Girl about the Globe

Solo Travel in Tanzania

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Beach GatG, Cultural GatG, History GatG

If you're looking for an African destination for beach, safari and culture, Tanzania is a good choice of destination to travel to. Below is our solo female travel Tanzania guide including places to visit in Tanzania, the best time to visit and solo travel in the country. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article for your Tanzania solo female travel.

N.b. For every booking made through this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping to make a difference to their lives.  

Contents

• Tanzania Solo Travel
• Tanzania Tips
• Volunteering in Tanzania
• Places To Visit in Tanzania
• Tanzania Tours 
• Where To Stay in Tanzania
• Best Time To Visit Tanzania
• Airports in Tanzania
• How Long Do I Need?
• FAQs
• Map of Tanzania
• Plan a Tanzania Trip
• Related Posts

Tanzania Solo Travel

This Tanzania solo travel guide was written by Adeola Adeshina, Founder of AdeAfrica.com.

Is Tanzania safe? Yes! Tanzania has been rated numerous times as the safest African country to visit. Especially for solo female travellers. Though no country is 100% safe, Tanzania is one of the safer African countries. If you’re in the capital Dar Es Salaam, it’s best practice to always walk with a purpose (don’t look like a tourist or lost).

If you are lost always go into a shop to ask for directions rather than strangers on the street. As a solo female traveller, you should also be mindful of your things, whether that’s your bag at a restaurant or drinks at a bar, never leave your things unattended.

Is Tanzania safe for solo female travellers? If you’re in more touristy towns such as Moshi and Arusha or the island of Zanzibar the locals here are accustomed to foreigners and are very welcoming. Feel free to stop and ask for directions if you need them as most locals in this area do have a better level of English.

Overall the Tanzanians are incredibly friendly and will go out of their way to help you. Knowing Swahili will be helpful! Though if you’re not able to, there will be someone around who will speak English. To meet others, stay in a hostel.

I’ve found that staying in hostels really helped me to meet new people and go on adventures together and Dakar was no different. With so many cheap hostels around, it’s more than worth a try.

You could also take a tour. There are so many experiences and tours in Tanzania, especially in Moshi and Arusha which are a great way to also meet fellow wanderlusters and who knows. They may even be able to share with you some hidden gems in the country. Or join some clubs.

Now I didn’t personally use this method, but I did hear from other travellers that this is a good way to meet people. Using sites like Facebook and joining groups is a great way to get the ball rolling.

* Before you solo travel Tanzania, check what paperwork or visas are required for Tanzania.

Tanzania Tips

Tanzania is a very relaxed and liberal country but is still an Islamic country so modesty should be taken into consideration.

As Tanzania is an Islamic country, its toilets often look different. Some places have squatting toilets whilst others have normal toilets but it’s very hard to find toilet paper. This is because they often use a hose in the stall to clean themselves rather than toilet paper. I recommend trying it out for a new experience but also keeping some pocket tissues to hand too.

If you plan to stay in the country for a long time, it may be useful for you to get a sim card, these can easily be bought in phone shops. Public WiFi is not really common. Though some upscale restaurants do have WiFi, it may be safer as a solo female traveller to stay connected on your go throughout the city too.

Volunteering in Tanzania

If you are thinking of volunteering in Tanzania, Global Work & Travel helps you to organise volunteer opportunities in Tanzania and the rest of the world. Experience volunteering in Zanzibar and learn about the communities of this stunning island or join a Tanzania volunteer experience to immerse yourself in the African community.

Their placements are ideal for solos and include all the support you need for a life-changing adventure. * Save £100/$100/€100 with the code ‘GatG.’

* Discover all Tanzania volunteer opportunities

Places To Visit in Tanzania

Tanzania, is a popular tourist destination for animal lovers. But the country has much more to offer than the big 5! Tanzania is situated in East Africa. Its neighbouring countries are Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and Zambia and is a country that will forever remain in your heart after visiting.

