Tanzania
United Republic of Tanzania
Eastern Africa · TZA
Editorial Snapshot
Why Go To Tanzania
Tanzania is one of Africa's easiest high-payoff safari countries if you want a route that can combine classic game viewing with Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro without feeling forced. Most first visits are strongest as either the northern circuit, a safari-and-beach split, or a mountain-focused trip rather than all three together.
Popular For
Things To See
- Serengeti
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Zanzibar
- Tarangire National Park
- Mount Kilimanjaro
- Nyerere National Park
Best Months
Know Before You Go
- Safari, beach, and Kilimanjaro routes all fit Tanzania, but the trip is better once you decide which one is primary.
- The northern circuit is the simplest first-timer shape, while southern parks and longer beach splits need more time.
- Peak safari properties and Zanzibar beach stays can book out well ahead in the best months.
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Flights
Hotels & Accommodations
Compare stays across major booking options
Open hotel and accommodation options for Tanzania.
Guidebooks
Tours & Activities
Country Data
Stats At A Glance
Practical travel, safety, climate, and quality-of-life stats for Tanzania.
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Dodoma
- Population
- 68,153,004
- Area
- 947,303 km²
- Region
- Eastern Africa
Languages
- English
- Swahili
Currency
Tanzanian shilling (Sh)
TZS
Exchange rate unavailable for USD.
Cost of Living (World Bank)
28.1
Price level index (US = 100)
- Groceries
- 26.6
- Restaurants
- 21.3
- Rent
- 9.0
Safety & Peace
higher score = safer everyday environment · derived from World Bank homicide data
lower score = more peaceful · 1.0–3.5 scale
Monthly Climate Averages
These weather averages are based on data for Dodoma (6.16°S, 35.75°E).
LGBTQ+ Friendly
15/100
Traveler LGBTQ score
- Legal protections
- 2/100
- Lived safety
- 43/100
This score blends legal protections with lived-safety context so strong laws alone do not automatically push a country to the top of the ranking.
- Homosexuality legal❌
- Relationship recognitionNone
- Adoption recognition❌
- Anti-discrimination laws❌
- Employment protections❌
- Legal gender recognition❌
- Conversion therapy ban❌
Human Development Index (UNDP)
0.555
Medium human development
- 5-year change
- +0.018
- 10-year change
- +0.034
- Trend
- improving
- Data year
- 2023
- Gender Dev. Index (GDI)
- 0.951
- Gender Inequality Index (GII)
- 0.504
- Planetary-adjusted HDI (PHDI)
- 0.541
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (7)
- 🏛️
Kondoa Rock-Art Sites
Inscribed 2006
- 🏛️
Stone Town of Zanzibar
Inscribed 2000
- 🌿
Kilimanjaro National Park
Inscribed 1987
- 🌿
Selous Game Reserve
Inscribed 1982
- 🌿
Serengeti National Park
Inscribed 1981
- 🏛️
Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara
Inscribed 1981
- 🌍
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Inscribed 1979
Natural Beauty (World Bank)
- Protected land area
- 40.0%
- Forest cover
- 50.1%
Source: World Bank.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
- Threatened mammal species (IUCN)
- 45
- Threatened bird species (IUCN)
- 46
Source: World Bank / IUCN Red List. Higher counts indicate richer biodiversity, typically in tropical rainforest, island, and savannah ecosystems.
Food & Cuisine
33/100
Food and dining score
Built from two layers: dining-scene breadth and open prestige signals. We combine restaurant density, cuisine diversity, distinguished restaurants, and gastronomy-city recognitions from open data sources.
Luxury Infrastructure
86/100
Luxury & premium accommodation score
Based on OpenStreetMap luxury hotel density and World Bank international tourism receipts.
US Travel Advisory
The advisory level increased from Level 2 to 3. The “unrest” risk indicator was added. Reconsider travel to Tanzania due to unrest, crime, terrorism, and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory summary Unrest Demonstrations often take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on holidays or during large events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable. The Tanzanian government increases security presence around protests. This includes stationary checkpoints and roadblocks. The Tanzanian government limits or does not authorize large gatherings. Crime Violent crime is common. It includes assault, sexual assault, robberies, mugging, and carjacking. Local police have limited resources to respond effectively to serious crime. Terrorism There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Tanzania. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. The risk of terrorist violence is most common in the Mtwara Region. Targeting of gay and lesbian individuals Members of the gay and lesbian community have been arrested, targeted, and harassed. People who identify as gay or lesbian may experience a higher likelihood of being targeted by police. People detained under suspicion of same-sex sexual conduct may face invasive physical exams. If you decide to travel to Tanzania: Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations. Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Keep a low profile. Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa. Keep original documents in a safe location. Stay aware of your surroundings. Do not leave your food or drink unattended. Stay alert in tourist spots. Avoid public displays of affection particularly between same-sex couples. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Tanzania. Review our information on Terrorism, Travel to High-Risk Areas, Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime. Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Read full advisory →Data current as of May 2026 and subject to change. Travel advisory information is sourced from the U.S. State Department and reflects conditions at the time of data collection, not real-time conditions. Do not rely solely on this information for travel decisions. Always check current government advisories for your nationality. Terms of Use · About our data