Tanzania All-Inclusive Travel Guide
Zanzibar is the dream pin on the map: a spice-scented island off Tanzania with talcum-soft sand, dhows on a glassy sea, and the labyrinth of Stone Town. The all-inclusives cluster along the north and east coasts, and it pairs perfectly with a mainland safari – beach to bush in one trip.
U.S. State DeptLevel 3: Reconsider Travelupdated Oct 31, 2025 · see latest ↗ · what does this mean?
- Language
- Swahili & English (English widely used in tourism)
- Currency
- Tanzanian shilling (TZS); USD widely accepted
- Power
- 230V, Type G (UK-style) plugs – bring an adapter
- Driving
- On the left
- Main airport
- Zanzibar / Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ)
- Flight time
- ~16–19h+ from the US, with a connection
Do you need a passport or visa for Tanzania?
U.S. citizens need a visa. The simplest route is the eVisa at the official immigration site before you travel; Americans are issued a multiple-entry tourist visa costing about $100. A passport valid six months with blank pages is required.
A visa on arrival is available at Zanzibar's airport, but it can mean queues – we'd apply online ahead. Verify current fees and rules on travel.state.gov.
Is Tanzania safe?
The U.S. State Department carries an elevated, country-wide advisory for Tanzania, citing crime, terrorism, unrest, and the targeting of LGB travelers (the current level is shown at the top of this guide). Zanzibar's tourist areas and Stone Town are generally lower-risk and heavily touristed.
Take it seriously without panicking: watch valuables, avoid demonstrations, use arranged transport at night, and read the full advisory on travel.state.gov before booking.
Currency and tipping
The Tanzanian shilling is local, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted at resorts and for tours – bring newer bills (2018 or later). Cards work at larger hotels; carry cash for markets and small vendors.
Tipping is expected: roughly 10% in restaurants, a few dollars a day for guides and drivers, and small notes for porters and housekeeping.
When to visit
The best weather is the long dry season, roughly June to October, plus a drier window in January and February – sunny, with calmer seas.
Avoid the 'long rains' from late March through May, when heavy downpours are common. The 'short rains' in November are lighter and more hit-or-miss.
Getting there & around
Fly into Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ), usually connecting through the Gulf, Europe, Nairobi or Dar es Salaam. Many travelers add a mainland safari via Kilimanjaro (JRO) first.
On the island, resort transfers and taxis cover most needs – agree fares up front. Tanzania drives on the left.
What to do beyond the resort
Wander Stone Town's UNESCO alleys, tour a spice farm, and snorkel or dive the reefs off Mnemba Atoll. Sunset dhow cruises are a Zanzibar rite of passage.
Day trips reach Jozani Forest's red colobus monkeys, the sandbank at Nakupenda, and Prison Island's giant tortoises. The mainland's Serengeti and Ngorongoro are an easy add-on.
Good to know
Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous, majority-Muslim island. Resorts are relaxed, but off the property – in Stone Town and villages – dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and be discreet during Ramadan.
Power is 230V with UK-style Type G plugs. Malaria precautions apply; drink bottled water; a yellow fever certificate may be required if arriving from a risk country.
When to go to Tanzania
Beach-comfort at a glance: warmth against rainfall, month by month. Greener is better.
Typical daytime highs (°F) and rainfall for Zanzibar: approximate climate normals, planning guidance, not a forecast.
Storm risk. Too close to the equator for cyclones.
Sweet spot. June–October and December–February; rainy season runs Long rains mid-March–May (April is seriously wet), short rains November.
Getting to Tanzania
Indicative round-trip fares into Zanzibar (ZNZ) from the major US gateways, cheapest first. Tap through for live prices and dates.
Where the Tanzania resorts are
14 resorts mapped gold stars are five-star properties select a pin for details
The best all-inclusive resorts in Tanzania
The Tanzania properties we'd actually book. Tap through for photos, real guest ratings, and what's included.
Where to stay in Tanzania
The resort areas we cover, and which properties sit in each.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar North Region
Zanzibar Central/South
Zanzibar North
Zanzibar Central/South Region
Zanzibar South Region
Resort chains in Tanzania
The brands operating here. Tap any chain for its full ranking and what its all-inclusive plan really covers.
The Zanzibar Collection (2) · Beach & Safari Holidays · Beach Safari · Bluebay Hotels Zanzibar · Meliá Hotels & Resorts · Paradise & Wilderness · RIU Hotels & Resorts · Royal Zanzibar · The Mora · The Residence by Cenizaro · TUI BLUE · Tulia
Tanzania, head-to-head
Torn between two beaches? We put Tanzania side by side: price, flights, sand, food, and safety, compared honestly.
Tanzania vs Jamaica · Mexico · Dominican Republic · Maldives · Greece · Spain · Turks & Caicos · Aruba · Barbados · St. Lucia · Italy · Portugal · Turkey · Antigua · Curaçao · Brazil · Costa Rica · Philippines · French Polynesia · Morocco · Egypt · South Africa · Mauritius · Kenya · Mozambique · Thailand · Indonesia · Malaysia · Punta Cana · Cancún · Riviera Maya · Los Cabos · Puerto Vallarta · Montego Bay · Negril · Ocho Rios · Guanacaste · Crete · Bahia · Bora Bora · Malé Atolls · Rodney Bay · Barbados South Coast · Barbados West Coast · Viti Levu · Vanua Levu · Fiji · Croatia · U.S. Virgin Islands · Sri Lanka · Seychelles · Bahamas · Chile · Argentina · United States
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Zanzibar / Tanzania?
Yes. U.S. citizens get a multiple-entry tourist visa, around $100, ideally via the official eVisa site before travel. Visa on arrival exists at Zanzibar's airport but can mean queues.
Is Zanzibar safe?
Tanzania carries an elevated, country-wide U.S. travel advisory. Zanzibar's tourist areas are generally lower-risk and well-touristed, but take precautions and read the current advisory on travel.state.gov.
What currency is used, and can I pay in dollars?
The Tanzanian shilling, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted at resorts and tours – bring newer bills (2018+). Carry some shillings for markets and small vendors.
Do I tip in Tanzania?
Yes – about 10% in restaurants, a few dollars a day for guides and drivers, and small notes for porters and housekeeping.
When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?
June to October (the long dry season) and January–February. Avoid the heavy 'long rains' from late March through May.
What should I wear off the resort?
Zanzibar is majority-Muslim, so cover shoulders and knees in Stone Town and villages. Resort areas are relaxed, but modest dress off-property is respectful.
Not sure which Tanzania resort is right for you?
Take our two-minute quiz and we'll match you, or browse the whole collection.