The best time of year to visit Zanzibar is from January through February and from June through October.

Located close to the equator, Zanzibar has a climate that follows a tropical pattern of dry seasons and wet seasons.

January and February usually experience a dry season and tend to be pleasant times of year to visit Zanzibar. Skies are clear and the temperatures are hot but bearable.

The main wet season in Zanzibar generally lasts from March through May. The climate experiences high humidity and hot temperatures (in the 30’s C / 80’s F). During this time of year in Zanzibar there are heavy rains, usually in the afternoons and at night.

The main dry season in Zanzibar generally lasts from June through October. The humidity drops, the skies are generally clear, and the temperatures moderate. Depending on where you stay, these months are the best time of year to visit Zanzibar.

November and December experience a second short wet season, although the rains are not as heavy as they are during the main wet season earlier in the year.

Many people visiting Zanzibar head to Kizimkazi to swim with dolphins. In fact, Kizimkazi is best known for being the place to go swimming with dolphins.

Swimming with dolphins in Kizimkazi costs around $20 USD and can be done by embarking from Kizimkazi or by taking a boat from Stone Town to Kizimkazi (the latter costs 2000 TZS and takes around 1.5 hours).

The best way to get the most out of swimming with dolphins in Kizimkazi is to arrive as early as possible in the morning. This is because the area gets very crowded and there are many boats chasing after the dolphins by 7am.

To avoid the crowds, stay overnight at a hotel in Kizimkazi and take a boat at 5:30am from the shore in Kizimkazi. You will get to the area where the dolphins swim at around 6:00am and have around 30-45 minutes to go swimming with the dolphins before the crowds arrive from Stone Town.

The Bush Explores Tanzania budget safari company is the best budget safari company in Tanzania.

Headquartered in Moshi, Bush Explores is known for providing a great safari experience.

Their prices are dramatically lower than most other Tanzanian safari companies, too.

Because Bush Explores is a budget safari company, the supplies and provisions they provide are more basic than other companies’, but not of a lower quality.

For example, Bush Explores provides smaller tents than other safari companies, less variety when it comes to food (although there is still enough to go around), and guides who speak English, but not to a perfectly fluent degree.

Paul Robert Shayo Trekking Tour Kilimanjaro Company and Budget Safari Company
Address: P.O BOX 8744, Moshi-Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Phone: +255 755 439088 / 732 973327

The Paul Robert Shayo Trekking Tour Kilimanjaro Company and Budget Safari Company offers great prices on Kilimanjaro treks and budget safaris in Tanzania.

It is one of the best budget safari tour operators in Tanzania.

Guides from the Paul Robert Shayo trekking tour company speak good English and are very knowledgable about the area, whether you are climbing Kilimanjaro or on safari in the Serengetti.

The Paul Robert Shayo trekking tour company is a budget company, and as such the equipment they provide is old, but not damaged.

The food provided by the the Paul Robert Shayo trekking tour company is very good, and aside from having to use latrines, the trip is pretty comfortable.

A 7 day Kilimanjaro trek on the Lemosho route with the Paul Robert Shayo trekking tour company costs $1,200 per person, and is an all inclusive Kilimanjaro trek price.

There are multiple ferries from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.

The ferry time from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar will differ depending on which ferry you take.

The Sepideh ferry is the slowest ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.

The Sea Express ferry is the fastest ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.

The ferry from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar takes 1.5h-3h, depending on which ferry you choose.

There are also private ferries from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar.

These ferries only take 1h, but don’t run regularly.

African Tulip Hotel
Address: 44 / 1 Serengeti Road, Arusha, Tanzania
Phone: +255-27-2543004 /5

The African Tulip Hotel in Arusha is a new luxury boutique hotel.

Situated in a garden setting and featuring a swimming pool, a lounge and a quality restaurant, the African Tulip Hotel is a great place to stay if you are traveling through Arusha.

Each of the 29 guest rooms and suites is decorated with unique African art and decor, making the African Tulip Hotel an authentic Tanzanian experience while providing the luxuries and amenities of a world-class hotel.

Rooms at the African Tulip are provided with mini bars, hair dryers, Wi-Fi, phones, safes, TV’s, and ensuite bathrooms.

