Holiday Guide to Tanzania

Tanzania is emerging as a popular tourist destination for travellers from the Middle East as it is known for for its vast wilderness areas which include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park that is home to whale sharks and coral reefs.

Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most famous national parks and natural attractions, including majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The country is also known for its exotic wildlife and rich culture. Undoubtedly, Tanzania is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world where you can see amazing wildlife including the great wildebeest migration in the month of August.

Due to its historical Arab connections and culture, Tanzania is often the preferred choice for Arab tourists from the Middle East. Excellent air connectivity and close geographical proximity has also contributed to the growing tourist arrivals from the Middle East to this fascinating East African nation.

What To See, Where To Go

Visitors from the Middle East enjoy the snow-capped peaks, ‘Big Five wildlife safaris and idyllic islands that Tanzania has to offer. As a result, Tanzania is fast emerging as a popular travel destination for both luxury and adventure travellers from the Middle East countries. Here are the best and most beautiful places to visit in Tanzania…

Cheetah’s Rock
Mbudya Island
Nakupenda Beach Nature Reserve
Ngurdoto Crater
Kikuletwa Hotsprings
Bongoyo Island
Nungwi Beach
Ol Doinyo Lengai
Prison Island – Changuu Private Island
Stone Town

How many days do you need in Tanzania?

Based on my travels around Tanzania, I would advise at least 8 – 10 days to cover the Northern Circuit (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti). However, if you want to visit other areas like Lake Victora, Mahale Mountains, Ruaha, Selous, Zanzibar then you should plan a longer holiday.

In case you prefer to rather have the Serengeti to yourself, travelling in low season is your best option. Periods in which visitor numbers are low and camps rates are much lower include mid-March to mid-May (long rains), early November to mid-December (short rains) and the last two weeks in January.

Best Time To Visit Tanzania

The best time to visit Tanzania and enjoy a safari in Serengeti Park is from late June to August. However, between January to March is also a good time to witness the calving season.

Where to Stay in Tanzania

As the tourism infrastructure is not as well-developed as in neighbouring Kenya or Uganda, hotels choices in Tanzania are rather relatively limited. That said, there are different accommodations located in different areas where visitors can stay. Mostly visitors from the Middle East prefer to stay in hotels, lodges, resorts and camps – few even in B&B apartments.

Here are some luxury accommodations for tourists from the Middle East that will be best suited for their requirements:

Zanzibar Serena Hotel
Zuri Zanzibar Hotel
Singita Sabora Tented Camp
Meliá Serengeti Lodge
The Residence Zanzibar
Jabali Ridge
Singita Sasakwa
Park Hyatt Zanzibar
Xanadu Villas & Retreat
Roho ya Selous
Mwiba Lodge
Meliá Zanzibar
Little Chem Chem
Matemwe Lodge
Namiri Plains
Fundu Lagoon
Emerson Spice
Mkombe’s House, Lamai
Essque Zalu Zanzibar
&Beyond Mnemba Island
Kwihala Camp
Kilindi Zanzibar

How To Get There

Tanzania’s main airport, Julius Nyere International Airport, is located in the country’s biggest city, Dar Es Salaam. However, you can also find international flights to the Kilimanjaro International Airport, if you have vacation plans near Kilimanjaro National Park.

Travelers headed to the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar must transfer to small, regional airlines in Dar Es Salaam. Regional airlines also get you to smaller cities around the country.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): situated between Arusha and Moshi, this is the most common entry point into the country for those exploring the Northern Safari Circuit that includes the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara.

Visa Requirements

You can obtain a tourist visa in person or through the mail at the Tanzanian Embassy near you. You must fill out the visa application form, available for download from most embassy’s website, provide two passport-sized photographs and proof of your travel plans including flight itinerary and hotel reservations. It usually takes around 3-5 days to process a visa application.

However, it is possible to obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport. Tanzania also requires travelers who have spent more than 12 hours in a yellow fever endemic region to provide proof of a yellow fever vaccination. You do not have to show yellow fever vaccination proof if you are flying directly from non-endemic countries.

Getting Around

I suggest that you book a tour operator to handle your ground transportation and safari excursions. On average, a Tanzania safari costs $ 200 USD per person per day. Midrange Price is from $350 per person per day. Tanzania Luxury Safari Price ranges from $ 600 USD upwards per person per day.

Many adventurous travelers choose to self-drive with a rented 4WD vehicle, though hazardous driving conditions and threats of crime are challenges that you should be aware of. Away from major centers, roads are rarely tarred and can be a nightmare to drive on – so don’t be too optimistic about how much ground you can cover in a day.

Itinerary: Editor’s Suggestions

During my travels around Tanzania I have been able to explore some exciting tourist destinations in this exciting East African nation. Based on my experiences, here is a 7-10 day suggested itinerary for your consideration:

Day 0 – Arriving In Tanzania
Day 1 – Tarangire National Park
Day 2 – Tarangire National Park
Day 3 – Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Day 4 – Ngorongoro Crater And Drive To Central Serengeti
Day 5 & 6 – Northern Serengeti
Day 7 – Travel Back To Arusha / Kilimanjaro & Fly To Zanzibar