Africa · Eastern Africa

Tanzania

United Republic of Tanzania

Flag of Tanzania
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+03:00
🏛️ Capital
Dodoma
👥 Population
68,153,004
📐 Area
947,303 km²
💱 Currency
Tanzanian shilling (Sh)
🗣️ Languages
English, Swahili
📞 Calling Code
+255
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+03:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Eastern Africa

About Tanzania

Tanzania is Africa in its most magnificent and primal form — a country of extraordinary scale and diversity where the continent's greatest mountain, its largest lake, and its most celebrated wildlife reserves all converge in a landscape of timeless grandeur. You can stand on the crater rim of Ngorongoro and look down upon a natural amphitheatre teeming with lions, elephants, and flamingoes, then watch the sun rise over the Serengeti's golden plains as millions of wildebeest thunder past in the greatest wildlife spectacle on Earth. Tanzania does not simply show you Africa — it immerses you in it completely.

The island of Zanzibar offers the perfect counterpoint to mainland adventure. A few hours by ferry from Dar es Salaam, this spice island enchants with its labyrinthine Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of whitewashed Arab houses, carved wooden doors, and rooftop restaurants where the scent of cloves and cardamom floats on the Indian Ocean breeze. The beaches of Nungwi and Kendwa stretch along the Indian Ocean in crystalline perfection, while dive sites around Mnemba Atoll place you among sea turtles, reef sharks, and coral gardens of breathtaking beauty.

Whether you choose to summit Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa's highest peak at 5,895 meters — trek through the remote Selous Game Reserve, or lose yourself in the culture of a Maasai village, Tanzania rewards with experiences that feel genuinely transformative. The Swahili Coast's long history of trade with Arabia, India, and Persia has created a culture of remarkable warmth and sophistication. Tanzania is not just a safari destination — it is one of the world's great travel experiences in its totality.

History & Background

The territory of modern Tanzania holds some of the most important archaeological evidence of human prehistory anywhere on Earth. The Olduvai Gorge in the Rift Valley is where paleontologist Louis Leakey discovered the remains of Homo habilis in 1960 — a 1.75-million-year-old ancestor that reshaped our understanding of human evolution. The nearby Laetoli site preserves 3.6-million-year-old fossilized hominin footprints, the oldest known evidence of bipedal walking. Tanzania is, in the most literal sense, one of humanity's oldest homes.

The Swahili Coast developed a sophisticated maritime trading civilization from the 8th century AD onward, with city-states like Kilwa Kisiwani growing wealthy from the gold and ivory trade with Arabia, India, and China. The Sultanate of Zanzibar, established by Omani Arabs in the 17th century, became a dominant Indian Ocean power and, tragically, a major hub of the East African slave trade. German colonial rule from the 1880s was brutal; the Maji Maji Rebellion of 1905–1907 saw up to 300,000 Tanzanians killed. British administration followed after World War I, and Tanzania achieved independence in 1961 under Julius Nyerere, whose ujamaa socialist philosophy shaped the young nation's identity for decades.

Culture & People

Tanzania is home to more than 120 distinct ethnic groups, making it one of Africa's most culturally diverse nations, yet it is also one of the most harmonious — a unity forged partly through Swahili, the national language that serves as a common tongue across all communities and carries a rich literary and musical tradition of its own. The Maasai, Chagga, Hadzabe, Sukuma, and dozens of other peoples each maintain distinct customs, ceremonies, dress codes, and spiritual practices that coexist within the framework of a proudly multicultural state.

Islam and Christianity are both widely practiced, often in a spirit of peaceful coexistence that distinguishes Tanzania from many of its neighbors. On Zanzibar, the call to prayer echoes through Stone Town's narrow lanes as it has for centuries, and Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr are celebrated with communal feasting and music that fills the streets. On the mainland, traditional animist beliefs frequently blend with Christianity and Islam in ways that reflect Africa's long spiritual complexity. Music — from the taarab coastal style blending Arabic, Indian, and African influences, to the fast-paced bongo flava urban hip-hop — pulses through Tanzanian social life as an expression of identity, celebration, and political commentary.

