what to do in tanzania on a budget
This way you can splurge on the big ticket items, like a diving trip or safari. Dar es Salaam or simply Dar is the largest city in Tanzania and the center for most of the country’s business. Upon arriving in Iringa, you may notice that it looks a bit different from other Tanzanian towns. A special note on hitchhiking in Tanzania: instead of using your thumb, wave your hand with the palm up to indicate that you need a ride; having your palm face down means you want to pay. Here’s a list of some of the most interesting festivals taking part in Tanzania: On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without: This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. From our Small Group Safari Experiences of a lifetime, to beach holidays followed by the culture of Zanzibar, to our famous hikes above the clouds on Africa's highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro. There is very little to do in Kilwa Masako besides visiting the nearby ruins. As such, it has its own immigration offices for both air and sea. For your benefit, I’ve created a list of 10 useful Swahili travel phrases for backpackers traveling to Tanzania. About Author Helen. From Kigoma and the Mahales, you’ll head south again until you reach Mbeye, passing Katavi and Lake Rukwa along the way. Kilwa Kisiwani is a huge complex full of decrepit buildings, crumbling walls, and shadows from the old Islamic Sultanate. Scuba dive off the coast of Pemba Island near Zanzibar! Even the odd taxi driver may attempt to screw over a backpacker and hold him hostage for a bribe. Whilst there’s a lot that we can do when it comes to traveling responsibly, reducing your plastic consumption is one of the easiest and most impactful things you can do. “Find out how YOU can support the site. It can be accessed by road from more popular locations in the East via Dodam, the administrative capital of the country. Go on safari. We love what we do, we hope we do it well. Tanzania has some of the best diving opportunities in all of Africa. Plus, supporting local agriculture is also good for the planet (Why You Should Eat Local). Nearly every foreign country can receive a visa-upon-arrival in Tanzania. If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. Help us keep the site going! I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard of backpackers getting in trouble because they were not careful; myself included. When buying local crafts or knick-knacks, do not haggle so low that the price is unfair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. You can travel on a budget in Tanzania though! Don’t buy one-use water bottles, don’t take plastic shopping bags, and forget straws. I prefer not to drive and allow myself one flight (into or nearby Serengeti, preferrably from Dar) since it will spare me a day if I got that right. We have reviews of the best places to see in Tanzania. The secret ingredient is…. There will be bonfires, DJs, and lots of drunk Zanzibarbarians. Thinking in clusters means designing your itinerary in efficient chunks, to link up several experiences over few days. Adventurous backpackers can catch a cargo freighter from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar to the tiny island nations of Comoros and Mayotte, halfway to Madagascar. Do you see tents and backpacks and overland travel in small groups, or is it all fine china, private tours, and lavish resorts? Having a filtered water bottle means you can drink from just about any source. Located right on the beach! For seafaring Swahilis, the dhow is like an extension of their own body. For most the century, they controlled the East African coastline until the Arab powers retaliated. Mafia Island has the best snorkeling and diving in Tanzania! The rooms are clean and the breakfast is very good as well! To visit the ruins, you will need a permit from the local government as well as a dhow. Tanzania currently accepting tourists! Moreover, they may discover an elusive piece of themselves that has escaped so many journeymen before them. Go on a safari for both yourself and for the local community – your support helps to protect these lands and bring jobs to the people. This next tip will help you find the best accommodations in Tanzania and stay within your budget. The mountain is 4500m tall so it will require several days to summit. You’ll have to look very hard to find an affordable lodge. On a journey through this marvelous country, backpackers will find a menagerie of exotic wildlife, heavenly beaches, and friendly and warm people. Changuu (aka Prison Island)is a great place to see giant tortoises, and idyllic Mnemba Island has some great snorkeling. The local tribes came to adopt Islam as their religion and began speaking a form of Bantu heavily influenced by Arabic; this is the origins of the Swahili language. There is a Maasai market as well that is more for tourists and souvenirs. Here are some of Africa’s most magnificent lakes as well as a number of significant wildlife refuges that receive far fewer tourists than likes of the Serengeti and even Ruaha. Afterward, relax on the beaches of Zanzibar and drink a Kilimanjaro beer. 12 Days Discover Wildebeest in Serengeti: Arusha, Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Central Serengeti, Western Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, Read Easy Travel Standard Operating Procedures. Lake Chala is on the border of Kenya and Tanzania and totally worth checking out. The main reason to visit Iringa, however, is for the chance to