Tanzania Solo Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go

4.9/5

Based on 3895+ reviews

4.7/5

Based on 930+ reviews

5 December 2025

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve either travelled solo before or you’re gearing up for one of the most exciting adventures of your life: solo travel in Tanzania. And who could blame you? Travelling alone means doing what you want, when you want: total freedom. And if you’ve never hauled your backpack through an African country on your own, Tanzania is the perfect place to start.

The locals are warm and welcoming, English is widely spoken both in tourist hotspots and sometimes even far beyond, and the infrastructure is solid. And then there’s, of course, the scenery, the wildlife, the mountains, the beaches… we could rave about it forever.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best spots and experiences for solo travellers in Tanzania, share tips to help you prepare, and even give you an idea that might open up a whole new world of possibilities.

Tanzania is incredibly diverse, and every region has something worth seeing. So your itinerary really depends on what you want to experience.

Lake Manyara is popular for its tree-climbing lions and colourful birdlife, while Ruaha and Nyerere offer less crowded safaris filled with the Big Five, wild dogs, crocodiles, hippos and more. While Nyerere is shaped by the Rufiji River, Ruaha wows with its vast, rugged landscapes.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always embark on a trek to the summit of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro.

For classic safaris and abundant wildlife with minimal travel time between parks, the Northern Circuit is great, with Arusha or Tarangire National Park as ideal starting points.

Tanzania’s Northern Circuit

From the Great Migration and the Big Five, to pink flamingos, hippos and baobab trees: the national parks of Tanzania’s Northern Circuit know how to make (wildife) dreams come true.

Discover all parks

Planning your solo trip through Tanzania

Without a tour company to lean on, you have to do the heavy lifting yourself. Which is part of the adventure, right? To lighten the load, check out these essentials.

Visa and vaccination

We’ve already pulled together the most important infos about visas, required vaccinations and if it makes sense to take out a travel insurance. You’re welcome.

Best time to visit

While the months December to February and June to October are considered the best months to visit Tanzania (dry season), the other months have their perks, too. It really just comes down to what you want to see and how flexible your budget is. You can find a full overview here.

Countless wildebeest running over the Tanzanian plains during the Great Wildebeest Migration

Money and internet

You can use US dollars at touristy places, but it’s still smart to carry some Tanzanian shillings, especially outside cities, where ATMs can be scarce. Most accommodations offer Wi-Fi, but getting a local SIM card will keep you connected throughout your trip (even if your plan is to unplug). Data speeds are good in cities and along the coast, and a bit patchier in national parks. You can buy SIM cards at the airport or in town from Vodacom, Airtel, or Tigo; just bring your passport.

Transport

Getting around depends on where you’re headed. For short distances, you’ll find local buses and dala-dalas, plus bajaji and tuk-tuks in cities. Private taxis are an option if you want a little comfort. For longer journeys, long-distance buses or domestic flights are the way to go.

Is Tanzania safe for solo female travellers?

Tanzania is generally safe for solo female travellers, especially in popular areas like Arusha, Zanzibar, and the northern safari parks. As with any destination, a few smart precautions can make your trip even safer. And by the way: these tips apply to all solo travellers. 😉

Choose well-reviewed, secure accommodations in central locations.
Use hotel-arranged taxis or reputable bus companies, and try to avoid travelling after dark.
Keep valuables in a cross-body bag and store important items in your room safe.
Stay alert in busy places like markets and bus stations.
Get a local SIM card to stay connected and navigate easily (offline maps are a lifesaver).
Avoid isolated areas or beaches at night, even in touristy spots.
Dress modestly, especially in Dar es Salaam and Stone Town.
Be respectful of local culture, and trust your instincts.

Follow these simple guidelines, and you’ll be able to enjoy Tanzania with confidence. With so much to see and do in this East African gem, exploring it solo can truly be unforgettable.

The best activities for solo travellers

Of course, a safari is a must, more on that later. But there are also plenty of activities for solo travellers that are not only fun, but also a great way to meet like-minded adventurers.

Discover all activities

Travelling to Zanzibar alone

Zanzibar is only for families and honeymooners? Think again! Zanzibar offers plenty of activities for solo travellers. From snorkelling and water sports to lounging on the beach, burying your feet in the sand, and sipping a cocktail with a little umbrella… there’s something for everyone.

Activities for solo travellers in Zanzibar

Jambiani and Paje on the east coast of Zanzibar are perfect for beach life galore. Many little restaurants, bars and live music set the scene for kicking back and maybe even making new friends (even if it’s just for the day). You can also visit the Kua Cave, take a cooking class or go for a bike ride. And obviously, you can always jump into the sea and meet colourful fish.

If you want to explore Stone Town, simply join a tour through this diverse city and learn more about its history, its culture and fun facts. Combine it with a spice farm tour and this day will be one for the books.

Discover all Zanzibar activities

Accommodations for solo travellers in Zanzibar

Zanzibar has luxurious lodges and spas for a treat, but also cozy boutique hotels and hostels... great for meeting fellow travellers and locals.

Discover all Zanzibar homes

The challenges of solo travel

As with everything in life, solo travel comes with a few challenges. Here’s a quick look at what to keep in mind when travelling alone:

You’ll be organising everything yourself, from safaris to transfers and permits.
Costs can be a bit higher than group travel.
Some areas may feel less familiar or safe at first.
Planning complex itineraries can be a little overwhelming.
Driving through certain parks alone is possible, but it’s quite boring (if we’re completely honest).
A registered guide is required in some parks.

If these don’t bother you, yay! If they do, no worries – we have the perfect solution!

Group of people standing on a hill during sunset in Tanzania

The solution: group trip!

Travelling solo is incredibly freeing and rewarding – especially if you want to immerse yourself in a country’s culture and don’t mind taking care of the planning yourself. And, of course, if you enjoy your own company. While you might meet other travellers along the way, it’s not guaranteed.

If you’d like some social connection, a group tour is the perfect solution: you can meet like-minded people, experience new adventures, and fulfill your dream of exploring Tanzania. Plus, you still get your own space when you want some downtime.

On our five-day group tour, you’ll explore with a small group of up to six people and dive into the flora and fauna of the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Tarangire National Park. Look forward to cute and wild animals – including the Big Five and the Great Wildebeest Migration – delicious meals and great company in cosy lodges after each day’s adventure. In short: you get all the perks of a Tanzania safari, zero stress, and plenty of fun – all you got to do is to bring your camera… and a smile!