How much is the Tanzania eVisa in 2026? +
The eVisa costs $50 for French nationals and most nationalities. 100% online application on tanzaniaevisa.go.tz, official processing 10 business days (allow 3 weeks before departure to be safe), 90-day validity, 90-day stay max. Americans pay $100 (multiple entry visa). Visa on arrival still possible at JRO Kilimanjaro, DAR Dar es Salaam and ZNZ Zanzibar airports ($50 cash, 1-2h queue).
What's the ideal length for a Tanzania trip? +
Minimum 7 days for an essential Northern safari (Tarangire + Serengeti + Ngorongoro). 10 days to add Zanzibar (4 nights beach). 14 days is the recommended complete format: 7-day Northern safari + 6-day Zanzibar. For Kilimanjaro alone, count 8-9 days on site (6-7 days ascent + recovery).
When to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti? +
July to October: migration in the North (Mara River, spectacular crossings with crocodiles). December to February: herds in the Southern plains (Ndutu). February-March: calving, 500,000 births in 3 weeks, predators highly active. April-June: migration in transit to the North, variable presence. Southern Serengeti lodges (Ndutu) only open December-March.
Is Tanzania safe in 2026? +
Generally safe for tourists. Standard caution in Dar es Salaam and Arusha (pickpocketing, don't flash valuables). Parks and lodges are secure. France Diplomatie advises against the Mozambique border (Mtwara) and Mafia Island due to occasional terrorist risks. Zanzibar peaceful (cover up off the beach, conservative Muslim country). Cholera and malaria to watch during rainy season.
Is Kilimanjaro difficult? Which season? +
Not technically difficult (no climbing, no gear) but physically demanding: 5,895 m, altitude sickness guaranteed, success rate 65-85% depending on route. Machame route (7 days) = best rate thanks to acclimatization, Marangu route (6 days) = faster but less acclimatizing. Season: January-March (cool, fewer people) or June-October (dry, peak in August). Cost $1,800-2,500 all-in.
Should you combine safari and Zanzibar? +
Yes, it's Tanzania's signature format. 1h flight between Arusha (JRO) and Zanzibar (ZNZ) on Coastal Aviation, Auric Air or Precision Air, $200-300 per person. Count 4 to 7 nights in Zanzibar after the safari (beach, snorkeling, Stone Town). January-March and June-October are best for both. Avoid April-May (rains across the country).
Is yellow fever mandatory? +
The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory only if you arrive or transit more than 12 hours from an endemic country (West Africa, South America). Direct flight from Europe without endemic stopover = not mandatory. In practice, many travellers get it to combine with Kenya or Uganda and avoid airport issues. Antimalarial (Malarone) recommended everywhere except at altitude on Kilimanjaro.
Northern or Southern safari, how to choose? +
North (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara): most accessible 4x4 circuit from Arusha, plenty of lodges, maximum Big Five density, ideal first time. South (Selous/Nyerere, Ruaha): wild, uncrowded, private plane access required (Coastal Aviation), more exclusive experience, premium prices, ideal for experienced travellers or couples seeking intimacy. First Tanzania = North. Second visit = South.
