How to Reach?
I flew into Kilimanjaro International Airport from Delhi with a stop in Dubai. The whole thing took almost 14 hours and honestly it sucked. Qatar Airways was decent but the layover felt endless. You can also fly into Dar es Salaam if you’re starting on the coast, but for safari stuff Kilimanjaro is way more convenient.
From the airport, I grabbed a shared shuttle to Arusha for about 25,000 Tanzanian shillings. It wasn’t comfortable and the driver kept stopping to pick up random people, but it beat paying for a private transfer. If you’re heading straight to the parks, most lodges arrange pickups. Just know the roads aren’t great. I swear half the journey was on dirt tracks that shook my brain around.
Pro tip: book your visa online before you go. I didn’t and had to waste an hour at immigration while the guy argued with me about my yellow fever card.
Where to Stay?
I split my time between Arusha, Serengeti, and Zanzibar because I wanted the full mix. In Arusha I stayed at a mid-range place called Outpost Lodge. The room was clean, the bed was actually decent, and they had a nice garden. But the wifi was terrible. Like, can’t-even-load-WhatsApp terrible. I paid around 18,000 INR per night including breakfast.
For the safari part I went with a mid-tier tented camp in Serengeti. It wasn’t luxury but the location was insane. Lions walked past my tent at 6am. The downside? It was freezing at night and the showers were barely warm. Still, I’d stay there again.
On Zanzibar I treated myself to a beach hotel in Nungwi. The place looked good in photos but the service was slow as hell and they charged stupid money for everything. Beach was beautiful though. I paid 28,000 INR a night there and honestly felt a bit ripped off.
If you’re on a tighter budget, there are decent guesthouses everywhere for 8-12k per night. Just don’t expect much.
What to Eat?
The food was hit and miss. In Arusha I lived on nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali. It’s cheap, filling, and actually really tasty if you get it from the right street spots. I found this tiny place near the market that did incredible beef with pilau for like 400 INR. Best meal of the trip, no cap.
In the parks the lodge food was pretty average. Lots of buffet stuff that tasted like it was made for 200 people at once. The vegetarian options were basically rice and some sad veggies. I got so bored of it by day four.
Zanzibar saved me though. The seafood there is ridiculous. Fresh octopus, prawns, and lobster for prices that made me laugh. I had grilled fish every single night. But be careful with street food if your stomach isn’t strong. I didn’t get sick but my friend wasn’t so lucky after eating some dodgy samoosas.
Coffee is surprisingly good in Tanzania. They grow it everywhere. I drank way too much of it.
Best Time to Visit
I went in January 2026 and it was hot as hell but the animals were everywhere because water was scarce. The great migration was in the southern Serengeti so we saw millions of wildebeest. It was mental.
June to October is the classic dry season when everyone goes. Prices are higher and the parks are busier but the animals are easier to spot. December to March is the short rains period. I got caught in two random downpours but nothing major.
Avoid April and May if you can. That’s the long rainy season and a lot of roads get messed up. I met a couple who went then and said half their game drives got cancelled.
Budget (Indian Rupees)
Okay, let’s get real with the numbers because this is why you’re reading this.
I spent 4.8 lakhs total for 18 days, including international flights. That breaks down like this:
– Flights from India: 85,000
– Internal flights (to Zanzibar): 22,000
– Accommodation (mix of budget and mid-range): 1.45 lakhs
– Safari package (4 days/3 nights all-inclusive with jeep): 1.65 lakhs
– Food and drinks: 48,000
– Activities and park fees: 62,000
– Transport and random stuff: 28,000
Daily budget on the ground was around 18-22k when I wasn’t doing big safari days. Safari is stupid expensive. There’s no way around it. Even the “budget” operators charge a lot because of park fees.
If you’re really tight, you could probably do it for 2.8-3.2 lakhs by staying in basic places, skipping Zanzibar, and doing shorter game drives. But ngl, you’ll feel it.
The mid-range experience like I did costs between 4-6 lakhs depending how fancy you go on the coast.
Tips for First-Timers
Don’t try to do too much. I messed up and packed too many places into 18 days. I was exhausted by the end.
Pack better than I did. The dust in Serengeti gets everywhere. Bring clothes you don’t mind throwing away at the end. Also, layers. It gets properly cold in the mornings and evenings.
Hire a good driver-guide. I got lucky with mine. He spotted animals I would’ve completely missed. Ask other travellers for recommendations in Arusha.
The constant upselling gets annoying. Everyone wants to sell you a tour, a taxi, some souvenirs. Just get comfortable saying no.
Download maps offline before you go. Internet isn’t reliable outside big towns.
Bring dollars. The exchange rates for rupees aren’t great and some places prefer cash in USD.
Don’t expect things to run on time. This isn’t Japan. The “pole pole” (slowly slowly) attitude is real. Just roll with it.
FAQ
Is Tanzania safe?
Mostly yes. I never felt unsafe but I didn’t walk around alone at night in cities. The usual big city rules apply in Dar and Arusha. Safari areas are fine.
Do I need malaria pills?
Yes. Don’t be stupid. I took mine and still got bitten like crazy. The bugs there are next level.
Can I bargain?
Everywhere. Market prices are made up on the spot. I got pretty good at it by the end but still probably overpaid for some souvenirs.
Is it easy for solo travellers?
It’s okay but safaris are way cheaper if you join a group. I did one solo day trip and felt a bit awkward being the only single person.
How’s the internet?
Terrible most places. I bought a local SIM and it was alright in towns but basically useless in the parks. Don’t plan on working remotely.
Would I go back?
Yeah, in a heartbeat. The safari part was one of the best things I’ve ever done even though it hurt my wallet. Just know what you’re getting into money-wise.
The whole trip was exhausting and expensive but I’m so glad I went. Tanzania doesn’t mess around with its wildlife. You see stuff that just doesn’t compute until you’re actually there staring at a lion 15 feet from your jeep. Worth it? For me, yes. For your bank account? That’s for you to decide.
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