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Tanzania Economic Update: How to Transform Tourism into a More Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Sector

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Photo credit: Christian Morgan/World Bank.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• The latest Tanzania Economic Update highlights the huge untapped potential of the tourism sector to drive the country’s development agenda
• The new analysis discusses long-standing issues facing tourism in Tanzania as well as new challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic
• The report says that the pandemic offers an opportunity for policy actions for the sector to recover in the near term and become a sustainable engine of private-sector-driven growth, social and economic inclusion, and climate adaptation and mitigation over the long term

DAR ES SALAAM, July 29, 2021— Tourism offers Tanzania the long-term potential to create good jobs, generate foreign exchange earnings, provide revenue to support the preservation and maintenance of natural and cultural heritage, and expand the tax base to finance development expenditures and poverty-reduction efforts.

The latest World Bank Tanzania Economic Update, Transforming Tourism: Toward a Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Sector highlights tourism as central to the country’s economy, livelihoods and poverty reduction, particularly for women, who make up 72% of all workers in the tourism sector.

“Without tourism, the situation would be bad,” said Rehema Gabriel, a hotel attendant in Dar es Salaam. “I have been working in the tourism industry for eight years now, so I do not know what it would be like without it.”

The economic system around tourism had grown in value over the years and in 2019 was the largest foreign exchange earner, the second largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) and the third largest contributor to employment, the report says. On the semiautonomous Zanzibar archipelago, the sector has also experienced rapid growth, accounting for almost 30% of the island’s GDP and for an estimated 15,000 direct and 50,000 indirect jobs. However, the report notes, only a small fraction of Tanzania’s natural and cultural endowments has been put to economic use through tourism development.

“Tourism offers countries like Tanzania, with abundant natural and cultural endowments, access to many foreign markets,” said Shaun Mann, World Bank Senior Private Sector Development Specialist and co-author of the Tanzania Economic Update. “But the absence of tourism revenues, as we have seen during this pandemic, compromises the integrity and viability of not only endowments, but also the economic, environmental and social ecosystems built up around those endowments.”

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the World Bank estimates that Tanzania’s GDP growth decelerated to 2.0% in 2020. Business slowed across a wide range of sectors and firms, especially export-oriented sectors such as tourism and manufacturing. The report highlights the impact of the crisis on tourism specifically, which has had consequences beyond just the industry, given the many other sectors that support, and are supported by, tourism. The 72% drop in the sector’s revenues in 2020 (from 2019 levels) closed businesses and caused layoffs.

Zanzibar’s economy was even more severely impacted with GDP growth slowing to an estimated 1.3%, driven by a collapse of the tourism industry. As the hospitality industry shut down between March and September 2020, occupancy rates dropped to close to zero. While the Zanzibar tourism sector started slowly rebounding in the last quarter of 2020, with tourist inflows in December 2020 reaching almost 80% of those in 2019, receipts from tourism fell by 38% for the year.

As the tourism sector transitions gradually into recovery mode with the rest of the world, the report urges authorities to look toward its future resilience by addressing long running challenges that could help position Tanzania on a higher and more inclusive growth trajectory. Areas of focus include destination planning and management, product and market diversification, more inclusive local value chains, an improved business and investment climate and new business models for investment that are built on partnership and shared value creation.

Tanzania is a globally recognized destination for nature-based tourism, a competitive market segment in eastern and southern Africa. Beyond attracting tourists, the country’s landscapes and seascapes produce a wide range of ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration and biodiversity co-benefits that are not efficiently priced and often generate little or no financial return. The global climate crisis has created significant demand for investment in these forms of natural capital, and Tanzania is well positioned to take advantage of nature-positive investment opportunities. The additional revenue derived from global climate programs could be an opportunity to ease the government’s fiscal constraints while also supporting the livelihoods of local communities.

“While restoring the trade and financial flows associated with tourism is an urgent priority, the disruption of the sector has created an opportunity to realign tourism development with economic, social, and environmental resilience,” said Marina Bakanova, World Bank Senior Economist, and co-author of the report. “The pandemic has created an opportunity to implement long-discussed structural reforms in the sector and use tourism as a leading example of improvement of the overall business climate for private investment.”

The authors suggest five priorities for a sustainable and inclusive recovery that lay the foundation for the long-term transformation of the tourism sector:

• Creating an efficient, reliable, and transparent business environment to reduce red tape and multiple distortions and inefficiencies, hindering decisions on private investments, domestic and foreign
• Establishing an information-management system that consolidates data from tourists and firms, enabling policymakers to improve sectoral planning and identify viable investment opportunities
• Ensuring that firms across the sector, as well as those in downstream value chains, have access to affordable transitional finance
• Consistently promoting, monitoring, and reporting on adherence to health and safety protocols.
• Developing co-investment and partnership arrangements to support nature-based landscape and seascape management
• Press Release: Tanzania has an Opportunity to Ignite Inclusive Economic Growth by Transforming its Tourism Sector
• Report: 16th Tanzania Economic Update: ‘Transforming Tourism: Toward a Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Sector’
• Video: Launch event: 16th Tanzania Economic Update
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The future of Tourism in Tanzania

Let’s reimagine the future of tourism in tanzania.

Tanzania’s tourism sector is seeing a rebound after the Covid-19 pandemic—and the aspirations for its continued growth are high: by 2025, the country hopes to reach $6 billion in tourism revenue, which assumes the influx of five million tourists annually. To achieve such lofty goals will require some important upgrades and improvements to tourism infrastructure and services. I outline a few of them in this article.

Before the pandemic, tourism was the largest foreign exchange earner, the second largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) and the third largest contributor to employment. After taking a severe hit during Covid, tourists are starting to return to Tanzania, with 742,133 visitors between January and July 2022, a 62.7% increase over the previous year (Exhibit 1).

Exhibit 1: Tourism is returning after the Covid-19 pandemic

But whilst we are doing well, many bottlenecks persist. These include limited access to cheap financing, inadequate tourism infrastructure, a multiplicity of levies, insufficient diversity in products offerings, and lack of sufficient hotel and airport facilities.  So how can we measure how we are doing?

Well, the World Economic Forum (“WEF”) in its Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021 (published in May 2022, and themed “Rebuilding for a Sustainable and Resilient Future”) is one barometer of where we stand.  It ranks Tanzania as 5 th of the sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries (and 81 st globally out of 117 countries, up from 86 th in 2019). 1 st to 4 th places within SSA are taken by Mauritius (62 nd ), South Africa (68 th ), Botswana (76 th ) and Kenya (78 th ), with 6 th to 10 th places taken by Cape Verde (82 nd ), Namibia (88 th ), Rwanda (89 th ), Zambia (98 th ) and Ghana (101 st ).

According to the WEF report Tanzania and South Africa are very clear leaders within SSA in terms of ranking of natural resources.  One aspect to consider further as a significant opportunity is the “non-leisure resources” pillar, which measures the extent and attractiveness of factors that drive business and other non-leisure travel; although Tanzania’s ranking is broadly in line with the SSA average, it does lag Kenya and South Africa by quite a bit.  More generally, the WEF report does highlight that East Africa as a region does not rank as highly as Southern Africa in terms of price competitiveness.  

Exhibit 2: Tanzania can do more to boost its tourism competitiveness

Tourists coming to Tanzania frequently speak of seeing “the Big Five”.  Stakeholders in the tourism sector would also say that they have their “Big Five” namely the “Five A’s”:  Attractions, Access, Accommodation, Amenities, and Affordability!  From my perspective, and aligned with this, I would highlight some priority areas that need to be addressed by the government and other stakeholders in the tourism sector.

Reduce multiplicity in levies and taxes . There is a need for a fresh look at tourism taxes and levies so as to reduce multiplicity and create competitiveness across the region – indeed, this point was highlighted as an urgent priority in a report recently presented at the 13 th meeting of the Tanzania National Business Council. Currently, Tanzania is deemed an expensive destination compared to other destinations such as South Africa and Kenya. Notwithstanding the positive efforts which led to reduction of some of the levies such as the Tourism Agency License (TALA) fee, there is still scope for rationalization of fees that are charged by multiple government agencies. Further, stakeholders’ engagement prior to fee changes will smoothen the operations of the tourism firms and attract more investments in the sector.

Affordable financing .  Tourism firms across the sector, as well as those in downstream value chains, need access to affordable finance particularly in this post Covid-19 era, when the risk appetite for financial institutions in the tourism market is very low. Support from International Development Agencies (IDAs) on the tourism sector should be sought for development projects that have a direct economic impact on the sector and the country as whole.

Improved infrastructure . Tanzania ranks higher than Kenya with respect to safety and security, but lower than Kenya when it comes to tourist service infrastructure. For instance, the drive from Dar es Salaam to Selous Game Reserve, the largest game reserve in Africa is bumpy and long, taking an average of 7 to 8 hours. Flying is a better one option and the fastest way to get to Selous. However, it is the most expensive and hence suits more high-end tourists. Again, IDA support to improve tourist service infrastructure could give a welcome boost.

Upgraded hotels and airport facilities . More effort is required to attract private sector investment in hotels and ensure diversity in service offerings. The current hotel capacity in both Mainland and Zanzibar cannot cater for the expected influx of 5 million tourists by 2025. Improvement in efficiencies and flight handling capacity at the airports is another area which requires fixing. Automation of immigration procedures in Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro Airports will help fast track the process. Instead of having a paperwork checking system, barcodes should be set to scan all the documents. This will help to reduce unnecessary queues at the airports during high season.

Diversified tourism products . Other than wildlife and beaches, the Ministry for Tourism should spearhead the innovation of new tourist attractions. The recent decision to market Ngorongoro-Lengai geo park and the introduction of “Mice” (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) are commendable efforts as these will boost tourism income, since Tanzania is an already established adventure destination.

Introduction of direct flights and collaborations with aviation industry . The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Tanzanian Government and Dallas in April 2022 was one of the great achievements of the Royal Tour of the United States by her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, as this will attract more American visitors to Tanzania's tourist destinations. More direct flights need to be added to key markets while maintaining a closer collaboration between the aviation and tourism industries for sustainable growth of the sector. This will ease flight interconnectivity to tourists who prefer to do inter-connected travels. 

Raising public awareness . More education is needed for the public and journalists to help promote the tourism sector. Although we are in the era of freedom of speech, care should be taken not to exaggerate unproven facts that are detrimental to the sector’s growth.

In conclusion, the target of $6 billion by 2025 is achievable—but it will require deliberate efforts to make it a reality. The President’s Royal Tour is expected to bring a significant boost to the numbers in 2022 and beyond. The tourism sector needs to be given the utmost priority due to its huge potential in transforming the country’s economy as the sector contributes significantly to foreign exchange and employment.

By Zainab Salome Msimbe is a Partner with PwC Tanzania

Pauline Koola

Manager, PwC Tanzania

Tel: +255 (0) 22 219 2000

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How to make the tourism sector more competitive

What you need to know:

Tourism, which is Tanzania’s leading foreign exchange earner, has in recent times been facing challenges that might affect its growth.

Dar es Salaam. Tourism stakeholders remain optimistic about the future of the sector but want the government to harmonise regulatory issues and players to be more creative.

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In 2016, the government introduced an 18 per cent value-added tax (VAT) on tourism services and increased the visa charge for business travel.

In July 2017, fixed-rate concession fees were introduced for hotels in the national parks – some as high as $59 per person per night.

Actors in the sector say these issues were impeding the sector’s growth.

In 2017, room revenue decreased by 5.5 per cent, according to PwC’s Hotels outlook: 2018–2022 report which covers Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria and Mauritius. The report shows that room revenue dwindled to $206 million (Sh463.5 billion) last year, compared to the previous year’s $218 million (about Sh545 billion).

The report associates the drop with the introduction of the VAT.

With the impact of the VAT amendment now having been more or less absorbed, some hotel properties are still trying to recover from the introduction of the fixed-rate concession fee.

