Tanzania | Africa

Tanzania is a sovereign state in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region, bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and eight countries including Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia. Its geography is characterized by the highest point in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the vast Serengeti plains; the capital city is Dodoma, while Dar es Salaam serves as the primary commercial and maritime hub.

Visa & Entry Policy

EU, US, and UK passport holders require a visa for entry. Citizens of the US are specifically required to obtain a Multiple Entry Visa ($100 USD), while EU and UK citizens typically apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa ($50 USD). Travelers must apply via the official Tanzania Electronic Visa (e-Visa) portal at least two weeks before departure. Entry requires a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and a printed copy of the e-Visa grant notice.

Language & Communication

Swahili (Kiswahili) and English are the official languages. Swahili is the national language used for social and administrative cohesion. English is the primary medium for higher education, the judicial system, and international trade. English proficiency is high within the tourism industry (safari guides, hotels, and national parks) but significantly lower in rural villages.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in major hotels, international airports, and established safari lodges, often with a 3–5% surcharge. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa, Airtel Money) is the dominant form of digital payment for locals and is increasingly used by small businesses. Cash is essential for local markets, tipping, and transactions in rural areas. US Dollars (printed after 2009) are widely accepted for large tourism-related payments but are rarely used for day-to-day local expenses.

National Transport Grid

Inter-city travel is facilitated by an extensive network of long-distance buses and the SGR (Standard Gauge Railway), which currently links Dar es Salaam and Dodoma. Domestic aviation is critical for transit between northern safari circuits and the islands, with carriers like Precision Air, Air Tanzania, and Coastal Aviation serving Kilimanjaro (JRO), Arusha (ARK), and Zanzibar (ZNZ). Urban transport includes "dala-dalas" (minibuses) and "boda-bodas" (motorcycle taxis), while Dar es Salaam utilizes a dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are Vodacom, Tigo, and Airtel. As of 2026, 5G coverage is operational in major urban hubs including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, and Mwanza, reaching approximately 30% of the population. 4G/LTE is robust across most populated regions, though connectivity is intermittent in deep national park interiors. Internet penetration has exceeded 80% as of early 2026.

Climate & Seasonality

Dry Season (June–October): Clear skies and optimal wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources; peak season for Kilimanjaro treks.

Short Rains (November–December): Periodic afternoon showers; lower visitor numbers.

Short Dry Season (January–February): Calving season in the southern Serengeti; high predator activity.

Long Rains (March–May): Heavy precipitation; some remote lodges close, and secondary roads may become impassable.

Health & Safety

Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if arriving from an endemic country and is frequently checked at entry points for Zanzibar regardless of origin. Malaria is endemic; prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Tap water is not potable; bottled or treated water is required. The emergency number for Police is 999 or 112, and for Medical Assistance is 115.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Dar es Salaam: Main commercial port and largest city.

Northern Circuit: Hub: Arusha (Gateway to Serengeti and Ngorongoro).

Zanzibar Archipelago: Hub: Stone Town (Unguja).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 1,500 TZS ($0.55 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 4,000 TZS ($1.45 USD)

1 SIM Card (10GB Data): 25,000 TZS ($9.10 USD)

Facts & Legends

Tanzania contains the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest inactive and intact volcanic caldera. Local Maasai legends describe the "Ol Doinyo Lengai" volcano as the "Mountain of God," which is the only volcano on Earth that erupts natrocarbonatite lava-a "cool" black lava that turns white upon contact with moisture. Historically, the 1896 Anglo-Zanzibar War remains the shortest war in history, lasting approximately 38 to 45 minutes.