritage Site Ngorongoro Crater Exceptional year-round wildlife viewing
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Best for Northern Safari Circuit. Book a flight.
Large elephant herds
Ancient baobab trees
Excellent birdwatching
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Best for Northern Safari Circuit. Book a flight.
Tree-climbing lions
Flamingos
Scenic groundwater forests
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Best for Northern Safari Circuit. Book a flight.
Best Colours to Wear on Safari
Highly Recommended
Khaki, Olive green, Sage green, Beige, Tan, Stone, Light brown, Dusty grey
These colours:
Blend into the African bush.
Are less likely to disturb wildlife.
Stay cooler than dark colours in direct sunlight.
Hide dust better than white clothing.
Best Clothing Fabrics; Lightweight Cotton
Excellent for: Breathability, Hot afternoons, comfort
Ripstop Nylon
Great for: Thorny bush, Durability, Fast drying
Clothing Style; During game drives, consider wearing:
Long-sleeved shirt, Lightweight long trousers, Wide-brim safari hat, Polarised sunglasses, Comfortable hiking boots or trail shoes, Light fleece or jacket for early morning drives (temperatures can be surprisingly cool before sunrise)
Colours to Avoid; Bright colours
Bright red, orange, bright yellow, Neon colours, Bright pink
These can make you much more visible to wildlife and are not ideal for game drives.
Black and Dark Blue. These deserve special mention.
In parts of East Africa (including Tanzania), tsetse flies are strongly attracted to dark blue and black. Tsetse flies are known for their painful bites and can transmit African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), although the disease is now relatively rare among tourists.
For this reason, many experienced safari guides recommend avoiding black and dark navy clothing, especially in tsetse fly areas
Clothing to Avoid
Camouflage clothing (restricted or prohibited in some African countries for civilians, as it may be reserved for military personnel)
Heavy denim jeans (hot and slow to dry)
Tight clothing
and avoid
Strong perfume or aftershave
Bright white trainers if possibleRecommended Zanzibar Hotels
Zanzibar – The Spice Island
A Brief HistoryLocated approximately 35 km (22 miles) off Tanzania's coast, Zanzibar. Zanzibar is an archipelago (group of islands) in the Indian Ocean, separated from mainland Tanzania by the Zanzibar Channel. It has long been an important trading hub linking Africa, Arabia, Persia, and India. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects centuries of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influences. The island became famous for its spice plantations and remains one of the world's leading producers of cloves.View all tours and activities in Zanzibar.
View and book at any of the 878 hotels in Zanzibar.
Nearby Activities
Snorkelling
Spa treatments
Dolphin tours
Sunset cruises
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Book a flight
Nearby Activities
Diving
Paddleboarding
Beach walks
Local cultural excursions
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Book a flight
Nearby Activities
Nungwi Beach
Sunset dhow cruises
Diving
Aquarium visits
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Book a flight
Nearby Activities
Stone Town walking tours
Spice farm excursions
Forodhani Night Market
Historic museum
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Book a flight
Plan Your African Adventure with Xillirate.com
Whether you're witnessing the breathtaking Great Migration across the Serengeti, exploring the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, or relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers one of Africa's most unforgettable travel experiences.
At Xillirate.com, you can conveniently plan every aspect of your journey in one place. Book flights, hotels, safari lodges, or more Africa safaris, airport transfers, car rentals, tours and attraction tickets,
travel insurance, and access tourist visa information, destination guides, CDC travel updates, and global travel safety alerts. Whether you're planning the safari of a lifetime,honeymoon or a romantic beach escape, or a family adventure, Xillirate.com helps you travel with confidence. Created for independent travellers.