Food & Cuisine

Tanzanian cuisine is hearty and comforting, built on staple carbohydrates complemented by slow-cooked stews and grilled meats. Ugali — a dense, smooth porridge made from maize flour — is the backbone of the mainland diet and eaten with hands, used to scoop up sukuma wiki (braised collard greens), nyama choma (charcoal-grilled goat or beef), and mchuzi wa samaki (coconut fish curry). The coast and Zanzibar offer a distinctly richer culinary experience shaped by Arab, Indian, and Persian influences: pilau rice fragrant with cinnamon and cardamom, biryani layered with spiced meat, and urojo — the famous Zanzibar mix soup loaded with fritters, potatoes, and lime.

Zanzibar's street food scene around Forodhani Gardens is legendary among food lovers — fresh octopus grilled over charcoal, mishkaki skewers drizzled with tamarind chutney, Zanzibar pizza stuffed with eggs and minced meat, and fresh sugarcane juice are among the essential tastes. The island's status as a historic spice producer means that cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and black pepper appear in everything from curries to desserts to masala chai. Tropical fruits — passion fruit, jackfruit, mango, and papaya — grown in extraordinary abundance make every breakfast a feast of color and sweetness.

Top Attractions

  • Serengeti National Park — The world's most famous wildlife reserve, home to the annual Great Migration of 1.5 million wildebeest and the continent's greatest concentration of predators across endless golden plains.
  • Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa's highest peak at 5,895 meters, a majestic snow-capped volcanic massif that can be trekked by non-technical climbers via several well-established routes over five to nine days.
  • Ngorongoro Crater — The world's largest intact volcanic caldera, forming a 260-square-kilometer natural enclosure that shelters extraordinary wildlife density including rare black rhinos, lions, and massive elephant herds.
  • Zanzibar Stone Town — A UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arab, Swahili, Indian, and Portuguese architectural heritage, with rooftop restaurants, spice markets, and the haunting old slave market at its heart.
  • Selous Game Reserve — One of Africa's largest protected areas and a UNESCO site, offering a remote and authentic wilderness experience with boat safaris along the Rufiji River through vast ecosystems.
  • Olduvai Gorge — The "Cradle of Mankind," where fossil discoveries revolutionized understanding of human evolution, with an excellent on-site museum explaining the extraordinary prehistory of this Rift Valley site.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Book your Serengeti safari and Kilimanjaro climb well in advance — peak season (July to October) sees very high demand for quality operators and accommodation.
  • Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country; malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended throughout Tanzania including Zanzibar.
  • Tipping on safari is expected and important — standard guidelines suggest around $10–15 USD per day for guides and $5–10 USD per day for camp staff.
  • Carry US dollars in crisp, post-2009 printed bills for the best exchange rates; damaged or older-style notes are often refused.
  • Dress modestly when visiting Stone Town and mosques in Zanzibar — covering shoulders and knees is required and deeply respectful of local culture.
  • SIM cards from Vodacom or Airtel are cheap and easy to obtain at the airport; mobile data coverage is good in cities and most tourist areas.
  • Negotiate taxi and tuk-tuk fares firmly before boarding, or use the Bolt app in Dar es Salaam for transparent metered pricing.

Visa Overview

Most nationalities, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and most European countries, can obtain a Tanzanian visa on arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and at Kilimanjaro International Airport, typically costing $50–100 USD depending on nationality. An e-Visa is also available online prior to travel. Citizens of East African Community member states enter freely. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and carries at least two blank pages for stamps. Bring proof of onward travel and sufficient funds when entering.

Getting Around

Tanzania's two main international airports are Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International) and Kilimanjaro International near Arusha, the gateway to northern safari circuits. Domestic flights operated by Coastal Aviation, Air Tanzania, and Auric Air are the fastest way to reach remote parks like Selous and Ruaha. Reliable ferry services cross from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar in two hours. Within cities, bajaji (three-wheeled tuk-tuks) and dala-dala (minibuses) are the affordable options; Bolt app taxis are recommended for safety and convenience. Safari transport is typically arranged through your tour operator.

