Tanzania for Solo Travelers

Tanzania is a dream destination for solo travelers seeking adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the iconic Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, the country offers diverse experiences. Whether you’re a backpacker, luxury traveler, or something in between, this guide will help you navigate Tanzania safely and efficiently. Tanzania is ideal for solo travelers seeking adventure. Explore Zanzibar’s beaches, hike Mount Kilimanjaro, or join group safaris for safety. Secure your Tanzania eVisa in advance for a smooth journey.

Requirements for Traveling to Tanzania as a Solo Traveler

If you're planning a solo trip to Tanzania, here are the key requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey:

Valid Passport – Must have at least six months’ validity and one blank page for entry stamps.
Visa Requirements – Obtain a Visa on Arrival or apply for an e-Visa before travel.
Yellow Fever Vaccination – Required if arriving from a Yellow Fever-risk country (carry the certificate).
Travel Insurance – Strongly recommended to cover medical emergencies, lost luggage, and safari activities.
Proof of Onward Travel – Some airlines or immigration officers may ask for a return ticket.
Currency & Payments – Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but USD is widely accepted for tourist activities. Carry some cash, especially in remote areas.
Emergency Contacts – Have the numbers for Tanzania’s Tourist Police, your local embassy, and travel assistance services.

Tanzania eVisa Guide for Solo Travelers

Solo travelers visiting Tanzania can apply for an eVisa online, making the process easy and hassle-free. The eVisa allows you to enter the country without visiting an embassy, saving time and effort. Below are the key details for obtaining a Tanzania eVisa as a solo traveler.

Types of eVisa – Options include a single-entry tourist visa (valid for 90 days), multiple-entry visa, transit visa, and business visa, depending on your travel plans.
Application Process – Apply online through the Tanzania eVisa website, fill out the form, upload required documents, and pay the visa fee.
Required Documents – A passport (valid for at least six months), recent passport-sized photo, return flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. Some travelers may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Processing Time – Typically 10 - 12 Working Days , so apply in advance to avoid delays.
Visa Fees – The cost of visa application varies by type of visa.
Entry Points – The eVisa is valid at major airports like Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), as well as selected land border crossings.

Double-check visa requirements based on your nationality, as some travelers may be eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival instead of an eVisa

Why Visit Tanzania as a Solo Traveler?

Tanzania is welcoming, with friendly locals and a well-developed tourism industry. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, making it easier for solo travelers to communicate. The country’s varied attractions cater to different travel styles, whether you prefer safaris, trekking, cultural experiences, or beach relaxation.

Best Places to Visit in Tanzania for Solo Travelers

Tanzania is a fantastic destination for solo travelers, offering diverse experiences from wildlife safaris to tropical beaches. Whether you're exploring the Serengeti, trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s shores, there’s something for every adventurer. With friendly locals, group tour options, and plenty of budget-friendly stays, Tanzania makes solo travel both exciting and safe.

1. Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater

If you are a solo traveler but want an adventurous wildlife experience, participating in a guided safari is your best option. The Serengeti National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the world, and it has incredible game drives where you have the opportunity to witness great herds of wildebeest, zebras, and predators like lions and cheetahs, especially during the Great Migration. Independent travelers have the option to join group safaris, which cost less and provide a social atmosphere. Meanwhile, Ngorongoro Crater, a World Heritage Site, offers a unique safari experience within its massive volcanic caldera, where the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) are observed in a comparatively small area. Both parks provide a good opportunity for solo travelers to experience Tanzania's wildlife in a safe and organized environment while mixing with like-minded travelers.

2. Mount Kilimanjaro

Solo travelers looking to attempt a physical challenge can attempt to ascend Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. While solo climbing is prohibited, joining a guided trek with porters and a guide is mandatory, offering an excellent opportunity to socialize with other climbers. Machame, Lemosho, and Marangu are well-known routes that vary in difficulty and duration, so that hikers can choose the best route based on their fitness. The climb takes 5–9 days, with breathtaking views, varying from rainforest to alpine desert and glacial summits. Reaching the summit of Uhuru Peak, the African top, is a personal experience for individual hikers, a sense of accomplishment and breathtaking vistas.

3. Zanzibar

This island in the tropics is a solo traveler's heaven, with a combination of cultural discovery, adventure, and relaxation.

The historic Stone Town, listed by UNESCO, is filled with history, its narrow streets, vibrant markets, and majestic Arab, Persian, and Swahili buildings. For foodies and culture vultures, spice farm tours provide information on Zanzibar's renowned spice trade. For sun and sea, Zanzibar's white beaches are wonderful coastal havens. Paje, with its easy-going vibe, is popular among kitesurfers and backpackers, while Nungwi boasts transparent waters, beach parties, and good diving and snorkeling. Solo travelers will find plenty of hostels, sociable beach bars, and group outings, making it easy to meet fellow travelers and enjoy Zanzibar's stunning landscapes.

4. Mafia Island

For self-sufficient travelers who want a more relaxed, off-the-beaten-path island experience, Mafia Island is an excellent choice over touristy Zanzibar. Located off the southern coast of Tanzania, this off-the-beaten-path gem is perfect for marine life and adventure enthusiasts. The island is world-famous for its whale shark migrations, with tourists having the opportunity to swim with these gentle giants from October to March. Moreover, the Mafia Island Marine Park provides some of the finest diving and snorkeling in East Africa, with colorful coral reefs and a variety of marine life. In contrast to Zanzibar, Mafia Island is relaxed with fewer tourists, and it is a perfect destination for single travelers looking for peace, nature, and underwater adventures.

5. Arusha & Moshi

The main safari and Mount Kilimanjaro climb gateway towns are Arusha and Moshi but offer a tremendous amount of action for solo travelers aside from their gateway appeal.

