Travel to Tanzania 2026

Planning your first trip to Tanzania in 2026 requires more than just booking flights. From the Mara River crossings in the Serengeti to the rare black rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater, and from the white sands of Nungwi Beach in Zanzibar to the challenging ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania offers experiences that need careful preparation. This guide gives you practical advice on visas, health requirements, top attractions, costs, and safety so your first Tanzanian adventure is smooth and memorable.

2026 Visa & Entry Requirements: What You Need

Entering Tanzania is now easier thanks to the E-Visa system, but there are important new rules—especially for visitors to Zanzibar. Understanding them before you travel will save time and prevent costly mistakes.

1. Mainland Visa

E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival
While you can still get a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR), queues are often hours long. To skip the wait, apply for an E-Visa online at least three weeks before your departure.

US Citizens:

• Must obtain a Multiple Entry Visa ($100), even for a single trip.

• Valid for one year, which is useful if you plan to return.

Other Nationalities (UK, EU, Canada, Australia, etc.):

• Most can get a Single Entry Ordinary Visa ($50), valid for 90 days.

Tip: Carry both a digital copy and a printed version of your visa. Airport staff often ask for both.

2. Zanzibar Insurance Mandate

All visitors to Zanzibar (excluding residents) must purchase Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance from the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC).

• Cost: About $44 USD

• Important: Standard international travel insurance does not meet this requirement. You may be denied boarding for ferries or flights without proof of ZIC coverage.

3. Health Requirements

• Yellow Fever: Mandatory if arriving from, or transiting more than 12 hours through, countries with yellow fever risk (like Kenya, Ethiopia, or Uganda). Bring your yellow card.

• Mpox Screening: Temperature checks are standard at major airports and ferry terminals.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania’s experiences are highly seasonal, and your choice depends on what you want to see.

Note: Southern parks like Nyerere may still experience showers during northern dry months, so check park-specific conditions if visiting multiple regions.

Top Attractions for 2026

While the Serengeti remains the most famous, several other destinations are gaining attention for travelers seeking fewer crowds or unique experiences.

Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater

• Home to the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo.

• Ngorongoro Crater: The best place to see the rare Black Rhino in Tanzania.

Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous)

• Tanzania’s largest protected area, featuring rivers, wetlands, and dense forests.

• Boat safaris on the Rufiji River allow wildlife viewing from a different perspective than 4x4s.

• Less touristy than northern parks, offering a more remote wilderness experience.

Stone Town, Zanzibar

• Walk the historic alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Forodhani Gardens food tours are a 2026 highlight: try fresh Zanzibari pizza, sugarcane juice, and seafood skewers.

• Explore spice markets and Swahili architecture reflecting centuries of Arab, Indian, and European influence.

Mount Kilimanjaro

• Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters.

• The Lemosho Route is preferred in 2026: it’s longer, reduces altitude sickness risk, and increases summit success.

Average Travel Costs

National park fees are a major expense in Tanzania, often exceeding $70 per person per day. Your daily costs will depend on your style of travel:

• Budget ($150–$250/day): Overland truck tours or glamping, where guests sometimes help set up camp.

• Mid-Range ($350–$500/day): Luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms and private 4×4 vehicles.

• Luxury ($800+/day): High-end lodges like Singita or Four Seasons, with optional domestic flights to skip long drives.

Money Tip: Many remote lodges and parks prefer USD cash for park fees. Card payments may not always work.

Safety & Local Etiquette

Tanzania is welcoming, but travelers must respect laws and customs. Ignoring rules can be costly.

Key Rules:

1. Plastic Bag Ban: Strictly enforced nationwide. Ziploc bags for toiletries are okay, but bring reusable alternatives.

2. Zanzibar Dress Code: In Stone Town or villages, women should cover shoulders and knees. Swimwear is limited to beaches; fines can reach $700+.

3. Photography: Avoid photographing military zones, bridges, or government buildings. Always ask locals before taking their photo.

4. LGBTQ+ Travelers: Same-sex relations are illegal. Public displays of affection can lead to legal trouble—discretion is essential.

Cultural Tip: Greeting locals with “Jambo” (hello) or “Habari?” (how are you?) is appreciated and opens doors to friendly interactions.

Planning Your 2026 Trip

1. Secure Your E-Visa and Zanzibar Insurance: Avoid airport delays.

2. Mix Northern and Southern Parks: The Serengeti and Ngorongoro offer iconic wildlife, while Nyerere provides a less crowded wilderness experience.

3. Consider Internal Flights: Roads to remote parks are long and rough; flights save time and energy.

4. Pack Strategically: Light clothing for Zanzibar, warm layers for Kilimanjaro, and sturdy shoes for safaris.

For inspiration combining Tanzania with island adventures, see our guide on travel to Cape Verde.

Final Thoughts

Tanzania in 2026 offers experiences found nowhere else: Mara River crossings, Black Rhinos in Ngorongoro, pristine Zanzibar beaches, and Kilimanjaro climbs. By planning visas, insurance, health requirements, budgets, and respecting local laws, first-time travelers can explore Tanzania safely, comfortably, and memorably.

First-Time Traveler Checklist:

• Apply for E-Visa 3+ weeks ahead

• Purchase Zanzibar Insurance (ZIC)

• Bring Yellow Fever Certificate if required

• Schedule visits according to your interests (migration, climbing, beaches)

• Budget realistically: $150–$500+ per day depending on style

• Respect local dress codes, photography rules, and laws

• Consider domestic flights to save time

 

External Resources for Tanzania Travel 2026

1. Tanzania Immigration & E-Visa

• Official source for applying for E-Visas, visa fees, and entry requirements.

• https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa

2. Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC)

• Mandatory inbound travel insurance for Zanzibar visitors.

• https://www.zic.co.tz/

3. Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA)

• Up-to-date info on park fees, park regulations, and attractions.

• https://www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz/

4. Yellow Fever & Health Requirements (WHO)

• Check yellow fever, vaccinations, and other health alerts.

• https://www.who.int/ith

5. CDC Travel – Tanzania

• Practical travel health guidance, including malaria, vaccines, and disease alerts.

• https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/tanzania

6. Lonely Planet – Tanzania Travel Guide

• Useful for local customs, culture, and updated travel tips.

• https://www.lonelyplanet.com/tanzania

7. Official Tanzania Tourism Website

• Information on attractions, accommodations, and tourism updates.

• https://www.tanzaniatourism.go.tz/

8. Zanzibar Tourism Board

• For island-specific travel info, events, and regulations.

• https://www.zanzibar-tourism.net/