Tanzania Travel Guide
Season • Note
Are December and January good months to visit Tanzania?
December
Semi-high
season
January
Semi-high
season
Did you know?
The population of Tanzania is around 59.73 mil., which puts the country in 24. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Dodoma (TZ) and Washington D.C. (US) is 7706 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Dodoma click here
Country Comparison
Compare Tanzania to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Tanzania
| Miles | Dar es Salaam | Stone Town | Mount Kilimanjaro | Ngorongoro Conservation Area | Kilimanjaro National Park | Moshi | Serengeti National Park | Nungwi |
| Dar es Salaam | - | 44 | 290 | 372 | 290 | 273 | 437 | 74 |
| Stone Town | 44 | - | 249 | 339 | 249 | 232 | 403 | 31 |
| Mount Kilimanjaro | 290 | 249 | - | 136 | 0 | 19 | 185 | 227 |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area | 372 | 339 | 136 | - | 136 | 137 | 65 | 326 |
| Kilimanjaro National Park | 290 | 249 | 0 | 136 | - | 19 | 185 | 227 |
| Moshi | 273 | 232 | 19 | 137 | 19 | - | 190 | 212 |
| Serengeti National Park | 437 | 403 | 185 | 65 | 185 | 190 | - | 390 |
| Nungwi | 74 | 31 | 227 | 326 | 227 | 212 | 390 | - |
A Brief History of Tanzania
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
600 B.C. - 400 B.C.
Bantu peoplesBantu-speaking peoples move into the area east of Lake Victoria
100
Arab cultureArab traders travel routes between Africa's west and east coasts. Gold, ivory, cloth and beads are exchanged. Arab culture and religion spread.
1498
First EuropeanPortuguese explorer Vasco da Gama becomes the first European to reach the East African coast.
1699
Omani ArabsPortuguese ousted from Zanzibar by Omani Arabs.
1886
Zanzibar TreatyGermany and Britain sign an agreement giving Germany control of a portion of East Africa.
1905 - 06
Maji Maji RebellionGerman troops suppress a revolt by the indigenous Maji Maji.
1911
Sultan of the islandAlthough Zanzibar is under British rule, Khalifa ibn Harub becomes sultan of the island. He exerts a strong influence until his death in 1960.
1919
World War IAfter Germany's defeat in World War I, Britain, Belgium and Portugal take over parts of East Africa.
1947
Trusteeship agreementTanganiyaka is placed under United Nations trusteeship.
1961
Tanganiyaka gains independenceTanganiyaka becomes independent.
1963
Zanzibar gains independenceZanzibar becomes independent.
1964
TanzaniaTanganiyaka and Zanzibar merge to form one nation. Six months later, the new nation adopts the name Tanzania.
1979
Kagera WarTanzanian forces invade Uganda and help to oust President Idi Amin.
2001
Gold producerA new goldmine, the Bulyanhulu, opens near the town of Mwanza, making Tanzania Africa's third largest gold producer.
2005 - 2010
President Jakaya KikweteJakaya Kikwete wins presidential election. He is re-elected in 2010.
Best Ways to Experience Tanzania
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreTanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- EUR
- GBP
- TZS
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- TZS
- USD
| = |
Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Tanzania.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Cholera
Cholera is a disease of the digestive tract caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.The most common infection occurs through the ingestion, mainly through water contaminated with human faeces, and also through food (mainly fruit, seafood). Less often by contact with the sick person and their environment.Prevention
- Eat and drink safely
- Reduce your exposure to germs
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Tanzania
Areas with malaria
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Tanzania for tourism
A visa is required, but it is possible to obtain it at selected border crossing points (visa on arrival).
- Allowed stay: 3 months
- Ordinary visa available on arrival for $100
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Tanzania the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type D, G sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type D
Type GFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 24 / 231 Ranking | 59 734 218 mainland - African 99% (of which 95% are Bantu consisting of more than 130 tribes), other 1% (consisting of Asian, European, and Arab) |
Area | 32 / 230 Ranking | 364.9 thous. mi² It is approximately 10% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 145 / 196 Ranking | 69.9 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 68.1women 71.7 |
Median age | 13 / 157 Ranking | 18.2 Average age of population expressed in years.men 17.9women 18.4 |
Population growth | 12 / 172 Ranking | 2.81% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 88 / 131 Ranking | 77.9% Ability to read, write and count.men 83.2%women 73.1% |
GDP | 170 / 194 Ranking | 2 780 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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