“We look for the market to rebound beginning from mid-2018, though, as more flights, a strong economy and new hotels provide a boost to the market,” reads a report in part.

The report also reveals that hotels and tourism still show signs of continued growth over the forecast period.

According to the report, tourism remains an important part of each economy, with continued investment in each country seeing additional hotel rooms coming on line over the next five years.

But Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato) chief executive officer Sirili Akko says cutting bottlenecks was inevitable if the potential of tourism was to be fully exploited.

“Tourism is overregulated. This is probably because it is one of the most cross-cutting sectors,” notes Mr Akko.

“As a result, the sector is affected by interdependent regulatory bodies which sometimes experience communication breakdown among themselves,” he says.

He says, this should be addressed if the government is to achieve its goal of attracting more tourists from 1.3 million last year to over 2 million in two years to come.

If high operational costs, which obviously add to the burden of visitors, remain there, the plan will end up in documents, according to Mr Akko.

“The key thing is that for every transaction done by tourists in Tanzania, government earns the lion’s share of the benefits before any other beneficiary,” notes Mr Akko.

“We hope that government is working around the clock to support full realisation of the sector’s potential,” he says.

Hyatt Regency Hotel sales and marketing director Denis Glibic was in puzzle on why the introduction of VAT to tourists and introduction of concessional fees to guests can be a threat to tourism industry.

He is optimistic that the future of tourism is bright on the condition that operators become more creative and explore new markets and retain the existing ones.

“Creativity and innovation are importance if tourism sector is to grow,” notes Mr Glibic.

Recently, Repoa strategic research director Abel Kinyondo suggests that tourism products be diversified, marketing be enhanced, infrastructure be improved and service costs be cut, to attract tourists repeatedly.

In 2016, the number of repeated tourists visiting Tanzanian sites declined to 45.3 per cent of the total arrivals from 47.4 per cent a year before.

In its totality, tourist arrivals in 2016 reached 1.28 million compared to the previous year’s 1.14 million.

“This implies that we have won promotion to get new visitors but failed to retain them,” notes Dr Kinyondo in the past interview with BusinessWeek.

The government for its part is positive that the future is promising, banking its hopes on the ongoing campaigns of identifying and marketing tourist attractions located in the Southern circuit.

They include national parks (Katavi, Kitule, Mahale, Udzungwa mountains, Mikumi and Ruaha), Game reserves (with Selous being the largest), rift valley Lake Nyasa as well as areas of cultural interest.

Mr Deograsias Mdamu, the tourism department director, in the ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism said the government was now improving infrastructure in the said areas.

According to him, every September, the government has a tradition of conducting a promotion campaign dubbed ‘Karibu utalii kusini’ covering the regions of Mbeya, Songwe, Mpanda, Rukwa, Ruvuma and Iringa.

“Such initiatives which go hand in hand with improvement in infrastructure are geared towards promoting diverse attractions, to bring them to the global attention,” notes Mr Mdamu.

He his confident that the challenge of multi-regulatory bodies will soon be addressed, banking his hopes on the blueprint, the document which was prepared after thorough consultations with various private sector associations and World Bank officials before getting approval from the cabinet in May this year.

The document is expected to set a stage for a raft of amendments to laws and regulations governing the conduct of business in Tanzania in a view of improving business environment and attract more investors.

According to tourism players there are about 38 fees and charges in the sector.

However, according to PwC, tourism to the African continent has proven to be resilient in the face of economic and political uncertainty, impacts of droughts and other regulatory changes.

This is an industry that is reactive to the smallest change in political, regulatory, safety and sustainability matters, according to Pietro Calicchio, Hospitality Industry Leader, PwC Southern Africa.

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Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Safaris | Tips for Responsible Travel

Discover the importance of sustainable tourism in tanzania and how to have an eco-friendly safari experience..

Tanzania is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa, boasting a wide range of wildlife, landscapes, and cultures. However, tourism can have negative impacts on the environment and local communities if not managed sustainably. Sustainable tourism is the way forward, and travelers can do their part by choosing eco-friendly options that minimize their footprint on the environment while supporting the local economy. In this guide, we will discuss the importance of sustainable tourism in Tanzania and provide tips on how travelers can have an environmentally friendly safari experience.

The Importance of Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania

Tourism is a major contributor to Tanzania’s economy, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue. However, it can also have negative impacts on the environment and local communities, such as overuse of natural resources, habitat destruction, and cultural erosion. Therefore, it is important to promote sustainable tourism practices that balance economic benefits with environmental and social responsibility.

Sustainable tourism in Tanzania means taking steps to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the country while providing an authentic and enjoyable experience for visitors. This includes using environmentally friendly practices such as reducing waste, conserving water and energy, and supporting conservation efforts. It also involves respecting local customs and traditions, and supporting local businesses and communities.

Eco-Friendly Safari Tips

Here are some tips on how travelers can have an eco-friendly safari experience in Tanzania:

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation

There are many eco-friendly accommodations in Tanzania that use sustainable practices such as solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and waste reduction. These lodges and camps also support conservation efforts by funding community development projects, wildlife protection, and environmental education. By staying in eco-friendly accommodation, travelers can reduce their environmental impact and support sustainable tourism.

2. Support Local Communities

Travelers can support local communities by choosing locally owned and operated businesses, purchasing locally made products, and participating in community-based tourism activities. This not only helps to preserve local cultures and traditions but also provides economic benefits to the communities. Additionally, visitors can volunteer with conservation or community development projects, or make a donation to support these efforts.

3. Respect Wildlife

Safari tours are a great way to see wildlife up close, but it is important to do so in a responsible and respectful manner. Visitors should adhere to the rules and regulations of national parks and reserves, and avoid disturbing or harassing animals. It is also important to use a reputable tour operator that follows ethical practices and supports conservation efforts.

4. Minimize Waste

Travelers can reduce their waste by using reusable water bottles, cloth bags, and refillable toiletries. They can also avoid single-use plastics such as straws, cups, and cutlery. Many eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators also provide recycling facilities and encourage guests to minimize their waste.

5. Conserve Water and Energy

Water and energy are precious resources, especially in Tanzania where access to clean water and electricity is limited in some areas. Travelers can conserve water by taking shorter showers, reusing towels, and reporting leaks or other issues. They can also conserve energy by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and using natural light and ventilation instead.

6. Learn About Conservation Efforts

Tanzania is home to many conservation efforts, including wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and environmental education. Visitors can learn about these efforts by visiting local conservation organizations, talking to conservationists, or participating in conservation-focused activities. By learning about these efforts, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainable tourism and their role in it.

Sustainable tourism is essential for the preservation of Tanzania’s natural and cultural heritage. By choosing eco-friendly options and supporting local communities, travelers can minimize their impact on the environment while also supporting the local economy. Remember to respect wildlife, minimize waste, conserve water and energy, and learn about conservation

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Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania

Responsible tourism in tanzania..

Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Safaris | Tips for Responsible Travel Tanzania, with its diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife , and stunning landscapes, is a paradise for travelers seeking to experience the wonders of nature. However, with the growing awareness of environmental conservation and the impacts of tourism, it’s essential to practice responsible and sustainable tourism in Tanzania. In this guide, we’ll explore the concept of eco-friendly safaris and provide valuable tips for travelers looking to minimize their environmental footprint while maximizing their enjoyment of this beautiful East African nation travel with purpose.

Understanding Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism, often referred to as eco-tourism or responsible tourism , is a way of traveling that focuses on minimizing negative impacts on the environment, supporting local communities, and conserving natural resources for future generations. In the context of Tanzania, this means enjoying its remarkable wildlife and landscapes while ensuring that your visit contributes positively to the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage. Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania: A Responsible Traveler’s Guide, Responsible Travel in Africa The Complete Guide, 10 Tips for Practicing Sustainable Tourism on Safari, Sustainable Travel in Tanzania, Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism in Tanzania. 

Why Sustainable Tourism Matters in Tanzania

Tanzania boasts some of Africa’s most iconic and biodiverse ecosystems, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro. These areas are not only precious in terms of biodiversity but also vital for the livelihoods of local communities. Sustainable tourism plays a crucial role in:

Conservation: Sustainable tourism helps protect fragile ecosystems, endangered species, and habitats by providing funding for conservation efforts. The income generated from responsible travelers supports anti-poaching initiatives and wildlife protection.

Community Development: Local communities living near national parks and reserves can benefit from tourism revenue through employment opportunities, income generation, and the development of sustainable livelihoods. This can reduce reliance on activities harmful to the environment, such as illegal logging or poaching.

Cultural Preservation: Responsible tourism encourages the preservation of indigenous cultures and traditions. Visitors have the opportunity to learn from and interact with local communities, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

E c onomic Growth: Tourism contributes significantly to Tanzania’s economy. Sustainable tourism ensures that this income is distributed fairly, helping reduce poverty and promote economic development.

Tips for Responsible Travel in Tanzania

Now that we understand the importance of sustainable tourism in Tanzania, let’s explore practical tips for travelers who want to minimize their impact and make a positive contribution to this beautiful country.

1. Choose Responsible Tour Operators

When planning your Tanzanian safari, research and select tour operators with a strong commitment to sustainability. Look for companies that support wildlife conservation, employ local guides and staff, and engage in community development initiatives Big Five Luxury Safari in Tanzania **Sustainable Approach to Travel, a 7 days tour from Moshi to Arusha, Tarangire National Park and 5 destinations. Book Tanzania responsible tourism safari packages 2023 all inclusive. .

2. Support Conservation Efforts

Consider visiting national parks and reserves that actively participate in wildlife conservation programs. Your park fees and contributions often go directly to supporting these efforts. Additionally, some lodges and camps are actively involved in conservation projects, so staying with them can further contribute to these initiatives.

3. Respect Wildlife and Their Habitat

While observing wildlife, maintain a respectful distance and follow your guide’s instructions. Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that can stress the animals. Never feed them or touch them. The goal is to enjoy their natural behaviors without causing harm or disruption.

4. Reduce Plastic Waste

Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it to minimize the use of single-use plastics. Many eco-friendly lodges and camps provide filtered water stations. Dispose of waste properly and participate in recycling programs when available.

5. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Look for lodges, camps, and accommodations that have adopted sustainable practices, such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing of food and materials for Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Tanzania. These establishments often have eco-certifications.

6. Conserve Water and Energy

Be mindful of your water and energy consumption while staying in remote areas. Use water sparingly, turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and opt for eco-friendly lighting and cooling systems if available.

7. Support Local Communities

Engage with and support local communities by purchasing handmade crafts or souvenirs directly from artisans. Respect local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photos of individuals.

8. Minimize Off-Roading

Stay on designated tracks and roads to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems. Off-roading can disrupt wildlife habitats and contribute to soil erosion.

9. Educate Yourself

Learn about the wildlife, culture, and history of Tanzania before your trip. This knowledge enhances your experience and helps you appreciate the significance of preserving these aspects of the country.

10. Offset Your Carbon Emissions

Consider offsetting your travel carbon footprint by supporting reforestation or renewable energy projects. Many organizations offer carbon offset programs that can help mitigate the environmental impact of your journey.

FAQs About Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania

Is it possible to have a luxurious safari experience while still being environmentally responsible.

Yes, many eco-friendly lodges and camps in Tanzania offer luxurious accommodations and services while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. You can enjoy a comfortable and responsible safari experience.

How can I ensure that my safari contributes to wildlife conservation?

Choose tour operators and accommodations that actively support wildlife conservation efforts. Additionally, your park fees and contributions go toward conservation initiatives in the national parks and reserves you visit.

Are there opportunities to interact with local communities during a safari in Tanzania?

Yes, some tour operators offer cultural experiences that allow you to engage with local communities, learn about their traditions, and support their livelihoods through responsible tourism.

