Tanzania is great for seeing wildlife because it is home to some of the most iconic and diverse animal species in the world. The country boasts a number of famous national parks and conservation areas, including the Serengeti National Park, …
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Backpacking Tanzania in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Tanzania with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Tanzania
Embark on a wild adventure in Tanzania, where the vast savannahs and diverse wildlife redefine the backpacking experience. Pros? Witness the awe-inspiring Serengeti migration, climb Kilimanjaro, and explore Zanzibar's pristine beaches—all within a backpacker-friendly budget. Tanzania's warm hospitality enhances the journey. However, infrastructure outside major tourist hubs can be basic. Yet, for the nature-loving backpacker, Tanzania offers a unique fusion of wildlife and culture, setting it apart as a destination where the untamed beauty of Africa comes to life with every step, making it an extraordinary and enriching expedition.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Tanzania
Wildlife
Scenery
Tanzania offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries that are worth exploring. The country is renowned for its breathtaking wildlife reserves, such as the Serengeti National Park, where the annual Great Migration of millions of wildebeest and …
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Mountains
The mountains in Tanzania that are great to explore are Mount Kilimanjaro and the Usambara Mountains. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and offers a challenging yet rewarding trek to its summit. The mountain provides stunning views and …
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People
Tanzanian people are incredibly welcoming and hospitable, always ready to greet visitors with warm smiles and open arms. They take great pride in their culture and traditions, and are eager to share their customs, music, and dance with others. …
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Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Tanzania is vibrant and diverse, offering a range of experiences for budget travelers. From the bustling streets of Dar es Salaam to the serene beaches of Zanzibar, backpackers can find affordable accommodations, local street …
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Beach life
Tanzania is great for beach life and snorkeling because of its stunning coastline along the Indian Ocean. The country is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the world, with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. The warm …
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Cheap
The average costs for backpacking in Tanzania can vary depending on various factors such as accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day.
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Tanzania
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Explore the highest peak in Africa and embark on an unforgettable trekking adventure. The stunning views and sense of accomplishment make it a must-do in Tanzania.
- Serengeti National Park: Witness the annual wildebeest migration, one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles on earth. The vast plains of the Serengeti offer unparalleled game viewing opportunities.
- Zanzibar Archipelago: Discover the pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar. Explore the historic Stone Town, indulge in water sports, or simply relax and unwind.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the ”Eighth Wonder of the World.” The crater is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five, and offers breathtaking views.
- Maasai Culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Maasai culture by visiting a traditional village. Learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life, and even participate in traditional dances and ceremonies.
But Tanzania offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. Additionally, the temperatures are more moderate, ranging from 20-25 °C (68-77 °F), making it more comfortable for hiking and exploring. However, it's important to note that Tanzania is a large country with diverse climates, so the specific weather conditions may vary depending on the region you plan to visit.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Tanzania
- During the rainy seasons (March to May and November to December), floods can block roads. Monsoons occur in coastal and island areas from July to October. Cyclones in coastal areas are also common. Follow the advice of local officials.
- Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks anywhere in Tanzania. Be alert to your surroundings and pay close attention to your personal security.
- Violent armed robbery, petty theft and threats of violence are common in Tanzania, especially in Dar es Salaam. Be extra careful in and around Arusha in northern Tanzania. Armed robberies, carjackings and home invasions have occurred. Bag snatching from moving vehicles is increasing. Victims can be injured or killed by being dragged behind vehicles. Don't resist bag-snatch attempts.
- Only use registered taxis. Travellers have been targeted by criminals while using unlicensed taxis.
- Security incidents continue along the Tanzania-Mozambique border. In October 2020, a violent attack occurred in Kitaya village, in Mtwara, close to the border with Mozambique. Do not travel within 30km of the border with Mozambique in the Mtwara region.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
TanzaniaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Tanzania sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Tanzania. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Tanzania may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Tanzania. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Tanzania may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Tanzania, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Tanzania, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024