Safety Notes

Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, though petty theft and bag snatching can occur in Dar es Salaam and around Zanzibar's Stone Town — keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive cameras or jewelry in crowded markets. Political demonstrations occasionally occur in Dar es Salaam; avoid crowds if tensions rise. Ocean currents on Zanzibar's beaches can be dangerous — heed local swimming warnings. Wildlife reserves require you to stay in your vehicle at all times. Malaria is present throughout Tanzania; use repellent, sleep under nets, and take prescribed prophylactics.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Tanzania.

Tanzanian shilling (TZS) Sh
Updated: 2026-08-20
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.004366
AAVE 0.000004
ADA 0.002030
AED 0.001388
AFN 0.024729
AGIX 0.006640
AKT 0.000735
ALGO 0.004590
ALL 0.029978
AMD 0.137147
AMP 0.984908
ANG 0.000677
AOA 0.346986
APE 0.002938
APT 0.000675
AR 0.000203
ARB 0.004320
ARS 0.565630
ATOM 0.000253
ATS 0.004451
AUD 0.000532
AVAX 0.000056
AWG 0.000676
AXS 0.000419
AZM 3.211413
AZN 0.000642
BAKE 0.543159
BAM 0.000633
BAT 0.006042
BBD 0.000756
BCH 0.000002
BDT 0.045972
BEF 0.013048
BGN 0.000633
BHD 0.000142
BIF 1.123767
BMD 0.000378
BNB 0.000001
BND 0.000480
BOB 0.004340
BRL 0.001957
BSD 0.000378
BSV 0.000024
BSW 1.042530
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.006383
BTG 0.000861
BTN 0.036128
BTT 1,388.731589
BUSD 0.000378
BWP 0.005082
BYN 0.001142
BYR 7.404220
BZD 0.000759
CAD 0.000521
CAKE 0.000234
CDF 0.866123
CELO 0.006037
CFX 0.008626
CHF 0.000302
CHZ 0.029556
CLP 0.348194
CNH 0.002541
CNY 0.002541
COMP 0.000021
COP 1.153411
CRC 0.170100
CRO 0.007582
CRV 0.001448
CSPR 0.141465
CUC 0.000378
CUP 0.010011
CVE 0.035666
CVX 0.000234
CYP 0.000189
CZK 0.007817
DAI 0.000378
DASH 0.000012
DCR 0.000032
DEM 0.000633
DFI 0.379702
DJF 0.067106
DKK 0.002418
DOGE 0.005033
DOP 0.022066
DOT 0.000477
DYDX 0.003435
DZD 0.050142
EEK 0.005061
EGLD 0.000133
EGP 0.019137
ENJ 0.014931
EOS 0.005725
ERN 0.005667
ESP 0.053816
ETB 0.061402
ETC 0.000057
ETH 0.000000
EUR 0.000323
EURC 0.000326
FEI 0.000377
FIL 0.000561
FIM 0.001923
FJD 0.000831
FKP 0.000278
FLOW 0.013068
FLR 0.058762
FRAX 0.000381
FRF 0.002122
FTT 0.001820
GALA 0.262206
GBP 0.000278
GEL 0.000984
GGP 0.000278
GHC 41.807193
GHS 0.004181
GIP 0.000278
GMD 0.027998
GMX 0.000056
GNF 3.315651
GNO 0.000003
GRD 0.110212
GRT 0.027003
GT 0.000054
GTQ 0.002876
GUSD 0.000378
GYD 0.078589
HBAR 0.005331
HKD 0.002963
HNL 0.010101
HNT 0.002180
HOT 1.118821
HRK 0.002437
HT 0.003327
HTG 0.049140
HUF 0.117704
ICP 0.000163
IDR 6.725970
IEP 0.000255
ILS 0.001125
IMP 0.000278
