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AfricaWildlifeAdventureSafariIslands

Tanzania

Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Zanzibar's beaches — the greatest African adventure all in one country.

East Africa
🦒 Serengeti⛰️ Kilimanjaro🏝️ Zanzibar🐘 Wildlife

Backpacking Tanzania

Tanzania contains two of Africa's bucket-list experiences — the Serengeti ecosystem and Kilimanjaro. The Zanzibar spice islands add a completely different flavour. Budget carefully: parks and climbing fees are significant.

£40–80/day avg daily budget
Key Info
Shilling (TZS) / USDSwahili & EnglishType D/GDrive Left
10% in restaurants — tip guides and drivers
Weather
Best: Jun–Oct
Dry Season (Jun–Oct)Best game viewing, clear Kilimanjaro views, Zanzibar beaches calm
Dry season June–October is best for safari and climbing. Short dry season January–February.
Health
⚠️Use bottled water — Bottled water only throughout Tanzania
Yellow Feverrequired on entry
Hepatitis Arecommended
Typhoidrecommended
Malariarecommended — take prophylaxis
Transport
Boltlocal dala-dalasdomestic flights
✈️ Kilimanjaro (JRO) / Dar es Salaam (DAR) / Zanzibar (ZNZ)
No metro — dala-dalas locally, domestic flights for long distances
Emergency
👮 Police112
🚑 Ambulance112
🔥 Fire114
The Highlights

8 Things to Do in Tanzania

01
Summit Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route — 7 days of extraordinary scenery
02
Game drive in the Serengeti during the Great Migration (July–October)
03
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn — the densest wildlife on earth
04
Swim in the turquoise water of Zanzibar's Nungwi beach
05
Explore Stone Town's labyrinth streets and spice markets
06
Snorkel at Mnemba Atoll — some of the Indian Ocean's finest reef
07
Visit a Maasai village in the shadow of Kilimanjaro
08
Eat fresh fish cooked at Zanzibar's Forodhani Night Market
Where to Go

Breaking Down Tanzania

Each region has a completely different character. Here is what to expect.

🦁Serengeti

Tanzania's greatest wildlife reserve — the Great Migration (wildebeest and zebra crossing the Mara River) is one of the most extraordinary wildlife events on earth. Year-round game viewing is excellent. Tented camps rather than lodges give the closest wildlife experience.

🌋Ngorongoro Crater

The world's largest intact volcanic caldera — 30,000 animals including the densest population of lions anywhere and one of Africa's last viable black rhino populations. Day visitors descend to the crater floor at 7:30am.

🏔️Kilimanjaro

Africa's highest mountain (5,895m) — the Lemosho or Machame routes are most scenic. No technical climbing required but significant fitness and altitude preparation essential. Book with a KPAP-affiliated operator to ensure porters are treated and paid fairly.

🏝️Zanzibar

White sand, turquoise Indian Ocean, UNESCO Stone Town, spice tours and fresh grilled seafood at Forodhani Gardens. Combines naturally with a mainland Tanzania safari.

Money Breakdown

What to Budget For

Daily Total

Tanzania's national park fees are significant (Serengeti: £60-80 per day per person).

Daily Total

Budget camping safaris (£150-250 per day all-in) are the most affordable option for world-class wildlife viewing.

Private Room

Zanzibar guesthouses £20-40 per night.

Budget Tip

Kilimanjaro: budget £1,000-1,500 for a 7-day guided climb with KPAP-affiliated operator including all fees..

Travel Responsibly

Eco and Community Tips

Tanzania's wildlife conservation is among Africa's most effective. KPAP certification ensures porters receive fair wages and proper equipment — only book Kilimanjaro climbs with affiliated operators. Zanzibar's reef: use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid operators who allow touching or feeding of marine life.

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