Tanzania Solo Travel Guide 

The world is changing rapidly, with developments occurring both in Europe and Africa.

The high-speed network, transport, and social well-being. These changes brought transformation for travelers around the world.

The tradition of traveling in groups has been challenged by people who wish to travel solo. And leave their mark.

With greater access to information and online reviews, solo travelers now feel confident and safe traveling to other countries.

Africa is becoming the top destination on solo travelers’ vacation lists more than ever before, particularly Tanzania, for wildlife and cultural tourism.

Tanzania is one of the best countries to visit for solo travelers in Africa.  

With unique destinations such as Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania is renowned as one of the top African safari destinations.

Visiting Tanzania as a solo traveler can be so pricey. Coupled with long-haul flights, park fees, transfers, and accommodation expenses.

Additionally, the type of safari or trip you choose will incur additional costs while in Tanzania.

This article will share our complete guide for solo travelers in Tanzania.

You will receive valuable information on where to visit, what to do, and what to expect in terms of costs.

Either in Arusha, Mwanza, or Dar es Salaam.

We will let you know where to go for safaris and which parks are best for solo travelers at affordable prices.

Before we dive deep, let’s discuss why Tanzania is the best place for the solo traveler.

Why is Tanzania the best place for solo travelers?

Visiting solo in Africa, either for wildlife safaris, cultural tours, or beach holidays. Tanzania is the best option.

Tanzania is a peaceful country with generous people.  Tanzania is rated the safest country in Africa to visit.

Tanzanians are very friendly and willing to help foreigners. United by the Swahili language,

Tanzanians are very welcoming and respectful to everyone.

But you should take personal care to choose whom you can trust when traveling alone.

There is no racism in Tanzania, and there are no political conflicts. There is peace and tranquility across the country.

You can move freely as a solo traveler from one city to another.

You can use public or private transport.

Tanzania offers many opportunities for solo travelers.

Being solo in Tanzania doesn’t limit you from meeting new people.

Have fun and explore other people’s cultures.

Mingle with other solo travelers in restaurants, on beaches, or even in national parks.

Let the beauty of this country enchant you with wildlife experiences and cultural tours.

Walking safaris or even mountain climbing activities.  For instance, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti

You might be asking yourself, What are the best places to visit in Tanzania for the solo traveler?

Since the country is vast, these destinations are distributed across Tanzania.

Best places to visit solo in Tanzania 

Tanzania is a vast country in East Africa. Tanzania offers numerous destinations and activities for solo travelers.

Knowing where to visit and what saves you a lot in terms of time and costs

Tanzania offers a range of activities, such as game drives. Walking safaris, bird watching, cultural programs, beach holidays, and historical tours. 

These are the best places we recommend visiting in Tanzania for solo travelers. 

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is the ideal safari destination in Africa. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Visiting this park as a solo traveler is the best gift you can give yourself.

You will have the best opportunity to explore this protected area covering 30,000 km².

Depending on the time of year, you could see the wildebeest migration.

The Mara and Grumeti Rivers, Central Serengeti, are well known as Seronera.

Serengeti hippo pools and endless plains in the southern Serengeti.

Southern Serengeti is the best place for the calving season from January to March each year.

You can request a 2 to 7-day safari to the Serengeti.

You can decide to book a budget camping safari or a luxury lodging trip in the Serengeti.

This park offers various options for solo travelers to stay on-site.

Sometimes you can join a group of other solo travelers to share costs and have fun.

Why is Serengeti the best place for solo travelers?

Licensed tour operators organize most trips to the Serengeti. They offer all-inclusive safari packages.

With tour guides, meals, safari jeeps, accommodation, and park fees.

This makes Serengeti ideal for solo travelers in Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater 

Ngorongoro Crater is home to a rare species of  Black Rhino in Africa. Ngorongoro is also the largest caldera on Earth.

As a solo traveler in Tanzania, this is the best place to visit.

You can visit Ngorongoro Crater for 2 days or take a day trip.

Ngorongoro Crater is also known as the “African Garden of Eden”.