Moshi, a small and relaxed town at the base of Kilimanjaro, is a wonderful place to take in stunning mountain scenery, browse local markets, or visit coffee plantation tours in the area. Arusha, a larger and more cosmopolitan city with a big expat and backpacker population, is a hub of cultural events, including visits to Maasai villages, museums, and local markets that sell crafts. Both towns also offer day trips to scenic destinations like Materuni Waterfalls and Chemka Hot Springs, with solo travelers getting easy and economical adventures in the company of groups.

6. Lake Victoria & Mwanza

For a non-touristy adventure, solo travelers may go to Mwanza, a city located at the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest fresh-water lake. Nicknamed "Rock City" due to the unusual granite rock formations, Mwanza has a relaxed atmosphere and less touristed Tanzanian experience compared to the country's major tourist destinations.

Travelers can explore local markets, take boat tours to surrounding islands, or tour Saa Nane Island National Park, which is rich in wildlife diversity. The region also provides an opportunity to explore fishing communities and their way of life. Mwanza is a great option for solo travelers seeking cultural immersion and peaceful respite from the safari crowds

7. Ruaha & Selous National Parks

For those who travel on their own looking for a more secluded safari adventure, Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) are excellent substitutes for the Serengeti. Ruaha, Tanzania's biggest national park, is an out-of-the-way wilderness area with diverse fauna, including huge elephant herds, lions, and threatened wild dogs.

Nyerere National Park, which is one of the larger game reserves in Africa, offers special boat safaris on the Rufiji River and a different kind of wildlife experience. Since there are fewer visitors to these parks compared to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, solo travelers can enjoy a more private and peaceful safari experience. The majority of the lodges and camps offer group game drives, and thus it is easy for single travelers to travel with others without spending much money.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania as a Solo Traveler

Tanzania's climate changes from time to time, with various seasons being suitable for various activities.

June to October (Dry Season)

It is the best time for wildlife safaris because animals also gather around water, making them easily visible. The Great Migration in Serengeti reaches its climax between July and September, with breathtaking river crossings. This is also the best time for a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, with dry weather and excellent visibility. It is, however, peak season, and early booking is recommended.

November to March (Green Season)

The landscape becomes green and verdant after the November and December short rains. It is a good time for bird watching since migrant birds are coming in, and tourist volumes are smaller, hence the accommodations are affordable. Zanzibar is perfect for beach vacations during these months, with warm weather and clean water. February is also the best time to see the wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti.

April-May (Rain Season)

Heavy rainfall renders some of the areas, especially remote roads and parks, impassable. But this is low season, and the rates of the safari lodges tend to come down. The terrain is vibrant with colors, and people who are not averse to occasional shower rain can have wildlife encounters nevertheless, especially within the Ngorongoro Crater, because animals remain in the caldera all year long.

Travel Insurance for Tanzania for Solo Travelers

Traveling solo to Tanzania can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to have the right travel insurance to stay protected. Below are key coverage areas to consider when choosing travel insurance for Tanzania.

Medical Coverage – Ensure your policy covers hospitalization, emergency evacuation, and treatment for tropical diseases like malaria.
Adventure Activities – If planning a safari, diving, or Kilimanjaro trek, choose a plan that includes high-risk activities.
Trip Cancellations & Delays – Covers flight disruptions, cancellations, or missed connections, which can be common in remote travel areas.
Theft & Loss Protection – Safeguard valuable items like cameras, phones, and passports in case of theft or damage.
Emergency Evacuation – Essential for remote areas like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Mount Kilimanjaro, where quick access to medical facilities may be needed.

Budgeting & Accommodation for Solo Travelers in Tanzania

Tanzania boasts affordable accommodations with a wide range of choices that suit single tourists, with convenience, security, and opportunities to meet other tourists.

Backpacker Hostels are ideal for solo travelers who wish to mingle with other fellow travelers. Situated in tourist destinations like Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam, the hostels feature dorm beds, communal spaces, and social activities, which are ideal for networking and sharing travel stories.
Budget Guesthouses are a quieter and less conspicuous stay, typically run by local families in the smaller cities and towns. They are fitted with basic things such as a fan, mosquito net, and shared or private bathrooms. Budget Guesthouses have a real Tanzanian feel without costing an arm and a leg for those who want to save money.
Mid-Range Lodges & Hotels are available to independent travelers who seek more comfort and security. They possess private rooms, Wi-Fi, and other amenities like restaurants on property. They exist in urban regions as well as safari destinations and are a compromise between cost and more service.
Safari Tents & Camps are affordable options for tourists who are ready to experience Tanzania's wildlife but on a tight budget. Group safaris usually have their accommodation in tented camps or lodges, where solo visitors are able to join the group tours and split the cost. Staying in a safari tent is an immersive experience close to nature but at a low cost.

Safety Tips for Solo Travelers

Traveling solo in Tanzania can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to take precautions to ensure a smooth and safe journey. From choosing reputable tour operators to respecting local customs, these essential safety tips will help you navigate the country with confidence.

Use reputable tour operators. Whether booking a safari, trek, or diving trip, choose well-reviewed companies.
Stick to well-traveled areas. While Tanzania is generally safe, avoid walking alone at night, especially in urban areas.
Use reliable transportation. Long-distance buses like Dar Express and Kilimanjaro Express are safer options for solo travelers. In cities, use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Bolt.
Dress modestly. In Zanzibar and other conservative areas, covering shoulders and knees is recommended, especially for women.
Carry cash and cards. ATMs are common in major cities but can be unreliable in remote areas. Have backup cash in USD or Tanzanian shillings.
Respect local customs. Tanzanians are warm and hospitable, but understanding cultural norms (such as greeting people before asking for directions) will go a long way.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in March 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.