The Baobab Restaurant at the African Tulip Hotel offers both Tanzanian and international cuisine, and the chef prepares all the food with fresh, organic ingredients.

After eating, you can relax in the Zanzibar Lounge, which is decorated in traditional Zanzibari style.

In my opinion, the best Tanzania safari company is Roy Safari.

Roy Safari is the best Tanzania safari companies for several reasons.

The company provides both safari and Kilimanjaro trekking provisions and guides, and Roy Safari does a great job offering good value for money.

Roy Safari guides are extremely knowledgeable about Tanzania, the wildlife, and Kilimanjaro.

The staff is friendly and accommodating, and make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

There are a lot of Tanzania budget safari companies offering budget safaris in Tanzania.

However, not all of them offer quality tours for the low prices they charge.

There are a few diamonds in the rough, though, and they provide great service, guides, and food for budget prices.

Below are my two favorite budget safari companies in Tanzania.

Bush Explores

Paul Robert Shayo Tour Company

The Marangu Route for Kilimanjaro is considered the easiest and most accessible way to get up the mountain. The Marangu Route has prepared meals and huts for lodging all the way up the mountain.

Due to is relative ease, low cost, and short climbing time (five days), the Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Kilimanjaro.

The Marangu Route starts out with a non-strenuous trek to the Kibo Hut.

From there, the route leads up to the crater rim of Mount Kilimanjaro.

This section of the Marangu Route features a steep trek to Gillman’s Point.

From Gillman’s Point, the Marangu Route runs along the crater rim then up to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

The descent route is the same trail as the ascent.

The Umbwe Route for Kilimanjaro is a six day climb. The route offers challenging terrain and great vistas from the trails on Kilimanjaro.

The Umbwe Route is a steep, tough climb that offers a good challenge for experienced climbers.

Paths are often obstructed by rocks and trees, and can be dangerous in wet months.

Views on the Umbwe Route are beautiful.

The Great Barranco and Southern Icefields are visible from the trail, and the route goes through the stunning Arrow Glacier.

The Machame Route for Kilimanjaro is a steep climb.

The paths are narrow and can become dangerous in wet months.

It takes 6 days to climb to the top and while a difficult climb, the scenery is well worth the effort.

The Machame Route is considered the most scenic route for Kilimanjaro and features beautiful landscapes such as the Lava Tower.

On the Machame Route your gear is carried by porter and your meals are prepared for you, but accommodation is in tents as opposed to huts.

The Shira Route for Kilimanjaro is an 8 day climb and goes through some of the most beautiful scenery on Kilimanjaro.

The route leads up to the Shira Plateau and the Shira Needle, as well as Barafu hut, Stella Point and Uhuru Point. There are several steep climbs on the way to the top of Kilimanjaro on the Shira Route.

The Shira Route for Kilimanjaro is partly accessible by vehicle during the dry months, but driving is not the best way to see Mount Kilimanjaro and may interfere with your acclimatization process.

The beginning of the route goes through beautiful forest areas and offers great game viewing opportunities.

The Lemosho Glades are full of game such as buffalo and elephants.

As such, some groups are accompanied by an armed guide for the first part of the climb.

The Lemosho Route takes six days to climb.

The route follows the Shira Route, but stays south of it, and goes through the Shira Plateau.

On the third day, the Lemosho Route joins the Machame Route for the rest of the climb.

The Rongai Route for Kilimanjaro takes six days and is a popular route for climbing.

The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side of the mountain between Tanzania and Kenya.

The route also features several large caves.

The ascent and decent routes are the same for Rongai.

Due to is relative ease, the Rongai Route is one of the most popular routes for climbing Kilimanjaro.

The number of climbers is limited on the Rongai Route, so make arrangements in advance.

There are six Kilimanjaro routes that the vast majority of people climbing Kilimanjaro use get up the mountain.

The following is a list of the six routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania:

Machame Route for Kilimanjaro

Marangu Route for Kilimanjaro

Lemosho Route for Kilimanjaro

Rongai Route for Kilimanjaro

Shira Route for Kilimanjaro

Umbwe Route for Kilimanjaro

Because of its varied topography, the weather in Tanzania changes depending on where in the country you go.

In general, the weather in Tanzania’s coastal zones is hot and humid.

On the coast, the rainy season is from March to June.