What should I do if I witness unethical behavior during a safari, such as littering or harassment of wildlife?

 Report such behavior to your safari guide or lodge staff, who can take appropriate action. It’s essential to raise awareness about responsible tourism practices.

How can I calculate and offset my carbon emissions from traveling to Tanzania?

Many online calculators can help you estimate your carbon emissions from travel. Afterward, you can choose from various carbon offset programs that align with your values and support initiatives like reforestation or renewable energy projects.

In conclusion, Tanzania offers travelers the opportunity to experience the beauty of Africa’s wildlife and landscapes while contributing positively to conservation and local communities. By following the principles of sustainable tourism and practicing responsible travel , you can enjoy a memorable and meaningful safari while safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable country.

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Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania: How to Travel Responsibly

Tanzania, a land of unparalleled beauty, offers a mosaic of enthralling landscapes, rich cultures, and abundant wildlife.

 It’s a country where the majestic Serengeti, the snow-capped Kilimanjaro, and the historical Zanzibar coexist. However, as Tanzania continues to enchant travelers worldwide, the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving its natural and cultural treasures cannot be overstated.

In this regard, considering a Tanzania luxury safari is not just about indulgence but also about engaging in a travel experience that respects and contributes to local ecosystems and communities.

Understanding Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism in Tanzania aims to minimize the impact of travel on the environment and local cultures while generating income and employment for local people.

It’s about creating a balance that allows travelers to experience Tanzania’s wonders without compromising them for future generations. This involves everything from the choices made by safari operators to the behavior of individual tourists.

Choosing Responsible Operators

When planning a  Tanzania luxury safari,  selecting operators committed to sustainability is crucial. Look for those that have solid environmental policies, support conservation efforts, and invest in local communities.

These operators often employ local guides, source food locally, and operate lodges that are environmentally friendly, utilizing solar power and water conservation systems. By choosing these operators, you contribute to a model of tourism that supports Tanzania’s economy and conservation efforts.

Respecting Wildlife and Natural Habitats

Tanzania’s national parks and conservation areas are sanctuaries for an incredible array of wildlife. Responsible travel means observing animals without disturbing their natural behaviors. Stick to designated roads and trails, keep noise to a minimum, and never feed the animals. Remember, you are a guest in their home.

Sustainable tourism also means not contributing to the demand for illegal wildlife products, a principle that extends to marine life in places like the Mafia Island Marine Park.

Supporting Local Communities

Sustainable tourism in Tanzania is also about ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach local communities. You can contribute by purchasing local handicrafts, dining in local restaurants, and choosing activities that directly involve local people.

Cultural tours, community-run accommodations, and experiences that offer genuine insights into the local way of life not only enrich your travel experience but also provide economic benefits to host communities.

Practicing Eco-Friendly Behaviors

Travelers can make a difference by adopting eco-friendly practices. This includes reducing water usage, avoiding single-use plastics, and disposing of waste responsibly. Even small actions, such as using a refillable water bottle, can have a significant impact when multiplied by the number of tourists visiting Tanzania each year.

Conservation and Community Initiatives

Engaging with conservation projects and community initiatives can enhance your Tanzania luxury safari experience. Many operators offer visits to conservation projects where you can learn about efforts to protect species like elephants and rhinos.

Some safaris incorporate community visits or projects where you can learn about local conservation efforts, education, or healthcare initiatives. These experiences not only offer a deeper understanding of Tanzania but also provide an opportunity to give back.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania

The future of sustainable tourism in Tanzania lies in the hands of both travelers and the travel industry. As demand for responsible travel grows, more operators are adopting sustainable practices. However, the responsibility also falls on travelers to make informed choices and adopt behaviors that support sustainability.

In conclusion, traveling responsibly in Tanzania is not just a choice but a necessity to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage for generations to come. Whether you’re embarking on a Tanzania luxury safari or exploring the streets of Stone Town in Zanzibar, remember that sustainable tourism is about making positive impacts.

By choosing responsible operators, respecting the natural environment, supporting local communities, and practicing eco-friendly behaviors, you can ensure that your visit contributes to the preservation of Tanzania’s treasures. Let’s embrace sustainable tourism as a pathway to experiencing the wonders of Tanzania in a way that respects and preserves its natural beauty and cultural integrity.

Last Updated on April 17, 2024

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Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania

More than  30% of Tanzania  is covered by national parks. It just goes to show how important nature is to this small African nation. People around the world may not know much about the country, but they’ll immediately recognize a picture of the world-famous Serengeti or Mount Kilimanjaro.

Have you ever wanted to visit Tanzania yourself? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go, but you’re worried about the impact your travel might have. Thankfully, a visit to Tanzania doesn’t have to be damaging.

Want to learn more about sustainable travel to Tanzania? Read on. We’ll explain how you can make the most of  sustainable tourism  in this beautiful wilderness country.

Beautiful Tanzania Awaits!

Tanzania is a truly magnificent country, packed with unspoiled environments and a variety of national parks. The landscape of Tanzania is broad and fascinating. Ranging from humid rainforests to snowy mountain peaks and everything in between, it’s a varied nation that plays host to so much biodiversity.

This is a developing country, where many people live without the same facilities and opportunities as those in Western countries. But the Tanzanian people are friendly and welcoming, and their culture is rich and fascinating.

Two of the world’s most famous natural landmarks are located in Tanzania, although most people don’t realize it. These are Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. Each one is a unique world treasure, filled with amazing sights and experiences.

Kilimanjaro

Many people don’t know this, but Mount Kilimanjaro is a volcano! Thankfully, it’s dormant, so there’s no risk of an eruption.

The highest mountain in Africa is also one of the continent’s main tourist attractions. We offer a  selection of climbs  to the summit, ranging from six to nine days in length and covering a wide variety of routes.

The views along the way are unparalleled. You’ll see the landscape stretching out below you like a painting. You’re also likely to see lots of mountain wildlife along the way, including the Columbus monkey, aardvark, and  tree hyrax .

You’ll have to train hard to conquer Kilimanjaro. The ascent is steep and the air gets thinner the higher you go. But the mountain is fully walkable with no technical mountain climbing required, so as long as you have a reasonable degree of fitness, you’ll be able to meet this challenge with our help!

All our porters and guides are well-trained and  fully certified  to keep you safe.

Reaching the summit is an unparalleled achievement. The knowledge that you’ve pushed yourself and conquered a great natural obstacle just can’t be beat!

By booking a climb with us, you’ll be helping porters and guides on Kilimanjaro to make a good living for themselves and support their families. Tipping on Kilimanjaro is another great way to support local people.

The Serengeti

The Serengeti covers around 12,000 square miles of land across northern Tanzania. There’s a huge variety of animals to be seen here. With over 70 species of large mammals and more than 500 birds, it’s a feast for the eyes.

Take a safari in the Serengeti National Park for the opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent beasts. You can choose from our variety of  safari packages , ranging from two to five days in length.

Here, you’ll have the chance to see elephants, mountain lions, and many more. If you visit at the right time of year, you could see the great migration of wildebeest across the plains, or see alligators hunting in the river.

A safari is so much more impressive than a visit to a zoo. Instead of seeing animals in a small enclosure, you’ll see them in their natural habitat. Whether they’re feeding, drinking from a waterhole, or migrating across the land, it’s an experience not to be missed.

The Serengeti is also famous for its colorful sunsets. Be sure to bring your camera and try to capture the trees silhouetted against the stunning orange and red skies.

Many famous films and nature documentaries have been made in this national park. If you’re a fan of David Attenborough, you’ll definitely want to visit this place.

Enjoying a safari is one of the best ways to support the local environment. The money you spend on this trip helps preserve the national parks where these animals make their homes, as well as providing local people with a financial incentive to care for this pristine natural area.

The Impact of Travel

Travel is a wonderful thing. It allows people to experience other cultures and environments and exposes them to new perspectives. Mark Twain  once said  that “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”

Unfortunately, travel comes with its downsides, too. Air travel is a huge cause of emissions, and tourists visiting foreign countries often leave behind litter or cause damage to local plants.

When people travel without care for the environment, it can have a huge impact on native people and their surroundings. Pollution and environmental destruction can ruin lives and the local economy.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to reduce the negative impact of travel. We’ve worked hard to ensure people can enjoy visiting Tanzania without damaging the natural world.

Reducing the Impact With Sustainable Travel

We’re dedicated to protecting the environment of Tanzania and the world at large. Our company is founded on a philosophy of sustainability, and we work hard to consider the environment in everything we do.

Sustainability is one of our most important principles. The world doesn’t exist just to be used up. When we treat the planet well, it will be around for future generations to enjoy. We are partnering with local non-profit groups who are planting trees in the Mt. Kilimanjaro region to reforest the area. We are donating one tree for every tourist we bring to the mountain and you can help us to keep Kilimanjaro thriving!

When you take a tour with us, our guides will explain how to enjoy your trip without damaging the local environment. When the group leaves, it will be as if no one had ever been there.

Some tourist areas around the world have been inundated by tourists. Although  responsible tourism  is a great thing for a local economy and can provide funding and incentives to protect local nature, too much footfall can sometimes be damaging. We’re careful not to overbook trips, making it easy for us to avoid damaging local plant life.

Helping Local People

We don’t just work to help the natural environment of Tanzania. We also strive to improve the lives of Tanzanian people, many of whom live without electricity and other basic facilities.

Ethical tourism  is a vital part of the local economy. Many jobs in northern Tanzania are sustained by visitors bringing in money from abroad. Without tourists coming to see the country, many people in the area would find themselves without work and lacking opportunities in life.

As a socially responsible business, we do our utmost to take care of local people. That means ensuring the guides, porters, and others we work with are well paid and taken care of. We aim to become a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), which has improved the lives of mountain porters through various projects since its founding in 2003.

We also provide financial help to various projects across the country. We’ve supported  local schools and projects in nearby villages. We’re proud to play a part in improving the lives of Tanzanian people, but we couldn’t do it without the folks who book tours with us.

Our Eco Credentials

We’re a member of the non-profit group Leave No Trace. That means we’re dedicated to helping people see Tanzania without having a negative ecological impact.

We’re also part of the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), which is a leading voice for responsible travel in the region. Through research and education, ATTA helps businesses and communities thrive in partnership.

We’ve trekked Kilimanjaro and enjoyed Serengeti safaris ourselves. We were so touched by the sheer beauty of Tanzania that we established our company to allow others to enjoy socially responsible travel and raise awareness of ecological issues and sustainability.

Everything we do is centered around  ethical travel to ensure future visitors have the chance to visit Tanzania safely and responsibly. To prove our commitment, we are in the process of obtaining our sustainable tour operator certification from Travelife, the premier sustainability teaching and certification authority .

Book An Ethical Trip to Tanzania Today

Seeing all the beauty of Tanzania is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. When you can do it in a sustainable way, while helping improve life for people in the country, you can enjoy yourself safe in the knowledge you’re causing minimal harm to the planet and even helping local communities.

Sustainable travel to Tanzania is right at your fingertips! Whether you want to scale Mount Kilimanjaro or tour the beautiful wilds of the Serengeti, we can make it happen.

We’ve got years of experience in helping people just like you to enjoy this brilliant nation.  Contact us  today to discuss your needs and find out more about how you can enjoy Tanzania tourism.

15 things you need to know before visiting Tanzania

Nov 12, 2023 • 6 min read

Dive into Tanzania's treasures with these helpful tips © Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Getty Images

With its Indian Ocean islands, abundance of animals, lush mountains and welcoming people, Tanzania is on almost everyone’s Africa bucket list. If you have the opportunity to travel here, take it and relish the chance to experience a way of life that is still closely intertwined with age-old rhythms and the cycles of nature.

After living in and traveling around Tanzania for more than 20 years, the top tips I have for visitors are: learn some Swahili, spend time with the wildlife and tuck in your mosquito net. Then, there are other things, like figuring out how to get the best seats on a bus and knowing which months to trek or go on safari. Keep reading for more on these and other tips to maximize your enjoyment and ensure smooth travels.

