Welcome to Tanzania

Tanzania is the ultimate safari destination in Africa — and one of the most diverse countries on the continent. Covering 945,087 km² (almost three times the size of Germany), it combines a density of natural wonders unmatched worldwide:

• The Serengeti — Scene of the largest animal migration on earth: Over 1.5 million wildebeests, 400,000 zebras, and 300,000 gazelles move in an eternal cycle through the endless savannah
• The Ngorongoro Crater — the largest intact caldera in the world, a natural amphitheater full of wildlife, where you can see all the Big Five in one day
• Kilimanjaro — at 5,895 meters, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, climbable without technical climbing experience
• Zanzibar — the spice paradise in the Indian Ocean with UNESCO-protected old town, dream beaches, and a fascinating Arab-African culture
• 16 national parks and numerous reserves, together covering almost a third of the country's area — more than any other African country
• The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) plus cheetah, wild dog, giraffe, and over 1,100 bird species
• The chimpanzees of Mahale — one of the few places in the world where you can observe great apes in the wild

What makes Tanzania special is the combination of safari, mountains, beaches, and culture. You can watch lions hunting in an open safari vehicle in the morning, stand at the Ngorongoro crater rim at noon, stroll through the winding old town of Stone Town on Zanzibar in the evening, and fall asleep to the sounds of Taarab music on the beach at night.

Tanzania is also one of the most peaceful and stable countries in Africa. Since independence in 1961, there has been no civil war, no coup, no ethnic conflicts. The over 120 ethnic groups live together in remarkable harmony — united by the common language Swahili and the legacy of founding father Julius Nyerere.

Tanzania can be divided into five major travel regions:

Serengeti & Ngorongoro (Northern Circuit)

For whom: Safari enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, first-time visitors
The heart of any Tanzania trip. The Serengeti is the most famous wildlife reserve on earth, the Ngorongoro Crater a natural wonder like no other. Also, Tarangire with its elephant herds and the compact Lake Manyara NP. Most safari operators operate from Arusha on the Northern Circuit.

Kilimanjaro & Arusha

For whom: Mountaineers, trekking fans, adventurers
Africa's highest mountain is accessible from Moshi and Arusha. Several routes lead to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) in 5–8 days. Arusha itself is Tanzania's safari capital and starting point for the Northern Circuit. The nearby Mount Meru (4,566 m) is an excellent acclimatization tour.

Zanzibar

For whom: Beach vacationers, cultural travelers, divers
The Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean offers the perfect combination of culture and beach. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a melting pot of Arabic, Indian, Persian, and African influences. The beaches of Nungwi, Kendwa, and Paje are among the most beautiful in Africa. Snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll is world-class.

Dar es Salaam & Coast

For whom: Cultural travelers, divers, off-the-beaten-path
Tanzania's largest city pulses with energy. The historic coastal town of Bagamoyo was once the capital of German East Africa. Mafia Island offers first-class diving away from mass tourism. Mikumi NP is the most easily accessible park from Dar.

Southern National Parks

For whom: Experienced safari-goers, adventurers, exclusivity seekers
The wilder, lonelier side of Tanzania. The vast Ruaha NP has more elephants than any other park in East Africa. The Nyerere Reserve (formerly Selous) is one of the largest wildlife reserves on earth. Katavi is Tanzania's best-kept secret. And in Mahale on Lake Tanganyika, you can observe chimpanzees.