IMX 0.003611
INJ 0.000081
INR 0.036128
IQD 0.492092
IRR 519.277594
ISK 0.045997
ITL 0.626267
JEP 0.000278
JMD 0.059353
JOD 0.000268
JPY 0.059830
KAS 0.014169
KAVA 0.009179
KCS 0.000052
KDA 0.080464
KES 0.048906
KGS 0.033076
KHR 1.521637
KLAY 0.015371
KMF 0.159122
KNC 0.003570
KPW 0.339990
KRW 0.526535
KSM 0.000123
KWD 0.000116
KYD 0.000314
KZT 0.174279
LAK 8.470473
LBP 33.771052
LDO 0.001115
LEO 0.000041
LINK 0.000036
LKR 0.124320
LRC 0.047492
LRD 0.068409
LSL 0.006083
LTC 0.000008
LTL 0.001117
LUF 0.013048
LUNA 0.008545
LUNC 7.478405
LVL 0.000227
LYD 0.002391
MAD 0.003497
MANA 0.005636
MBX 0.018270
MDL 0.006477
MGA 1.618280
MGF 8.091399
MINA 0.008841
MKD 0.019948
MKR 0.000000
MMK 0.793221
MNT 1.359185
MOP 0.003052
MRO 0.150480
MRU 0.015048
MTL 0.000139
MUR 0.017746
MVR 0.005841
MWK 0.652141
MXN 0.006403
MXV 0.000731
MYR 0.001527
MZM 24.110477
MZN 0.024110
NAD 0.006083
NEAR 0.000217
NEO 0.000208
NEXO 0.000506
NFT 1,341.533796
NGN 0.508813
NIO 0.013863
NLG 0.000713
NOK 0.003524
NPR 0.057832
NZD 0.000636
OKB 0.000004
OMR 0.000145
ONE 0.523683
OP 0.004254
ORDI 0.000103
PAB 0.000378
PAXG 0.000000
PEN 0.001266
PEPE 130.428239
PGK 0.001696
PHP 0.023281
PI 0.004204
PKR 0.104448
PLN 0.001397
POL 0.004629
PTE 0.064844
PYG 2.260742
QAR 0.001375
QNT 0.000006
QTUM 0.000523
ROL 16.968877
RON 0.001697
RPL 0.000243
RSD 0.037955
RUB 0.031733
RUNE 0.000886
RVN 0.144933
RWF 0.554026
SAND 0.009147
SAR 0.001417
SBD 0.003023
SCR 0.005481
SDD 22.675478
SDG 0.226755
SEK 0.003566
SGD 0.000480
SHIB 79.739619
SHP 0.000278
SIT 0.077509
SKK 0.009744
SLE 0.008657
SLL 8.656828
SNX 0.001843
SOL 0.000004
SOS 0.214274
SPL 0.000063
SRD 0.014284
SRG 14.283760
SSP 2.141861
STD 7.975968
STN 0.007976
STX 0.002896
SUI 0.000535
SVC 0.003306
SYP 4.911718
SZL 0.006083
THB 0.012405
THETA 0.002514
TJS 0.003466
TMM 6.610510
TMT 0.001322
TND 0.001095
TOP 0.000900
TRL 18,118.284988
TRX 0.001131
TRY 0.018118
TTD 0.002554
TUSD 0.000378
TVD 0.000532
TWD 0.012029
TWT 0.000945
UAH 0.016875
UGX 1.403810
UNI 0.000103
USD 0.000378
USDC 0.000378
USDD 0.000378
USDP 0.000378
USDT 0.000378
UYU 0.015117
UZS 4.437647
VAL 0.626267
VEB 29,329,207.169963
VED 0.292635
VEF 29,263.516959
VES 0.292635
VET 0.077839
VND 9.869681
VUV 0.044689
WAVES 0.001916
WEMIX 0.001952
WOO 0.034252
WST 0.001018
XAF 0.212163
XAG 0.000006
XAU 0.000000
XAUT 0.000000
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.001023
XCG 0.000677
XCH 0.000267
XDC 0.013582
XDR 0.000276
XEC 53.885040
XEM 0.806992
XLM 0.002200
XMR 0.000001
XOF 0.212163
XPD 0.000000
XPF 0.038597
XPT 0.000000
XRP 0.000340
XTZ 0.001734
YER 0.089571
ZAR 0.006083
ZEC 0.000001
ZIL 0.155433
ZMK 7.077727
ZMW 0.007078
ZWD 0.136734
ZWG 0.010077
ZWL 25.178742

