Tanzania Visitors Guide

Our Tanzania visitors guide makes sure you know all the most important basics before you visit. From the boundless Serengeti to the peaks of Kilimanjaro, the coral reefs of the coast or the spices of Zanzibar, Tanzania is one of Africa’s most exciting, diverse and unique destinations.

However, as a developing nation, there will likely be differences from home for visitors arriving internationally. A little patience and a little preparation will help you have a safe, successful and memorable trip in Tanzania.

Getting Around

Air

If you’re travelling long distances, generally the most comfortable, fastest, safest, and sometimes only option, is by air. Tanzania’s airline network offers an impressive number of flights for most bigger destinations, and enough choices even for far-flung safaris. Most visitors arriving in the country will arrive at Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport. Long-haul arrivals are recommended to break up the journey with a stopover in the city before heading to an inland safari or mountain climbing destination. This gives you a chance to battle any jet-lag and rest. Southern Sun Dar es Salaam can arrange affordable airport transfers and comfortable quiet accommodation in one of the city’s leading hotels.

Getting Around

Boat

There are few sights as iconic on the Swahili coast as the unfurled sails of dhows passing the shoreline. But it is important to know that for the safety of visitors, there are a number of restrictions on dhow travel. IF you’re planning on a dhow trip, talk to the team at Southern Sun Dar es Salaam about arranging a charter with a reputable tour provider. Remember, as romantic as they look, there are still very real potential dangers of capsizing, so always wear a life jacket. Taking the ferry across to Zanzibar can be one of those lifetime memories. But make sure it’s memorable for all the right reasons. Some ferries are overcrowded with few life jackets and little in the way of comforts. With that in mind it’s recommended to travel during the day and be aware of the dangers. If the crossing is rough, which is not uncommon, sea sickness medicine and a sick bag might well come in handy. That being said, the experience is like no other and the memories, as well as photographs will be ones to treasure.

Getting Around

Road

Bus travel is one of the cheapest ways to travel in Tanzania, over longer distances. But, considering the age of some vehicles, the driving style of some fellow road users and the condition of the roads, bus travel also should be chosen carefully. Book with a reputable company, and where possible opt for the best ticket you can afford (paying a little more might mean working air-conditioning and a better maintained vehicle). Always book tickets with official sellers, and don’t be intimidated by ticket touts. If you are going to spend time in a bus station, keep an eye on your belongings. Despite the warnings, travelling through Tanzanian countryside by road is often a stunning way to see the land. If you’re travelling around the city and wanting an authentic Dar experience on a budget, then a dalla - dalla (minibus) will provide you with all of that and more. Expect it to be overcrowded, hot, slow and confusing. But if you’re travelling with someone who knows the city then it can be a special way to travel in Dar. Alternatively, taking a ride on a bajaji (tuk-tuk) is exhilarating and one of the quicker ways to get around. But again, what might be a novelty for some foreign visitors is a normal but not always safe way of navigating the city for local residents. As such, it helps to know where you are going, how much to expect to pay and to be well aware of the safety risk of a motorbike on bad roads. If you want to experience a bajaji and more of the city, talk to the Southern Sun Dar es Salaam team about arranging a Dar city tour. One of the simplest and most affordable public transport options in Dar es Salaam is the DART project (Dar Rapid Transit). These buses are more reliable than dalla - dallas , are often safer, run on regular schedules and remain affordable. If you require a car you can consider hiring. But for first-time visitors this isn’t always recommended. Busy roads, seemingly confusing road-rules (or lack of), and unfamiliar surroundings can make it more stressful than its worth. Rather talk to the hotel team about arranging a taxi and pre-agreeing the price. Whether for a single journey or a whole day hire, it can be arranged.

Cities / Regions

Hotels

Rooms & Guests

Rooms

Adults

Children

Destination

Cities / Regions

Hotels

Travel Dates

Rooms & Guests

Rooms

Adults

Children

Promo Codes

Tanzania Visitors Guide