Dar Es Salaam

Dar, es Salaam, is one of the capitals of Tanzania and is often overlooked as a possible tourist destination as it’s overshadowed by Kilimanjaro and the plethora of safaris the country has to offer. This is understandable as Tanzania is truly amazing! Click here to read more about Tanzania. 

But Dar Es Salaam has its own unique twang. With bustling streets, huge markets, and multicultural hubs, it’s the perfect place to visit for big-city lovers. So here are my top 5 must-see places in Dar Es Salaam.

The museums

Both the National Village Museum and National Museum were my highlights in the city. These places are great places to learn about how Tanzanians were before the Arabic and transatlantic slave trade lived and governed themselves.

The National Museum is home to numerous bones and other fossilised remains, including a cast of one family’s footprint trail left in volcanic ash over 3.5 million years ago. From fossils and bones to carvings and statues. It also has a collection on the history of the slave trade and colonialism, as well as a number of cars that belonged to the country’s first president.

The Village Museum is a replica of many pre-colonial Tanzanian homes belonging to different some of the 120 different ethnic groups within the country. 

Not only can you enter the homes but there are many information stations talking about the different ethnic groups, their traditional customs, crafts, and common household items. The museum also hosts Ngoma, tribal dances, and other cultural activities

Bagamayo City

Though a little further out of the capital (75 kilometres north). Bagamayo city was formerly a fishing village, the area has been home to Indian and Arab traders, the German colonial government, and Christian missionaries during its storied history. It is a place of considerable significance to world history, both as an entry point for Arab and European missionaries, explorers, and traders in East Africa.

Once an active slave-trading outpost and ivory and coconut trading port, Bagamoyo, Tanzania is now home to a landmark church, a German graveyard, a history museum, and a thriving sailboat industry.  Guided tours are recommended.

Visit the Beaches

Coco beach, also known as Oyster Bay, this beach is popular with both locals and tourists. With an abundance of tasty street food served here, sports and the occasional concert. If you’re heading to this beach make sure you check out New Maisha Club a popular nightclub on the beach.

Bongoyo or Mbudya Islands are also perfect places to go to relax. As they are located off of the coast of Dar Es Salaam, they are much quieter and are home to beautiful beaches, clear waters and amazing seafood. You can take a short boat ride here from many points along Dar es Salaam’s harbour.

The wood Carvers market

One of the other places to visit in Dar es Salaam is the Wood Carver's Market. I also enjoyed the Mwenge woodcarvers’ market as African art can be seen through these carvings. This is a great place to buy souvenirs as it’s home to a variety of products, but it is best known for its sculptures and wood carvings. Be sure to take a look around before purchasing so you know your options, and don’t be afraid to bargain.

The Kunduchi Wet ‘N’ Wild Water Park

This aquapark is located about 19 kilometres from the centre of town and is the largest water park in East and Central Africa. It’s a great place to go for families as it has over 30 water slides of varying heights, catering to both adults and young children. The park is also home to Tanzania’s only Go Kart track. Why not release your inner child at this park?

Moshi

Home to Africa’s tallest mountain, this little town is one of the most visited parts of Tanzania by international tourists and it’s not hard to see why! Mount Kilimanjaro is actually also a dormant volcano and is the world's tallest free-standing mountain standing at nearly 6,00 feet!

This mountain though not as challenging as others should not be underestimated! Do ensure you adequately prepare for such a climb.

Besides the mountain, some other amazing things to do in Moshi include seeing the Kikuletwa Hotsprings. Located approximately 1.5 hours away from Moshi, Kikuletwa Hot Springs is one of Tanzania’s many hidden gems. This oasis is home to pleasant hot springs hidden away by large fig trees.

Marangu Village is the place to go for a cultural experience. This place is where many Chagga tribes people call home. With a local museum and many historic caves here, you will learn the significance of this place in Tanzanian history. During your time here you will definitely meet friendly locals too so don’t be shy to try the local food.

