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5 trips

Destination
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Australasia
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Middle East & Central Asia
  • North America
  • Polar Regions
  • Travel Around the World
Trip Style
  • Adventure Trips
  • Paid Work
  • Volunteering
  • Learn & Develop
  • Short Trips
  • Close to Home
  • Round The World
  • Perfect for...
  • Independent Adventures
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Tanzania Trips & Tours

Mount kilimanjaro in Tanzania Africa
Download Tanzania Key Facts

Tanzania is an extraordinary country, which offers the gap year traveller every extreme of landscape and experience. You can move effortlessly between Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, to a challenging climb up the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Kilimanjaro. Take a game drive over the vast plains of the Serengeti, then relax and enjoy some laid-back island life by the azure seas of Zanzibar. Want to do something that really matters on your gap year? Volunteer as a teacher, in an orphanage or with young mums and ensure your gap year is a complete and fulfilling experience. For the daring explorers among you there's the chance to conquer Kili on the ultimate African mountain climb. So go wild in Africa and take time out in Tanzania, for a truly tremendous gap year trip!

Read more in our Tanzania Travel Guide.

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Tanzania Facts

Capital City

Dodoma

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Language

Swahili

Dialling Code

+255

Plug Type

Type D and Type G

Tanzania Highlights

Safari truck driving through Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

As one of the most famous safari locations in Africa, Serengeti National Park promises memorable moments spotting the Big 5. Whether you want a front row seat to the Great Wildebeest Migration, a unique experience with a Maasai tribe, or to ride in a hot air balloon over the savannas, this will be a highlight of your trip to Tanzania!

Giraffe walking in front of view of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro

Ready for your next challenge? Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventurer's dream, with spectacular hikes as you journey above the clouds. On our Tanzania trips that include a trek to Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll tackle the Lemosho route, taking you through enchanting forests and moorlands. You’ll never forget watching the sun come up as you reach the summit!

Ngorongoro Crater

In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ngorongoro Crater is an epic sight to behold, the world’s largest, empty, and inactive volcanic caldera. The crater creates a natural refuge for amazing wildlife, such as zebra, elephants and lions. Home to one of the largest amounts of lion prides in the world, you'll tick plenty of wildlife off sightseeing!

Blue shores of Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar Beach

Where sparkling blue waters meet white sand, Zanzibar’s beaches will welcome you as the perfect paradise destination. Snorkel incredible reefs, and keep an eye out for dolphins! You won’t believe how clear this tranquil water is. Sip cocktails in one of the vibrant beach bars, as the sky transforms into magical orange hues at sunset.

Two elephants in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

Zanzibar Beaches

Where sparkling blue waters meet white sand, Zanzibar’s beaches will welcome you as the perfect paradise destination. Snorkel incredible reefs, and keep an eye out for dolphins! You won’t believe how clear this tranquil water is. Sip cocktails in one of the vibrant beach bars, as the sky transforms into magical orange hues at sunset.

Stone Town in Tanzania

The Big 5

Tanzania is one of the best places in the world to spot the Big 5. Traditionally describing the top 5 wildlife that were previously considered the most difficult to hunt, the Big 5 is a memorable highlight for travellers. You can see lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalo on a safari on our Tanzania trips.

Dar es Salaam

Stone Town - Zanzibar

Stone Town is an underrated highlight in Tanzania, with markets lining winding streets, a thriving coffee culture and important historical landmarks. See beautiful architecture as you fill your camera roll with the 277 intricately decorated doors - a great pride among local people. Taste the local cuisine at the lively night market.

Traveller setting up their tent at sunset whilst camping in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam

Blending tropical shores with urban bustle, Tanzania’s largest city offers sun-kissed beaches and lively markets. Perfect for dreamy trips to nearby shores, hop over to Mbudya Island for magical snorkelling, and to Cocobeach for bright blue waters. Dar es Salaam is a great place to sample mouthwatering cuisine from a blend of cultural influences.

View from Arusha National Park at sunset

Arusha

Arusha is a gateway to popular safari destinations, such as the Serengeti National Park, making it a desirable stop for travellers! Coffee lovers can wander one of the many plantations, sampling delicious roasts. The nearby Arusa National Park offers the opportunity to spot amazing wildlife and even catch a glimpse of the epic Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania Travel Advice

Traveller looking across Serengeti National Park whilst on a hot air balloon ride in Tanzania

Climate & Weather

Tanzania experiences a tropical climate, varying per region. The country's dry season runs from June to October. Tanzania has two rainy seasons, long rains from March to May and short rains from November to December. The dry season is a great time for safaris and to enjoy coastal areas, including Zanzibar. The rainy season creates lush, picturesque landscapes. Coastal areas are hot and humid year-round. 

Temperatures in Tanzania are generally warm. Highland areas such as Arusha and Kilimanjaro are cooler, especially during the night.

