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Tanzania Snapshot

Tanzania’s climate changes with its diverse landscapes, so expect variances in weather in different parts of the country. Generally, January and February are the high season for travel in Tanzania as the hot, dry weather is generally considered to be the most pleasant. The best time to visit the Serengeti is late June to October when the animals are most abundant. Expect afternoon downpours during the wet season (from March to May); however, during this time you’ll find fewer tourists in Tanzania so you won’t have to compete with crowds.
  • Der es salaam

Eating and Drinking in Tanzania

  • Seafood: Seafood-lovers will adore the range of fresh seafood on offer in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. From fragrant fish curries to barbecued shrimp and lobster, the waterfront markets and restaurants are full of wonders from the sea.
  • Indian Cuisine: With a significant Indian population, Tanzanian cities have a fair share of Indian restaurants. Whether you’re visiting a budget cafe or more extravagant restaurant, Indian cuisine is generally a good option for vegetarians as there will always be a few meat-free options to choose from.
  • Mandazi: These sweet, fried breads can be found at markets and street stalls throughout East Africa, and make a delicious, cheap snack. Although they can be flavoured differently, the ones made in Zanzibar usually feature fresh spices and coconut.
  • Traditional Tanzanian style of food service

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.

Shopping in Tanzania

  • Spices: Tanzania has a huge number of spice plantations, particularly in Zanzibar. Perhaps bring home some fresh nutmeg, cinnamon and turmeric to embark on your own East African culinary adventure when you get home.
  • Handicrafts: Woven basketry, colourful batik cloth, intricate woodcarvings and tribal art can be found in Tanzania’s many markets and make good souvenirs or gifts for friends back home.
  • Jewellery: For silver and gold jewellery with Arabic flair, Zanzibar has plenty of unique pieces in the markets, galleries and antique shops of Stone Town.
  • Colourful array of local Spices

Tanzania has a wealth of markets to explore, from the large markets of the big cities to the small, rural village markets throughout the countryside.

It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Tanzania you may find yourself staying in a:
Mountain Hut hidden among the trees of Tanzania

  • Mountain Hut

  • Sleep in huts dotted along the trail while trekking to the summit of majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Beautiful wooden waterside lodge on the hills of Tanzania

  • Lodge

  • Experience a little comfort while staying in cosy lodges in some of Tanzania’s most impressive national parks and reserves.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Tanzania, you may find yourself travelling by:
Official Intrepid Safari Vehicle

  • Safari Vehicle

  • Get close to the action aboard a customised safari vehicle, designed to withstand the bush and allow greater visibility of the wildlife.

  • Ferry

  • Take in views of the stunning African coast while travelling from Dar el Salaam to Zanzibar aboard a ferry.

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Tanzania at a glance

  • 50
  • Dodoma
  • 42.7 million
  • Swahili, English
  • TZS
  • (GMT+03:00) Nairobi
  • Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type G (Irish/British 3-pin)
  • +255

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