The weather in Tanzania’s north is cool.

The rainy period in the north is from November to December and again from February to May.

In general, most people consider the weather in Tanzania to be at its best from mid-June to October.

However, these months can be dry and dusty in the central plateau and can be cold at high altitudes such as Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater.

July to September is usually considered the best time of year for a safari in Tanzania, as the weather is temperate and the annual wildebeest migration takes place during these months.

The weather in Tanzania is at its worst from late March to May, which is the rainiest season in Tanzania.

Tanzania also experiences rain from late October to mid-December.

Late December to March is warm in Tanzania, and is a good time to visit if you want to go on safari or climb Kilimanjaro.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is in January, February, or September.

January and February on Kilimanjaro are known for being warm and clear. There is relatively little rainfall during these months, which makes them an ideal time of year to climb.

Throughout the rest of the year one can still climb Kilimanjaro, but conditions are not as good. April and May can also be clear and somewhat warm, but often see heavy rain and snowfall. This is the rainiest season of the year on Kilimanjaro.

From mid-May to August, the weather on Kilimanjaro gets much colder.

In addition to January and February, September is the other best time to climb Kilimanjaro. While September tends to be cooler than the first two months of the year, there is still good visibility.

In October the weather on Kilimanjaro warms up somewhat and there is less rainfall.

From November to December Kilimanjaro gets a lot of rain. They are not ideal times to climb.

Tanzania Vaccination Information

There are no vaccinations required for entry to Tanzania.

However, there are a number of vaccinations that are highly recommended.

Vaccinations Recommended for Tanzania

It is highly recommended that people traveling to Tanzania get the following vaccinations.

Yellow Fever
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
MMR
DPT

Rabies
Malaria (pills to take prior to, during, and after your trip to Tanzania if you travel to a malarial area)

To have the maximum benefit, go to a travel clinic at least four to six weeks prior to traveling to allow time for your vaccines to take effect.

Other Vaccinations and Additional Information

Tanzania requires travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present to carry proof of vaccination against yellow fever.

In addition to getting vaccinations for Tanzania, it is a good idea to pack plenty of anti-diarrheal tablets, OTC pain relievers, and a small first aid kit for Tanzania.

mosquito net and bed, zanzibar tanzania

Malaria Risk Zone in Tanzania

There is malaria risk in all of Tanzania at altitudes below 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). There is malaria risk in Dar Es Salaam, the Serengeti, and other game reserves in Tanzania.

Malaria Pills for Tanzania

In order to protect yourself against malaria while you are visiting Tanzania, you should visit a travel clinic before you travel to get antimalarial pills (often called ‘malaria pills’) and any vaccinations you need. Do not buy malaria pills in Tanzania, as they are not always reliable or safe.

The most common type of malaria pill is Malarone, but others are available as well. Do not take chloroquine as an antimalarial in Tanzania, as it is not effective in preventing malaria there.

Other Ways to Prevent Malaria in Tanzania

Malaria is carried by mosquitoes that come out at night. In order to protect yourself against mosquito bites, make sure to wear plenty of insect repellent when traveling in Tanzania.

Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and closed-toed shoes with socks at night if you will be outdoors or in a building that has mosquitoes inside.

Pack a mosquito net to hang over your bed if you are staying in a hostel that has mosquitoes in the rooms. Most high-end hotels in Tanzania will have mosquito nets over the beds.

The best buses from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro are run by Scandinavia Express Services bus company.

Buses from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro stop in Mombo, Moshi, and Arusha. The distance is 646 km from Dar Es Salaam to Arusha.

There are eight buses a day from Dar Es Salaam to the Kilimanjaro area. The Super Deluxe buses leave Dar at the following times:

08h30
13h45
16h00
17h30

The Economy buses from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro leave Dar at the following times:

09h15
14h40
16h45
18h15

The cost of a ticket from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro (Arusha) on Scandinavia Express Services buses is 24,000 TSH for Super Deluxe and 15,000 TSH for Economy.

The best restaurants in Zanzibar are mostly found in Stone Town.

Stone Town is the largest town in Zanzibar, so most of the more established restaurants in Zanzibar are located there.

Food-wise, Zanzibar is known for its spices and wonderful fresh fruit.

