Tanzania & Zanzibar – Destination Guide

Tanzania, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural history, is a destination that promises unforgettable adventures. From the bustling markets and the stunning coastline of Zanzibar to the vast plains of the Serengeti and the majestic peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is a paradise for explorers. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone simply looking to unwind on pristine beaches, Tanzania offers it all. Zanzibar, an island off the coast of East Africa, is famed for its idyllic beaches, spice plantations, and historic Stone Town. This guide will help you plan your journey and navigate the incredible experiences awaiting you.

🗺️ Main Locations

1. Zanzibar 🏝️

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise renowned for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and fascinating history. It consists of Zanzibar Island and several smaller islands, making it a perfect destination for relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion.

• Stone Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town is the cultural heart of Zanzibar, offering a maze of narrow alleys, bustling markets, and impressive architecture.

• Nungwi: Known for its idyllic beaches, Nungwi on the northern tip of Zanzibar is perfect for water sports, beach relaxation, and exploring vibrant coral reefs.

• Jambiani: A laid-back village on Zanzibar’s southeastern coast, known for its beautiful beaches and tranquil atmosphere.

2. Serengeti National Park 🦁

Famous for its annual wildebeest migration, the Serengeti is one of the world’s most famous safari destinations. Visitors come here to witness one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles, along with the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo.

3. Ngorongoro Crater 🌋

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most unique places on Earth. It is a massive volcanic caldera that houses a wide variety of wildlife and is often referred to as “Africa’s Garden of Eden.”

4. Mount Kilimanjaro 🏔️

As the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro attracts trekkers and climbers from around the world. Its diverse ecosystems and stunning views make it a challenging but rewarding climb for adventure seekers.

 

✨ Highlights

• Stone Town Tour 🏙️: Explore the UNESCO-listed heart of Zanzibar, visiting its bustling bazaars, ancient palaces, and mosques.

• Safari in Serengeti 🦓: Experience the thrill of a safari in the Serengeti National Park, home to some of the richest wildlife on the planet.

• Kilimanjaro Climb 🧗: Conquer the highest peak in Africa with a guided climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Snorkeling and Diving 🤿: Zanzibar’s crystal-clear waters offer fantastic opportunities for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

• Spice Tour in Zanzibar 🌿: Explore Zanzibar’s spice plantations and learn about the island’s rich history of spice trade.

Things to Do in Tanzania & Zanzibar 📝

• Game Drives 🚙: Take a game drive through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, spotting elephants, lions, zebras, and more.

• Beach Relaxation 🏖️: Enjoy the pristine beaches of Zanzibar, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and indulging in luxurious resorts.

• Cultural Tours 🏛️: In Stone Town, explore the rich culture and history of Zanzibar with visits to museums, historical sites, and local villages.

• Water Sports 🌊: Zanzibar offers plenty of water-based activities, including snorkeling, diving, and kitesurfing.

• Trekking 🏞️: Mount Kilimanjaro offers a bucket-list adventure for trekkers, with various routes available for different levels of difficulty.

✈️ Arrival Airports & Transport

• International Airports:

  • Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) ✈️: The main gateway for international flights into Zanzibar.

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) 🛬: Located in Dar es Salaam, this airport is the main hub for international flights to Tanzania’s mainland.

  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) 🛫: Serves as the primary gateway for those visiting Mount Kilimanjaro and nearby safari destinations.

• Domestic Flights: Regular flights between Zanzibar and Tanzania’s mainland (Dar es Salaam, Arusha) make travel between destinations convenient.

🚗 Getting Around

• Domestic Flights – The quickest way to travel between safari destinations and Zanzibar.

• Safari Vehicles – Most safaris use 4×4 Land Cruisers with expert guides.

• Ferries – There are fast ferries between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

• Taxis & Tuk-Tuks – Widely available in Zanzibar and major cities.

Practical Information 🧳

• Currency 💵: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). US dollars are widely accepted in many tourist areas, but it is advisable to carry some local currency.

• Language 🗣️: Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

• Time Zone ⏰: East Africa Time (EAT), UTC +3.

• Power Adaptor ⚡: Tanzania uses Type D and Type G plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an appropriate adaptor for your devices.

• Weather 🌞: Tanzania has a tropical climate. Coastal regions (Zanzibar) are hot and humid, while the highland areas (Mount Kilimanjaro) can be cooler, especially at night. The dry season runs from June to October, while the wet season is from March to May.

• SIM/eSIM 📱: Tanzania has a variety of mobile networks, including Vodacom, Tigo, and Airtel. You can easily purchase a SIM card at the airport or local shops. For eSIM support, check with your provider for compatibility. Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

Visa Information 🛂

• Tanzania Visa: Most tourists require a visa for entry into Tanzania. The visa can be obtained either on arrival or online via Tanzania’s e-visa portal: Tanzania eVisa

• Neighboring Country Visas:

  • Kenya 🇰🇪: Visa can be obtained online or at the port of entry. More information on the Kenyan visa process: Kenya Visa

  • Uganda 🇺🇬: Uganda offers an e-visa for travelers. More details: Uganda Visa

  • Rwanda 🇷🇼: Rwanda offers a visa-on-arrival option for many nationalities. More details: Rwanda Visa

🍽️ Food & Cuisine

🍛 Tanzanian Cuisine

• Ugali – A staple maize porridge served with stews.

• Nyama Choma – Grilled meat, often served with rice or vegetables.

• Zanzibari Biryani & Pilau – Fragrant spiced rice dishes.

• Mandazi – Sweet fried dough, similar to a doughnut.

🥭 Zanzibari Flavors

• Seafood Platters – Fresh-caught lobster, prawns, and octopus.

• Zanzibar Pizza – A unique street-food snack with a mix of savory and sweet fillings.

• Spice-infused Dishes – Influenced by Zanzibar’s spice trade, featuring cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Packing List 🎒

Clothing:

• Light, breathable clothing for the warm coastal climate.

• Layers for cooler evenings in the highlands or Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Swimwear, sunscreen, and sunglasses for Zanzibar’s beaches.

• Comfortable shoes for safaris and trekking.

Other Essentials:

• A good quality camera for safaris and scenic views.

• Power adaptor (Type D and G plugs).

• Insect repellent, especially for safaris and Zanzibar.

Why Visit?

Tanzania and Zanzibar offer the best of both worlds—unforgettable safaris across vast savannahs and picture-perfect tropical islands. Whether you’re spotting wildlife in the Serengeti, scaling Kilimanjaro, or enjoying the tranquil beaches of Zanzibar, this East African gem guarantees an adventure like no other.