Tanzania is a dream destination for solo travellers 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 traveller, or something in between, this guide will help you navigate Tanzania safely and efficiently.
Requirements for Travelling to Tanzania as a Solo Traveller
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.
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.
How to Apply for a Tanzania eVisa
Ready to apply for your Tanzania eVisa? In just 2 minutes, this video breaks down the entire process step by step. From filling out the application form to receiving approval, it’ll guide you through everything you need to know. Watch now and make your Tanzania travel planning stress-free!:
Tanzania eVisa Guide for Solo Travellers
Solo travellers visiting Tanzania can apply for an eVisa online, making the process easy and stress-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 traveller.
Types of eVisa: Options include a single-entry tourist visa (valid for 90 days), a multiple-entry visa, a transit visa, and a business visa, depending on your travel plans.
Application Process: Apply online via the Tanzania eVisa portal, fill out the form, upload required documents, and pay the visa fee.
Required Documents: A passport (valid for at least 6 months), a recent passport-sized photo, a return flight ticket, and proof of accommodation. Some travellers may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Processing Time: Typically 4 - 7 Working Days, so apply in advance to avoid delays.
Visa Fees: The cost of a visa application varies by visa type.
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 requirementsbased on your nationality, as some travellers may be eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival instead of an eVisa.
Why Visit Tanzania as a Solo Traveller?
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 travellers to communicate. The country’s varied attractions cater to a range of travel styles, whether you prefer safaris, trekking, cultural experiences, or beach relaxation.
Best Places to Visit in Tanzania for Solo Travellers
Tanzania is a fantastic destination for solo travellers, offering 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 traveller 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 offers incredible game drives where you can witness great herds of wildebeest, zebras, and predators like lions and cheetahs, especially during the Great Migration. Independent travellers can join group safaris, which cost less and offer 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 offer a good opportunity for solo travellers to experience Tanzania's wildlife in a safe, organised environment while mingling with like-minded travellers.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro
Only travellers seeking a physical challenge can try to climb 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 socialise with other climbers.
Machame, Lemosho, and Marangu are well-known routes that vary in difficulty and duration, so hikers can choose the one that best suits their fitness. The climb takes 5 to 9 days and offers breathtaking views, 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 views.
3. Zanzibar
This tropical island is a solo traveller'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 offer insights into Zanzibar's renowned spice trade. For sun and sea, Zanzibar's white beaches are fabulous 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 snorkelling. Solo travellers will find plenty of hostels, sociable beach bars, and group outings, making it easy to meet fellow travellers and enjoy Zanzibar's stunning views.
4. Mafia Island
For self-sufficient travellers who want a more relaxed, quiet island experience, Mafia Island is an excellent choice over touristy Zanzibar. Located off Tanzania’s southern coast, this underrated gem is perfect for marine life and adventure enthusiasts. The island is world-famous for its whale shark migrations, with tourists able to swim with these gentle giants from October to March.
Moreover, the Mafia Island Marine Park provides some of the finest diving and snorkelling in East Africa, with colourful 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 solo travellers seeking peace, nature, and underwater adventures.
5. Arusha & Moshi
Arusha and Moshi are the main gateway towns for safaris and Mount Kilimanjaro climbs, but they also offer plenty of activities for solo travellers beyond just being transit hubs.
Moshi, a small and relaxed town at the base of Kilimanjaro, is a wonderful place to take in beautiful mountain scenery, browse local markets, or visit coffee plantation tours in the area.
Arusha, a larger and more diverse city with a large migrant 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 travellers able to enjoy easy, economical adventures alongside groups.
6. Lake Victoria & Mwanza
For a non-touristy adventure, solo travellers can visit Mwanza, a city located on the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest freshwater lake. Nicknamed "Rock City" for its unusual granite rock formations, Mwanza has a relaxed atmosphere and less touristed Tanzanian experience compared to the country's major tourist destinations.
Travellers can explore local markets, take boat tours to surrounding islands, or visit 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 an excellent option for solo travellers seeking local culture and a peaceful break from safari crowds.
7. Ruaha & Selous National Parks
Solo travellers seeking a quieter safari experience can visit Ruaha or Nyerere (formerly Selous Game Reserve) National Park as alternatives to the Serengeti. Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park, is a remote wilderness known for its diverse wildlife, including large elephant herds, lions, and endangered wild dogs.
Nyerere National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, offers memorable boat safaris on the Rufiji River and a unique wildlife experience. Since fewer visitors visit these parks compared to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, solo travellers can enjoy a more private and peaceful safari experience.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania as a Solo Traveller
Tanzania's climate varies, with different seasons being suitable for different activities.
June to October (Dry Season) The best time for wildlife safaris is when animals also gather around water, making them easily visible. The Great Migration in the 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; however, it is peak season, and early booking is recommended.
November to March (Green Season) The scenery becomes lush after showers in November and December, making it a good time for birdwatching, since migrant birds are arriving and tourist volumes are smaller, resulting in cheaper accommodations. 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 rain can make remote roads and parks hard to reach, but this is the low season, and safari lodge rates tend to come down. The terrain is vibrant with colour, and people who don't mind occasional showers can encounter wildlife, especially in the Ngorongoro Crater, where animals remain year-round.
Travel Insurance for Tanzania for Solo Travellers
Travelling solo to Tanzania can be an exciting adventure, but it’s essential to have the correct travel insurance to stay protected. Below are key coverage areas to consider when choosing travel insurance for Tanzania.
Medical Coverage: Ensure your policy covers hospitalisation, 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 such as cameras, phones, and passports in the event of theft or damage.
Budgeting & Accommodation for Solo Travellers in Tanzania
Tanzania offers affordable accommodations that suit solo travellers, with convenience, security, and opportunities to meet other tourists.
Backpacker Hostels are ideal for solo travellers who wish to connect with other fellow travellers. Situated in tourist destinations like Arusha, Moshi, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam, the hostels offer dorm beds, communal spaces, and social activities, ideal for networking and sharing travel stories.
Budget Guesthouses offer a quieter, less conspicuous stay and are typically run by local families in the smaller cities and towns. They are equipped with basic things such as a fan, mosquito net, and shared or private bathrooms. Budget guesthouses have a real Tanzanian feel without costing much for those who want to save money.
Mid-Range Lodges & Hotels are available for independent travellers seeking greater comfort and security. They offer private rooms, Wi-Fi, and other amenities like restaurants on the 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 want to experience Tanzania's wildlife but on a tight budget. Group safaris usually stay in tented camps or lodges, where solo visitors can join the group tours and split the cost. Staying in a safari tent is an immersive experience close to nature, but at a low price.
Safety Tips for Solo Travellers
Travelling solo in Tanzania can be an enriching experience, but it’s essential to take precautions to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Use reputable tour operators.
Stick to well-travelled areas.
Use reliable transportation.
Dressing modestly in conservative areas, covering shoulders and knees, is recommended, especially for women.
Carry cash and cards.
Respect local customs.
Content Disclaimer: Although this information was last updated in February 2026, we recommend verifying with the appropriate agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure complete accuracy regarding your travel plans.
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