Tanzania landscape
East Africa

Tanzania

Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and the Serengeti — Africa's crown jewels.

Capital

Dodoma

Overview

Tanzania is home to Africa's crown jewels — Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, and Zanzibar. A peaceful, stable nation with extraordinary natural wealth, Tanzania is increasingly attracting diaspora returnees drawn by its beauty, growing economy, and the legendary hospitality of its people.

Quick Facts

Population

63 million

Languages

Swahili & English (official), Sukuma, Chagga

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Timezone

GMT+3

Climate

Tropical coast, temperate highlands, semi-arid central

Visa on Arrival

Yes — available

Diaspora Programme

Tanzania Diaspora Engagement Framework

Tourist Attractions

Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Zanzibar

Tanzania's tourism is world-class. The Serengeti National Park hosts the Great Migration alongside Kenya's Mara. Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and one of the world's most popular treks. Zanzibar's Stone Town (UNESCO) and white-sand beaches are legendary. Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and a Big Five paradise. The Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere NP) is Africa's largest protected area.

Serengeti National Park — Great Migration
Mount Kilimanjaro trek
Zanzibar Stone Town (UNESCO)
Ngorongoro Crater
Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Pemba Island diving

Lodging & Hotels

Safari Luxury to Island Paradise

Tanzania has some of Africa's finest safari lodges. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti and Singita Grumeti are world-class. Zanzibar has excellent beach resorts — Zuri Zanzibar, The Residence, and Baraza Resort are top choices. Dar es Salaam has good international hotels — Hyatt Regency, Radisson Blu, and Serena Hotel. Arusha, the safari gateway, has comfortable lodges.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Serengeti
Singita Grumeti (ultra-luxury)
Zuri Zanzibar resort
Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam
Serena Hotel Arusha
Baraza Resort, Zanzibar

Housing & Real Estate

Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar Options

Dar es Salaam's Masaki, Oyster Bay, and Msasani Peninsula are the premium residential areas — popular with expats and returnees. Mikocheni and Kinondoni offer more affordable options. Zanzibar Town has a growing real estate market. Rents in Masaki range from $600–$2,000/month. Foreigners can lease land for up to 99 years but cannot own it outright.

Masaki — premium expat area
Oyster Bay — beachside living
Msasani Peninsula — modern estates
Mikocheni — affordable, growing
Zanzibar Town real estate
99-year land leasehold for foreigners

Healthcare

Private Care in Major Cities

Dar es Salaam has the best healthcare options. Aga Khan Hospital, Regency Medical Centre, and IST Clinic are the top private facilities. Muhimbili National Hospital is the main public institution. Medical evacuation to Nairobi or South Africa is available for serious conditions. Medical insurance is strongly recommended. Zanzibar has limited facilities — serious cases are evacuated to the mainland.

Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam
Regency Medical Centre
IST Clinic, Dar es Salaam
Muhimbili National Hospital (public)
Medical evacuation to Nairobi
Medical insurance strongly recommended

Food & Cuisine

Swahili Spice and Coastal Flavour

Tanzanian cuisine blends Swahili, Arab, Indian, and African influences. Zanzibar's spice trade heritage infuses the food — pilau, biryani, and urojo (Zanzibar mix) are iconic. Ugali with nyama choma or fish is the mainland staple. Dar es Salaam's restaurant scene is growing — Addis in Dar, Karambezi Café, and Waterfront Restaurant are popular. Zanzibar's Forodhani Gardens night market is unmissable.

Zanzibar mix (urojo) — iconic street food
Pilau and biryani — spice heritage
Ugali with nyama choma
Forodhani Gardens night market
Karambezi Café, Dar es Salaam
Fresh seafood on the coast

Immigration & Visas

EAC Free Movement + Investor Pathways

Tanzania offers visa on arrival for most nationalities. EAC citizens have free movement. The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) facilitates business investment and residence permits. Investor Class C permits are available. Tanzania does not allow dual citizenship — this is an important consideration for returnees. The government is working to improve diaspora engagement.

Visa on arrival for most nationalities
EAC free movement
Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC)
Investor Class C permit
No dual citizenship (important note)
Improving diaspora engagement policy

Transportation

Julius Nyerere Airport and Island Ferries

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam is the main gateway. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) serves Arusha and the northern safari circuit. Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) has direct flights from Europe. Fast ferries connect Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar (2 hours). Dar es Salaam's BRT is improving urban mobility. Taxis and Bolt operate in major cities.

Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR)
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) — safari gateway
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Fast ferry Dar–Zanzibar (2 hrs)
Dar es Salaam BRT
Bolt ride-hailing in Dar

Safety & Security

Peaceful and Stable

Tanzania is one of East Africa's most peaceful and politically stable countries. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Petty theft occurs in tourist areas. Zanzibar is generally very safe. The Mozambique border area in the south has had some security concerns — check advisories. Dar es Salaam's Masaki and Oyster Bay areas are considered very safe. Emergency: 112.

One of East Africa's most peaceful nations
Rare violent crime against foreigners
Zanzibar — very safe
Masaki & Oyster Bay — safe residential
Check south border advisories
Emergency: 112

Ready to Make the Move?

Sankofa Homecoming Can Help

Our Ghana-based team provides hands-on relocation support across the continent. From housing to community integration — we've done this before.