Travel to Tanzania – Flying, By Rail, Driving, By Boat

Travel to Tanzania – Flying, By Rail, Driving, By Boat

Tanzania is a Great Place to Visit

Tanzania is Accessible by Plane

Tanzania is well-served by a wide range of international airlines, both direct and indirect. Air Tanzania and Precision Air fly only on domestic and regional routes. Kenya Airways, Etihad Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates are a few international carriers that fly to Tanzania.

Travel to Tanzania by Plane
Travel to Tanzania by Plane

Throughout the year, airline fares to Tanzania are very stable and makes it very easy and affordable to travel to Tanzania by plane.

The principal airport serving the area in Dar es Salaam is the Julius Nyerere International Airport.

Airport Snapshots

Before you travel to Tanzania, explore these airport guides to help you plan your trip properly.

Julius Nyerere International Airport

Airport Code: DAR

Location: The distance between Dar es Salaam and Julius Nyerere International Airport is 12 kilometres (8 miles).

Dial: +255 22 284 4324

Direction: Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, the Julius K. Nyerere road.

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Airport code: JRO.

Location: Nearby Arusha is just one hour from the airport (31 miles).

Dial:

Direction:

Mwanza Airport

Airport code: MWZ.

Location: The distance from the airport to Mwanza is 25 minutes, approximately ten kilometres (sixteen miles).

Dial:

Direction:

Zanzibar International Airport (Abeid Karume)

Airport code: ZNZ.

Location: Stone Town is a 15 minutes short drive from the airport, at around four kilometres (2.5 miles).

Dial:

Direction: The flight time from London to New York City clocks in at 11 hours and 19 minutes (including stopover).

Taxes

Just like in any other country with legitimate governing bodies, when you travel to Tanzania you will have to be aware of tax affairs of the country. In the case of Tanzania, the fare includes taxes for every passenger’s departure.

Travel to Tanzania by Train

Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Moshi in Zambia is served by the Tanzania and Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA). The railway and train on this route is a major link between countries in the southern of Africa to Tanzania, and most people from that region usually travel to Tanzania using other means from their original destinations but in the end usually make connections with the TAZARA train.

Travel to Tanzania by Train
Travel to Tanzania by Train

Notable Rail Procedures

Travelling by railway from Dar es Salaam to Lusaka takes roughly 50 hours and is tricky due to the frequent hold-up. Due to the high volume of passengers, passengers must use the utmost caution to secure their luggage when loading and unloading their belongings onto trains. First-class should always be preferred in either a two or four-sleeper cabin. Immigration officers board the train when it reaches the border between the two countries to complete the border formalities.

These procedures seems simple and straightforward, but when you travel to Tanzania and happen to take a train, these tips will save you from a lot of unnecessary headaches.

Travel to Tanzania Using the Country’s Road Network by Car or Buses

Tanzania’s mainland border crossing is through Kenya. Around halfway between Nairobi and Arusha, the most common location is Namanga. Tanga is the closest leading Tanzanian city to the Lunga Lunga border crossing on the coast south of Mombasa. It is easier to travel to Tanzania by crossing the border peacefully at Taveta and Isebania, located on the main road between Kisumu and Mwanza.

The Songwe and Tunduma border crossings with Malawi and Zambia are in Tanzania’s southwest and may be reached from Dar es Salaam through a reasonable (but lengthy) route. Mutukulu, a border crossing with Uganda, is located northwest of Bukoba, but access is difficult because of the poor road and isolation. If you want to get to Uganda from Tanzania, the quickest route is to take a daily bus from Nairobi to Kampala.

Rusomo, located in Tanzania’s far northwestern region, is a border crossing with Rwanda, despite the fact that buses connect Mwanza and Kigali. Tanzania shares a southern border with Mozambique, but the two countries’ transportation infrastructure is severely lacking.

Cautionary Note for Those Who Plan to Travel to Tanzania by Driving

The major cross-border routes are served by a number of local bus operators. A comfortable shuttle bus service connects Nairobi with the Tanzanian cities of Arusha and Moshi, operated by a number of companies. Arusha and the northern circuit region of Tanzania’s wildlife parks, or Moshi and Mount Kilimanjaro, are the primary destinations for these tours. Depending on the route, passengers or drivers that travel to Tanzania should expect to be on the road for between five and six hours. The shuttle service provided by Riverside Shuttles is dependable daily.