1. Don’t cut your trip too short

Experiencing Tanzania’s wildlife parks – even just one or two – takes time. And then there’s beach- and island-hopping along the coast, hiking in the highlands, trekking on Kilimanjaro , visiting village markets and so much more. A week is barely enough for a quick introduction, but your visit will be more rewarding with at least two weeks and ideally three or more. 

2. Wildebeest have their own clocks

Seeing wildlife is a sure thing. But logistics can get trickier if you’re hoping to experience a specific event, such as the peak of the wildebeest migration. Camps along the migration route generally get booked up well in advance, and the wildebeest move to nature’s rhythms and their own internal clocks. To catch the excitement, start planning early. Check with the camps for recommendations, as their guides will be tracking the rains and the movement of the animals. If the wildebeest don’t cooperate, take things in Tanzanian stride: hakuna matata ("no problem") –  there’s so much other wildlife to see.

3. Tailor your travels

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but it’s worth considering the seasons. Check LP’s Tanzania guidebook for details, but in general: travel in the dry months from June to September for wildlife-watching, hiking and Kilimanjaro treks. Visit in the wet months (February to May) for birding, lower prices and fewer crowds. Also remember, while the rainiest months from March to May can get really rainy, there’s still plenty of sunshine.

4. Set aside money for tips

Safaris and treks can be costly, but the fees you pay shouldn’t be considered as full compensation for the drivers, guides, cooks, and porters who will be the ones helping to make your trip memorable. Tipping is a standard part of the experience, and a generous tip for a job well done will be greatly appreciated by those who depend on this income for their livelihood. Your safari or trekking company will be able to provide guidelines.

5. Carry a credit card for parks and ATMs, and cash for everywhere else

Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) are required for paying national park fees and can be used in major tourist establishments. Elsewhere, you’ll need cash. Change is rarely available, so carrying some smaller denominations will come in handy.

6. Tanzanian time

It’s not just the wildebeest who have their own clocks. Tanzania does, too. When checking things like opening hours and transport schedules, confirm whether the listings are in Western time, or according to the Tanzanian clock. This is a 12-hour system that works in accordance with sunrise and sunset. It starts at 1 o’clock just after dawn (7am), moves towards 12 o’clock in the evening (6pm) and then repeats during the night.

7. A safari is about so much more than just spotting the "Big 5"

Take time, plenty of it, in wildlife and birding areas. To begin, plan for at least several nights in a single park to get a sense of the subtler rhythms of the bush and the wealth and diversity of the local wildlife. Sometimes you may have to ask your guide to turn off the motor and just sit, waiting to experience whatever may come by.  

8. Take time for greetings

Tanzanians have a wonderful sense of community, and greetings are an essential part of any conversation. Styles range from streetside-casual ( Mambo vipi? " How are things?") to more formal ( Habari za asubuhi, Habari za leo,  "Good morning, good day"). Whatever the form, they are never omitted and never rushed. Conversations with an older person should always start with the respectful Shikamoo (literally, "I clasp your feet"). If you forget, some older Tanzanians might even remind you by first saying marahaba (the standard reply). Handshakes also aren’t rushed – Tanzanians will often continue to hold hands throughout their conversation.

9. Learn some Swahili

You’ll probably do this anyway without even trying, as everywhere you go you’ll hear karibu ("welcome"), pole pole ("slowly") and asante ("thank you"). Beyond this, Swahili is such an inclusive, melodic language and attempts to learn it are greatly appreciated. Making the effort to master even just a few simple phrases will go a long way in facilitating cultural interactions and easing your travels.

10. The right hand

In Tanzania, the left hand is traditionally reserved for sanitary purposes. Always use your right hand for eating and for passing things. Receive gifts with both hands, or with the right hand, while touching your left hand to your right elbow.

11. Know the dining routine

Getting invited into a local home is a highlight. Before the meal, someone will come around with a basin, soap, pitcher of water and a towel for hand washing. Food is generally served in communal dishes, and will always include ugali (a thick meal made of maize or cassava flour) or another staple and sauce. Using your right hand, break off a bit of ugali, roll it into a ball, and scoop up some sauce. Don’t worry about getting sticky - the hand washing routine is repeated after the meal. Leaving a bite or two on your plate at the end lets your host know you’re not still hungry.

12. Dress respectfully, especially on the coast

Tanzania is a conservative society, especially along the Muslim Swahili coast. As a general guideline, everyone will be more comfortable with looser-fitting clothes that cover the shoulders and knees. Similarly, try to avoid public displays of affection.

13. Be savvy at bus stations

Don’t accept open drinks, and keep your wits about you. Touts may approach you, but it helps to know in advance which bus company you’re taking (get advice on this from your hotel), and only purchase tickets at a clearly marked bus office or directly from the driver. 

14. Find the shady side of the bus

For long journeys, sitting away from the sun makes things more comfortable, as does getting the right seat; front seats on the shadier side are the best. "Luxury" buses are well worth the extra few dollars. Most have rows with just two seats on each side, plus a no-standing rule. On rural routes you may not have this option: many buses are configured with two seats on one side, three on the other and a jump seat in the middle, so the more comfortable places are by the front windows, away from all the jostling. Since everyone else will be angling for these seats, too, book in advance or arrive early at the station.

15. Tuck in your mosquito net

Malaria is present in much of Tanzania and most hotels have either mosquito nets or air-con (mosquitos don’t like cold). It’s well worth using the nets, especially in the rainy season and in coastal areas; take the time to fully tuck in the edges so you can have a buzz-free, bite-free night.

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Tanzania Travel Guide

Your ultimate tanzania travel guide, with tips, things to do, and best things to see in tanzania. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Tanzania is a traveler’s dream.

Known for its wilderness areas, this East African country is where you can find the Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca where the “big five” (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) can be found and Kilimanjaro National Park, the home of Africa’s highest mountain.

If wilderness isn’t your thing, then go offshore and spend some time on the tropical islands of Zanzibar and Mafia Marine Park exploring various coral reefs and taking a dip with some whale sharks. 

This Tanzania travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular Guides

• Kilimanjaro
• Things to do

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Fast Facts about Tanzania

• Tanzanian power voltage is 220V 50Hz;  Plug C, E, F & L
• The Tanzania currency is the Tanzanian shilling is and is around 2100 TZS to 1 USD
• Levels of crime seem to increase in Tanzania. Avoid showing signs of wealth and keep valuables out of sight.
• When walking, walk towards the flow of traffic and keep your bags on the side away from the road to prevent them from being snatched by someone in a passing car.
• Several vaccinations are highly recommended including Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
• Tanzanian visas are available upon arrival, payable in US cash only.
• Beware of Chikungunya , a viral disease transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. This outbreak continues to affect parts Africa. Symptoms can take up to 12 days to appear, but usually begin within 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms generally include fever and joint pain; other symptoms can include fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and rash.
• The water is not potable ; drink only bottled water or bring a  SteriPen  to Purify your water

Things to See and Do in Tanzania

• Climb Mount Kilimanjaro  – I have to clarify a giant misconception about Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is not easy!
• Go on Safari – It’s the number one safari destination in the world, you cannot go to Tanzania without seeing the Serengeti. 
• Things to do in Tanzania  – Check out our tips for the very best things to do in Tanzania. 
• V isit the Beaches of Zanzibar

Tanzania Travel Guides

• Complete Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Discover The Best Beaches in Zanzibar

• 16 Amazing Things to do in Tanzania

Accommodation

Budget:  You can find a variety of hostels and budget hotels in the range of 12,000-70,000 TZS per night. (5 – 30 USD) Stay in dorms or private rooms and enjoy free Wi-Fi, hot showers, complimentary breakfast, and good locations to city centers or tourist destinations. 

Mid-Range:  For mid-range, expect to pay around 110,000-300,000 TZS per night. These hotels come with private rooms with TVs and free Wi-Fi, room service, complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, a gym, and a hotel restaurant and bar. 

High-End:  For five-star hotels, you will pay around 370,000-977,000 TZS per night. Take in the best with top-of-the-line hospitality, 24/7 room service, fine dining, refined rooms and suites with balconies and living rooms, a gym, massage services, butler service, and a pool.

Safaris can start at $200 USD per day per person and go up from there. Safaris are all inclusive.

To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, guided treks can start at $1200 and go up from there if you negotiate directly in Moshi or Arusha like we did. But expect to pay more.

Beef, fish, rice, maize, and plantains are common foods in Tanzanian cuisine, though it can vary by region. Ugali (maize porridge) is a popular meal and is usually served with a meat, fish, or bean sauce. Mandazi (East African donuts) or Mahindi ya Kuchoma (grilled corn) are some treats you may find when out and about.

You can also look for a sit-down restaurant to sample more of the cuisine. For more inexpensive restaurants, you can find a meal for 6,450 TZS, though more expensive places will cost around 50,000 TZS.

The Best Ways to Get Around Tanzania

Getting to tanzania:.

Flights:  Tanzania has 29 airports, but the main airport to fly into is Julius Nyerere International Airport, located 7.5 miles from the center of Dar es Salaam. If you’re climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, then Kilimanjaro International Airport is a popular airport that takes direct flights from the US. You can check for the best flights to Tanzania on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : Buses are a cheap way to get around, with a typical fare being about 400 TZS. Buses come in the form of minibuses or sedans. If you don’t like crowds, avoid peak hours, as buses can get jam packed with passengers. It is also best to avoid traveling at night.

Taxis:  Taxis are another way to get around. However, use  only  licensed taxis. They are not metered, so make sure to agree on a price before getting in. A shorter taxi ride will start at 2,000 TZS (5,000 TZS in Dar es Salaam). It helps to ask around about what is a fair price so you know if you are being overcharged or not.

Car Rental:  To rent a car, you need to be at least 21 years old and have a U.S. driver’s license. Prices average at 165,525 TZS per day for drivers 25 and older. Avoid driving at night and always look out for livestock on the roads. 

Uber:  Uber is available in Dar es Salaam.

When to go To Tanzania

For safaris and wildlife viewing, the best time to go to Tanzania is between July-September. It can easily be stretch from June to October. During these months, it’s the dry season, and temperatures hit highs of mid-80s. It’s also when the migration of wildlife occurs, starting from the north and moving across Tanzania.

June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration in Tanzania

The wet season hits its peak in April and May, so avoid going during these months. If you want to save some money on hotels, consider going in November or January-February.

Where to Stay in Tanzania

HYATT Regency, Dar es Salaam :  The Kilimanjaro is a landmark 5-star hotel in Dar es Salaam often regarded as one of the best hotels in Tanzania. Both business and leisure travellers can experience true European and African comfort at ease.

Arusha Crown Hotel:   When in Arusha, stay at this four-star hotel. Right next to the Arusha Clock Tower and the Arusha Declaration Museum, the hotel comes with air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, free breakfast, a hot tub, and a hotel restaurant and bar.

New Mwanza Hotel:   When in Mwanza, stay at this hotel that has its own casino. Just a quick walk to the ferry terminal, amenities include 24-hour room service, massage services, a beauty salon, a shopping arcade, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a 24-hour coffee shop, and an international restaurant.

The Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort  – Located in the beach area of Nungwi on Zanzibar, this Luxury property located on the beach with infinity pool and swimming pools, fitness center, and spa.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and VRBO   for the best deals on accommodation.

What to Pack for Tanzania

Tanzania has a tropical climate. Temperatures in the highlands range between 50 and 68°F (10 and 20°C) during summer and winter months while the rest of the country has temperatures that rarely fall lower than 68°F (20°C).

The hottest period is between November and February while the coldest period occurs between May and August. 

Tanzania has two major rainfall regions.

One is December–April in the southern, south-west, central and western parts of the country, while the other occurs October–December and March-May in the north and northern coast.