It is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites and the world’s largest active caldera.

With more than 20,000 wild animals, Ngorongoro offers you the best chance to visit Olduvai Gorge.

Olduvai Gorge is believed to be home to the earliest known human. It is the best area to visit for a historical tour in Tanzania.

Why is Ngorongoro Crater the perfect place for solo travelers?

Like other parks, including Serengeti and Tarangire, Ngorongoro offers safe, organized safaris led by tour operators.

It is the perfect place for solo travelers and best for combined trips with other parks.

 Including Tarangire and Serengeti. You can learn more about Ngorongoro Crater here.

If you wish to explore tours of Ngorongoro Crater, check this out.   4 Days Ngorongoro & Serengeti Safari

Tarangire National Park

Thinking of the other best spot for solo travelers in Tanzania. Then Tarangire is the ideal destination.

Tarangire is highly accessible year-round and is only 140 km from Arusha.

Tarangire National Park is an alternative to the Serengeti National Park.

As a solo traveler in Tanzania, you may have a limited budget for a safari or time.

Tarangire is the best park for day trips and even combined tours with other parks in Tanzania.

Including Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, or Lake Manyara National Park.

Tarangire is heaven for birds, the largest elephant species on Earth, and Lions.

Leopards, gazelles, Zebras, Spotted hyenas, and baobab trees across the park.

Tarangire is an ideal destination for solo travelers. For private trips or group-joining safaris departing for this park in Tanzania.

Mount Kilimanjaro 5,895m  – The Peak of Africa 

Best known as Africa’s highest peak. Mount Kilimanjaro is also known as “Kili”.

It is the tallest free-standing mountain on Earth, standing at 5,895 meters.

Mount Kilimanjaro offers an incredible experience for anyone who dares to take on the climbing challenge.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a snow-capped mountain in a tropical area of Africa.

It is a lifetime adventure for those who will reach its peak at 5,895 meters.

The best experience and sense of achievement are the rewards of this trip. By  climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Why Mount Kilimanjaro is the perfect place for the solo traveler? 

Despite all the climbing challenges in Kilimanjaro.

Yet this is the perfect destination for solo travelers.

You can decide to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for either 5 or 8 days.

This variance is due to the climbing routes you decide to choose.

Its best routes for climbing include  Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe, and Marangu (Coca-Cola).

Each route presents a unique challenge and associated climbing costs.

The recommended route is Lemosho with the highest climbing success rates, followed by Machame. Marangu and Rongai routes. 

Suppose you are not comfortable with camping accommodations during the climb. Then focus on climbing through Marangu, which offers mountain huts.

Other routes offer typical camping options for climbers. Tour operators organize all activities during your climbs.

You will have a supporting crew, including trained mountain guides.

Visit Bushmen in Lake Eyasi

At the base of the Serengeti plateau, you can find this lake. It is a shallow and alkaline lake in Tanzania.

Thinking of a unique safari in Tanzania. You should not forget the Datoga and Bushmen’s experiences.

Lake Eyasi is one of the few places remaining in Africa where you can find a unique culture.

These communities still depend on nature to survive.  Lake Eyasi is home to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes.

Why is Lake Eyasi an ideal place for solo travelers?

Visiting northern Tanzania is not only about wildlife safaris and the Maasai people.

A trip to this area will change your perspective on the world. Experience the authentic nomadic life depicted by these communities.

As a solo traveler in Tanzania, take part in hunting and gathering with the Hadzabe and Datoga.

You will learn how to hunt and how to make weapons such as knives and bracelets from the Datoga tribe.

The Island of Zanzibar 

This is the perfect destination for solo travelers in Africa, with world-class sand beaches in Tanzania.

The turquoise waters and grand coral reefs. As a solo traveler in Tanzania, Zanzibar Island offers you many excursions to do.

Snorkeling, kitesurfing, swimming, dolphin trips, spice tours, and historical tours in Stone Town.

Why Zanzibar is the perfect destination for solo travelers?

Zanzibar is a beautiful tropical destination to relax. Take stunning beach photos to spice up your African vacation.

