Our Guide to Solo Travel in Tanzania
So often, planning a solo adventure to a country as vast and diverse as Tanzania can be complicated – and really quite pricey too – but thanks to a host of set-departure trips, it’s easier than you might think. Set-departure trips in Tanzania are just that: pre-organised itineraries that depart on specific dates throughout the year and with a certain number of spaces available. These trips cater for all types of travel, solo or not, but as the trip is based on a set number of travellers, you’ll often save quite a few pennies if you’re travelling alone. For solo adventurers, these trips take care of all the practicalities of travel, but also allow you to enjoy plenty of opportunities to exchange exclamations with fellow guests, while enjoying the many benefits of Tanzania solo travels.
Sound good? Read on for two of our favourite trips for solo travel in Tanzania, as well as some top tips for how to make the most of your holiday.
See the greatest show on earth, The Great Migration
The Best Places for Solo Travel in Tanzania
When it comes to solo travel, Tanzania is a wonderful place to get out of your comfort zone and explore a corner of the world without having to check every little detail with someone else. Take a look at two fantastic trips to get your planning started.
Marvel at the wildlife of Northern Tanzania
For a solo safari, Tanzania’s northern safari circuit is ideal. You’ll drive between each destination and a typical itinerary for a week-long trip includes Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater and central Serengeti.
Well-rested after a night at Arusha’s Rivertrees Country Inn, you’ll set off on a scenic drive to the Tarangire area, and more specifically, Lake Burunge Tented Camp. Perched in a prime spot within a wildlife corridor, sightings are out of this world without even leaving camp.
Don your walking shoes to explore the area on foot, keeping your eyes and ears pricked for the incredible birdlife, or venture into Tarangire National Park, navigating ginormous baobabs amongst herds of elephant, buffalo, wildebeest and the famous tree-climbing lions. Then again, getting a bird’s eye view from a hot air balloon is dreamy to say the least.
After a day of exploring, the down-to-earth comforts of camp await, including a lovely pool to wash off the dust, drinks as the sun sets over the lake, and dinner when moonglow has replaced the sunlight.
From Tarangire, you’ll make the beautiful drive north to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you’ll want to keep your binos handy at all times. Your home is the Ngorongoro Farm House, set in picturesque gardens on a working coffee farm. Here, you’re mere minutes from the crater, or ‘Africa’s Eden’ as it’s often known, and a spectacular variety of animals including zebra, lion, wildebeest, cheetah and black rhino – it’s one of the best places to see them up-close. Enjoy 4×4 game drives, but don’t rule out walking expeditions either: take a tour of the farm on foot, or join members of the Maasai tribe to explore the Crater Highlands area, learning about their way of life. In your spare time, take a dip in the secluded pool at the Farm House or enjoy an in-room massage.
If you’d love nothing more than the thought of waking to sunlit grasses, and watching as zebra, giraffe and elephant wander just metres away from your tent, then Kati Kati in the Serengeti will check every box. Should you be planning a trip to see the Great Migration, rest assured that this tiny mobile camp is always set up in an ideal location for catching all the wildebeest action. But whatever the season, wildlife is ever-present as you roam the vast savannah of the Serengeti, stopping for picnics of homemade treats along the way, or evening sundowners in yet another beautiful location. In Tanzania, solo travels are done in true style.
Cruise across Zanzibar’s sky-blue waters in a traditional dhow
Wildlife sensations & beautiful Zanzibar
On this Tanzania solo travel itinerary, combine Tanzania’s most mind-boggling and prolific wildlife destinations with a good helping of island bliss in Zanzibar.
Get your first taste of safari as you drive from Arusha to Bougainvillea Safari Lodge, cleverly-located between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater. Pick between epic drives in the Ngorongoro Crater or walking safaris beside Lake Manyara – or enjoy a bit of both! With a welcoming atmosphere, beautiful, birdlife-filled gardens, and sun loungers upon which to enjoy a snooze beside the pool, the lodge is just what you need to re-energise between safari adventures. Not to mention their mouth-watering, five-course dinners…
At Kati Kati Tented Camp, in a secluded sector of the Serengeti, you’ll be in the heart of nature and surrounded by the wildlife of your wildest dreams. The camp is completely mobile, keeping its footprint as light as possible, and the safari experience is as authentic as they come – you can’t beat sharing stories and meals cooked over the fire, listening to the sounds of the African night. For a touch of luxury, take to the skies in a hot air balloon, soaring above the heads of wildebeest, elephant and big cats, before touching down for a champagne breakfast.
Sitting high above an iridescent, white-sand beach on Zanzibar Island, Shooting Star Lodge is the antidote to travel-weariness. While away the hours in the saltwater infinity pool, sipping on cocktails or sunbathing with the sound of the surf in your ears, or delve beneath the surface of the ocean to dive and snorkel amongst the marine life.
Look out for playful octopuses, stingrays, Hawksbill and green sea turtles, whale sharks (in the right season) and pods of dolphins. Get to know the local lifestyle with a cycle into the village to peruse items at the bazaar or watch fishermen return with their catch. Speaking of which, the seafood at Shooting Star Lodge is superb and the only reason to check your watch is to make sure you don’t miss lunch…
Top Tips for Solo Travel in Tanzania
Now that you have a little inspiration for your solo travels to Tanzania, we have a few top tips to share with you.