Bus travel to Tanzania between Nairobi and Arusha, Moshi and Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Mwanza, Nairobi and Mombasa, and Mombasa and Dar es Salaam is recommended by Scandinavia Express. In addition, regular movement connect Nairobi with Kampala, Uganda, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with Lusaka, Zambia, via this transport hub in Nairobi.

Roadtrip in Tanzania
Roadtrip in Tanzania

Travel to Tanzania by Boating

Dar es Salaam is the main port, receiving commercial ships but not international passenger services. Ferry services to Zanzibar depart from here.

Cruising Ships

Zanzibar is a popular port of call for cruise ships.

Ferry Service Providers

At Lake Tanganyika, passenger ferries go as far south as Mpulunga (Zambia). Bujumbura (Burundi) was a former stop, but it’s unclear if it will be reinstated. There is an unreliable ferry service between Tanzania and Malawi on Lake Nyasa. In general, boat travel to Tanzania is possible but the infrastructure is not well developed yet across the country compared to other methods of transportations discussed above.

How to Travel from Kenya to Tanzania

Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Tanzania from Kenya.

To travel from Kenya to Tanzania, you have several transportation options:

  1. By Air: The most convenient and quickest way to travel between the two countries is by air. There are direct flights available from major Kenyan cities like Nairobi and Mombasa to various airports in Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.
  2. By Road: If you prefer a land journey, you can travel by road. There are multiple border crossings between Kenya and Tanzania, including Namanga, Isebania, and Taveta-Holili. You can use public buses or hire a private vehicle to travel between the border points.
  3. By Train: Another option is to take a train from Nairobi, Kenya, to Mombasa, and then continue the journey by ferry or flight from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The train journey from Nairobi to Mombasa offers scenic views and is a popular choice for travelers.
  4. By Ferry: If you’re interested in visiting Zanzibar, you can take a ferry from Dar es Salaam or Tanga in Tanzania to Zanzibar Island. There are regular ferry services available.

Remember to check visa requirements, travel advisories, and any specific entry regulations before your journey. It’s advisable to plan your transportation in advance, consider the duration and cost of each option, and choose the one that best suits your preferences and schedule.

Best Time of Year to Travel to Kenya and Tanzania

The best time of year to travel to Tanzania depends on the specific activities and experiences you’re looking for. 

Here’s a summary of the best time to travel to Kenya and Tanzania:

  1. Wildlife Safaris: The dry season, which is typically from late June to October, is considered the best time for wildlife safaris in Kenya and Tanzania. During this period, the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot animals gathering around water sources. Additionally, the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras occurs in the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya) between July and October, making it an incredible spectacle to witness.
  2. Beaches and Coastal Areas: For beach vacations and water activities, the dry and warm season from December to March is ideal. During this time, the coastal areas of Kenya and Tanzania experience sunny weather and pleasant temperatures, perfect for enjoying the beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and diving.
  3. Mountain Climbing: If you’re interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania or Mount Kenya, it’s recommended to plan your trip during the dry seasons, which are January to mid-March and June to October. These periods offer clearer skies and more stable weather conditions for mountain trekking.

Learn more about the best time to travel to Tanzania Africa with these resources:

Travel to Tanzania From USA

Can us citizens travel to Tanzania? Yes! US Citizens can travel to Tanzania.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to travel to Tanzania from USA.

Here are the general requirements to travel to Tanzania:

  1. Valid Passport: Ensure you have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining beyond your planned departure date.
  2. Visa Requirements: Check the visa requirements for your nationality. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, U.S. citizens were eligible for a visa on arrival or an e-visa for Tanzania. However, visa requirements can change, so it’s important to check the most up-to-date information from the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in the USA.
  3. Flight Booking: Research and book your international flights from the USA to Tanzania. There are several major airports in Tanzania, including Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha. You can search for flights through various online travel agencies or directly from airlines.
  4. COVID-19 Considerations: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there may be additional requirements or restrictions for travel. Check the latest travel advisories and guidelines from both the U.S. government and Tanzanian authorities. Make sure to comply with any testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements.
  5. Travel Insurance: Consider obtaining travel insurance that provides adequate coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, and other unforeseen circumstances.
  6. Arrival and Entry: Upon arrival in Tanzania, go through immigration and present your passport and other required documents, such as your visa, if applicable. Follow any health and customs procedures as directed by the authorities.