Make sure to have food with lots of the island’s spices as well as some fresh pineapple and mango at restaurants in Zanzibar.

With all the great food and spices on the island, it’s no wonder that there is no shortage of great restaurants in Zanzibar.

Below is my list of the best restaurants in Zanzibar.

Tower Top Restaurant

Sweet Easy Restaurant

Sambusa Two Tables Restaurant

Sweet Easy Restaurant, Zanzibar
Address: Shangani Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar
Phone: 0777 416736
Opening Hours: 11am-Midnight

The best Thai food in Zanzibar is served up at the Sweet Easy Restaurant and Lounge in Zanzibar’s Stone Town.

Whether you want a good curry or another Thai specialty, this is your place.

If Thai is not your thing or you’re looking for something more authentically African, the chef at the Sweet Easy Restaurant in Zanzibar also turns out some good pan- African cuisine.

Sweet Easy Restaurant and Lounge is also known for its nightlife scene in Zanzibar.

With a pool table and an active bar, locals and visitors alike enjoy the atmosphere at Sweet Easy.

Tower Top Restaurant, Zanzibar
Address: 236 Hurumzi Street, Zanzibar Tanzania
Phone: 255-(0)77-7423266

The Tower Top Restaurant in Zanzibar is one of the most iconic and well-known restaurants in Stone Town.

The restaurant is located in the Emerson & Green Hotel in Zanzibar, and it is definitely one the best restaurants in Zanzibar.

Guests at Tower Top Restaurant in Zanzibar enjoy live music while dining Arabian Nights-style on carpets and beautiful pillows.

With ocean views to match the food, Tower Top Restaurant is well worth a visit.

Emerson and Green Hotel, Zanzibar
Address: 236 Hurumzi Street, Zanzibar Tanzania
Phone: 255-(0)77-7423266

Situated in the heart of Stone Town, the Emerson & Green Hotel in Zanzibar is one of the best hotels in Tanzania.

The hotel is located in the second tallest building in the city.

The building was formerly the residence of the wealthiest family in the Swahili Empire, and the Emerson & Green Hotel still retains its luxurious feel.

Each of the 10 guest rooms in the Emerson & Green Hotel in Zanzibar are uniquely fitted with original Zanzibar antiques.

The hotel has an authentically Zanzibari feel.

The new “Peace of Love” wing boasts gorgeous new rooms, most of which have balconies with beautiful sea views.

Emerson & Green is also home of the famous Tower Top Restaurant, one of Zanzibar’s best restaurants.

With ocean views to match the food, Tower Top Restaurant is well worth a visit, even if you’re not staying at Emerson & Green hotel in Zanzibar.

There are hundreds of Kilimanjaro tour companies operating out of Arusha and Moshi, the two largest cities near Mount Kilimanjaro.

Finding a good company to do your Kilimanjaro climb with is important.

You can book your Kilimanjaro tour company in advance or when you arrive.

Either way, make sure to nail down all details in advance of payment and check your equipment for damage before starting your climb.

Below is a list of several good Kilimanjaro tour companies.

Kiliman Trek and Bike Safari Company

African Amazing Adventures

Bush Explores

Below is a list of airlines that fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Airkenya Express airlines has flights to Kilimanjaro from Mombasa and Nairobi

Air Uganda has flights to Kilimanjaro from Entebbe

Condor Airlines has flights to Kilimanjaro from Frankfurt and Mombasa

Ethiopian Airlines has flights to Kilimanjaro from Addis Ababa and Nairobi

Kenya Airways has flights to Kilimanjaro from Nairobi and Mombasa

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has flights to Kilimanjaro from Amsterdam en route to Dar Es Salaam

Precision Air has flights to Kilimanjaro from Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Mwanza, Nairobi and Zanzibar

Rwandair Express has flights to Kilimanjaro from Kigali

ZanAir has flights to Kilimanjaro from Zanzibar

The best airport for Kilimanjaro trips is Kilimanjaro International Airport.

The Kilimanjaro airport has two airport codes, one is JRO and the other is HTKJ.

Kilimanjaro International Airport is ideally located for those that want to climb Mt Kilimanjaro.

It is also in a good location for those that want to visit Arusha or Moshi, which are the the closest major cities to Kilimanjaro.

For a list of airlines that fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, click here.

