Tanzania tours

Here are some things you can do when you travel to Tanzania, a place rich with wildlife, culture, and stunning natural scenery.

• Go on a safari. This East African country is home to leopards, lions, elephants, and countless other animals, making it an ideal destination for safari tours.
• Meet locals. Travelers on our Tanzania Wildlife Safari can meet students and teachers at a community school, as well as other locals.
• Learn about animal conservation. Poaching is a danger to East Africa’s animals. On our Tanzania tours, get the chance to meet with a local anti-poaching expert to learn about efforts to protect them.
• Marvel at ancient Maasai cave art. While exploring the Serengeti on a game drive, see ancient Maasai cave art at the granite formations known as the Moru Kopjes.
• Take a Swahili cooking class. Travelers on our Tanzania tours can add an extension to Zanzibar, where they can take an optional Swahili cooking class to learn about—and taste—local cuisine.

• Mount Kilimanjaro. This towering, snow-capped mountain is Africa’s highest peak—and the reason many mountain climbers travel to Tanzania.
• Ngorongoro Crater. The largest intact caldera in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater covers more than 100 square miles and is nearly 3 million years old. It’s a popular spot for travelers who visit Tanzania thanks to the abundance of animals who gather there.
• Serengeti National Park. This World Heritage Site, which travelers can explore on our group tours to Tanzania, is home to millions of wild animals, as well as the Great Migration.

For even more places to view wildlife when you travel to Tanzania, check out our guide to Tanzania’s national parks →

Temperatures in Tanzania can range from very hot to quite cool, and weather can include anything from bright sunshine to heavy rain. And travelers who book our Tanzania travel packages will enjoy game drives, visits with local villagers, and other activities. These essentials will have you prepared for anything.

•  Lots of layers. On our tours to Tanzania, you’ll go on game drives in the early morning and in the evening, when temperatures can be cool. Be sure to bring along a jacket, socks, long-sleeve shirts, and pants. Daytime temperatures in Tanzania can be quite warm, so bring short-sleeve shirts and shorts, too.
• Comfortable shoes. Hiking boots and sneakers come in handy for Tanzania safaris. Just be sure to pack pairs you won’t mind getting dirty.
• Sun protection. The sun in East Africa can be strong, so be sure to bring along sunglasses, a brimmed or billed hat, and sunscreen when you travel to Tanzania.
• Neutral-colored clothing. We recommend packing neutral-colored clothing for Tanzania safaris. Not only will it help you blend in with natural scenery during game drives and walking safaris, but it’ll deter insects that are drawn to bright and dark colors alike.
• A lightweight wrap, scarf, or shawl. Bringing one of these along will help keep you warm during chilly game drives, or, when dipped in cool water and placed around your neck, cool during Tanzania’s hotter days.
• A high-quality camera. With so many majestic animals and breathtaking settings to snap, a good camera is a must-have for any Tanzania vacation. (Don’t forget your charging accessories, and maybe an extra memory card or two.) To see incredible photos travelers Dave and Deb captured in Tanzania, check out African plains: a look through the lens →
• Binoculars. Good binoculars are essential for Tanzania safaris. They’ll get you close-up views of birds in trees, big cats lurking in the bush, and stars twinkling in Tanzania’s dark, nighttime skies.
• Insect repellent. On Tanzania safaris, you’re likely to encounter insects. Bring along strong insect repellent to prevent itchy bites and stings.
• A good book, portable game, or tablet. All of our Tanzania safari tours include downtime between game drives and other outdoor activities. It’s the perfect opportunity for a refreshing nap, or to read, play a game, or watch your favorite show.

In East Africa, cuisine is known for its bright, flavorful spices, including turmeric, cumin, curry powder, and tamarind, and often features ingredients such as beans, yams, sweet potatoes, rice, plantains, and meat. Here are a few dishes you can try on our tours to Tanzania.

• Ugali. This firm, dough-like porridge is made from boiled cornmeal paste and is perfect for scooping up sauces, stews, and curries.
• Ndizi na nyama. To make this hearty, nourishing stew, pieces of plantains and meat are cooked with tomatoes, onions, coconut milk, curry powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Makai paka. A popular dish to look out for when traveling on one of our Tanzania trips, makai paka consists of corn cobs that are cooked in spiced coconut milk and served atop a mound of fluffy rice.  
• Mchuzi wa samaki. With their long stretches of coastline, Tanzania and Zanzibar serve up top-notch fish and seafood dishes. One to try on our trips to Tanzania: this traditional, spicy Swahili dish that’s made by cooking white fish with curry powder, lemon juice, onions, garlic, and tomatoes and served with steamed rice.

Dining: When it comes to food, we encourage travelers who book our Tanzania tour packages to try as many local dishes as they can. Meat and seafood are featured in many dishes, but, in destinations such as Zanzibar and in local towns and villages, we suggest asking your Tour Director for help choosing a spot where these ingredients are fresh and prepared in safe, sanitary facilities. Try to avoid peeled fruit, too. And when it comes to water, stick to bottled—and skip ice altogether.

Health: Tanzania requires yellow fever and hepatitis vaccinations for entry. And although it’s not required, anti-malarial medication is a wise addition to your packing list, and something worth discussing with your doctor.

Money: Cash is used widely throughout Tanzania, so be sure to keep some handy. Tipping safari guides is also customary, and you’ll want some cash for that.

Respect for wildlife: Few things in life are more thrilling than spotting wild animals on safari. But remember that they’re just that—wild. For your own safety and enjoyment, and for the safety and welfare of the animals you spot on tour, be sure to heed your safari guides’ instructions.