While immersing in Tanzania’s culture and history.   The key note to remember is that 80- 90 % of this island is Muslim.

You should wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. Half-naked garments are not allowed on public beaches.

Unless private beaches are offered in luxury lodges and hotels in Zanzibar.

While in Zanzibar, you can visit various areas, including the Spice Islands.

Stone town, Bwejuu. Matemwe and Jambiani are among the beaches where solo travelers can relax and enjoy themselves.

Mwanza City 

Known as a rock city, Mwanza is a great place to enjoy Tanzania’s beautiful weather.

It is an incredible city with lower traffic, like Dar es Salaam.

Mwanza is a strategic city for business. Other regions, including Mara, Simiyu, Shinyanga, and Geita, depend on it.

As a solo traveler in Tanzania, you will find the best traditional foods in this city. And extended beaches for relaxation and enjoyment.

The beaches of Lake Victoria are unique attractions compared with other cities.

The best foods and fresh tilapia are key features of this city. While in Mwanza, you can also visit the Bujora Museum. You will learn and explore the Sukuma kingdom.

Also, if you choose wildlife safaris, you can visit the Serengeti. And Rubondo National Parks.

If you have limited time, you can visit Saanane National Park; it takes less than an hour to reach this park. 

Mbeya City

The green city of Tanzania is a beautiful destination for solo travelers. While in the southern highland.

Mbeya is an ideal destination for solo travelers in Tanzania. You can experience a greener environment than in any other part of Tanzania.

As a solo traveler in Mbeya, you have an opportunity to visit  Lake Ngozi.

This is a magnificent lake that neither receives nor discharges water. This lake is connected with Nyakyusa customs and traditions.

You will have the opportunity to learn about the chiefdom systems of the tribe living around this lake, and you will also visit Lake Ngozi.

The other beautiful place to visit as a solo traveler in Mbeya is the Mbozi Meteorite. It is the only place in Africa where you can observe a falling meteorite from the sky.

This is one of the few meteorites that reach Earth without being completely burned. Don’t miss that on your list.

While in Mbeya, you can visit Matema Beach. These are the beautiful white sandy beaches in Tanzania.

Matema beaches are on Lake Nyasa, sometimes pronounced as Lake Malawi. You can have the best chance to relax and swim.

Enjoy the boat ride activities and don’t forget the best seafood, including sardines.

It is easy to reach Zambia via the TAZARA railway. But also, if you are interested in wildlife safaris.

You can visit Ruaha, Mikumi, or even Selous Game Reserve.

Moshi Town in Kilimanjaro 

Mount Kilimanjaro is visible from across Africa, but if you plan to visit, you should pass through Moshi.

This is another place in Tanzania where you can relax and enjoy authentic safari adventures.

Moshi is well known for its coffee shops and many curious shops. As a solo traveler in Tanzania, you can organize short walking trips.

You can visit the Materuni waterfalls: Chemka water spring, Lake Chala, and take day trips to Mount Kilimanjaro.

But also organizing safaris to famous parks in Tanzania, including the Serengeti National Park.

Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater can be visited through licensed tour operators in Tanzania.

You might also wish to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or visit Zanzibar Island while in Moshi.

This location is well-connected to other regions, including Arusha. It is near Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Learn more about  Mount Kilimanjaro climbing packages 

Arusha City 

Arusha, the Geneva of Africa, is Tanzania’s safari capital.

It is a vibrant city with more safari companies than any other part of Tanzania.

Arusha is less busy than other cities in Tanzania. It’s better treated as Tanzania’s diplomatic city.

As a solo traveler in Tanzania, you’ll find thousands of options to explore, learn, and relax in this city.

Whether you wish to do a safari in Tanzania or enjoy your weekend at Maasai Bomas, this city has it all.

It is the only city with a large multilingual population, driven by tourism.

Among cities that depend heavily on tourism, Arusha is at the top of the list, followed by Zanzibar Island.

As a solo traveler, you can visit nearby waterfalls, Chemka hot springs, and the museum.

For tour packages, Arusha is the best place to organize your trip.