There are a number of bus companies that offer buses from Dar Es Salaam to Arusha, Tanzania.

Quality and prices vary, so do some research before traveling.

Most bus companies that operate buses from Dar Es Salaam to Arusha have a bus leaving at 6:00am (this is true of the return buses from Arusha to Dar Es Salaam as well).

There are later buses as well, but they arrive very late at night.

There are no night buses from Dar Es Salaam to Arusha.

The luxury bus companies in Tanzania are Dar Express, Scandinavian, Royal Coach and Kilimanjaro Coach.

Budget bus companies in Tanzania are Buffalo Bus, Ngorika Bus and Happy Nations.

The following is a list of Tanzania airports and airport codes.

For airlines that fly to Tanzania, click here.

Bukoba Airport BKZ
Dar Es Salaam International Airport DAR
Dodoma Airport DOD
Geita Airport GIT
Iringa Nduli Airport IRI
Kigoma Airport TKQ
Kilimanjaro Airport JRO
Kilwa Airport KIY
Lake Manyara Airport LKY
Lindi Kikwetu Airport LDI
Lushoto Airport LUY
Mafia Island Airport MFA
Masasi Airport XMI
Mbeya Airport MBI
Mtwara Airport MYW
Musoma Airport MUZ
Mwadui Airport MWN
Mwanza Airport MWZ
Nachingwea Airport NCH
Njombe Airport JOM
Pemba Island Wawi Airport PMA
Seronera Airport SEU
Shinyanga Airport SHY
Songea Airport SGX
Sumbawanga Airport SUT
Tabora Airport TBO
Tanga Airport TGT
Zanzibar Kisauni Airport ZNZ

There are two Tanzania languages.

The official languages of Tanzania are English and Swahili.

That said, many other regional and local dialects and languages are spoken throughout Tanzania.

Simba Camp in Ngorongoro Crater is the only common campsite in the park.

With basic facilities that are frequently described as “so-so,” Simba Camp is not a Tanzania safari lodge for those that want a nice place to stay.

It is a basic facility for those that want to do a budget safari in Tanzania.

Simba camp becomes crowded in the high season, but has basic amenities like showers and toilets.

Despite the drawbacks, Simba Camp is a great place to stay in the Ngorongoro Crater if you want to be up close to the animals.

There are no gates to the campsite, so animals are free to wander in and around Simba Camp as they please.

There are guards in case of unforeseen incidents, but Simba Camp is peaceful most of the time.

The Ngorongoro Serena Hotel and Safari Lodge is located right on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

Like all Serena hotels, the Ngorongoro Serena Hotel is luxurious and has all the amenities of a world-class safari lodge. The hotel blends into the earthy backdrop of the crater edge, and is a perfect jumping-off point for your safari game drives in the crater.

Rooms at the Ngorongoro Serena Hotel are decorated in neutral tones with all the attention to detail one would expect from a Serena destination. The hotel offers an array of meals, including BBQ lunches, as well as spa facilities and a boutique.

Room rates at the Ngorongoro Serena Hotel are $555USD/night for a double room during the high season (Jun 1-March 31), $335USD/night for a double room during the low season (April 1-May 30).

The Ngorongoro Crater is a popular destination for Tanzania safaris. The crater is a hollowed-out volcano that forms a natural self-contained safari park that is 20km wide.

The Ngorongoro Crater boasts of having one of the most populous game areas in the Africa. With over thirty thousand animals, the Crater makes for a great place to see rare animals like rhinos.

The Ngorongoro Crater is 180 km from Arusha, Tanzania, and is about a 4 hour drive on a mostly dirt road.

The gates of the Ngorongoro Crater park open at 7:00am and close at 4:00pm. All vehicles must be out of the crater before 6:00pm.

Google launched free maps of Africa inside Google Maps, including maps of Zanzibar.

These now include road and street maps of Zanzibar.

Check out Google maps of Zanzibar below.

View Larger Map

Google offers free maps of Africa inside Google Maps, including maps of Dar es Salaam.

The maps include detailed road and street maps of Dar and other cities in Tanzania.

Check out Google maps of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania below.