• Waterproof bag  – the bag has two functions, protecting your stuff from the rain and also from the dust, especially if you’re traveling to drier regions.
• Footwear  – especially important if going you are heading on a safari! Pack a pair of lightweight, durable, waterproof and comfortable shoes and also a pair of flip-flops or sandals that you can change into after a long day of sightseeing.
• Protection from the elements –  pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and bug-spray to prevent getting bitten by a mosquito (that might have malaria!)
• Layers  – pack the basic tropical clothes and make sure to include long pants, long-sleeve tops and some warm clothes for those chilly nights.
• Avoid packing dark colored clothes  – tsetse flies are drawn to dark colors, like blue and black clothing, and their bite can give you African Sleeping Sickness. Stick to light, neutral colors but avoid packing white clothes as they will get dirty and dusty pretty quickly.
• Binoculars  – these are extremely handy for game drives. There is no off-roading permitted in the national parks so make sure you have an extra pair of binoculars or a camera with an epic zoom.

See our packing tips:  packing list for smart travel  &  How to Pack for a Safari

Tanzania Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Tanzania Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Tanzania click here.

African Animals – Incredible moments on Safari

Complete Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – How Hard is It?

• Best Time to Visit Tanzania
• Tanzania weather
• Tanzania Travel Advice
• Tanzania Yellow Fever Requirements
• Visa Tanzania
• Flying Doctors Services
• Sustainable Travel
• The Hakuna Matata Academy
• Easy payments
• About Tanzania Specialist
• Our Experts

Complete Guide To Planning Your Trip To Tanzania

20 July 2022

Tanzania is the place to be for those who love travel and adventure. This beautiful East African country, which borders the Indian Ocean, has something for everyone. Large cities and untouched landscapes means you don’t need to leave this sunny oasis to fulfill your vacation desires.

To help you plan the perfect trip, we have advice on how to plan, where to go, and tricks to help you get the most out of your travels.

About Tanzania

Tanzania is the land of extremes. It is situated 600 feet (or 200 meters) above sea level and contains both the tallest mountain in Africa and the second deepest lake in the world. That’s right, Kilimanjaro , which is measured at 19,340 feet (or 5,895 meters), lives in this country.

The world’s second deepest lake is Lake Tanganyika, which measures 4,710 feet (or 1,436 meters). The gold medal goes to Lake Baikal in Russia which measures 5,387 feet (or 1,642 meters), creating a large gap between first and second place.

But just because these are the most famous parts of the country, doesn’t mean they are the only joys you can experience.

History Of Tanzania

In 1964 , the mainland called Tanganyika and the islands called Zanzibar unified. It was at this point that the United Republic of Tanzania was born.

The merger wasn’t possible until both countries became independent from the British. Tanganyika reached independence in 1961, while Zanzibar only managed the feat in January 1964. 3 months later, Tanzania became united.

The country of Tanzania is known as “the Cradle of Mankind” as it holds the oldest human fossils in the world. With 120 different indigenous groups in the country, and very little emigration or colonial settlement in their history, Tanzania has kept a lot of its original history intact.

There are two official languages in Tanzania – English, and Swahili. Although English is spoken by many people in the country, it is only taught in higher education. Swahili is taught in the first 7 years of education and continues until the end of a pupil’s schooling.

Because the country is so vast and diverse in culture, there are many unofficial languages spoken by the locals too. For example, many of the 120 ethnic groups have their own language, and due to Asian influences Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujarati have become popular.

The concept of kin and family is critical to Tanzania’s culture. No matter the struggle or inconvenience, family matters and occasions are given the highest priority. The transport system in Tanzania has much to be desired, but that won’t stop a family member from arriving for a celebration.

Art and history are also extremely important in Tanzania’s culture. Storytelling through dance and speech creates the majority of entertainment. And because scientists from around the world sturdy human ancestry in Tanzania soil, the concept of history and nature are woven into one.

Planning Your Trip

The most important elements of planning a visit to Tanzania are the weather and the experience.

Why Should You Visit Tanzania?

Tanzania is a country surrounded by wildlife, beaches, archaeological discoveries, and a culture largely untainted by globalization.

We will go into detail about the things you can do while visiting this unique country, but the main reason to spend time in Tanzania is to explore the untouched world.

Many places like Katavi, contain wilderness that hasn’t been destroyed by progress or time. It is the ultimate escape from a fast-paced life.

When Should You Visit?

Tanzania has two seasons – wet and dry. The rainy season starts near the end of October and continues until January. It picks up again from March to June. Between these bouts of rain, is the dry season.

Visiting in the dry season (February, then July till September), means climbing mountains in a safe condition, and exploring areas in the beautiful sun of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). The roads will be easier to drive on and the wildlife will be around waterholes making them easier to spot.

However, if you want to see large movements of animals, you can also do this during the rainy season. The rain makes the wildlife happy, while the grassland will be colorful and luscious. You will develop the best photos and see a large variety of creatures. The experience will also be at its cheapest with fewer crowds to contend with.

There are areas that can’t be reached in the rainy season, but the whole northern circuit will normally be accessible throughout the year.

Do You Need A Visa?

Yes. To travel to Tanzania , you will need a passport, a return ticket, and a single-entry tourist visa. This is true for most countries, although you can check your country’s status on this link .

The passport should be valid for at least 6 months before your arrival date, but the visa can be obtained at the airport.

Although you can wait until the last minute to receive your visa, this can cause delays and rejection. We advise applying for the visa in advance to avoid any raised prices and long waiting times with the immigration officers.

Duration Of Your Trip

Ideally, your Tanzania safari should be at least 10 days long. 10 days is enough to travel across the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro) which is the most popular safari in Africa.

With a longer stay, you can also include visits to the lakes and cultural hubs in the area.

Get Your Vaccinations

Before traveling to Tanzania, it’s recommended to ask for advice about the following vaccinations:

• Yellow Fever
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Tuberculosis

If you are staying for longer than two weeks, some doctors recommend getting vaccinated for Typhoid. And if you are interacting with animals directly, (such as petting or working on a farm) some doctors recommend to include rabies vaccinations.

Speak to your doctor about what vaccinations you have already received, as many people have protection against illnesses such as meningitis during their childhood.

The national currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling. It is often written as with TSh or /=. Coins come in 50s, 100s, and 200s, and notes come in 500s, 1000s, and 5000s.

Most towns will exchange US Dollars, UK pound Sterling and European Euros without issue. However, you may notice that US Dollars and Euros are accepted in large areas of the country.

As of July 2022 , USD$100 is worth TSh233,200, £100 is worth TSh277,949,91 and €100 is worth TSh234,704.14.

Where To Go And Things To Do

There is tons to do in Tanzania, but they all come down to three things – exploring the wilderness, finding wild animals, and discovering the culture of the area.

See The Big 5

The Big 5 is a tick box exercise that lets you see the most iconic animals in Africa. Going on Big 5 safaris means searching for the African Lion, the African Elephant, the African Leopard, the Rhinoceros, and the Cape Buffalo.

Although these creatures are large, they can be extremely difficult to spot in the wild. The goal becomes even more difficult due to illegal poachers reducing the numbers of the population. However, hiring a Big 5 tour guide can show you the best places to find these extraordinary animals.

Experience The Great Migration

The great migration is the iconic trek made by thousands of wildebeest to cross the lands of Africa. It has been watched millions of times through hundreds of documentaries, but there is nothing like seeing a surreal experience in real life.

The wildebeest migration is the largest mammal migration in the world, and you can see the spectical in the Serengeti National Park.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is unlike the other national parks in Tanzania. You won’t find a lot of wildlife on this tour, instead, the attraction is climbing Kilimanjaro , the tallest mountain in Africa.

Even if you don’t reach the summit, the view of the wilderness below is a sight for the gods.

Go On A Safari To Serengeti National Park

Even if you aren’t traveling for the Big 5 or to spot the great migration, you should still visit Serengeti National Park. It is the second largest national park in Tanzania and is home to over 500 species of birds, and millions of grazing animals such as zebras and gazelles on flat land for easy viewing.

Travel The Northern Circuit

The Northern Circuit contains the most famous national parks in Tanzania. As we said before, you can visit national parks such as Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro. But you can also explore Arusha, Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Kilimanjaro, Olduvai, and Mkomazi.

Traveling the entire area can take you around 10 days, and in that time you’ll spot animals in their natural habitat.

If you don’t have the time to dictate 10 days of endless plains travel, you can experience the whole area much quicker by skipping some parts or to make use of flights in safaris! Don’t let time keep you from enjoying all that Tanzania has to offer. Imagine yourself doing an amazing safari or overlooking the endless plains from a hot air balloon!

Visit A National Park 

If you’re not near the northern park of Tanzania, don’t fret. There are 35 national parks around the country. North, East, South, and West. Each has its own highlights and attractions, so search for the park close to your hotel destination and create your wildlife experience from there.

Go To Stone Town

Stone Town is considered the architectural capital of Tanzania. Found on the island of Zanzibar, the majority of homes in the area were built in the 19th century. The wooden doors on the houses are often beautifully carved and delicately maintained.

Stone Town is the oldest functioning town in the world, which makes it a wonderful place for history lovers. The cultures of the area haven’t changed, allowing us to see culture and history in action.

Scuba Dive In Zanzibar

One of the best places to dive in Tanzania is the Zanzibar island called Pemba. Its white sand beach is often untouched, and the clear waters make it perfect for scuba diving.

The area is laid back and the island is so hilly that spending a weekend swimming and then mountain biking has become a popular activity.

Mafia Island Marine Park

The Mafia Island has the same beautiful beaches as Pemba, and the same almost see-through water. However, on Mafia Island, you can experience the Marine Park. This is a coral garden found just off the water’s edge. You can witness over 400 species of bright and colorful fish, dancing around the coral reef.

This island is also the traditional breeding ground for the endangered green turtle. Making it one of the only safe havens for the rare species.

Visit Rift Valley

Rift Valley got its name due to the earth’s weakened crust. The area is a geological phenomenon, as the valley cracks down for thousands of miles. The dramatic drop has created naturally hot springs, volcanoes, lakes, and geysers.

It’s in this valley that flamingos find a home, and baboons rule the roost. The rift itself runs from Syria to Mozambique and the tectonic plates are slowly making the split larger, year after year. In some places the top of the rift valley will reach 400 meters and has a very steep drop. The view from the top of this valley is amazing. One of the most popular locations on the top of this Rift valley is Manyara Best View lodge, a real attraction that is often combined with Tarangire, Ngorongoro or Lake Manyara national park.

Go To A Lake

Tanzania has over 14 large lakes around the country. The smallest surface area is Lake Chala which borders Tanzania and Kenya. It measures 4.2 kilometers squared or 1.6 square miles.

The largest surface area is claimed by Lake Victoria measuring 68,800 kilometers squared, or 26,600 square miles. For comparison, the United Kingdom is 243,610 kilometers squared, and Scotland is 77,910 kilometers square. Meaning the lake named after Queen Victoria is the same size as one of her countries.

Lake Victoria

Although this lake is only the second largest lake in the world. It is the largest tropical lake by miles.

The lake itself is so large that it touches on three countries – Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

It was named after Queen Victoria in 1858 and contains fish you’ll find nowhere else on earth.

Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is best known for its birds. You can find over a million flamingos, thousands of pelicans, hundreds of storks, and even rare creatures such as the chestnut-banded plover.

The fish are mostly carp, so we would recommend this lake for bird lovers over fish lovers.

To reach this lake, you’ll be taken on a jeep that goes through the wild forest and shrublands to reach the marsh. The travel and backdrop are jaw-dropping.

You are allowed to fish in this lake as you watch the flamingos fly by.

Lake Natron

Natron is an alkaline lake with a pH level of 12 or more. Scientists believe this high alkaline level comes from lava underneath the water which produces large amounts of carbonate.

