Spring
Mar-May
Average temperature:
28˚C
Rainfall:
200–300 mm/month
Summer
Jun-Aug
Average temperature:
34˚C
Rainfall:
<60 mm/month
Autumn
Sep-Nov
Average temperature:
29˚C
Rainfall:
50–150 mm/month
Winter
Dec–Feb
Average temperature:
20˚C
Rainfall:
100–200 mm/month
Country dialing code
+255
Capital city
Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (largest city and port)
Official language
Swahili and English
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
The best time generally to travel to Tanzania is June to October when skies are clear, rain is minimal, and wildlife viewing is excellent. The Great Migration in the Serengeti is best from August to September. It’s also easier to spot animals as they gather around water sources. There are also fewer mosquitoes. The wildebeest calving season in the southern Serengeti is in January and February. This means predator activity is high. The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons, when weather conditions are most favourable, and trails are safer. In January to March, trails are quieter, skies are clear and there’s a chance of snow at the summit. However, the temperature is colder, especially at higher altitudes. From June to October, the weather is best overall for Kilimanjaro - dry, sunny, with great visibility. It is also the busiest season on the mountain.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera. It hosts a dense population of wildlife, including the Big Five, within its 260 square kilometres.
Arusha National Park, located near Arusha city, features diverse landscapes, including Mount Meru, Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes. It's known for its rich wildlife and bird species.
Famous for its high density of elephants, over 400 bird species and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire attracts large herds of zebras and wildebeests to the Tarangire River.
Zanzibar, an archipelago off Tanzania's coast, is famed for its pristine beaches and historic Stone Town. It's a cultural melting pot with a rich history, vibrant spice markets and stunning beaches on the north coast.
Africa's highest peak offers several climbing routes, with Lemosho being the most popular. The trek provides stunning views and diverse ecosystems from rainforest to alpine desert.
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clear searchCountry Code for Tanzania: +255
Official Travel advice visit:
Tanzania Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia)
Tanzania | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand)
Emergency Services: 112 Ambulance: 112 Fire: 112 Police: 112
Australian Consulate, Dar es Salaam
Level 3, Address Building, Plot 1403/01, Bains Singh Avenue, Msasani Peninsula, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Phone: +255 (0) 744 384 730
Email: AustralianConsulate.Daressalaam@gmail.com
Australian High Commission, Nairobi
Limuru Road, Rosslyn, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 20 4277 100
Website: kenya.highcommission.gov.au
New Zealand Honorary Consulate in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
19 Sokoine Drive Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Phone: (+255) 22 211 2986
Email: hakarimjee@nzconsul.com
New Zealand High Commission, Nairobi
Riverside Drive, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: +254 20 366 7100
Email: enquiries@nzhc.co.ke
Travellers should dress modestly, especially in predominantly Muslim areas such as Zanzibar. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid going shirtless in public. While beachwear is acceptable at resorts, dress conservatively in towns and villages.
Greetings are an important part of Tanzanian culture. A handshake, often prolonged and accompanied by a warm smile, is the most usual form of greeting. Always use your right hand for handshakes, giving, or receiving items, as the left hand is considered impolite. Learn some basic Swahili phrases, such as “Jambo” (hello) and “Asante” (thank you).
Religion plays a significant role in daily life, with both Islam and Christianity widely practiced. When visiting religious sites, dress conservatively and always ask for permission before entering.
Always ask before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas, and avoid photographing government buildings or military sites.
When on safari, always stay in the vehicle unless your guide says it's safe to exit. Keep noise to a minimum and never feed or touch the animals—this can be dangerous for both you and them. Don’t mimic animal sounds or try to attract their attention.
Electrical Socket type: Type D (common in older buildings), Type G and Type C (less common but sometimes found).
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
The following information is intended as a guide only and in no way should it be used as a substitute for professional medical advice relative to a traveller's individual needs and vaccination history. No guarantee is made as to its accuracy or thoroughness. For further information, please contact The Travel Doctor website.
Malaria is found throughout the year, except in areas above 1,800 metres. Chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria have been reported. Other insect-borne diseases occur including yellow fever, dengue, Zika virus, filariasis and human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) which is carried by the tsetse fly. To protect yourself, use insect repellent, wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing, insect-proof your accommodation and consider taking medication to prevent malaria.
Waterborne and foodborne illness can be found in Tanzania including cholera and typhoid. To protect yourself from illness, drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids, avoid ice cubes, don't eat raw or undercooked food, such as salads and don't swim in fresh water.
Altitude sickness
If you plan to climb Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895m) make sure you're physically fit and in good health. Be aware of altitude sickness. If you rapidly climb to altitudes greater than 2,500m, you can get altitude sickness. This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even if you're physically fit. People who are more at risk of altitude sickness are those who have had altitude sickness before, exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the change in altitude and have health problems that affect breathing. Follow the guidance of your hiking guide.
Official Travel advice visit:
Tanzania Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia)
Tanzania | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand)
Swahili, with English also widely spoken in tourist areas.
The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice
You need a visa to enter Tanzania. Apply online before travelling.
To travel to Zanzibar, you must buy inbound travel insurance for up to 92 days from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. There are limits to what is covered by this insurance. Make sure you also maintain separate travel insurance.
Yellow fever vaccination: Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry to Tanzania if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever risk country. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave. Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever and see the World Health Organization's advice on countries with a risk of yellow fever.
Official Travel advice visit:
Tanzania Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia)
Tanzania | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand)