visit Ruaha, one the greatest places to go on a safari in Tanzania; it is arguably better than the Serengeti! There’s also a direct ferry leaving from Dar es Salaam twice per week and another from Tanga. Staying in an apartment can be an awesome experience, especially in places like Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam. Mafia Island is a much quieter version of Zanzibar, devoid of the raucous crowds and rampant tourism that can make the latter somewhat unattractive at times. Watch men lash each other (civily) to settle beefs from last year! We’re Tanzanians, we love Tanzania. Sounds adventurous, right? Humidity is very high during this time and, for much of the country, the temperatures are still quite high. Whale sharks are very common and swimming with them is actually pretty affordable ($60 w/Afro Whale Shark Safari). Law enforcement often likes to get a cut of the business and will often solicit backpackers for bribes as well. Long term travel is awesome. If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads. In addition to sleeping well you'll be saving shillings in the process. 2020/2021 National budget bulletin Navigating through uncertainty . Tourists rarely visit Western Tanzania, yet it offers some of the best attractions in the country! Most international flights will arrive at Dar es Salaam, whereupon you’ll disembark or catch a connecting flight. Note that bartering is practiced in full force in Tanzania! There are no online resources for these islands, so interested parties will have to go to the local docks to start their journeys to these islands. There are a ton of good times to be had while backpacking in Tanzania but everyone, myself included, can get carried away sometimes. Hitchhiking in Tanzania should be a relatively straightforward task since many African people use it as a common mode of transport. Maybe even attempt to climb the mighty Kilimanjaro! Budget Travel Tips; Resources; 16 Amazing Things to do in Tanzania – Dream Trip. In the broadest sense, Tanzania has two rainy seasons: the “long rains” from March-May and the “short rains” from November-December. Besides being full of wildlife, they’re among the most beautiful places in Tanzania as well. Below is a graph outlining all of the major border crossings in Tanzania. The best way to go backpacking in Africa on a budget is to bring a tent with you! Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater get all of the attention but places like Ruaha, Tarangine, and Lake Manyara can be just as beautiful and even cheaper! At around 5 895 metres tall Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list destination for hiking and climbing fans world-wide. The Portuguese were initially complacent in the region but soon became aggressive and started taking the land. I’ll also do a budget for my longer 6 month trip (volunteering, overland, Kilimanjaro and independent travel) soon so you can compare. Dar has a ton of markets to visit, some of the best restaurants in Tanzania, and interesting cultural sites as well for that matter. Visit one of the many villages in the heartland of the country for a peek into the local lives. Filters. Our reservation team will help you design the perfect trip. Driving between cities is a matter of catching another dala-dala, one that travels longer distances, or a larger mainliner. These islands are the very essence of off the beaten path travel but reaching them will be totally worthwhile. There are a lot of petty criminals and desperate opportunists in Tanzania that have no problem targeting a tourist. Food Budget in Tanzania Average Daily Costs. R ent a car in Arusha and do self-drive safaris. Though Arusha is, admittedly, an aesthetically unattractive town, it still deserves to be visited. Aside from being an ecological marvel, the mountains also host one of the greatest waterfalls in East Africa: Sanje Waterfall. Costs, Food, Diving, etc. Chake Chake and Wete are the two main villages on the island and both have little in the way of tourist infrastructure. Love what we do? There are plenty of budget safaris in Tanzania. Stone Town is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tanzania. The intercity mainliners are definitely more comfortable than the clown car minibusses but don’t expect too much luxury. Some of the best places in Tanzania are way out in the middle of nowhere! Arusha is the largest city in the region and the primary hub for organizing safaris and trips to Kilimanjaro. Both schedules are highly variable and very prone to delays. We also cover a lot of practicalities like avoiding the display of expensive items, traveling in groups, and using the proper safety garments. Private bungalows w/ terraces. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves – check out our Worldpackers in-depth review here. Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Some of the most interesting cultural sites in Dar include the Makumbusho Village Museum, the National Museum, the Azania Front Lutheran Church, and the Askari Monument. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Adventurous people can go to check out one of the many caves and islands located on the rim of Zanzibar. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. They’re easy to use, professional, and relatively affordable. These currencies are the most commonly accepted form of payment when it comes to larger, more tourist-related activities – entry into National Parks is a good example of when you need to pay with USD. Please dress and act respectively. Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Below are a couple of itineraries for backpacking Tanzania that are meant to inspire you. There are a lot of places to go on a safari in Tanzania; a lot. Humpback whales have been spotted during the migratory season. We’re going to break down the best places to visit in Tanzania soon, but before we get to that section we need to talk about specific routes for backpacking Tanzania. Whisper the word “safari.” What comes up for you? Climb the continent’s highest peak and touch the “Roof of Africa.”. Taragine and Lake Manyara are very close to Arusha as well and make for relatively easy trips. This includes the cost of accommodation, food and transport! Climbing time is an average between 4 and 7 days. Think great food, stunning beaches, interesting cultures, and—last but not least—the mighty Kilimanjaro. Close to many attractions. Generally speaking, the coastline is dominated by Swahili culture, which is predominantly Muslim. Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. Game will be out in the open, the Migration will have returned to the Serengeti, and the weather will be reliable. Dhows are sometimes nothing more than a hallowed-out tree and sail made of old t-shirts. With this, you should have no problem finding a dorm bed, groceries, beer money, and cash for transport. A local legend turned guesthouse. You can find just about anything at a Tanzanian market from little baubles to rare tanzanite. Tanzania’s local cuisine is a unique blend of the Arabic world, India and the flavours of East Africa. In the 19th century, the British and German powers lead expeditions to Tanzania. Tanzania has been on the backpacker radar for some time now and so the country has a lot of different forms of accommodation, many of which are affordable! Do not wander into areas that marked off or labeled as dangerous. If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world, be sure to watch the video below. The continental landmass became German – and was later called Tanganyika – and Zanzibar became English. Expeditions can be arranged in Arusha or online, and a good price is around $1000-$2000 depending on how many days the climb takes. Aside from the diving, Mafia Island also has some of the best beaches in the country; bonus, they are completely deserted. Each one is specially drafted to give you the best experience possible. So if you're willing to forgo the lavish bush lodge, you'll have access to the same incredible wildlife experiences as anybody else. Be sure to negotiate prices prior to entering one and be sure that they’re legit – people sometimes get mugged while riding unmarked taxis. There are 2 types of buses – a … For your convenience, I’ve created a list of the best areas to go on a safari in Tanzania. The prospect of braving the seas in one of these whimsically precarious boats is a blast (for me at least)! You can often find internet connection at your lodge or at a local cafe that will give you the password if you buy something. Paje and many of the other proximitous villages have a much more relaxed vibe than the northern shores of Zanzibar. Yes, Tanzania will totally alter your life forever, and yes: it's also possible on any budget. Competent climbers may not need a guide but will need an official escort. By all means, get the visa in your home country and risk paying more but I’d rather save a buck and wait in line a bit longer. If you are from the USA, it is US$100 per person; a single or multiple entry visa is the same price. Our epic 55 day Nairobi to Cape Town overland tour (which covers most of the highlights of east and southern Africa), and shorter trips like the 12-day Kenya and Tanzania budget safari, and the 10-day highlights of Tanzania budget safari. We mentioned before that cops like to pick on tourists by soliciting bribes. One of the most significant historical sites in all of Tanzania is located way down south in the Kilwa Islands. Among the myriad of tribal communities in Africa, Tanzania has some of the most interesting well known of them. For those who want to stay in Moshi long term, there are plenty of social welfare programs and rehabilitation centers that could use extra help. Moshi is the primary gateway to Mt. Consequently, it is one of the most popular places in Tanzania and probably ground zero for travelers. Tanzania suffers from much the same crime that is endemic to Eastern Africa: theft is ordinary, corruption is rampant, and violence is not unheard of. By now, we’ve left the coastline behind and entered into the heartland of Tanzania – a region characterized by vast savannahs, celestial mountains, great animal herds, and tribal peoples. Fun fact: Freddie Mercury of Queen was born in Stone Town! If you stick to the general Tanzania backpacking route, you shouldn’t have a problem communicating with the locals. Whereas the costs of living can be very low, going on a safari or a multi-day hike can turn out to be exorbitant. This means you won’t have to deal with crowds and can easily find budget safaris! (source). This way you spend less time traveling and more time oooing-and-awwwing over big game and gorgeous landscapes. Just across the channel is Zanzibar, which is one of the great jewels of the Tanzanian coastline. With the extra 4 days, you’ll be able to visit Mafia Island, which is the best place to go diving in Tanzania! Though to really travel around Zanzibar on a budget, you should probably stick to the northern beaches. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Heading southwest from Mwanza, you’ll eventually hit Kigoma on the banks of Lake Tanganyika. Consider couchsurfing in Tanzania as well! The Portuguese introduced cashews and cassava, the British popularized tea and boiled vegetables, and the Germans cultivated coffee plantations. Pay people what they are worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible. Because of this, stick to a few bucket-list experiences that meet your budget, and then sink your teeth into them. The right accommodations will make a great day even better. For the duration of the European occupation, there were many revolts and proxy wars. It was heavily influenced by the Arabic language due in part to the large amount of traders visiting Tanzania from the Arabian Peninsula. Tanzania has been romanticized countless times by the greatest Western authors. You could walk along them all the way to Jambiani or Dongwe, which are each about an hour away from Paje in opposite directions. If you liked the idea of Mafia Island’s solitude, then you’ll love Pemba Island just as much. Please be respectful of them. We have the best expert guides, passionate as well as knowledgeable, We do everything ‘in house’ – no subcontracting, The best vehicle fleet, rigorously maintained, Tanzania is special, we want to share it with you. In addition to all of the locations discussed prior (Arusha, Serengeti, Kili, Zanzibar, Mafia, etc), you’ll have time to venture deep into the south the Southern Highlands, where some of Tanzania’s great treasures are located. Climbers Home is another very good alternative that has an on-site restaurant and private bathrooms. Stone Town is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Tanzania. Most tourist attractions, bars, and restaurants are open in Tanzania at the moment. I’ve written the best travel guide to backpacking Tanzania on a budget, for I can think of few other countries that better represent the African continent. “Once upon a time, I almost lost my leg in a sweltering jungle…. The … These trains are reliable and relatively comfortable. A lot of these places are restaurants during the day and clubs at night, so if you arrive at a spot and it looks tame, it’s because you’re too early. That being said, there are still many major airlines going to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar – Turkish, KLM, Emirates, and Ethiopian all offer frequent flights to some if not all of Tanzania’s international airports. Tanzania is a fairly laid back country that doesn’t attract so many party animals. Keep in simple, plan well, join small groups, eat like the locals, and keep your accommodations basic. Here's the deal: you could spend five lifetimes exploring Tanzania, but it's not all about counting trees in the forest; it's about seeing the beauty of the forest. Zanzibar is a fairly large island with several villages with their own unique vibe. The best way to get around Tanzania is by the local bus system. If you like, stop for the chance to see some big game and awesome scenery. Once you’ve arrived, why not use what you’ve saved to treat yourself to a cold beer and a bite to eat? The best beaches are on the west coast as the east has a lot of mangroves. Never fear my broke backpackers! For information on climbing Kilimanjaro, refer to the Climbing Kilimanjaro section near the bottom of the article. You’ll encounter Arusha people, Iraqw people, Maasai and probably a lot (a whole lot) more once you arrive in the heartland. Dates & length. There are over 40,000 square km of protected park in Tanzania, much of which offers amazing opportunities for wildlife viewing. Doing so will unlock another side of the country. Bar handily on-site. Backpacking Mozambique is another popular route for travelers but note that the border between Mozambique and Tanzania is a bit rough since it requires crossing of the mighty Zambezi River. Tanzania is one of the great crossroads of the African continent. Most of the bars are pretty small but you do get the occasional big one in Stone Town or on the north of the island. Quieter hostel on the edge of town. Discover a varied offer of Tanzania budget tours that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Arusha and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The journey to these will be long (Swahili time will be in full effect! Truth bomb. Zanzibar has more beach bars and the scene here is more intimate than Dar es Salaam. If you can manage it, I definitely suggest hiring a dhow and captain for the day. As of October 2018, the official conversion rate for the Tanzanian shilling is 1 USD=2,289 shilling. Moshi does offer a few unique attractions of its own too. It is very important that any of the notes that you bring from home are printed later than 2006. With this travel guide to Tanzania, you’ll gain valuable information about how to have an amazing trip in the country. Nungwi is the busiest village in this region and Kendwa is a close second. The Broke Backpacker team has tried out over thirty backpacks this year! See below for a rough guide on how much to budget per day for Tanzania, depending on how much you plan to spend during your trip. 9 Days Expereince Tanzania Culture & Safari: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Lake Eyasi, Manyara. Truth be told, it depends a lot on your travel style and what you want to see. So take that Craigslist add offline where you’re selling your kidney, and read this instead. You can still find budget accommodation in Zanzibar’s southern reaches. I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organize