View Larger Map

Mount Kilimanjaro: On Africa’s Roof, Still Crowned with Snow
By NEIL MODIE

A THICK veil of snow had settled on Kilimanjaro the morning after my group arrived in Tanzania. Over breakfast, we gazed at the peak filling the sky above the palm trees of our hotel courtyard in Moshi, the town closest to the mountain. It was as Hemingway described it: “as wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun.”

I had wanted to climb to the roof of Africa before climate change erased its ice fields and the romance of its iconic “Snows of Kilimanjaro” image. But as we trudged across the 12,000-foot Shira plateau on Day 2 of our weeklong climb and gazed at the whiteness of the vast, humpbacked summit, I thought maybe I needn’t have worried.

Continued on nytimes.com

Dar es Salaam is the traditional capital of Tanzania, and is the most important city in Tanzania economically.

Located on the coast of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is home to beaches, harbors, and other maritime activities.

People visiting Tanzania can check out Dar es Salaam’s cultural sights in addition to its coastal beauty.

Dar es Salaam’s Zoological Gardens, National Museum, Village Museum are all open to visitors.

Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is a game park that is popular for safaris in Tanzania.

Tarangire National Park is located south of Maasailand on 2600 sq/km of land.

One of the lesser known of the Tanzania safari locations, Tarangire National Park is a great destination for those travelers wanting an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Best time of year to visit Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park can be visited year round.

March to May is the rainy season and many of the lodges shut down during these months due to the weather.

Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania is the longest lake in the entire world.

The lake is also the second largest and second deepest lake by volume in the world.

The lake straddles the border between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Lake Tanganyika has more 350 species of fish swimming in its waters.

The abundance of fish like the Goliath Tiger Fish and Nile Perch make fishing in Lake Tanganyika a popular activity.

The lake is also a great place for people visiting Lake Tanganyika to go diving and snorkeling in Tanzania.

Lake Victoria in Tanzania is one of Africa’s Great Lakes.

Measuring 26,560 sq/mi, Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world.

The lake is shared by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.

Lake Victoria ferries run from Kisumu, Mwanza, Bukoba, Entebbe, Port Bell and Jinja to connect people in all three countries.

Tourism around Lake Victoria in Tanzania is scarce, but worth the visit for those feeling adventurous.

Rubondo Island National Park is a beautiful place to visit, and Lake Victoria’s many islands make great sights.

Accommodation at Lake Victoria in Tanzania is scarce so don’t expect to find any high-end hotels or resorts.

Mount Kilimanjaro, an inactive volcano in north-east Tanzania, is one of Tanzania’s great attractions.

At 15,100 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest peak in Africa.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure that can be undertaken by people visiting Tanzania.

There are routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro that can be undertaken by experienced climbers, as well as routes that can be done by those with less experience.

There are many tour companies that offer trekking and planning assistance to travelers who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.  

They can help with booking travel to and from Tanzania and also with your trek up the mountain.

Transport to and from Kilimanjaro can easily be done by flight from or by bus.

Serena safari lodges in Tanzania are some of the top safari lodges in the country.

There are six Serena safari lodges in Tanzania.

All of them are luxury safari lodges with high-quality amenities.

Serena Safari Lodges in Tanzania:

Ngorongoro Serena Hotel and Safari Lodge
Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge
Arusha Mountain Village
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Kirawira Camp Western Serengeti
Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp

The best time of year for Tanzania safaris is during the annual wildebeest migration that takes place during the summer and early autumn.

The migration goes from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

The wildebeest migration usually takes place from July to September, although dates vary every year and it is impossible to predict the exact timing.

The best time to see the wildebeest migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti is June to August when the wildebeest cross the Grumeti River in Tanzania.

The annual wildebeest migration in Tanzania usually happens from July to September.

The migration takes place between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve.

Thousands of wildebeest and zebras make the seasonal migration in search of food during this time, and predators such as lions take advantage of their movements.

The wildebeest migration to the western part of the Serengeti National Park takes place around June.

From around July to August the wildebeest cross the Grumeti River in Tanzania on their way to Kenya.

From around December to January they migrate back from Kenya’s Masai Mara to the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Most Tanzania safaris take place in northern Tanzania’s Serengeti park.

The Serengeti is a 60,000 sq/km game reserve that is famous throughout the world for its safaris.

People visiting Tanzania can stay in one of the many Serengeti lodges and take daily game drives to see the wildlife.

