Tanzania.
Flight from TLV
6h 1m
Best season
ינו–אוק
Avg temp
30°
Currency
TSh TZS · 1=₪0.001
Time zone
זהה לת״א בשעון חורף, +1 שעה בשעון קיץ בישראל
Language
סווהילית ואנגלית
Plug
D / G · 230V
Visa
ישראלים זקוקים לוויזת תייר; ניתן להגיש eVisa מראש או לקבל ויזה בהגעה, בכפוף לדרישות הכניסה העדכניות
Safety
אזורי הספארי וזנזיבר מתאימים לתיירים עם מפעיל מוכר; נדרשים זהירות מכייסות בערים, הימנעות מהפגנות וייעוץ רפואי לגבי מלריה וחיסונים
Overview
🇹🇿Tanzania
🇹🇿Tanzania
Tanzania delivers Africa's definitive grand journey: tracking lions and cheetahs in the Serengeti, descending into Ngorongoro Crater and watching elephants beneath Tarangire's baobabs. Israeli travelers typically book a private or family safari, stay in lodges inside the reserves, and finish with white sand and turquoise water at Nungwi or Kendwa in Zanzibar. July to October is prime time for the Great Migration in the northern Serengeti, while January and February bring calving season around Ndutu. It is an ambitious, relatively expensive trip, but the combination of untamed nature, luxury lodges and an island finale is unforgettable.
Places
Islands & sub-destinations in Tanzania
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Tanzania
Each area and who it suits best.
Nungwi, Zanzibar
At Zanzibar’s northern tip, a broad beach, swimmable water through much of the day, and plenty of restaurants cluster around Nungwi Beach Road. Hotels such as Z Hotel and RIU Palace Zanzibar put you close to sunset cruises, diving, and barefoot beach bars. It is the easiest base for a beach holiday, but the center gets noisy at night, tour sellers are persistent, and prices are higher than on the east coast.
Kendwa, Zanzibar
Kendwa Beach delivers white sand, relatively deep water even at low tide, and some of the island’s finest sunsets, with resorts such as Zuri Zanzibar and Gold Zanzibar. The scene becomes younger around Kendwa Rocks, whose Full Moon parties run late. Prices are high, there is little walkable town life beyond the resorts, and light sleepers should stay away from Kendwa Rocks.
Paje and Jambiani, Zanzibar
Paje Beach has kite schools, bars such as B4 Beach Club, and guesthouses steps from the sand, while Jambiani to the south feels quieter and more village-like. Hotels such as Paje by Night and Mwezi Boutique Resort suit travelers who prefer a social scene to a sealed-off resort. Low tide exposes the lagoon for hundreds of meters, so swimming is not always possible, and Paje’s wind and parties will not suit everyone.
Stone Town, Zanzibar
The lanes around Gizenga Street, the House of Wonders, and Forodhani Gardens are packed with carved doors, markets, and rooftop venues, while Park Hyatt Zanzibar and Tembo House sit in the historic core. This is the most practical base for Chabad and for spice-farm or Prison Island tours. Humidity is intense, cars cannot enter most alleys, and the town beach is no substitute for Nungwi or Kendwa.
Arusha
Arusha is the gateway to the northern safari circuit, with operators along Sokoine Road and dependable hotels such as Gran Meliá Arusha and Four Points by Sheraton near the Clock Tower. This is where travelers stock up, meet their driver, and depart for Tarangire, Ngorongoro, or the Serengeti, with Arusha National Park available for an easier day. It is not a nightlife or strolling destination, traffic is heavy, and downtown feels rougher than the quieter hotel districts.
