Tanzania Travel Guide

– A Complete Tourism, Safari, Visa & Travel Planning Guide for Indian Travellers

Tanzania, located in the heart of East Africa, stands among the world’s most spectacular wildlife and adventure destinations. It is the land of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Zanzibar’s turquoise beaches, and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro—Africa’s highest peak. With unmatched biodiversity, vast savannahs, rich tribal culture, coral-filled coastlines, and pristine national parks, Tanzania offers travellers a deeply immersive and unforgettable experience.

Overview of Tanzania

Tanzania is located in East Africa and bordered by Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and the Indian Ocean. Its geography includes volcanic craters, coral reefs, tropical islands, freshwater lakes, rainforests, and open plains.

• Capital: Dodoma
• Largest City: Dar es Salaam
• Official Languages: Swahili & English
• Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
• Main International Airports: Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar
• Time Difference: 2.5 hours behind IST

Major Tourist Attractions in Tanzania

Tanzania is known for its wildlife-rich parks, mountain landscapes, and tropical beaches. Below are the essential destinations to include in a Tanzania travel circuit.

1. Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is one of the most iconic wildlife reserves on Earth, famous for massive savannahs, predator sightings, and extraordinary biodiversity.

• The Great Migration: Over 2 million wildebeests and zebras migrate annually, crossing the Grumeti and Mara rivers.
• Big Five Sightings: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos.
• Endless Plains: Wide open grasslands ideal for viewing wildlife.
• Balloon Safaris: Breathtaking sunrise flights over the plains.

Distance from Arusha to Serengeti: 325 km (7–8 hours by road; 1-hour domestic flight)

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and one of Africa’s most impressive natural wonders. Wildlife densities here are among the highest in Africa.

• Crater Game Drive: A full-day safari inside the crater floor.
• Lerai Forest: Home to elephants and rare black rhinos.
• Olduvai Gorge: One of the world’s most important archaeological sites.

Distance from Arusha to Ngorongoro: 180 km (3.5–4 hours)

3. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa (5,895 meters), is a dream destination for trekkers. Its snow-capped summit rises above forest belts, alpine deserts, and volcanic cones.

• Marangu Route: Also called the “Coca-Cola Route,” ideal for beginners.
• Machame Route: Known for scenic beauty.
• Lemosho Route: Suitable for experienced trekkers.

Distance from Moshi to Kilimanjaro Base: 40–50 km depending on gate

4. Zanzibar – The Spice Island

Zanzibar is a tropical paradise with white-sand beaches, blue waters, spice farms, and ancient cultural heritage.

• Stone Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Arab-influenced architecture.
• Nungwi & Kendwa Beaches: Crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming.
• Paje Beach: Famous for kitesurfing and ocean activities.
• Spice Farm Tours: A signature Zanzibar experience.

Distance from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar: 72 km (2-hour ferry or 30-minute flight)

5. Tarangire National Park

Known for its large elephant population and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire offers a peaceful and less-crowded safari environment.

• Elephant Herds: Especially large groups during the dry season.
• Baobab Forests: A signature landscape.
• Birdlife: Over 550 species.

Distance from Arusha to Tarangire: 120 km (2–2.5 hours)

6. Lake Manyara National Park

A compact but beautiful park famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and groundwater forests.

• Lake Manyara Flamingos
• Hot Springs (Maji Moto)
• Scenic Rift Valley Escarpment Views

Distance from Arusha to Lake Manyara: 125 km (2 hours)

7. Dar es Salaam

The largest city of Tanzania and a major economic hub.

• National Museum
• Coco Beach
• Village Museum

Distance from Dar es Salaam Airport to City: 12 km (20–25 minutes)

How to Reach Tanzania from Kolkata or Delhi

Travelling from Kolkata

There are no direct flights from Kolkata to Tanzania. Connections occur via Middle Eastern or African hubs.