Make sure to plan your safari at a good time of year; safaris are particularly great during the annual wildebeest migration.

Other popular destinations for Tanzania safaris include the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.

Airlines that fly to Tanzania from Germany:

Condor Airlines has flights to Tanzania from Germany

Airlines that fly to Tanzania from South Africa:

South African Airways has flights to Tanzania from South Africa
Yemenia Airways has flights to Tanzania from South Africa
Zambian Airways has flights to Tanzania from South Africa

Airlines that fly to Tanzania from the Switzerland:

Swiss Airlines has flights to Tanzania from Switzerland

Airlines that fly to Tanzania from the UK:

British Airways has flights to Tanzania from the UK
Condor Airlines has flights to Tanzania from the UK

Tanzania Visa Requirements:

All people visiting Tanzania from non-Commonwealth countries must get a visa unless their country has an agreement with Tanzania to waive the Tanzania visa requirement.

People visiting Tanzania from Commonwealth countries are not required to have a visa except for citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria, or India.

Unless there is no Tanzanian mission in your country of origin, you must obtain your Tanzania visa prior to traveling to Tanzania.

To obtain a Tanzania visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry.

Make sure to check with your country’s Tanzania mission prior to traveling to Tanzania to confirm the Tanzania visa requirements.

There are several ways to get to Zanzibar from Tanzania and Kenya.

Flights to Zanzibar from Tanzania and Kenya

There are regular daily flights to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, Pemba and Arusha.

There are also flights to Zanzibar from the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania and the some of the game parks in northern Tanzania.

There are regular daily flights to Zanzibar from Mombasa and Nairobi, Kenya.

Beware that Precision Air overbooks all of its flights to Zanzibar, so get to the airport extra early to avoid getting bumped to a later flight.

Ferry to Zanzibar from Tanzania and Kenya

Ferrys run regularly to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam and Pemba.

There are also dhows to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Bagamoyou and Mombasa.

Beware of the Tanzania airport tax.

When departing Tanzania airports an airport tax applies.

An airport tax of $30 USD applies to all international flights.

An airport tax of 5,000 TSH applies to all domestic flights.

If the Tanzania airport tax is not included in the price of your ticket, the airport tax must be paid in cash at the airport before departure.

NB: Make sure to bring USD or TSH with you to the airport, as airport exchange rates are notoriously bad.

The Tanzania currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TSH).

One Tanzanian shilling is further broken down into cents.

Each shilling is comprised of 100 cents.

Tanzanian shillings come in note denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100.

Tanzanian shillings come in coin denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 cents.

You can get Tanzania currency at ATMs in Tanzania, or you can use a money exchange office in your home country or when you arrive.

Make sure to check rates for money changing in Tanzania so that you get a fair price if you buy Tanzania currency.

The best Zanzibar hotels are located all over Zanzibar.

There are a lot of good quality hotels to choose from in Zanzibar, so narrowing the list down is difficult.

Below is my list of the best Zanzibar hotels.

Tembo House Hotel, Zanzibar

Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge, Zanzibar

Zanzibar Serena Inn Hotel, Zanzibar

Mangapwani Serena Beach Club, Zanzibar

Emerson & Green Hotel, Zanzibar

Mangapwani Serena Beach Club in Zanzibar is one of the best luxury hotels in Zanzibar.

Located on Zanzibar’s northwest coast at Mangapwani beach, the Mangapwani Serena Beach Club is a great location for those that want to get away from bustling Stone Town.

The Mangapwani Serena Beach Club offers activities ranging from snorkelling and diving to sea kayaking and dhow trips.

There are beach BBQ’s, sunset cocktails, and everything else that makes Zanzibar a true paradise.

Serena Hotels are famous for their high quality and beauty, and the Zanzibar Serena Inn hotel is no exception.

The Serena hotel in Zanzibar is housed in a simple white building.

Don’t let the simple exterior of the Zanzibar Serena Inn hotel fool you, though.

The interior of the Zanzibar Serena Inn hotel is a stunning blend of Arabian, Persian, and European styles.

The hotel has a restaurant and a swimming pool for guests to enjoy.

Located in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar, the Zanzibar Serena Inn hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Zanzibar.

Mangapwani Beach in Zanzibar is located on Zanzibar’s northwest coast.