Karatu and the Ngorongoro Area
Karatu lies between Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro’s Lodoare Gate, surrounded by coffee estates and lodges such as Gibbs Farm and Kitela Lodge. A crater-rim stay, for example at Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, provides an early start and dramatic views, while Karatu is cheaper and more accessible. There is no nightlife, and remote lodges require a driver, on-site meals, and a larger budget.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Tanzania
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
31°
26°
Excellent
פבר
32°
26°
Hot
מרץ
31°
25°
Excellent
אפר
29°
24°
Excellent
מאי
29°
23°
Excellent
יונ
29°
22°
Excellent
יול
29°
22°
Excellent
אוג
29°
22°
Excellent
ספט
30°
22°
Excellent
אוק
30°
23°
Excellent
נוב
30°
24°
Excellent
דצמ
30°
25°
Excellent
Most pleasant weather: ינו · מרץ · אפר · מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק · נוב · דצמ
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): ינו · פבר · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט · אוק. July through October is the main Israeli peak thanks to dry weather, the Great Migration and the summer holidays, with especially high prices in August and around the Tishrei holidays. January and February are excellent for calving around Ndutu and a hot, sunny Zanzibar extension.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Tanzania · Open-Meteo
This week in Tanzania
Measured in Tanzania
22°
Partly cloudy
Next 7 days
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Things to do
Things to do in Tanzania
On the map
Tanzania on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Tanzania itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Arrival and Arusha
Land at Kilimanjaro and transfer to Arusha rather than forcing a safari after an overnight flight. Spend the afternoon at Shanga, a social enterprise with glass and textile workshops, or relax in the green grounds of Gran Meliá Arusha facing Mount Meru. Stock up at Shoppers Supermarket, meet the driver-guide, and discuss the family’s pace and kosher-food requirements. Stay overnight in Arusha and depart early the next morning.
- 2
Day 2
Tarangire’s Elephants
Leave Arusha around 07:00 for Tarangire National Park, famous for elephant herds and enormous baobab trees. Ask the driver to focus on the Tarangire River area, where wildlife concentrates during the June-October dry season. Eat a packed lunch at an authorized picnic site and never feed monkeys or baboons. Toward evening, continue to an overnight stay among Karatu’s coffee estates.
- 3
Day 3
Ngorongoro Crater
Reach Lodoare Gate early and aim to descend into Ngorongoro Crater near opening time, before vehicle convoys build up. On the crater floor, look for lions, buffalo, hippos, and occasionally a black rhino, then picnic near Ngoitoktok Springs while keeping food carefully secured. In the afternoon, climb to a caldera viewpoint, where changing light produces one of Tanzania’s defining scenes. Return to Karatu, or connect via Arusha for a Zanzibar flight the following morning, depending on the schedule.
- 4
Day 4
Stone Town and Spices
Fly to Zanzibar and devote the day to Stone Town, walking with a local guide through Darajani Market, the Anglican Cathedral and former slave-market site, the Old Fort, and the carved doors of Gizenga Street. Around midday, visit a reputable spice farm north of town to identify vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg rather than settling for a sales-only stop. Return by sunset for Forodhani Gardens and the waterfront opposite the House of Wonders. Kosher-observant travelers should prearrange a meal through Chabad rather than rely on market stalls.
- 5
Day 5
Prison Island and the North Coast
Depart Stone Town by boat before 09:00 for Changuu, better known as Prison Island, to see the giant tortoises before the heat and crowds. Transfer onward to Kendwa or Nungwi, check in, and swim when tide conditions are favorable. In the afternoon, walk along Nungwi Beach toward the traditional dhow-building area, or simply relax by the water in Kendwa. Book a sunset dhow trip with a licensed operator carrying life jackets, then return to the hotel for dinner.
- 6
Day 6
Mnemba Snorkeling and Beach Time
Leave early from Muyuni Beach or Nungwi for snorkeling around Mnemba Atoll, when seas are generally calmer and visibility is better; the island itself is private and landing is prohibited. Choose an operator that does not chase dolphins or permit touching sea turtles, and bring a UV shirt and reef-friendly sunscreen. Return around midday to relax in Kendwa or Nungwi, bargain calmly for souvenirs, and finish with sunset on the beach. If the return flight departs early, spend the final night in Stone Town rather than risk a roughly 90-minute pre-dawn transfer.
