Travel Guide Tanzania
Highlights
Tanzania Regions
Explore Tanzania's stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Experience the Serengeti's Great Migration, where countless wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle traverse crocodile-filled waters. Visit the Ngorongoro Crater to see the Big Five in a lush setting. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, through varied ecosystems. Discover Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks in the south, home to ancient baobabs and unique wildlife encounters.
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Enjoy Zanzibar's white sandy beaches and historic Stone Town, blending relaxation with cultural exploration. Each region in Tanzania offers distinct experiences and breathtaking views, ensuring unforgettable adventures and lasting memories. Whether watching savannah wildlife, trekking through rainforests, or relaxing on tranquil beaches, Tanzania promises to enchant.
Wildlife
Tanzania is home to a significant proportion of Africa's large mammal population, comprising about 20% of the continent's lions, elephants, hippos, giraffes, and notably, the Serengeti's Great Migration wildebeest herds.Beyond these well-known migratory groups, the Serengeti is also renowned for its abundant population of big cats. Additionally, Ruaha National Park in southern Tanzania harbors 10 percent of the global population of wild lions, a key group of cheetahs, and the world's third-largest group of African wild dogs.In the western part of the country, particularly on Rubondo Island, one can observe chimpanzees that are descendants of a group reintroduced from European zoos in the 1960s.
Culture
There are more than 100 ethnic and tribal groups in Tanzania, including the Maasai and the Hadzabe. Christianity and Islam are the main religions.
The official languages are Swahili and English, with indigenous languages interwoven throughout the country —thought to be more than 120 languages in total. Arabic is widely spoken along the coast and in Zanzibar.
General Tips
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Languages: Swahili and English are official
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Currency: Tanzanian shilling; US dollars accepted in safari camps and lodges.
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Greeting: Start conversations with a handshake; prolonged hand contact is common.
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Photography: Ask for permission before photographing people.
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Dress Code: Casual in safari lodges and beaches; modest in urban areas, covering shoulders and knees.
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Travel Tips: Consider off-peak travel for lower rates and fewer tourists.
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Luggage: Limit to one 15kg soft-sided bag due to small plane restrictions.
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Tipping: Optional; suggested $15-20 per night for guides, $10-15 for camp staff, payable in shillings or US dollars.
Cuisine
Tanzanian cuisine varies by region, with seafood and spicy flavors common along the coast. Nationwide, the staple Nyama choma (grilled meat) is often served with ugali, made from maize or cassava flour, and accompanied by vegetables like okra and mchicha (similar to spinach), as well as fried plantains. The cuisine also features a notable Indian influence, including dishes like chapati, pilau rice, and biryani.
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Safari camps in Tanzania provide a mix of local and international dishes, including homemade bread, pastries, and fresh salads. Fish and vegetarian options are available on request. Please inform us of any dietary needs.