Away from the crowds of Stone Town, it is one of the best beaches in Zanzibar.

Mangapwani Beach is a large stretch of pristine sand with clear water at its edge.

Mangapwani beach is known for its many sheltered coves and rock outcroppings, as well as its secluded beauty.

Hotels in the area include the Serena Beach Club, a luxury hotel in Zanzibar.

Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar is located on the northern shore of Zanzibar island.

Nungwi beach is famous for being one of the best beaches in Zanzibar.

The beach features a wide stretch of white sand and the warm turquoise water of the Indian Ocean.

Nungwi beach is a great place for water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.

Most dive trips to the Mnemba Atoll leave from Nungwi beach’s shore.

Zanzibar, located in the Indian Ocean, is famous for its beautiful, clear water and great diving and snorkeling. Below is a list of some of the best places to dive and snorkel in Zanzibar:

Diving in Zanzibar’s Pemba Reefs

There is a lot for experienced divers to explore while diving in Zanzibar’s Pemba Reefs, including the Emerald Reef, the Panza Wreck, the Misali Coral Garden and Mountain, the Mandela Wall, and many more.

Diving in Zanzibar’s Stone Town

Stone Town diving is a good place to start, as it is easily accessable, inexpensive, and good for beginners or those needing a refresher dive. There are good wrecks around Stone Town that attract divers and snorkelers to the area as well. Stone Town wrecks include the Bahari Wreck, the Great Northern Wreck, and the Pegasus Wreck.

Diving in Zanzibar’s Nungwi

Nungwi is farther out, but its few reefs are worth exploring. Divers flock to Leven Bank, Hunga Reef, and Nankiville for its variety of coral, fish, and sharks. The strong currents mean that Zanzibar’s Nungwi is best for experienced divers.

Zanzibar spice tours are a popular way for visitors to learn about Zanzibar’s spice production.

Most of Zanzibar’s spice tours take place in the center of the island on Zanzibar’s spice plantations.

Visitors are assigned to a guide, who takes them on a walking tour of the spice plantation.

The spice tour guide points out various spices and tells visitors about the uses for the spice.

Many guides take visitors to taste Zanzibar’s spices and local fruit at the end of the tour.

Spice tours in Zanzibar can be organized through a tour company prior to arrival or by a hotel upon arrival.

Tembo House Hotel
Forodhani Street, Box 3974, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tembo House Hotel Phone: 255 (24) 2233005

The Tembo House Hotel in Zanzibar is right in the heart of Stone Town. A former American Consulate in Zanzibar, Tembo House is conveniently located on the beach and is close to many shops and restaurants.

Part of the Tembo House Hotel is an old Arab house with authentic decor and design and traditional Tanzanian furniture. The hotel boasts of a large outdoor swimming pool and great views of the ocean. The open-air restaurant at the hotel is a relaxing place to watch the sunset and enjoy a meal.

Room rates at the Tembo House Hotel in Zanzibar are around 90USD per night.

Stone Town is the main city on Zanzibar island in Tanzania. Although small in size, Zanzibar’s Stone Town is rich in culture and history, and is a beautiful place to explore.

Visitors can wander through Stone Town’s narrow, crooked streets, stopping to browse local artisans’ shops or to sip tea in an open-air cafe. Water enthusiasts can visit Stone Town’s beach or sail in a dhow in the Indian Ocean. There is no shortage of restaurants in Stone Town, including the outdoor beach-front restaurant at the Tembo House Hotel in Stone Town.

For those interested in the history of Zanzibar, visitors can view part of the old Zanzibar slave market, which was sadly once a vital part of Zanzibar’s economy.

Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge in Zanzibar
Address: Chuini Ruins/Bububu, Box 4747, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Phone: +255 (0) 777 45 48 92

Zanzibar’s Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge is located on the west coast of Zanzibar, about 12km from Stone Town.

Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge offers private bungalows and spa treatments, and is located right on a secluded beach.

The Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge’s restaurant serves up fresh cuisine on its beautiful beach-front outdoor dining area.

Owners Fritz and Rose are kind and helpful in setting up trips to town and tours of the island.

Room rates at the Hakuna Matata Beach Lodge range from $65 to 130USD per person per night (double room including breakfast), depending on the season.