Visit Tanzania – Top places, food, arts and culture

If you’re looking for an African adventure, there’s no better place to visit than Tanzania. From the Serengeti to Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and wildlife. Other notable attractions are the beach resort town of Zanzibar and the historical city of Dar es Salaam.

Whether you’re interested in safari-ing, climbing, or simply relaxing on a beach, Tanzania has something to offer every type of traveler. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Tanzania today!

As you read, we will reveal all you need to know about life in Tanzania and what to expect when you arrive.

About Tanzania

Tanzania is located in East Africa and is home to over 55 million people. The economy of Tanzania is primarily based on agriculture, which accounts for about 24% of the country’s GDP. Tourism is also a significant contributor to the economy, with most visitors coming from other African countries. Human development in Tanzania is relatively low, with an HDI of 0.547. But, the government has made significant progress in recent years, with GDP per capita increasing by an average of 4.3% between 2010 and 2018.

The culture of Tanzania is diverse, with influences from Arab, Portuguese, British, and Indian cultures. However, Swahili and English are the official languages of communication.

Most of the population is Christian, but there is also a significant Muslim minority. Food in Tanzania includes maize, rice, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, plantains, meats (beef, goat, chicken), and fish. Seafood is popular in coastal areas. Tanzanian cuisine often features spicy dishes.

Tanzania faces many challenges related to security.

Tanzania Travel Policy

Contact your nearest embassy or consulate of Tanzania for more details about the visa requirements for Tanzania. The types of visas available may change, so it is advisable to contact the nearest embassy or consulate for updates.

To enter Tanzania, you must prove to officials that you have been vaccinated with the vaccine in the form of a vaccination certificate with a QR code. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you must get a COVID-19 RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure or use a certificate that proves a negative result with a QR code at your entry point.

Upon arrival, you will most likely be subjected to testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) if you travel to a nation mentioned on the Ministry of Health’s website. Ensure you review entry requirements with the Tanzanian government before making travel plans. Check the Ministry of Health’s website for the latest entry requirements.

What you need to know before you visit Tanzania

All travelers, irrespective of ethnicity, nationality, or residency, must enter Tanzania through designated (formal) Entry Points. Once they arrive, the traveler will be responsible for entering the country and must bear in mind the following:

• Appear personally before an Immigration Officer with a completed and signed Arrival Declaration Card.
• Producing their passport or other necessary documents to the Immigration authorities. In the case of foreign nationals; these may be required:
• A Valid Visa or apply for Visa on arrival.
•  Residence Permit/Pass If they are legal Residents in Tanzania.
• A Return ticket or evidence of onward travel.
• Proof of funds for personal upkeep.

Available Transport Options in Tanzania

By Plane: Tanzania has three international airports Dar es Salaam International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and Zanzibar International Airport. Many international airlines operate direct flights to and from Dar es Salaam. For example, flights from England, Netherlands, Switzerland, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, etc. Furthermore, all international flights charge a departure tax of about $30.

By Ship: Accessing Tanzania by the ocean can be time-consuming due to the scenic view it will provide. Remember that bad weather often affects the regional or large commercial passenger ship routes between Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Malawi. And you will be charged a USD5-port-tax when departing from a Tanzanian pier.

By Bus: It is advised if you are planning to travel through Tanzania from east to west to enter East Africa through the main crossroads, Namanga, situated between Nairobi and Arusha. Taking regular shuttle buses or private vehicles makes it fairly accessible to go from one place to the other. Contact relevant offices beforehand to know where you’re traveling and how long the trip will take.

NOTE: Threats of violence, petty theft, and violent armed robbery are common in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s capital. Be extra cautious in Arusha, in northern Tanzania. Robbery is organized, with such robberies as carjackings, home invasions, and automobile muggings. The risk of being pulled or run over is high. Do not resist bag snatching from cars.

Floodwaters can clog roadways during wet seasons (March to May and November to December). Monsoon weather occurs along the coasts and islands of coastal and island areas from July to October. Cyclones could also occur in these areas. Pay attention to the instructions of local authorities.