A stone’s throw away from Moshi town centre lies the Materuni Waterfalls. A day tour will begin with a short hike to the waterfall where you can make a splash in the mountain water of Kilimanjaro and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

Along the way, you’ll also get to experience the local life of the Chagga people and on the way back you’ll stop by a traditional ‘shamba’ (farm) to see how coffee is produced – from picking the bean to roasting and then drinking a tasty cup yourself!

Lake Chala is located just 1.5 hours away from Moshi on the border of Tanzania and Kenya, this tranquil location is one mighty fine example of how much natural beauty this country has to offer. Lake Chala is a crater lake caused by a volcanic eruption over three million years ago. Its beautiful blue lake and lush green foresty is home to a plethora of plant and animal life.

Arusha

A cheaper alternative to Mount Kilimanjaro is Mount Meru. Located in Arusha, Mout Meru stands at 4,566 meters it is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and some climbers even consider it more a beautiful hike than Kilimanjaro. Due to its bountiful and diverse flora and fauna.

Arusha National Park is home to some amazing wildlife including zebras, elephants, hippos, buffalos, hyenas and giraffes. If you’re an animal lover then this park is definitely for you.

Another of the places to visit in Arusha is the National History Museum in Arusha is also known as the Old Boma museum which is home to a collection of historical artefacts. It’s a great starting point for history and culture lovers.

Zanzibar

Stone Town is the most populous part of the island and has unique Arabic-influenced buildings, this town allows you to fully immerse yourself in the culture.

Zanzibar is a melting pot of different cultures and one of the reasons for this is due to Zanzibar’s dark past. Zanzibar was a major trading hub for slaves so visit the old slave market.

The slave trade was atrocious with hundreds of thousands of people being trafficked through Bagamoyo to be sold in Zanzibar, then shipped to the east or the west, with many passing to the UK. This market is a great place to learn more about this part of Tanzania's history. 

Prison Island

One of the things to do in Zanzibar is to visit Prison Island, about half an hour away from Stone Town. This island gets its name from its former use as it was used as a detention area for rebellious slaves and people with deadly diseases. It is a tourist attraction with one of the main draws being giant tortoises some tortoises calling this place home are nearly 200 years old!

Zanzibar is a popular destination and is world-renowned for its beaches. The beaches in Zanzibar are on another level. With crystal blue waters and exotic fruits. Beaches such as Jambiani, Matemwe and Bwejuu really offer it all to travellers looking to relax. Why not rent a room at a beach hotel and live your best life.

For all those animal lovers out there, the Jozani Forest is just for you. Why not visit and get up close to some amazing animals in this forest including the rare red colobus monkey.

Other places to visit in Zanzibar is the Palace Museum, commonly known as the Sultan’s Palace, The Palace Museum to some is the most historic building in Stone Town as it was built in the 19th and now displays artefacts of the past Sultan family.

Other Things To See in Tanzania

Tanzania has the wildest concentration of wildlife in the world so it’s no wonder why their national parks are so popular. From lions, and giraffes to elephants, this country has it all! Home to 12 National Parks and 13 Nature Reserves and almost 40 protected areas; Why not visit Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro or any other park to get a chance of seeing some amazing wildlife.

The great Serengeti Migration occurs in June or July, with thousands of gazelles, zebras and other animals brazing the Mara River, why not book a tour to watch these majestic creatures in action.

The Massai tribe are an ethnic group in Tanzania and Kenya. Known for their world-renowned jumping skills. Why not book a tour to learn more about their unique culture and watch them perform ceremonial dances and show off their jumping skills. Cultural cooking and beading classes are also offered too so do make sure you find a tour office to find out about these cultural excursions.

Tanzania Tours

G Adventures Tanzania

If you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your Tanzania trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company offering tours to Tanzania and neighbouring countries and mainly caters towards budget travellers.