1. Experience the Great Migration in the Serengeti — 1.5 million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of zebras move in an eternal cycle through the savannah. In July/August, the dramatic crossing of the Mara River: crocodiles lurk, the herds hesitate, then plunge into the water. → Chap. Serengeti
2. See the Big Five in the Ngorongoro Crater — The largest intact caldera in the world (20 km in diameter!) is home to the highest predator density in Africa. 25,000 animals on the crater floor, including the last black rhinos of Tanzania. → Chap. Serengeti
3. Climb Kilimanjaro — The highest free-standing mountain in the world can be climbed without technical climbing experience. The sunrise at Uhuru Peak above the clouds and the Kilimanjaro glacier is a moment for life. → Chap. Kilimanjaro
4. Wander through Stone Town — The UNESCO-protected old town of Zanzibar is a labyrinth of alleys, carved doors, spice souks, and historic palaces. Arabic, Indian, Persian, and African influences merge into something unique. → Chap. Zanzibar
5. Relax on Nungwi Beach — Turquoise water, white sand, spectacular sunsets, and hardly any tide problems: Nungwi is Zanzibar's dream beach par excellence. → Chap. Zanzibar
6. Sharpen your senses on a spice tour — Zanzibar is not called the "Spice Island" for nothing. On the plantations, you smell, taste, and touch vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and cardamom. → Chap. Zanzibar
7. Observe elephant herds in Tarangire — In the dry season, hundreds of elephants gather at the Tarangire River. The ancient baobab trees give the landscape an almost surreal character. → Chap. Serengeti
8. Sunset at the Ngorongoro Crater rim — When the crater is bathed in golden light and the sounds of the wilderness rise from below, you understand why the Maasai consider this place sacred. → Chap. Serengeti
9. Sail with dhows off Zanzibar — The traditional Arabic sailing boats glide silently over the crystal-clear water. Half-day or sunset trips with snorkeling stop. → Chap. Zanzibar
10. Feast at the Forodhani Night Market in Stone Town — Every evening, the waterfront turns into a huge open-air restaurant: grilled octopus, Zanzibar pizza, fresh sugarcane juice, spiced tea. → Chap. Zanzibar
11. Observe chimpanzees in Mahale — On the shores of Lake Tanganyika lives one of the largest habituated chimpanzee populations in the world. An intimate, transformative encounter. → Chap. Southern Parks
12. Enjoy solitude in Ruaha — Tanzania's largest national park receives only a fraction of the Serengeti visitors but has equally spectacular wildlife: huge elephant herds, lion prides, and the rare wild dog. → Chap. Southern Parks
13. Eat Nyama Choma by the campfire — The typical Tanzanian barbecue dish (grilled meat) tastes particularly unforgettable after a long safari day by the campfire under the African starry sky. → Chap. Food & Drink
14. Snorkel at Mnemba Atoll — The small atoll off the northeast coast of Zanzibar offers an overwhelming underwater world: dolphins, sea turtles, coral gardens, and tropical fish. → Chap. Zanzibar
15. Visit the Olduvai Gorge — The "Cradle of Humankind": Here, the Leakeys found the oldest traces of our ancestors. A humbling place where the history of humanity began. → Chap. Serengeti

Tanzania's climate is tropical but moderated by altitude (most safari parks are at 1,000–2,000 m) and the Indian Ocean. There are no classic seasons, but rather rainy and dry seasons:

The Seasons

• Long Rainy Season (Masika): March to May — heavy rains, roads partially impassable, many camps closed. Lowest prices, fewest tourists.
• Cool Dry Season: June to October — THE best travel time for safari. Dry weather, animals gather at waterholes, grass is short (better visibility). Cool mornings and evenings (8–15°C in the highlands), pleasant during the day (22–28°C).
• Short Rainy Season (Vuli): November to December — short showers, mostly in the afternoon. Landscape green and fresh. Still good safari conditions, fewer tourists.
• Hot Dry Season: January to February — hot (30–35°C in the lowlands), dry. Calving season in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu): hundreds of thousands of wildebeest calves are born, predators are highly active. Spectacular!

Best Travel Time by Activity

Climate Table: Serengeti / Arusha (1,400 m altitude)

Tanzania is not a cheap travel destination. The high national park fees (which contribute to conservation) and the fact that safari tourism is the main source of income make a trip more expensive than to many other African countries. However, for what is offered, the value for money is excellent.

Safari Costs (the biggest budget topic)

Safari costs consist of: park fees + vehicle with guide + accommodation + meals.

Park Fees (per person/day, as of 2025)

Daily Budget (excluding safari)

Price Examples (2025)