Quick game
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Question 1 of 5
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Budget
How much does Tanzania cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪2,600-4,800
4-5-night package
₪4,500-8,500 per person
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪300-650 per room
5-star hotel nightly
₪850-2,400 per room
Restaurant meal
₪35-100
Local beer
₪8-18
Coffee
₪7-16
Short taxi ride
₪12-35
Car and driver daily
₪220-450 (non-safari)
Private safari day
₪900-2,000 per person
Daily budget per person
₪550-1,500 (with safari)
Family of 4, 6 days
₪28,000-52,000
Good to know
Good to know before Tanzania
Getting around
From the airport
From Zanzibar Airport, ZNZ, Stone Town is a 15-20-minute prebooked taxi ride costing ₪40-70; Paje takes 60-75 minutes and costs ₪100-160, while Nungwi and Kendwa take roughly 75-100 minutes at ₪120-190. Shared beach shuttles cost around ₪35-70 per person but involve waiting and multiple stops; local dala-dalas cost only ₪2-8 but are crowded and awkward with luggage. From Kilimanjaro Airport, JRO, Arusha is 60-90 minutes away: a shuttle costs ₪35-60 per person and a private taxi ₪140-230. Ride-hailing is inconsistent on Zanzibar; Uber and Bolt operate subject to availability in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, but should not be trusted for a JRO pickup or a safari circuit.
Need a car?
Most trips do not require a rental car. On safari, Israelis almost always book a 4x4 with a driver-guide because the roads, park gates, and wildlife spotting require experience; on Zanzibar, transfers and a day driver are easier, especially for families and couples. Independent travelers can rent on the island, but traffic keeps left, police checkpoints are common, and a temporary local driving permit must be arranged by the rental company.
Tips
On Zanzibar, agree on the fare beforehand and ask the hotel for a known driver; street taxis lack reliable meters, and night rides cost more. Leave buffer time for domestic flights between Arusha or Serengeti and Zanzibar, as safari-plane schedules can shift and baggage is usually limited to a soft bag. The Dar es Salaam-Zanzibar ferry takes about two hours, but the crossing can be rough, so most Israeli holidaymakers prefer the short flight.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Chabad of Zanzibar operates in Stone Town’s Malindi area near the ferry terminal and hosts Israeli travelers for prayers and prebooked Shabbat and holiday meals. Services and the precise venue can change, so travelers must contact it before flying rather than arrive unannounced. There is no permanent, readily accessible Chabad house across the Arusha, Karatu, and Serengeti safari circuit.
Kosher food
Tanzania has no broad network of kosher restaurants; on Zanzibar, the main option is preordered kosher food through Chabad, sometimes including coordinated catering or delivery. Larger supermarkets in Stone Town and Arusha, such as Shoppers Supermarket, may stock selected imported products carrying kosher certification, but availability is unreliable. Observant travelers commonly bring dry food, tuna, self-heating meals, and disposable utensils from Israel, and ask safari lodges in advance for a refrigerator, whole fruit and vegetables, and sealed eggs.
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Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
Convert
You get
0.11
1 TZS
₪0
100 TZS
₪0.11
1,000 TZS
₪1.13
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 13 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Tanzania 🇹🇿
What you need before you fly
- ישראלים זקוקים לוויזת תייר; ניתן להגיש eVisa מראש או לקבל ויזה בהגעה, בכפוף לדרישות הכניסה העדכניות
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Tanzania
- 💵Bring clean, newer US-dollar notes, preferably issued from 2009 onward, and use Tanzanian shillings in markets and small restaurants; cards are accepted at lodges and Zanzibar hotels, but a 3% to 5% surcharge is common.
- 🛂Apply for a visa only through Tanzania’s official immigration website, and when entering Zanzibar also purchase the mandatory Zanzibar Insurance Corporation policy, which costs about ₪160 and is required even if you have Israeli travel insurance.