your bathroom stuff. There are lots of international airlines that provide service to Tanzania. The Germans were successful in squashing the uprisings but stretched thin. Kiswani is considered to be the most important Swahili historical site and dutifully a UNESCO World heritage site now. If you’re going on safari, you’ll be camping anyway! On the off chance you take the wrong step and encroach on a beast’s territory, things can get really hairy. Stick to the crowded minibusses where even long hauls cost a matter dollars. Locals tend to keep to themselves here and go about their daily business, though in the evening it feels like the entire village (the men at least) move to the beaches to play football, which is the favorite sport in Tanzania. Aside from Swahili, English is widely spoken by those in business and tourism. To put yourself in the game, so to speak, is to be surrounded by the yips and yaws of African wilderness. We’ll cover a wide range of topics over the course of this article, covering vital topics like what to do in Tanzania and the best places to stay. Although, you have to do that when you go! They are a very fascinating people, as refined and enlightened as they are raw. Philanthropy legend Jane Goodall started her career here. The first Europeans, specifically Vasco de Gama and the Portuguese, arrived in Tanzania in the 16th century. If you visit villages or small communities outside of the Tanzanian cities always ask before taking photos, especially when it comes to taking photos of women (you should ask in the cities as well). Some of the hostels in these places are pretty slick as well! Tanzania On A Budget – 6 Top Tips That Won’t Break The Bank 1. BOOM! For budget travellers on the move, these stands are where you’ll get your grub. You can expect to find little to no internet while on safari or while staying on a remote island. Participate in a marathon at the base of Mt. Search. Granted, there are still plenty of residents on Pemba Island; they tend to the fields and live a very quiet life. Whether you are on the search for “The Big Five”, or wanting to see the majestic Wildebeest Migration, we will make sure your holiday is unforgettable!. Whilst most travelers choose to pair their trip to Tanzania with a backpacking adventure to South Africa, why not explore the countries nearby? Some notable cultural landmarks include Kalenga Museum and the Gangilonga Rock. Probably a good thing, as unplugging sometimes can be hugely refreshing. And Tanzania's highlights really exist outside of your accommodations, right? Below is a list of the best Tanzanian foods to try. The long dry season that follows the long rains (June-October) is generally seen as the best time to go backpacking in Tanzania. Traditional Tanzanian lodge located in the newer part of Downtown. Their presence would have a huge influence on Africans. Easy Travel's Basic Plans (Basic Tours) sets you up with small group tours to put you in the action while making costs manageable. Be sure to also drop by Kivukoni for a fresh albeit smelly seafood experience. © Copyright © Easy Travel & Tours Ltd. 2021 All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions. Often times you will see hotels, safaris, and activities priced in USD, Pounds and/or Euros. Go To Tanzania. Domestic flights will not be cheap; ferries and buses will save you hundreds of dollars, but will take hours or possibly days of travel. We’re not just a tour operator, we’re your Tanzanian friend! When backpacking in Tanzania, you must be alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in empty streets or when it’s dark out. The markets of Arusha are the central nervous system of the city and are well worth seeing. This town was originally settled by the German Empire and so it has a distinctive Teutonic flair. If you are planning on going on a safari, or have any unpaid bookings for that matter, bring USD, Euro, or Pounds to settle these up. It is a testament to the old days of Arab rule and a wonder to walk around. Many people just blow through town, eager to start their safaris and climbs. Also, try not to go too cheap – you’ll be taking money away from local porters/guides who need deserve your support and you’ll be putting your own life in danger as many safety expenditures are done away with. For more information on traveling to and from Tanzania by road, refer to the Onward Travel section. These vary from 1 week to 3 weeks in length and cover the majority of the best places in Tanzania to travel to. Ask around to see when is the “good night” for each bar. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. It should be noted that Zanzibar, along with much of the Tanzanian coastline, is predominantly Swahili, which means that Islam is the prevailing religion. Sign up below and we’ll email you access to the Broke Backpacker VIP area (hells yeah!) Those backpacking in Tanzania should definitely check out Mafia Island before it’s spoiled by those hordes of Zanzibarbarians. Tents will be pretty rudimentary and you’ll probably be expected to bring your own equipment, like a sleeping bag, mat, and headlamp, though you should have all of these things for backpacking Africa on a budget anyway! It’s a win-win! Skip to content Skip to footer. Tanzania is massive, nearly twice the size of California. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Tanzania should cost around TZS12,222 per person. That being said, there are definitely ways to party in Tanzania! The Maasai are one of the most well-known tribal groups and Africa.