It can be a day trip to Tarangire or Ngorongoro Crater, or a combined safari to other parks.

As a solo traveler in Tanzania, you have a mobility advantage in Arusha if you plan to visit Nairobi, Kenya.

Or take a flight to Zanzibar or depart home via Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)

In case you are interested in our safari packages from Arusha, you can check them out here.

Best tips for solo travelers in Tanzania?

Despite what this beautiful country has to offer, including stunning beaches.

Mountain and endless wildlife parks. You should consider these facts if you are a solo traveler in Tanzania.

Whether your interest is a beach holiday, wildlife safaris, or Kilimanjaro climbing, or even cultural experiences, Tanzania has it all. 

Traveling solo across this vast country can be costly. You can join a group safari to share costs and enjoy the experience.

But if you are prepared for a private safari, here are the best tips for soloing in Tanzania. 

Packing list for your trip or safari 

When traveling solo to foreign destinations, please keep it simple.

Pack a few items and learn to live with that limitation.

Having a light bag on safari can save you a lot.

Whether on flights or even moving around the street.

You should focus only on packing essential items for the trip.

If you’re traveling in Africa for wildlife safaris, leave your laptops at home.

Many safari camps do not have a reliable power supply to charge your computer.

Be simple and enjoy your trip.

Book your trips with reliable tour operators 

You should know by either researching or asking for recommendations. It can be from friends or family who have been to the destination you wish to visit.

In some countries, like Tanzania. Individuals do not offer some tours. You must use licensed tour operators.

For climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or even visiting the Serengeti. Tour operators should secure permits and plan their trips.

It may differ from other places around the world. But you cannot be far from the truth that knowing the best companies or guides is essential.

Having someone show you around a foreign destination is the best option for a solo traveler.

Budget for your trip in advance 

Like other trips, you can take in your life. Knowing your safari costs and adhering to them will help you significantly while in Tanzania.

Without a safari budget, you may fall into the trap of buying stuff you never intended to buy.

Or take on other activities that are off your to-do list. If you’re planning for a private safari, you should know that a safari can not be cheap.

The cost is determined by several factors, including the type of accommodation you choose for your safari.

You should either involve your safari expert or negotiate for better discounts. You can read more about safari budgeting for solo travelers here.

We have covered a lot about how to save costs as solo travelers around the world.

Make sure you purchase travel insurance.

Travel insurance is bulletproof for your safari or trip anywhere in the world.

There is some uncertainty while traveling abroad. Anything could happen that needs help. You might fall ill, or your staff may be stolen or lost.

You can claim that from the travel insurance companies. Some travelers decide not to buy travel insurance.

But you should know clearly that if anything goes wrong, you’re responsible. Whether for medication recovery, lost items, or missing flights while abroad.

There are many reputable travel insurance companies worldwide.

You can read more in our guide for Travel Insurance for Africa

Safety should be your priority

Traveling to a foreign destination, including Tanzania, is an exciting experience. But recognize that not everyone you meet will be a good person.

You should learn to maintain a low profile when traveling in other countries. Don’t make yourself an easy target for pocket pickers.

Everyone will find a way to sell you something or pursue you to help. It is common worldwide. Don’t feel shy to say “NO”. Don’t promise.

Try to avoid too much alcohol.

This may be obvious, but it’s a friendly reminder while in Tanzania.

Enjoying a drink or two with a new travel mate is excellent, but it can quickly turn dangerous if you overdo it.

Drink in moderation and always be aware of your surroundings. If you overdo it, never walk home alone; have a walking buddy to get you to your lodge or Hotel safely.

Conclusion

Traveling far from home to a new destination like Tanzania. It will not be easy without courage and enough preparation.

Tanzania is the safest country in Africa to visit for a safari. Our dedicated Tanzania safari specialists are always ready to assist.

Plan your dream Tanzania solo trip with us. With Blessing Safaris, every detail of your safari is handled by our team.

Your satisfaction is our happiness. So, what are you waiting for?

Are you ready to start planning?

You can proceed with booking by filling out the form below. Let’s make your adventure unforgettable!