Tanzania Tours & Holidays

Tanzania’s population is a vibrant mix of religions, races and cultures. Depending on what area you’re travelling in, be prepared to see a variety of cuisines, customs and dress, which directly reflect the diversity of the population.

The island of Zanzibar is predominately Muslim; Maasai are largely found in the North along with other indigenous tribes whose beliefs are largely animist; and Christians, Hindus and other minority groups can be found throughout the country.

Although most Tanzanians may not have many material possessions, travellers can expect a warm welcome and generosity from most locals.

Greeting styles and language differ according to ethnic or tribal group but universally, visitors can expect to receive a warm welcome and a smile from most.

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.

Things to try in Tanzania

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Bordered by Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania has one of the most diverse natural environments in the world.

While travelling through Tanzania, you’ll be able to see enormous gorges, sprawling savanna, ancient islands, dense woodlands, snow-capped mountain ranges, vast lakes, colonial towns and modern cities.

With the Indian Ocean occupying the eastern side of Tanzania, this country truly does have the best of both worlds. Home to Africa’s highest peak and some of the most famous nature reserves in the world, Tanzania also has eclectic cities and vibrant villages to boast of.

Tanzania’s former capital, Dar es Salaam, is a modern metropolis with a colonial flavour while the regional centre of Arusha has retained a village feel.

Zanzibar is in a category of its own with its ancient cobbled streets and unique, heritage-filled buildings.

Early history

Home to some of the earliest human remains in the world, the land now known as Tanzania could possibly be one of the first lands to have been inhabited by early humans. Human habitation can be traced back 10,000 years to a time when people lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle before outside influences arrived bringing with them organised agriculture and cattle farming. Visitors to Tanzania should head to Olduvai Gorge (known as the 'Cradle of Mankind') if interested in the early history of Tanzania and, in fact, the world.

Recent history

Europeans only arrived in the 15th century, via the East Coast. Zanzibar was first controlled by the Portuguese, then by Arabian traders interested in easy access to the Indian Ocean that allowed trade with Asia and beyond. This was also a time when the human slave trade was a lucrative business. The island of Zanzibar became a pivotal place for this trade, with more than 100,000 slaves passing through during this period. 

Mainland Tanzania came under the influence of German, Belgian and British colonisers in the 1800s, who explored and mapped the interior of the country. German colonisers brought infrastructure, agriculture and Christianity to Tanzania, but faced resistance from many tribes who fought against being forced into labour and desperately wanted to keep their land and preserve their traditional way of life. During World War I, Germany lost the colony to the British, heralding a new era of colonial rule for the region. More recently, Tanzania adopted its constitution in 1977, held its first multi-party election in 1995 and had its first female presidential candidate in 2005.

1. Serengeti National Park

The grassy savannah and open plains of Serengeti epitomise Africa at its wildest. Head out on safari in the early morning to search out Africa's 'Big Five'; buffaloes, lions, rhinos, leopards and elephants all call this park home.

2. Mt Kilimanjaro

Trekking to Mt Kili's peak has to be a major highlight of any trip to Africa. Hike past ice fields, grasslands and the odd cacti to the roof of Africa for the most amazing views on the continent.

3. Zanzibar

Arabic, Persian, African and Indian cultures mingle with the scent of fresh spices on this exotic island. Relax on perfect beaches, sail turquoise waters aboard a dhow or head inland to explore tropical fruit orchards.

4. Ngorongoro Crater

This massive crater is 20km wide and home to enormous concentrations of African wildlife. Go out on safari in search of them and camp on the edge of the crater for incredible views of the animals roaming below.

5. Dar es Salaam

Balmy Dar es Salaam is a modern city with ancient origins. Colonial architecture sits beside a picturesque harbour, making it a great place to see Tanzania in a new light.

6. Lake Manyara

There's plenty of wildlife to search out in this national park including tree-climbing lions. Yes, they climb trees! Take a safari to search them out as well as the rest of Africa's 'Big Five'.

7. Karatu

Leave the animals behind for some village R and R in Karatu. Set in the highlands and surrounded by coffee plantations, this town is the ideal spot to mingle with locals and try a cup of African coffee.

8. Usambara Mountains

These lush green mountains date back 25 million years and offer endless walking trails. Grab a guide, get hiking and learn about the unique flora and fauna that live here.

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.

Things to buy in Tanzania

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Sauti Za Busara Festival

Zanzibar’s Stone Town and surrounding areas swell with Swahili music and dance in this vibrant celebration of East African culture. Stay until the last day where the festivities head to the beach and include craft, cuisine and entertainment.

Festival of the Dhow Countries

East Africa’s largest film, music and arts festival takes over Zanzibar each year in July. Film screenings, exhibitions and craft classes offer entertainment during the day, while beach parties are a fun way to interact with locals at night.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

• Zanzibar Revolutionary Day

• Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day

• Union Day 

• Labour Day

• Iddi El Fitry / End of Ramadan

• Iddi El Fitry Holiday

• Maonyesho ya Saba Saba

• Wakulima ya Nane Nane / Peasants' Day

• Iddi El Haji / Feast of Sacrifice

• Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Day

• The Prophet's Birthday

• Republic Day

Please note Tanzania's public holidays may vary.

Thinking about a trip to Tanzania but still browsing other destinations? Check out tours to neighbouring locations:

Kenya

• Kenya tours

Rwanda

• Rwanda tours

Uganda

• Uganda tours