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Cities in Tanzania 252
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Arusha Babati Bagamoyo Bariadi Biharamulo Bisumwa Bonga Bubango Bububu Bugarama Bugene Bukene Bukoba Bukoli Bunda Bungu Buseresere Butiama Bwanga Chake-Chake Chala Chalinze Chato Chimala Choma Chwaka Dar es Salaam Didia Dodoma Dutwa Eleng'ata Dapash Endagikot Endasak Gairo Geita Gulwe Handeni Haydom Himo Holili Idodi Ifakara Igombe Iguguno Igunga Igurubi Igurusi Ikonda Ikondo Ikungi Ikwiriri Ileje Ilembula Ilongero Ilula Ilunda Iparamasa Iringa Isaka Itigi Iwawa Kabwe Kagongwa Kahama Kakonko Kaliua Karatu Kasamwa Kasulu Kasumulu Katali Katesh Katoro Kayanga Kemondo Kibaha Kibakwe Kibaya Kibiti Kibondo Kigadye Kigoma Kigonsera Kilindoni Kilosa Kilwa Kivinje Kilwa Masoko Kimamba A Kirando Kisesa 'A' Kisorya Kiwengwa Kondoa Kongwa Korogwe Korongwe Kukirango Kyela Laela Lamadi Likonde Lindi Loliondo Longido Lukuledi Lulembela Lunguza Lushoto Madibira Mafinga Mafuriko Magu Mahenge Mahonda Mahuta Majimoto Makambako Makongolosi Makunduchi Makuyuni Malinyi Mang'ola Mang'ola Barazani Mangaka Manyoni Manyovu Maore Mapogoro Marangu Masasi Masumbwe Maswa Maswa Matai Mbamba Bay Mbeya Mbinga Mbulu Mbuyuni Mhunze Mikindani Mikumi Miono Mirerani Misungwi Mkata Mkoani Mkokotoni Mkuranga Mkuu Mkuyuni Mlalo Mlandizi Mlimba Mombo Morogoro Moshi Mpanda Mpanda Mpwapwa Msente Mtinko Mto wa Mbu Mtwara Muganza Mugumu Muheza Muleba Mungaa Musoma Mvomero Mwadui Mwandoya Mwanga Mwanhuzi Mwanza Mwaya Mwaya Mwera Mwibagi Mwika Mwimbi Nachingwea Namanyere Namtumbo Nangomba Nangwa Nansio Nanyamba New Kiomboi Newala Ngara Ngara Mjini Ngudu Nguruka Njombe Njombe Nkololo Nungwi Nyakiswa Nyarugusu Nzega Old Shinyanga Olkung'wado Paje Pangani Peramiho Pongwe Puma Rhotia Ruangwa Rufiji Rujewa Rulenge Rungwa Rusesa Same Sanya Juu Segese Sengerema Shelui Shinyanga Shirati Sikonge Singida Songea Songwe Soni Sumbawanga Tabora Tandahimba Tanga Tarime Tinde Tukuyu Tunduma Tunduru Tunganalenga Ujiji Urambo Usa River Usagara Ushirombo Utete Utinta Uvinza Vikindu Vwawa Wanging’ombe Wete Zanzibar City مدينة زنجبار Ziwani

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Tanzania needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Tanzania?
The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma.
What currency does Tanzania use?
Tanzania uses the Tanzanian shilling (Sh) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Tanzania?
The official language(s) of Tanzania include English, Swahili.
What is the population of Tanzania?
Tanzania has a population of approximately 68,153,004 people.
What region is Tanzania in?
Tanzania is located in Africa, specifically in the Eastern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Tanzania?
The international dialing code for Tanzania is +255.
What time zones does Tanzania observe?
Tanzania observes the following time zone(s): UTC+03:00.
What is the current time in Tanzania?
The local time in Tanzania is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Tanzania?
Tanzania covers a total area of 947,303 km².
How many states or provinces does Tanzania have?
Tanzania is divided into 32 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Tanzania in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Tanzania in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Tanzania?
Visa requirements for citizens of Tanzania vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.