Because of the unusual alkaline disposition, salt-loving plants and animals live in these waters. Instead of using green pigments for photosynthesis, these flowers are almost all red. This creates an illusion of a blood lake.

Flamingos eat the redfish, animals, and plant life helping them create a red and pink tone in their feathers.

Reaching this area can be very difficult due to the lack of roads, a professional guide has the knowledge on how to reach this place best. But Lake Natron cant be accessed during the rainy season.

Lake Duluti

This lake is less of an animal reserve and more of a sporting experience. You can hike to the area, have a canoe in the waters, and cycle around the waterways. Swimming is prohibited, but the area allows for gentle water sports while you take in the beautiful scenery.

Lake Momella

Lake Momella is actually made up of 7 lakes. Big Momela, Small Momelaa, Tulusia, Lekandrio, El Kekhotoito, Rishateni and Kusare.

They are all shallow alkaline lakes that are perfect for flamingo watching. You can also expect pelicans, guinea fowl, African fish eagles, Egyptian geese, and African jacanas in these lakes.

Most mammals don’t drink from this lake due to the high alkaline content, however, you can spot zebras, waterbucks, and giraffes in the surrounding areas too.

To really enjoy the experience, you should take a canoe trip to travel around the lakes.

Explore The Beaches Of Zanzibar

If you prefer an active vacation instead of an animal-watching one, then we suggest finding a surfing beach in the islands of Zanzibar. The white sand beaches, and clear shallow water, makes learning the sport easy.

You can also hire boats to explore the clear ocean water while staying close to the island’s land.

Visit Iraqw Villages

The Iraqw tribe is an ancient community that lives in the same way they did over 100 years ago.

Over 150 tribes live and thrive in the country of Tanzania, but the Iraqw tribe allows visitors to experience their way of life. You can talk to the residents, enter their homes and join in on their agriculture.

If you visit on the 7th or 25th day of the month, you can experience the Iraqw market. Here the people of the village sell their goods, from cattle to art, herbs to clothing. It would be a unique souvenir to take home.

Visit A Maasai Village

In the Maasai Village , you can expect the same raw culture as the Iraqw Village. However, the Maasai people continue to live in the heart of Africa. There are lions, and elephants roaming their lands, but they aren’t afraid of these deadly creatures.

Instead, the Maasai people know how to live in harmony with nature – a skill they could pass on to you.

Visit Ngorongoro Crater

We have mentioned the Ngorongoro National Park a couple of times, because it is so special. It is known as one of the 7 African wonders. It has the highest concentration of wildlife per square kilometer. And perfect circumstances for the wildlife to live.

The crater creates a permanent supply of water for the animals, allowing us to see the beautiful creatures flock to the watering hole.

The crater itself is around a million years old and was once one of the tallest mountains in the world before its destructive explosion. It has been higher than Mt. Kilimanjaro and due to the volcanic eruption this amazing area has been created. It is actually not a crater, but a caldera. But it is known as Ngorongoro Crater.

Explore The Arusha Cultural Heritage Center

The Arusha Cultural Heritage Center is filled with African art from across the continent. You can find masks, furniture, statues, and crafts, displayed with the history of active and long past tribes.

One particular gem you will learn about is the Tanzanite. Named after its one known source, Tanzania, this gem can only be found in Mirerani Hills.

The desire to find such a rare and beautiful gem created wars in countries around the world. You can learn about the impact this gem had on Tanzania and the surrounding countries.

Visit Olduvai Gorge

The Olduvai Gorge is a historical archaeological site that you can visit. The oldest human bones have been found in the area, including skulls aged around 2 million years old.

If you visit between June and October, you may be able to talk to an active archaeologist digging on the site. They can tell you what they have found recently and what that means in terms of knowledge about our ancestors.

If there are no active archaeologists, you can still talk to the tour guides and visit the museum to take home replicas.

Luxury Accommodations In Tanzania

If you want a hotel that gives you 5-star treatment and is close to the animals you’ll explore during the day. Then you should stay at Singita Faru Faru Lodge or Melia Serengeti Lodge . It is situated on the outskirts of the National Park, allowing you the most beautiful views as the sun sets on the plains.

The hotel has a spa, a personal walking safari tour, a fine dining restaurant, and more. You can expect access to the outdoor pool, and to the hiking trails either with or without a guide.

If you would rather stay near the cultural hub of Tanzania, you can book with Legendary Lodge or Elewana Arusha Coffee Lodge . It is at the center of all activity in Arusha while keeping a cool and distant vibe inside.

As a coffee-focused lodge, you can experience the best coffee from across the continent, alongside a fine dining experience and access to the spa and pool.

And lastly, if you prefer your hotel to act as an entertainment center in itself, then try Tulia Zanzibar , the best luxury romantic resort. With a private beach, scuba diving experiences, shows, and evening fine dining, you’ll need to be reminded that there is more outside of their doors.

Luxury Accommodations In Zanzibar

If you want to enjoy your holiday in Zanzibar specifically, then we have a couple more hotels to suggest.

The Residence Zanzibar is a secluded hideaway near the coastline of the ocean. There are 66 luxurious villas to choose from each with cultural comforts from around the world. Allowing you to pick options from your own country to try something new.

Each room has a balcony, a private beach, ocean views, and access to the pool.

Baraza Resort and Spa Zanzibar is a resort that brings heritage to your holiday. You can expect influences from Arabic as well as Swahili culture in the architecture. The beach is just on the doorstep and the food is divine.

Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar was recently renovated in 2019. They have pools, whirlpools, a spar, and entertainment for the evening and the day. The steakhouse produces 5-star food, and you can enjoy your stay while looking out onto the clear beach.

Tips And Tricks

Before packing your bags, we have a couple of tips to give you. Whenever you travel to a new country, there will be cultural and practical differences that you need to be aware of.

Consider Driving

If you are exploring the Northern Circuit, we suggest taking or hiring a car. A lot of Tanzania isn’t well connected but these safaris have a driving route to help you across the vast plains.

The route connects Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro with a brief stop off at Lake Manyara.

Consider Hiring A Professional Guide

Depending on the hotel you are staying at, you may have access to a professional guide throughout your stay. If not, it is worth going to an information center to secure one. With a professional guide, you’ll be able to find the hotspots for rare wildlife, and will have access to the more secure areas.

Without a professional guide, you may miss out on the details and hard-to-find animals on the safaris.

Head Off The Beaten Track

In the height of the dry season, Tanzania can become crowded. When there are more people than animals, it’s time to avoid the well-known paths. We suggest visiting Rubondo Island in the middle of Lake Victoria.

Imagine a Robinson Crusoe adventure, where the mountains are empty of people and the wildlife sanctuary continues as if humans never touched it.

Check Your Airports

There are multiple different airports in Tanzania, so don’t just fly to the capital city of Dar es Salaam and waste a day traveling to your hotel. There are airports just outside of Arusha, directly to Kilimanjaro, and easy connections to Serengeti.

Check which options make the most sense for time and money, so you don’t waste either going with the capital.

Purchase A Local Sim Card

To make sure you don’t get charged extra for using your phone abroad, you should buy a sim card locally. These sims will have better wifi and signal connections, and they will be cheaper due to their expected use in the country.

We recommend choosing Vodacom, Airtel, or Tigo. Airtel is a budget brand and has the worst network of the three, but they will be cheaper than your foreign sim. Tigo has a good connection at a reasonable price. Vodacom has the best network connection but comes at a cost. If you can afford it, definitely buy a Vodacom sim card.

Use The Railways

Unless you are driving through the Northern Circuit, the best transport in Tanzania is the train system. You can hire a private car, but it costs a lot of money and takes time. Trains are less expensive and allow you to see the area around you, and experience life as a native Tanzanian.

Always Travel In Groups At Nightime

Although Tanzania is very friendly to tourists, there will always be people ready to catch a holidaymaker. To make sure you don’t fall victim to muggings, travel at night in groups. Criminals can spot a tourist from a mile away, so don’t take the chance.

Only Carry Your Daily Basic Essentials 

This leads us to our next trip. Only carry the essentials you need for the day. If you lose your passport or your visa, you can land in big trouble trying to leave the country.

On the other hand, don’t leave your hotel room without sunscreen and mosquito spray. These sprays will become your best friend as the heat beats down on you.

This is more general advice than Tanzania specifically. Only take what you need for hiking, lounging, and swimming at the beach. You can buy more clothes when you arrive, and you can wash them at your hotel. Instead, save your bag room for gifts and souvenirs.

The lighter you pack the less you have to pay for travel too. To make the most of the savings, buy disposable products when you arrive. Shampoo, travel toothpaste, and other small needed toiletries can be bought anywhere near your hotel, so don’t waste travel space.

Remember To Tip

In Tanzania, tipping is the same as breathing. You will be expected to tip around 10 to 12% for basic interactions such as having your picture taken, driving, or being served at a cafe. However, if you are in a fine dining restaurant or a 5-star hotel, the tipping expectancy jumps up to 20%.

You are expected to tip for every interaction, so be sure to count those extra coins before committing to a purchase.

The best places to visit in Tanzania are Mount Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit safaris, Lake Victoria or Manyara, the Iraqw Village, and the Arusha Cultural Heritage Center. If you don’t visit at least one of these places on your trip, then you will end up missing the most iconic areas of the county.

Remember, as you plan your trip be sure to include days of rest, as the wonderful wildlife can overwhelm a tourist. So don’t forget to soak in the spar days, and relax by the sea.

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Sustainable Travel in Tanzania

by Xavi | 02/03/2023 | Sustainable travel and tourism | 0 comments

Tanzania is a destination that receives many tourists every year because of its spectacular nature, the possibility of safaris in its national in its national parks, and its beaches. In fact, it gained 1.5 million arrivals in 2019, and its goal is to reach 5 million by 2025. However, as we all know, tourism can have a negative impact on the environment and especially on local communities . That is why more and more tourists, aware of these problems, are looking for ways to make a sustainable travel in Tanzania and have a positive impact on the territory .

In this article we explain what should be taken into account before traveling to Tanzania if we want our trip to be sustainable and respectful with the territory .

Choose a travel agency specialized in sustainable travel and eco-tourism.

If you travel with travel agency If you travel with a travel agency, look for one that focuses on sustainability and respect for the local population . This is not simply offering a local guide, or visiting a local weaving workshop. But we will explain that later. The idea is to minimize the environmental impact and maximize the benefits for the territory. And not only direct economic ones, but also the quality of life. For example, look for solidarity travel agencies that meet the following requirements:

1- Support to local communities

Tourists can support local communities in a variety of ways. At the same time, we must be aware that we can have a negative impact on them . Therefore, it is important to ask what kind of local and immersive tourism we will be doing during our sustainable travel in Tanzania and whether it will really be respectful tourism or not. And the truth is that it is easy to fall into proposals, agencies or tour operators that offer us visits to local communities without giving them more than that, a visit, or even harming them with it.

So, what can we look out for when we travel?

Most of the time, a sustainable travel agency will work with small local suppliers , who will pass on the benefits of tourism in a more balanced and ethical way. Some agencies work with NGOs that are financed , in part, by tourism . And we are not talking about volunteering, but about leisure, adventure or cultural trips , which are organized between an agency and the staff of an NGO.

The NGO, in addition to creating jobs for tourism, raises funds thanks to the tourists, which it then invests in its projects, whether in education, health, women’s empowerment, or others.

In Tanzania, you can visit community projects such as schools , medical centers , or handicraft centers where you can buy directly from local people and then go on safari with local guides, hired by the NGO , who have a living wage .

Traveling with us , we will be able to interact with the local people and learn about their culture and daily life in Tanzania, and we can be sure that our trip helps the development of local communities.

And what should we avoid when visiting communities?

There are countless agencies, large and small, that include certain activities with local people, who then do not receive a fair return. And it goes beyond that: these communities are not the ones who decide what activities to do, how, or the price. They are mere executors, the last part of the chain, or sometimes, simple backpack carriers.