- ✈️Domestic flights with Coastal Aviation or Auric Air commonly limit total luggage to 15 kg including hand luggage and require soft bags, so leave hard-shell suitcases in storage in Arusha or Dar es Salaam.
- 🦁For the wildebeest migration, book at least nine months ahead: choose Ndutu from December to March for calving and the northern Serengeti from July to October for Mara River crossings, without trusting anyone who promises an exact crossing day.
- 🏨Families wanting easy swimming with minimal tidal disruption should choose Kendwa or Nungwi, while couples seeking quiet boutique hotels are usually happier in Matemwe or Pwani Mchangani.
- 🚕Zanzibar does not have reliably metered taxis, so agree on the fare in advance and ask your hotel for a regular driver; an airport-to-Nungwi transfer generally costs about ₪180 to ₪250 per vehicle.
- 🍷Evening dress is relaxed in Nungwi and Paje, but cover shoulders and knees away from the beach, especially in Stone Town and during Ramadan; for parties such as Kendwa Rocks, use a taxi with a prearranged return pickup.
- ✡️For Shabbat or kosher food in Zanzibar, contact Chabad of Zanzibar in the Nungwi area in advance, as Shabbat meals require registration and kosher products are not routinely available in local supermarkets.
- 🦟Tanzania and Zanzibar are malaria-risk areas, so consult an Israeli travel clinic, pack DEET repellent and check yellow-fever certificate rules if your connection in an affected country lasts more than 12 hours.
- 📱At the airport or in Arusha, buy an official Vodacom or Airtel SIM using your passport, but download offline maps before the Serengeti because even a good data plan will not provide reliable coverage between camps.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"Tanzania reminds me how immense nature is and how small we are, from sunrise over the Seronera plains to the first descent into Ngorongoro Crater. Israelis fall for its rare combination: days of lions, elephants and campfire evenings, followed by white sand and turquoise water at Kendwa Beach in Zanzibar. My perfect moment is hearing a lion roar before breakfast and ending the same trip barefoot at sunset beside the Indian Ocean."
Loves
My Zanzibar secret is taking a private boat from Matemwe toward Mnemba Island at 7:00, before the day-trip boats crowd the snorkeling area. From January to March and June to October, the sea is generally calmer in the morning, and afterward I stay for a quiet lunch on the island’s northeast coast instead of rushing back to Nungwi.
Skip
I avoid last-minute “Maasai village visits” suggested by drivers on the way to Ngorongoro, as they can be commercialized stops with pressure to shop and intrusive photography. If a community visit matters to you, arrange a vetted initiative around Mto wa Mbu in advance and ask exactly where the fee goes.
Boutique pick
At 5:45 we leave the Seronera lodge with coffee for the road, and by 6:15 we are on the plains as the first light reveals lions, hyenas and sometimes a cheetah. Around 10:30 we stop for a late breakfast near the Seronera Visitor Centre, continue searching for elephants and leopards among the acacias, and have a properly packed picnic at 13:30 away from the busiest circuit. By 17:30 we return to camp for a hot shower, sunset and a drink by the fire as the sounds of the Serengeti replace the safari vehicles.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Tanzania
"We watched lionesses with cubs on a sunrise drive in the Serengeti, then traded the safari dust for barefoot sunsets on Kendwa Beach. Tanzania gave us exactly the honeymoon mix we wanted: a major adventure by day and complete relaxation at night."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 12 nights · September
"The kids never lowered their binoculars in Tarangire as dozens of elephants crossed beside the vehicle, and in Ngorongoro Crater they excitedly ticked off almost all of the Big Five. Tanzania turned a nature lesson into a family experience no screen could compete with."
Michal and Ori, Modi'in
Family with children · 10 nights · August
"We started the morning kitesurfing in Paje and ended with music and dancing at Kendwa Rocks. Tanzania surprised us because Zanzibar felt far younger and livelier than expected, although travel between the beaches takes longer than the map suggests."