Traveller holding a fresh coconut with a backdrop of Zanzibar Beaches

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Tanzania comes down to preference. The dry season from late June to October offers memorable wildlife viewing. This is a prime period to watch the Great Migration, witnessing the movement of millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. June to October is also a great time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Zanzibar is considered a year-round destination. June to October generally offers clearer skies, perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling! Shoulder season falls between April to May, and November to December. Pack a poncho and enjoy quieter wildlife viewing!

Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania

Customs & Culture

Tanzanian culture is shaped by a mix of over 120 different tribes, unified by unduga (generosity). Swahili is the national language, and respect and kindness are highly valued. 

It is generally advised to dress modestly in Tanzania. In Zanzibar, reserve your beachwear for the beach. The right hand is considered clean, and so when greeting locals, ensure to only extend your right hand. Always ask for permission before taking photographs at local community experiences and village visits. Your tour guide will be able to advise you of cultural customs on our Tanzania trips.

Red and blue british passports

Passports & Visas

British passport holders must have a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania. British passport holders can apply for an e-visa before travelling, or obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at selected main ports of entry. Please ensure you are able to provide proof of your onward journey. Your passport must have an expiry date of at least 6 months after your date of arrival and at least one blank page in your passport. 

We recommend staying up to date with FCDO Advice for Tanzania before you travel, as entry requirements and visa rules can be subject to change.

Safari trucks in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

Health & Safety

At Gap 360, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. From the moment your trip is confirmed until you arrive back home, you'll have access to a 24/7 emergency contact number for any urgent issues. For anything non-urgent, our friendly team is also available during office hours to help.

We strongly recommend checking the FCDO travel advice for Tanzania, as it's regularly updated with the latest safety and travel information and you can even sign up for email alerts to stay informed of any changes. In addition, you can check the FCDO general travel advice for British nationals abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tanzania is known as one of the best wildlife destinations in the world, with famous national parks waiting to be explored. Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater should be on any wildlife lover's bucket list, with high chances of seeing the Big 5 and more. Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and a challenging but rewarding hike that adventure seekers will be dreaming about. Tanzania is also known for the idyllic paradise discovered in Zanzibar, perfect for beach holidays, relaxing resorts and an abundance of snorkelling opportunities.

At Gap 360, our biggest priority is ensuring that travellers feel safe and supported on their adventures abroad. Before your departure on our Tanzania, you will have access to our health and safety information with advice for your travels and country fact-files for Tanzania. You’ll also have access to a 24/7 emergency support number, operated by our UK-based team, to assist you while you're travelling. We always encourage travellers to do their own research before visiting a destination, or if you have any questions, we are just a message or phone call away.

Tanzania offers incredible travel experiences for a wide range of budgets, depending on what you would like to do there. Day-to-day costs tend to be budget-friendly, with food and local transport generally affordable. Safaris and hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are bucket list experiences that travellers may consider well worth spending more on. If you’re interested in doing an amazing safari at budget-friendly prices, check out our Tanzania trips.

The best time to go on a safari in Tanzania ultimately comes down to preference. June to October is Tanzania’s dry season and a popular time of the year for safari, as wildlife gathers around the watering holes during this time. You may even spot the Great Migration! Meanwhile, the shoulder season months of April to May and November to December are perfect for travellers on a budget, with more lush rainy conditions.

Swahili is the official language of Tanzania - approximately 95% of the population speaks Swahili! English is widely spoken and is also an official language of Tanzania, primarily used in government, large cities and tourist areas.

Yes, British Passport holders will need either a tourist or business visa to enter Tanzania. Travellers can apply for an e-visa prior to their trip, or obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at selected main ports of entry. We recommend staying up to date with FCDO advice before you travel, as entry requirements and visa rules can be subject to change.

A flight to Tanzania from the UK typically takes between 11 and 16 hours, with at least 1 layover. Popular layover destinations include Istanbul, Doha and Dubai. We encourage you to check the entry requirements for any countries you stop in for a layover.

Tanzania Trip Reviews

4.5
Rating
21
Reviews

Guillermo

The scenery was increadible

Jarred Chittock

Life changing company that helps you achieve impossible goals!

Lucy

The tour includes so many bucket list items and memories that I will keep with me for life. The camping aspect of the tour was well-organised and would be suitable for all experience levels; it allowed me to see rural Africa in an…

Kieran O'Brien

Couldn't have asked for a better experience. Amazing places with amazing people.

Emily Donaldson

An amazing chance to see the best of Tanzania and beautiful Zanzibar

Victoria Morris

Lovely trip, always busy and met lots of amazing people!

Becky Hallam

Eye opening, exciting, rewarding, fun

Hannah Jacobson

Absolutely amazing trip which exceeded all of my expectations - it'll stay with me forever! My highlights were camping on the rim of Ngorogoro Crater, watching the sun rise in the Serengeti and the beautiful beaches in Zanzibar

Samantha

Was an experience of a lifetime. Met amazing people. Saw amazing places

Lois Perryman

Gap 360 answered all my question before my trip and supplied me with all the information I needed so I wouldn't have to worry about anything whilst I was there. It was the most incredible trip, it was everything I expected and more!

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Any questions about our trips in Tanzania?
Luke Personal Travel Advisor