Remember that travel requirements can change, so it’s important to stay informed and check for any updated information or travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State and the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in the USA before your trip.

Learn more with these resources:

Covid-19 Requirements to Travel to Tanzania

Please note that COVID-19 requirements and regulations can change rapidly, so it is essential to check the latest information before your trip. Here are some general CDC guidelines for travel to Tanzania regarding COVID-19:

  1. Negative COVID-19 Test: Many countries, including Tanzania, require travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test result upon arrival. The test is typically required within a specific timeframe before departure, such as 72 hours or 96 hours. Check the specific requirements for your departure location and airline.
  2. Health Screening: Upon arrival in Tanzania, you may be subject to health screening measures, including temperature checks and symptom assessments. Follow any instructions given by the health authorities.
  3. Quarantine: Tanzania generally does not require mandatory quarantine for incoming travelers. However, if you display symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, you may be subject to quarantine or isolation as directed by the local health authorities.
  4. Travel Insurance: It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related expenses, including medical treatment and trip interruption or cancellation.
  5. Vaccination Requirements: As of my last knowledge update, there were no specific COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entry into Tanzania. However, it’s essential to check the latest updates as vaccination requirements can change.

CDC Recommendations for Travel to Tanzania

Here are the CDC travel to Tanzania recommendations:

  1. COVID-19 Precautions: The CDC recommends following all COVID-19 precautions, including wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining physical distancing.
  2. COVID-19 Vaccination: The CDC encourages travelers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before international travel.
  3. COVID-19 Testing: The CDC advises travelers to get tested for COVID-19 before their trip and to follow any testing requirements set by the airline, destination country, or transit countries.
  4. Travel Health Notice: The CDC provides a Travel Health Notice for Tanzania, which includes information on COVID-19 risks and recommendations. It’s important to review the notice and stay updated on any changes or updates.

More Travel Resources

FAQs

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?

Tanzania is generally considered a safe travel destination for tourists. 

Can i travel to Tanzania right now?

Yes!

Is Tanzania safe to travel to?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Tanzania

Can Americans travel to Tanzania?

Yes, Americans can travel to Tanzania.

Can i travel from Kenya to Tanzania without a passport?

No, you cannot travel from Kenya to Tanzania without a passport.

Can i travel to Tanzania?

Yes! You can travel to Tanzania.

can i travel to tanzania without a passport?

No, you cannot travel to Tanzania without a passport.

Can U.S. citizens travel to Tanzania?

Yes

Can US citizens travel to Tanzania now?

Yes, US citizens can travel to Tanzania now.

Can you travel to Tanzania?

Yes

Do i need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

The visa requirements for Tanzania can vary depending on your nationality.

Do you need to be vaccinated to travel to Tanzania?

There are no specific vaccination requirements for entry into Tanzania.

How much does it cost to travel to Tanzania?

You’ll need $600 to $2,000 for flights, $10 to $50 per night for accommodations, $5 to $30 daily for food, and $250 to $500 for tours and packages.

How safe is it to travel to Tanzania?

Tanzania is generally considered safe for travelers, but it’s always important to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the current situation and travel advisories.

Is it safe to travel to Kenya and Tanzania?

Both Kenya and Tanzania are popular travel destinations and generally considered safe, but it’s advisable to stay informed about the current situation and follow any travel advisories or guidelines issued by relevant authorities.

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania right now?

Yes, Tanzania is generally considered safe.

Is Tanzania expensive to travel?

The cost of traveling in Tanzania can vary depending on factors such as accommodation choices, transportation options, activities undertaken, and personal spending habits, but it is generally considered to be a relatively affordable destination compared to some other popular travel destinations.

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania Africa?

Tanzania, like any travel destination, has its own safety considerations, so it’s important to stay informed, follow travel advisories, and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip.

How safe is Tanzania to travel?

It is generally safe.

Do you need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

Yes, some countries need a visa.

Can you travel to Tanzania now?

Yes, there is nothing to stop you from travelling to Tanzania now. There are lots of options in terms of flights, accommodations and more in the country.

For more articles related to Tourism in Tanzania, click here!


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