Roy, Daniel and Shahar, Be'er Sheva
Friends · 7 nights · July
"We descended into Ngorongoro Crater early before the crowds and spotted a rhino in the distance, then explored Stone Town with a guide between the House of Wonders and Darajani Market. Tanzania felt wild and fascinating, yet with good planning it was also very comfortable for a couple our age."
Rachel and Yossi, Haifa
Older couple · 11 nights · February
FAQ
Common questions about Tanzania
Do Israelis need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, Israeli passport holders need a visa for Tanzania; the easiest option is to apply in advance through the official eVisa website, with a standard tourist visa generally costing USD 50. Apply at least two weeks before departure and ensure your passport is valid for six months with blank pages available.
Are there direct flights from Israel to Tanzania, and how long is the flight?
Seasonal nonstop flights from Tel Aviv to Zanzibar sometimes operate during peak periods and take about six hours, although schedules change from year to year. For a northern Tanzania safari, Israelis commonly connect through Addis Ababa, Dubai, or Nairobi to Kilimanjaro, with total journey times of roughly 9 to 14 hours.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania, and when is peak season?
For a Tanzania safari, the dry season from June to October offers the easiest wildlife viewing, with July and August as the busiest peak months requiring early booking. For the Serengeti calving season, aim for late January through March around Ndutu, while Zanzibar is especially pleasant from June to October and in January and February.
How many days should I spend in Tanzania?
For a first trip to Tanzania, allow 10 to 14 nights: five to seven nights on a northern safari followed by four to six nights in Zanzibar. If time is limited, an eight-night itinerary can combine Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and three to four nights at Nungwi or Kendwa.
How do you get around Tanzania between the safari areas and Zanzibar?
On safari in Tanzania, travel is by 4x4 with a local guide; between the Serengeti, Arusha, and Zanzibar, domestic flights with carriers such as Coastal Aviation or Auric Air can save a full day on the road. In Zanzibar, arrange a trusted driver through your hotel or operator, while historic Stone Town is best explored on foot.
How much does a trip to Tanzania from Israel cost?
A 10 to 14-night Tanzania trip including flights from Israel, a private or small-group safari, and good accommodation in Zanzibar typically costs about ₪12,000 to ₪25,000 per person sharing a room. Luxury Serengeti lodges, domestic flights, and peak-season travel in July or August can push the price above ₪30,000 per person.
Is Tanzania safe for Israeli travelers?
Tanzania’s main safari circuit and Zanzibar are heavily visited, but travelers should use licensed operators, avoid walking alone at night in Stone Town or Dar es Salaam, and keep a low Israeli profile. Check current Israeli travel advisories before departure, use mosquito repellent, and consult a travel clinic about malaria prevention and vaccinations.
What are the must-see attractions in Tanzania?
Tanzania’s essential sights are the Serengeti plains, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park with its elephants and baobab trees; in Zanzibar, add Stone Town, a spice farm, and sunset at Kendwa Beach. Fit travelers seeking a major challenge can include a six to eight-day Kilimanjaro climb.
Does Tanzania have nightlife, casinos, and kosher food?
Nightlife is not Tanzania’s main draw, although Zanzibar offers beach parties at Kendwa Rocks and lively evenings in Paje, while Dar es Salaam has several casinos; safari regions are generally quiet after dinner. Chabad Zanzibar operates in Paje and can provide kosher meals by arrangement, but kosher options elsewhere are very limited, so bring sealed food from Israel.
Is Tanzania better for families or couples, what should you pack, and what can you combine it with?
Tanzania works beautifully for both wildlife-loving families and honeymooners: families often prefer a slower safari pace and Kendwa Beach, while couples enjoy a Serengeti lodge paired with a boutique stay in Matemwe or Paje. Pack layers for cool mornings, modest clothing for Stone Town, walking shoes, binoculars, sun protection, and insect repellent; the classic combination is safari plus Zanzibar, with Kenya as an optional wider East Africa extension.