• Kolkata → Doha → Dar es Salaam
• Kolkata → Dubai → Dar es Salaam
• Kolkata → Addis Ababa → Dar es Salaam
• Kolkata → Nairobi → Kilimanjaro

Average travel duration: 12–17 hours depending on layovers.

Travelling from New Delhi

New Delhi offers more direct options and shorter flying times.

• Delhi → Zanzibar (direct flight on select days)
• Delhi → Addis Ababa → Kilimanjaro
• Delhi → Doha → Dar es Salaam
• Delhi → Dubai → Dar es Salaam

Average travel duration: 6.5 hours (direct) or 10–15 hours (connecting)

Tanzania Visa Guide for Indian Travellers

Tanzania offers multiple visa options for Indian citizens, making the process straightforward.

Types of Tanzania Tourist Visa

• eVisa (preferred): Apply online before travel.
• Visa on Arrival: Available at major airports.
• East African Tourist Visa: Valid for Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda (multi-country).

Documents Required

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport-size photograph
• Travel itinerary
• Flight bookings
• Hotel booking proof
• Bank statements
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory)

Tanzania Visa Office in India

High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania – New Delhi
(Full address may be inserted by user according to requirement.)

Accommodation Options in Tanzania

Tanzania offers a wide range of stays—from tented safari camps and luxury lodges to beachfront resorts and boutique hotels. Here are the major accommodation zones:

Arusha

• City hotels near Arusha Clock Tower
• Safari lodges outside the city

Serengeti

• Luxury tented camps
• Game lodges
• Seasonal migration camps

Ngorongoro

• Crater rim lodges
• Highland eco-lodges

Zanzibar

• Beachfront resorts
• Boutique coastal hotels
• Stone Town heritage hotels

Dar es Salaam

• City centre hotels
• Waterfront properties

Major Travel Distances in Tanzania

• Arusha → Serengeti: 325 km (7–8 hours)
• Arusha → Ngorongoro: 180 km (3.5–4 hours)
• Arusha → Lake Manyara: 125 km (2 hours)
• Arusha → Tarangire: 120 km (2 hours)
• Dar es Salaam → Zanzibar: 72 km (2-hour ferry / 30-minute flight)
• Moshi → Kilimanjaro Gate: 40–50 km

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but each season offers unique experiences.

• June–October: Dry season, best wildlife viewing.
• January–March: Calving season in Serengeti.
• December–February: Excellent for Zanzibar beaches.

The long rainy season (March–May) offers lush landscapes but can disrupt safari travel.

Suggested Itineraries (6–10 Days)

6-Day Trip

• Day 1 – Arusha
• Day 2 – Lake Manyara
• Day 3 – Serengeti
• Day 4 – Serengeti
• Day 5 – Ngorongoro Crater
• Day 6 – Departure

10-Day Trip

• Day 1 – Arusha
• Day 2 – Tarangire
• Day 3 – Lake Manyara
• Day 4 – Serengeti
• Day 5 – Serengeti
• Day 6 – Ngorongoro Crater
• Day 7 – Transfer to Zanzibar
• Day 8 – Zanzibar North Coast
• Day 9 – Zanzibar Stone Town
• Day 10 – Departure

Safety Tips for Travellers

• Carry passport and visa copies.
• Drink bottled water only.
• Follow safari guide instructions strictly.
• Do not walk alone at night in remote areas.
• Respect local cultural norms.
• Wear appropriate safari clothing (earth tones).

Conclusion

Tanzania is a land of dramatic landscapes, rich tribal cultures, powerful wildlife spectacles, and serene beaches. Whether watching millions of animals cross the Serengeti, exploring the volcanic beauty of Ngorongoro, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, or relaxing along the emerald coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers experiences that stay with travellers forever. With structured travel routes, easy visa processes, and good flight connectivity from Kolkata and Delhi, planning a Tanzanian holiday is seamless and rewarding. With thoughtful preparation, a journey through Tanzania becomes a lifetime memory of nature’s grandest wonders.