Seven reasons you should visit Tanzania

From enchanting game reserves with abundant wildlife to beautiful beaches replete with luxury lodging, fabulous culture, and excellent food, Tanzania has something to suit any tourist. Here are seven reasons why your next vacation should be there.

#1. Mt Kilimanjaro

Located in Northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and is perceptible from as far away as Kenya. Mount Kilimanjaro represents a primal life force for the locals living in the Chagga communities and all those who make their livelihoods near it, offering fortuitous volcanic soil for agriculture and a pure spring water supply. Around 75,000 people climb Kilimanjaro every year.

#2. The Culinary Experience

Tanzanian food tends to be a mixture of traditional African fare, with a strong Arabic Indian influence, particularly in the coastal areas and Zanzibar. Wrapped by the ocean, Zanzibar is known for its rich seafood, with dozens of eateries giving a generous assortment of shellfish menus. For the ultimate gastronomic encounter, find Stone Town night food market.

#3. Wildlife Resort

With an overabundance of wild animals and more than 1,000 bird species in Tanzania, this African nation has one of the most extensive diversity and concentration. In addition, Tanzania is home to one of the world’s most renowned national parks and game reserves, including the Selous Game Reserve, the world’s largest game reserve and home to over 120,000 elephants, 160,000 buffalos, and 2000 rhinos.

#4. The Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is the crowning jewel of Tanzania’s crown. It is the site of the nation’s largest intact caldera and home to a wealth of wildlife, making this destination the biggest “must-see” on any visit to Tanzania. The backdrops of the crater walls provide splendid photographic moments as you walk by, looking at the wild animals navigating the volcanic meadows on the crater floor.

#5. The Western and Southern National Safari Parks

Southern and Western Tanzania is called “sleeper parks” among vacationers. Still, they are exceedingly popular amongst clients who are into serious safaris. The Southern and Ruaha parks provide some of the most riveting wildlife in the region and many other attractions and activities to delight tourists.

#6. The Maasai Folks

The Maasai people live between the Great Rift Valley and desert-like lands in Kenya and Tanzania, southwestern Kenya, and northeastern Tanzania. They are known for their red fabric, which is labeled a shuka, and their highly energetic traditions. They are more than happy to admit tourists to their area to experience the culture and lifestyle that’s unique to that area.

#7. Lavish Accommodation Options

Tanzania affords vacationers a broad array of lodging alternatives. There is the Four Seasons Serengeti for the ultimate luxurious safari adventure; for those looking for an authentic tented safari experience, there are camps like &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas and Selous Serena Camp, and for honeymooners or couples, Zanzibar has a variety of lavish resorts.

Also Read: Tanzanian Embassy in Canada – Top 3 Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to visit Tanzania?

Yes, Tanzania is a reasonably safe country. It’s considered one of the safe African countries, both for locals and tourists.

Is Tanzania worth visiting?

Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most grand and precious national parks and game reserves, including the Selous Game Reserve, the world’s largest game reserve, and home to more than 100,000 elephants, 150,000 buffalos, and 1000 rhinos. Selous is also home to high concentrations of hippos, crocodiles, and wild dogs.

What is the best month to visit Tanzania?

When Tanzania is at its driest in July and August, it’s a great time to visit. In addition, freshwater fish are only abundant during this time, which makes this a terrific time to visit the national parks.

Is Tanzania Safe for tourists 2023?

Tanzania is mostly safe to visit, though you should exercise vigilance in tourist areas such as Arusha, Stone Town (Zanzibar), and Dar es Salaam.

Why is Tanzania so famous?

Tanzania is perhaps the most well-known country in Africa, as it is often associated with the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar. People from all over the world flock to Tanzania to go on safari in some of the best national parks in the world.

Conclusion

Tanzania is a great country to visit and has something for everyone. With its diverse landscape, culture, and history, there is truly something for everyone in Tanzania. The scenery is beautiful, the people are friendly, and plenty of things to do. So whether you want to go on a safari, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, or relax on the beach, Tanzania has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Tanzania today!