Most tours of Tanzania have an average of 12 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there.

Go on a week long camping adventure, trek Mount Kilimanjaro, experience a safari in the Serengeti and then relax on a white sandy beach in Zanzibar. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female-friendly company. * Check rates and availability for G Adventures Tanzania tours

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and day tours in worldwide destinations including Tanzania. Choose from a traditional dhow sunset cruise in Stone Town, a Rock Restaurant and cave tour visit, or a quad bike tour and visit to a local village. There are several to choose from and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. Read my review here or click on the link for all their tours. * Check all Get Your Guide tours, prices and availability for Tanzania

Viator – Viator is similar to Get Your Guide. They are an American company and a tour platform with more than 345,000 tours and worldwide activities. Choose from a Nakupenda Beach day tour in Zanzibar, a hot air balloon safari and breakfast in the Serengeti, or a Safari Blue full-day boat trip, amongst several others. Read my Viator review or click the link for all their tours. * Check all Viator tours, prices and availability for Tanzania

Where To Stay in Tanzania

Due to the rise of tourism in the country, many cheaper accommodations are now available. An average night in a hostel will cost around $5 per person per night with 5-star hotels costing around $150 a night. For all accommodations in Tanzania, check the link below.

* Check all prices, dates and availability for Tanzania accommodation

Tanzania is a great hub for Eco tourists as the country really does care about its environment. I’ve been to amazing open-top bars and restaurants where monkeys and birds casually join in on your conversation. Eco lodges are definitely a popular attraction here with many hosting themselves on big platforms such as booking.com and Airbnb.

If you are looking to book a safari; more than likely you’ll be offered a stay in an Eco lodge such as the Serengeti Wilderness Camp. Do it! I 100% know that the experiences at Eco lodges are life-changing.

Best Time To Visit Tanzania

Tanzania has a relatively good year climate all year-round but the best time to go is between June –  October during the dry season. The country hosts some beautiful weather during this time and is also when the Great Serengeti Migration happens.

During drier seasons (June and October) are the best times to try and climb mount Kilimanjaro. The weather chart below shows the monthly forecast in Dar Es Salaam from January to December to help you decide on the best time to go to Tanzania. 

Airports in Tanzania

Tanzania has 29 international and domestic airports. If you are in the capitals, you most likely would be flying in and or out from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar Es Salaam or Msalato International Airport in Dodoma. Kilimanjaro Airport is the most commonly used airport by tourists and is situated in Moshi, a small town by Mt. Kilimanjaro.

If you are visiting Zanzibar; Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the main airport on the island.

How Long Do I Need?

Tanzania has so much to see and do so it's not uncommon for tourists who come here to want to stay forever. I have personally visited the country 3 times (2 weeks at a time in different cities) and still don’t feel like I have fully seen all Tanzania has to offer!

Depending on your itinerary, I’d say 2-3 weeks is a good amount for excursions only. 4-5 days per excursion i.e. Safari or climbing mount Kilimanjaro. 3 days to explore the city you are in. A few more to travel to other cities or have day tours.

FAQs

• Can I drink the water? No
• Is tipping expected? Yes! Especially on excursions. You are expected to tip porters at Kilimanjaro and Safari guides. Other tour guides expect a tip too, some restaurants may expect tips too.
• Fixed price or barter? Fixed Price except at markets.
• Any ATMs? Yes in the main cities.
• Which side of the road do they drive? Left-hand side. 
• Good for vegetarians? Yes! A lot of Tanzanian diet is actually vegetarian and plant-based too!
• Any seven wonders of the world? No.

Map of Tanzania

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About the Author

This guide was written in March 2021 by Adeola Adeshina, Founder of AdeAfrica.com. Adeola has been a budget traveller for over 5 years, living and travelling all over the world. In 2019 she went on a solo female trip across Africa and loved it. She believes that Africa is a beautiful continent that is often overlooked as a travel destination and she hopes to change that.