If we really want to develop tourism that supports local communities, we must seek proposals that respect them and contribute to their empowerment. And how? Asking ourselves these questions:

– Has the local community decided to carry out this activity?

– Do the communities you work with, and that we visit, accept and want this activity to take place?

– Have they been part of the design of that activity , and of the decisions for the definition of the route, for example?

– Do the people who are going to be our guides have a decent salary ? Do they have a fixed salary, or do they depend on our tips ?

– Is the activity designed so that the whole community benefits in some way, or is it just one person who receives all the benefit?

– Does our visit have an impact that translates into jobs , a better quality of life, a contribution to education , healthcare or the specific needs of that community?

If the answer is “no”

the trip will not be socially or culturally sustainable. The agency’s proposal will invite you to visit a community that has been practically subjected to this activity, by obligation. Surely no one has put a gun to their heads to make them do it, but they have been forced, by the pressure and impact of tourism, to do it. And what is worse: they have not decided, being on their own land, how to do it, what is the price you have to pay and what benefit they get. They have become a tourist stop, without having any control over it. And now, they depend on your visit, to receive a pittance and without being able to lead anything, or improve their conditions.

Be careful when we talk about visiting local communities. Let’s do it by asking ourselves all these questions, or we will be perpetuating dependence, inequality, and the exploitation of territories by those who run tourism, instead of promoting the empowerment of communities, their progress and leadership in the exploitation of their land.

The problem with tourism to Maasai villages

An example in which we can find countless examples of negative practices with respect to the visit of local communities is with the Maasai people. Tanzania, for example, has a considerable percentage of its population of Masai culture. The Maasai tribes have been displaced out of the national parks as governments have “closed” the parks to tourists like us. Where there used to live massai and animals in the wild, now only animals live there.

The Maasai are semi-nomadic, that is to say, they create their settlements according to the climate and the existing resources. Now, there was a time when they did not decide to migrate to another point, but were expelled, in order to delimit these national parks. This has led many Maasai villages to move to the outskirts and try to attract the attention of tourists leaving or entering the parks, as they have been forced to leave their daily lives and activities, due to the imposition of tourism. Some tribes open their doors to tourists going to the Serengeti, and visiting them is totally legal. However, doubts arise as to whether these visits to Maasai villages that receive tourists day in and day out are ethical, economically sustainable in the medium and long term, and have a positive impact on the communities.

Are our tours respectful? Is there racism in our visit?

These are some of the questions we have to ask ourselves when we do conscious tourism. Where is the boundary between “I enjoy getting to know another culture” and the negative impact on them?

It is a difficult balance between tourist and local culture where there are always large gaps between the two sides. And we, as conscious travelers, have to try to keep these to a minimum so as not to affect them negatively, and above all, to do so from a position of equality , far from expecting certain things from that tribe with the desire that they behave, dress or say what we believe or expect. That is classism, and racism.

An example?

To be surprised that a Maasai wears a watch, or a child in the community wears X brand of sneakers. In our imaginary, from a Western position, we imagine that tribe as something that has not been “contaminated” by anything we have. And besides, when we travel so far, we hope we don’t run into something like that, right? Amig@s, we are sorry to tell you that tourism or globalization has just that impact, and to expect nothing to change or to be disappointed by such an image is classism.

Cultural immersion or intrusive visit?

Around this scenario a vicious circle is generated between the Maasai leaders (the power), the guides, the drivers, the translators and the travel agencies. The agencies for choosing to go through the village, the driver for stopping, the local guide for negotiating and taking more money than the Maasai, etc. They are very superficial dives, in fact, we would say that they are not dives, but simple visits where you spend money to buy some handicrafts, which then does not go directly to the person who made it, nor does it contribute to any prosperous activity.

Although they tell you that the money goes to women and children, this is not the case and it is distributed in a non-transparent way . And then we have to ask ourselves, do you feel like doing the dance and welcoming several groups of tourists like you into your home every day? does the visit enrich you as a person or does it make you feel a little uncomfortable? Would you prefer to do it differently, more equitable and respectful, more immersive and less intrusive, but don’t know how?

Massai tourism alternatives with positive impact

There is a way to get to know the Maasai culture in a more respectful and conscious way. Before visiting a community, we have to be aware of what we are going to do. Do we visit a settlement such as those mentioned above, or do we visit a Maasai community that opens its doors to us in a way that is not conditional on the tourist’s quick money?

Being demanding with our travel agency

Does our visit really help community, economic, environmental and social improvement, taking into account the 5Ps of sustainable tourism? It is a complex subject and full of contradictions, but we could base it on the following: if those we visit have universal rights covered, we will not care so much about where our money goes , or who takes it, or what they invest it in. But if this is not the case, the least we can do is to pay close attention to what we hire so that the SDGs are met as much as possible. Simply put, visiting a village in Norway is not the same as visiting a tribe in Tanzania . And your demands should change with your travel agency, because if you want to travel in a respectful and positive way, you have every right to demand that they explain how they do it .

For it to be sustainable over time without being culturally unsustainable , it is the tourists who play the most important role.

Some sustainable routes in Tanzania

The routes that you will see in Trip to Help are made with empowered Maasai communities, which together with local NGOs , organize these visits, with the approval of the community. In addition, the benefits of these visits have repercussions for the entire community , in the form of education, health, food, improved sanitation and the improvement of water wells.

If you want to know the Maasai culture in a responsible and respectful way you can see the following links of sustainable travel in Tanzania :

• 6 days of Safari and Maasai immersion in Tanzania
• Get to know the Maasai culture from the inside.
• Or opt for a safari and then a Maasai dive .

2- Choose sustainable accommodations during your trip to Tanzania.

Look for accommodations that are committed to social and environmental sustainability . Some eco-lodges have a ban on plastics, have water reuse policies, generate electricity with solar panels and also provide jobs for local people. Take a look at it.

If you go to sustainable accommodations you ensure that you are contributing positively to the maintenance and development of the local economy. An example of sustainable lodging is the Masai Lodge to get to know the Masai culture from the inside, in the northern region of Tanzania. It is a lodge built and managed by the Maasai, which provides work for the Maasai community and dedicates its profits to the social projects of the NGO that owns the lodge in the community.

And obviously, plastics are forbidden and the food is 100% natural and local.

Both accommodations can be booked through Trip to Help. Contact us for more information.

3- Learn about wildlife and environmental conservation.

Tanzania is known for its safaris , and the nature of its national parks and nature reserves. Tourists seek to see animals in the wild, such as the Big Five . There are companies that work with local guides such as the Maasai, with great knowledge of the native flora and fauna, their rhythms and cycles, who support conservation and avoid harassment of animals.

Learning from a Maasai is doubly rewarding, since they are the ones who have lived with these animals for centuries and centuries, who better than them to teach us about their territory, wildlife and environmental conservation.

4- Contributes to the protection of the environment

If you want your trip to Tanzania to be as sustainable as possible, try to reduce your environmental impact . For example, do not use plastic bottles (you can bring reusable bottles with filters). Or walk or cycle on journeys where the car is avoidable and be aware of your daily consumption habits . An example: it is not sustainable to eat fish in the middle of the Serengeti National Park, because if they offer it to you, it is only for the tourists. Locals only eat the food available in the territory, and fish in Tanzania is eaten in the coastal area, in Zanzibar and in and around Kigoma .

The importance of sustainable travel to developing countries such as Tanzania

As mentioned above, when visiting a developing country it is even more important that our trip is sustainable. Going to Norway, a country with a very high GDP per capita, is not the same as traveling to Tanzania or another African country.

• There is generally greater environmental vulnerability: Developing countries often face greater environmental challenges such as deforestation , water pollution or biodiversity loss . In addition, having fewer resources and less capacity to mitigate negative environmental impacts makes them more vulnerable. So if we travel to Tanzania, it is up to us to reduce our environmental impact and support the conservation of natural resources.
• Increased social vulnerability: As mentioned in previous sections, local communities in countries such as Tanzania face poverty , lack of access to clean water, education and health care . By choosing to travel in a supportive and responsible way, such as staying in places that directly support the community, we will be contributing to their sustainable development and improving their quality of life.
• Positive economic impact : sustainable tourism should have a mostly positive impact on local communities , creating gainful employment , business opportunities, and economic and social justice . It is not only about having local suppliers. Also about having them organized as a NGOs so that the benefits of tourism are shared among the community .

Conclusions

In summary, when we travel it is important to be aware of our impact on the territories visited, but it becomes even more relevant when we go to developing places such as Tanzania, as our impact can be even greater, both positive and negative. It is important to make an effort to be more socio-environmentally conscious and responsible when traveling to countries like Tanzania.

If you want to see different options for respectful and sustainable travel in Tanzania you can see them in the following link:

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The United Republic of Tanzania

Tanzania investment centre.

• Investment Opportunity Areas
• Indicative Return

Investment Timeframe

Market Size

Ticket Size

• Direct Impact SDG’s

Consumer Goods

• Extractives and Minerals Processing

Food and Beverage

Health Care

Infrastructure

• Renewable Resources and Alternative Energy

Resource Transformation

Technology and Communications

Transportation

• Success Stories
• Knowledge Repository

Indicative Return Describes the rate of growth an investment is expected to generate within the IOA.

Investment Timeframe Describes the time period in which the IOA will pay-back the invested resources.

Ticket Size Describes the USD amount for a typical investment required in the IOA.

Market Timeframe Describes the value of potential addressable market of the IOA.

Direct Impact SDG's Describes the primary SDG(s) the IOA addresses.

Regions Independent research and interviews with Government and private sector stakeholders.

Minerals Processing

Renewable Resources

Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure

Indicative Return:

Short Term (0–5 years)

USD 100 million - USD 1 billion

USD 1 million - USD 10 million

Provide and operate eco- and community-based tourism infrastructures, such as hotels, lodges and camp sites, that rely on the local value chain. The facilities run through community-private-public partnerships, where the private actors provide and operate the facilities, the public actor offers support infrastructure, such as roads, water and power utilities, and the communities supply products like vegetables, fruits, meat and eggs through supply contract arrangements.

Support sustainable practices in tourism and strengthen local value chains serving the tourism industry.

Northern , Southern

Sector Services > Hospitality and Recreation

Sector Classification

Situate the investment opportunity within sustainability focused sector, subsector and industry classifications.

Development need: Tourism has the greatest employment generation potential in Tanzania. However, the country has performed at a fraction of its potential. The sector is poorly managed, underinvested, under-resourced, and lacks a coordinated all-of-government approach and vision. This has reduced its competitive advantage (1, 2, 3, 4).

Policy priority: Tanzania is committed to promoting diversified tourism products in order to increase its competitive advantage. The government seeks to promote tourism since it integrates more than one service, notably transport, accommodation and food, information and communication, offering significant socio-economic development potential (4, 5).

Gender inequalities and marginalization issues: Women face challenges participating in tourism activities in Tanzania. Most women in rural communities are excluded from tourism activities and some of them are exploited without commensurate returns. Taking full charge of responsibilities in their households gives women challenges that constrain their ability to perform in businesses, including in tourism (6).

Investment opportunities introduction: Opportunities in services include a broad range of diversified tourism activities, both regarding products and infrastructure, utilising community inputs, particularly in Tanzania’s Southern Circuit as a result of overcrowding and saturation in the Northern Circuit (9).

Key bottlenecks introduction: COVID-19 severely impacted Tanzania’s tourism activities due to the disruption of global travel, which resulted in a 72% drop in revenues with significant job losses and business closures. The poor performance in tourism adversely affects other sectors (8).

Development need: Community-based and sustainable tourism provides important opportunities to take advantage of the increasing demand for Tanzania’s eco-tourism products. It is strategically important to the national tourism industry, valued at approximately USD 725 million annually, in terms of diversifying tourism products, relieving pressure on over-crowded protected areas and offering the required infrastructure (4).