Firstly, it’s best to stay connected during your travels, whether that’s sharing your location with family or friends or contacting your guide. You could consider buying a local SIM card on arrival to ensure you always have data and call access. Apps like Google Maps, Uber and translation apps will undoubtedly make solo travel easier. Having said that, you can also download offline maps and translation apps in case of low signal as you travel. Of course, when you are on safari, your safety and navigation will be taken care of by your guide and the lodge staff.
Secondly, Tanzania is largely a cash economy outside of high-end stores and properties, so it’s useful to always keep some Tanzanian Shillings on you for local transactions (small shops, taxis and tips) and some US Dollars for larger payments (park fees, visas, etc.). It’s also worth splitting your cash; carry a day’s worth on your person and leave the rest locked in the hotel room safe. While ATMs in major metropoles like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi and even Stone Town accept foreign cards, it’s important to avoid relying on credit cards for everything. Also, be sure to only use ATMs attached to banks or malls, and only withdraw in daylight.
P.S. Tipping is customary for many services in Tanzania so be sure to budget extra as a solo traveller as you may not be splitting the tips with a group.
Thirdly, while you may have your mind set on a solo trip, this doesn’t mean you have to be lonely either. You could opt to join a group trip or a couple of tours, where you’ll meet new people to share the experience with – it’s often tons of fun.
Is Tanzania Safe?
In short, yes. Tanzania is often rated as one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists, especially when exploring the main parks with a guide. However, as with any unfamiliar destination, it’s useful to take basic precautions. Petty theft can occur specifically in cities like Dar es Salaam, at crowded markets or on public transport, so it’s recommended you keep your valuables secure and out of sight – a cross-body bag could come in handy.
It’s also important to avoid walking alone in isolated areas or on beaches after dark; and if you will be returning from a venue or restaurant at night, be sure to arrange a taxi or hotel transfer in advance. In Dar es Salaam and Arusha, be sure to use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, rather than non-descript cabs. If you are travelling by taxi, it’s important to negotiate the fare before starting the ride as they generally don’t use meters.
Tanzania is a culturally diverse nation and while the local people are known to be generally welcoming and helpful, greetings are very important and saying ‘Jambo’ with a smile goes a long way. It may also be useful to learn a few Swahili phrases like ‘Habari’ (how are you) and ‘Asante’ (thank you), as well as ‘Naweza Kupiga picha’, which means ‘May I take a photo?’ – it’s very important to ask before doing so. However, if you run into any issues, seek assistance from hotel staff or your guide – they are the best resources for navigating life as a solo traveller. It’s best to keep your hotel’s business card or address with you at all times to show taxi drivers or ask for directions.
Get the full scoop on safety in Tanzania here.
Is Tanzania Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
In Tanzania, solo female travellers can generally expect respectful behaviour, but unwanted attention can still occur. In Zanzibar and other tourist spots where you may be moving around without a guide, local men may approach you with overly friendly behaviour. While this may just be aimed to sell tours, it may also be an attempt at scamming you. When it comes to any unwanted behaviour, a firm but polite “hapana, asante” (no, thank you) and moving on is usually effective. As a solo female traveller, it’s always best to be alert and aware, using common sense and the same safety precautions as you would in any other destination.
The Best Time for Tanzania Solo Travel
While there’s no specific time that’s ideal for a solo trip to Tanzania, you can base your travel dates around the overall best time to go. The long dry season (June to October) is generally considered the top time to visit Tanzania as the days are warm with minimal rain, meaning wildlife gathers around scarce water sources and thinning vegetation makes it easier to spot them. This time of year is also slightly cooler and less humid on the coast, making for idyllic beach weather. Part of the short dry season, January to February is a fantastic time to go, and brings calving season in the southern Serengeti. While a tad more rainy than other months, November promises good value, fewer tourists and decent game viewing.
What to Pack for Solo Travel in Tanzania
For the most part, a packing list for solo travellers will be the same as our comprehensive guide (which you can find here). However, there are a few caveats and items worth taking note of. In areas like Zanzibar, parts of Dar es Salaam and traditional villages, it’s important to dress quite conservatively. Ideally, women should pack clothing items that cover the shoulders, cleavage and knees, and men should avoid going shirtless except on the beach.
It’s also important to carry a copy of your passport, travel insurance details and vaccination certificate, and visa (if applicable) at all times. It’s also worth having them backed up digitally.
Other items that will definitely come in handy include a padlock for lockers or bags, cross-body bag, reusable water bottle and travel laundry powder or strips. Make note: plastic bags are banned nationwide, so carrying any into the country (even in your luggage) can lead to a fine.
We can say, without a doubt, that Tanzania is a fantastic country to visit on a solo trip. You’ll be in the best hands as you enjoy a safari or sojourn by the sea, as guaranteed by Timbuktu. Keep our advice in mind whenever you’re exploring on your own, pay attention and use common sense, and your Tanzania solo travels will go swimmingly. Let the adventure begin!
Latest blogs
As seen in
