From chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains to sunset cocktails on Zanzibar’s coast, Tanzania is fast proving it’s far more than “just another safari.”
Image: Supplied
Hot on the heels of 50 nominations at the 2025 World Travel Awards — the most of any African destination — and with Dar es Salaam playing host to this year’s travel industry gala, this East African hotspot is capturing global attention.
But what’s especially exciting for South Africans is just how easy it is to get there — and how wallet-friendly the adventure has become.
“It’s about being part of something dynamic: a country investing in world-class conservation standards, community upliftment, and truly transformative travel moments,” says Sue Garrett, GM Supply, Pricing & Marketing at Flight Centre South Africa.
New direct flights make it easier than ever
South Africans can now fly from Johannesburg directly to both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Air Tanzania operates five weekly flights to Dar (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday), and two to Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam (Tuesday and Thursday). With travel times under four hours, you could leave Joburg in the early afternoon and be beachside by sunset.
Safari + sea without the sticker shock
Image: Supplied
Despite its luxury image, Tanzania offers surprising value for regional travellers. “With fly & stay packages for Tanzania and Zanzibar starting from R21,143 per person* (and return flights between JHB and Dar es Salaam as low as R7,520**), booking a Tanzanian holiday is closer to home and budget than many expect,” Garrett says.
Visa-free entry for South African passport holders (up to 90 days), shorter flights, and all-inclusive packages make it a compelling alternative to far-flung destinations like the Maldives or Thailand — with just as much wow factor.
A destination making global waves
Tanzania’s 50 World Travel Awards nominations span everything from “Africa’s Leading Tourist Destination” to cutting-edge eco-lodges and next-gen safari operators. Hosting the 2025 WTA gala in Dar es Salaam signals Tanzania’s rising profile — but it’s not just glitz and glam.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been instrumental in the country’s tourism growth. Through her internationally broadcast documentary The Royal Tour, she personally showcased Tanzania’s cultural, ecological, and investment potential to the world.
What’s followed are meaningful reforms: smarter infrastructure, professionalised tourism services, and a renewed commitment to conservation. Even Tanzania’s recent currency reform — requiring all local payments to be made in Tanzanian shillings — is part of a broader push toward economic sustainability that benefits local communities.
Extraordinary experiences you won’t find anywhere else
Image: Supplied
From game drives to guided forest treks, Tanzania’s wild places feel like the Africa of old — raw, vast, and unfiltered. Here are just a few highlights worth building your 2026 itinerary around:
- Katavi National Park – One of Africa’s last true wildernesses, with just three camps and sightings of massive hippo pods, lions, and elephants – often without another soul in sight.
- Ruaha National Park – Home to baobab-studded landscapes and exceptional predator viewing, this hidden gem pairs perfectly with a Zanzibar beach escape.
- Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) – Bigger than Switzerland and blissfully uncrowded, offering boat safaris and walking trails in lieu of vehicle traffic.
- Mahale Mountains National Park – Accessible only by boat, this remote haven on Lake Tanganyika is a dream for those seeking wild chimpanzee encounters in pristine rainforest.
- Lake Manyara treetop walkway – A raised forest path with panoramic views, butterflies, and birds that’s great for families and photographers.
- Tarangire National Park – Known for massive elephant herds and over 500 bird species, it’s a biodiversity hotspot ideal for multi-generational travel.
- Gombe Stream National Park – The legendary site of Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee studies, where guided treks still bring travellers face-to-face with primates.
Flight Centre’s first-timer tips
- Visa-free travel: SA passport holders don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
- Currency: All transactions must be made in Tanzanian shillings (TZS). International cards are widely accepted; ATMs and currency exchange are easy to find.
- Insurance required: Tanzania now requires all foreign nationals to purchase mandatory travel insurance (about US$44).
- Health: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if transiting through a risk area. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for bush visits.
- Pack for contrasts: Days are hot; nights can be cold. Bring layered clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly in Zanzibar and rural areas, and always ask before taking photos of people or sacred spaces.
- Book remote experiences early: Camps in places like Katavi and Mahale fill up quickly — work with a travel expert to avoid disappointment.
“Tanzania is setting new standards for the continent, not just in conservation and hospitality, but in making extraordinary experiences truly accessible. For South Africans looking to venture beyond our borders without breaking the bank, there’s a whole new world waiting to be discovered,” Garrett concludes.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: From bushveld to beach: Wild places that end in a swim