Policy priority: The government is committed empower rural communities and private land holders to manage natural resources, including wildlife, in a sustainable manner and for their own benefit. Developing co-investment and partnership arrangements to support nature-based landscape and seascape management is among the top priorities for the long-term transformation of Tanzania’s tourism activities (7, 8).

Key bottlenecks introduction: Community and sustainability tourism is hindered by accessibility challenges to protected areas (particularly in the southern and western parts of the country), inadequate infrastructure and insufficient marketing and promotional campaigns (10).

Business Case

Learn about the investment opportunity’s business metrics and market risks.

28 million tourist arrivals per year (prior to COVID-19)

Tanzania’s tourism sector generated USD 2.6 billion in 2019 before COVID-19, and USD 1 billion in revenues in 2020. Revenues from tourism activities reached USD 1.25 billion in the year ending October 2021, signaling a slow recovery from the pandemic (11).

With 1.28 million tourist arrivals per year (prior to the pandemic), Tanzania is one of the most visited destinations in Sub Saharan Africa. Tourism contribution to GDP is expected to grow from 4.1% in 2017 to an annual average of 6.8% over the following 10 years – the seventh highest rate in the world (9).

The Mkomazi Nature Camp within the Mkomazi National Park is expected to have a payback period of 3.9 years, which is within the loan tenure period of five years (12).

Impact Case

Read about impact metrics and social and environmental risks of the investment opportunity.

A growing tourism sector has the potential to generate significant backward links to the local value chain including horticulture, livestock, poultry, and fisheries. However, such linkages are yet to be established. Poor product quality and irregular supply limit the links. There are also specific SPS constraints including a lack of training on good hygiene practices, weak surveillance and monitoring system, and weak inspectorate (3,24,25).

The growing industry has put pressure on people and the planet. Areas and adjacent lands to the infrastructure facilities have been subjected to a number of emerging issues and challenge including failure of conservation (as a form of land use) to compete effectively with alternative land uses, habitat degradation and blockage of wildlife corridors, overexploitation and illegal resource extraction, wildfires, human population growth (30)

Tourism, which plays a prominent role in the Tanzanian economy, accounting for nearly 12% of GDP has been the most severely affected sector from the COVID-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions. The return to pre-crisis levels is expected to take some time (3,8)

Development of tourism infrastructure such as hotels, lodges and campsites can accelerate rate of economic growth through the tourism sector which is estimated to have generated USD 2.6 billion in 2019 before COVID-19, and USD 1 billion in revenues in 2020 (14). Tanzania could utilize this potential to position itself in view of the competition in the region and utilize its competitive advantage of being the first in Africa and 12th worldwide for the quality of its community- nature-based tourism resources, and 32nd in Africa and 112th in the world for its cultural resources (33).

Tourism hotels, lodges and campsites can promote rural development through employment of local community in such facilities, poor residents selling products and services directly to tourists, e.g., making and selling handicrafts, supplying various food products to the tourists’ facilities or provide guiding services or (31,32)

Sustainable development of tourism infrastructure can reduce pressure on people and the planet through effective conservation measures and sustainable exploitation. Total biodiversity can be conserved and supported by the added income generated by ecotourism (30).

People: Communities living around the hotels, lodges and campsites benefit from supply of products and services neeed by the facilities and the visiting tourists

Gender inequality and/or marginalization: Inland and rural populations benefit from the integration into the tourism industry, which brings about economic opportunities

Planet: The environment benefits from sustainable tourism practices, biodiversity and the wildlife enjoys greater protection resultant from economic value generation.

Corporates: Tourism product and service providers enjoy greater demand, and tourism industry actors, such as hotels and tourism agencies, benefit from enhanced economic activity.

Public sector: Government enjoys economic growth, enhance environmental conservation and improve rural development through linkages promoted between tourism facilities and local communities

People: Rural populations benefit from increased economic activity and reduced environmental harm, supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Gender inequality and/or marginalization: Women, youth, people with disabilities benefit from improved working conditions.

Planet: The environment enjoys increased awareness on sustainable business practices in other industries.

Corporates: Secondary enterprises serving industries linked to the tourism sector, such as curio manufacturers and sellers.

Public sector: The Government benefits from greater international attention and enhanced foreign currency income.

Excessive levels of touristic interventions may cause damage to the environment and wildlife as well as disturb cultural and traditional practices of communities, if the number and tourism infrastructure is not well managed (3, 4, 7, 8).

If the communities’ interest and priorities are not take into account sufficiently, touristic infrastructure may not experience a significant uptake and / or benefit the communities, which may limit the expected impact.

Skill gap among service providers (e.g., technicians) may limit the impact of the tourism infrastructure. The number of technicians graduating from technical institutions in the tourism sector is still very low compared to the demand. This has resulted in companies having to employ unskilled to low skilled staff and offer on-the-job training (17).

Impact Classification

B—Benefit Stakeholders

Sustainable tourism infrastructure supports sustainable practices in tourism and strengthens local value chains serving the tourism industry.

Rural communities in regions with high tourism potential benefit from income generating opportunities, and the planet experiences reduced strains through the sustainable tourism infrastructure.

While the model of sustainable tourism infrastructure is proven, communities’ interests and priorities as well as service providers’ skills require consideration.

Enabling Environment

Explore policy, regulatory and financial factors relevant for the investment opportunity.

Tanzania Tourism Policy, 2021: Outlines the government’s commitment to promote diversified tourism products, including infrastructure facilities (hotels, lodges, campsites etc) (5).

Tanzania Tourism Master Plan, 2002: Emphasizes that the government is committed to promote tourism products (such as hotels, lodges anf campsites) particularly targeting the Southern Circuit as a result of the saturation of the Northern Circuit (7).

Third National Five-Year Plan (FYDP 3), 2021: Outlines the government’s plan to promote tourism as one of the sub-sectors that integrates more than one services, notably accomodation services, food, local culture and natural endowments, transport, information and communication (4).

The World Bank has offered a credit of USD 150 million to Tanzania to operationalize the REGROW project, which focuses on the promotion of alternative livelihoods for household around the protected areas of the Southern Circuit, including community-based tourism products. There is a special embedded package for identifying suitable joint economic opportunities between investors and communities (21).

Fiscal incentives: Tanzania offers import duty and VAT exemption on deemed capital goods, including building materials, utility vehicles and equipment. This applies to all types of tourism products including infrastructure development (22).

Tourism Act, 2008: Provides the institutional framework, administration, regulation, registration and licensing of tourism facilities and activities, and for related matters (18).

Tanzania Investment Act, No. 26 of 1997: The Government allows private entities to utilize PPP model to invest in: hotel construction, leisure parks, ground golf courses, conference tourism, air/ground transport, wildlife farming, tour operations, trophy hunting, sea and lake cruising, deep sea fishing, development of ecotourism activities, beach tourism; cultural and historical sites (28).

Case Studies

Discover case studies that are active in the investment opportunity.

Mkomazi Nature Camp is a new accommodation facility established at Mkomazi National Park. Mkomazi The national Park is growing very fast due to the new Rhino project, and now it is the only National Park tourists are guaranteed to see the Rhinos very close. This gives the national park uniqueness in tourism activities. The exclusion of ​​13 square kilometers unique for rhino tourism completely changes the look of Mkomazi National Park. More people are visiting this Park for a closer look at the Rhino. The park is 200km from Arusha to the Same town and 6 km from the park gate (12).

Discover public and private stakeholders that are active in the investment opportunity.

Private sector

Nomad Tours, Kudu safaris, Adventure Safaris, Kearsleys Travel & Tours, Takims Holidays, Widerange African Safaris, FCM Skylink Travel and Tours Ltd, Tanzania Mwangaza Tours & Safaris, The Sultan Tours, Gecko Adventure Tanzania Safaris etc

Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources Management (MNRT), Tanzania Wildlife Authority(TAWA), Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Tanzania Tourism Board (TTB).

Multilaterals

World Tourism Organisation, Global Tourism Council, World Bank Group (WBG), African Development Bank (AfDB), World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). World Tourism Forum Institute

Tanzania Wildlife Protection Fund, Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania, Community Wildlife Management Areas Consortium (CWMAC),Tanzania Association of Tour Operators, Hotels Association of Tanzania (HAT), Tanzania Natural Resource Forum (TNRF).

Public-Private Partnership

Chumbe Island Ecotourism A PPP between the government and a special purpose company, Chumbe Island Coral Park Ltd. (CICP) to restore the coral reef which was endangered by overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices, such as dynamiting the reef

See what sources were used to establish the investment opportunity’s data and find resources that could be consulted to explore more.

Sector & Subsector Sources

1) World Bank Group- Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA): Tanzania’s Investor Outreach Program 2005 2) De Chazal Du M(DCDM), Tourism in Tanzania : Investment in Tourism in Tanzania, 2011 3) Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) for Tanzania, 2015 4) United Republic of Tanzania, Third National Five-Year Plan (FYDP 3), 2021 5) Tanzania Tourism Policy 2021 – Under review 6) ORSEA Journal Vol. 7 (2), 2017, Gender and Women Entrepreneurs’ Strategies in Tourism Markets: A Comparison between Tanzania and Sweden 7) United Republic of Tanzania, Tourism Master Plan, 2002 8) Word Bank Group, Tanzanian Economic Update, Transforming Tourisms Sector, Toward a Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Sector, 2021 9) Oxford Business Group 2017, https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/analysis/ 10) HAL Open Science, Economic impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism sector in Tanzania, 2021

IOA Sources

11) Tanzania Invest.com, https://www.tanzaniainvest.com/tourism 12) Jadian Company Limited, Feasibility Study Report, 2021 13) Word Bank Group, Tanzanian Economic Update, Transforming Tourisms Sector, Toward a Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Sector, 2021 14) PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) – Hospitality outlook: 2019-2023 15) Aman Raphael, Career Development of Women in Hospitality Industry: Insights From Double Tree By Hilton Hotel, Tanzania, 2013 16) African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, Volume 7, 2018 17) Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Human Resource Needs and Skill Gaps in the Tourism and Hospitality Sector in Tanzania, 2015 18) URT, The Tourism Act, 2008 19) URT, Wildlife Conservation Act (No. 5 of 2009) 20) URT, The Wildlife Conservation Act 2013 21)The World Bank, New Opportunities for Development in Southern Tanzania Through Nature-Based Tourism, 2017 22) EAC Investment Guide, United Republic of Tanzania Standard Incentives for Investors 23) Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT), Tanzania Tourist Attractions: https://www.maliasili.go.tz/attractions/tanzania-tourist-attractions 24) World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), 2020 25) World Bank Group, Tanzania Economic Update, 2015 26)ADUMU Safaris, https://adumusafaris.com/destinations/tanzania-southern-circuit/ 27) Inter-American Development Bank, “Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for Sustainable Tourism in Tanzania, 28) 2URT, Tourism Investment Guide, 2019 29) URT, Tanzania Investment Act, No. 26 of 1997: 30) Nature Conservation, Emerging issues and challenges in conservation of biodiversity in the rangelands of Tanzania, 2013 31) Journal of Development Studies, Gender and Livelihood Diversification: Maasai Women’s Market Activities in Northern Tanzania, 2015 32) Happiness Kiami: Effects of Tourism Activities on The Livelihoods of Local Communities In The Eastern Arc Mountains, 2018 33) World Economic Forum, Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index Report, 2019 34) Oxford Business Group. Addressing infrastructure challenges in southern Tanzania to drive tourism growth, 2018

Travel Guide

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Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism in Tanzania

You can help reduce your personal impact and lower your carbon footprint by choosing accommodations that make at least some attempt to be eco-friendly. The large concrete game lodges and beach resorts were built many decades ago without much thought about their impact to the environment. But these days, new camps are being built in a way that they can be completely removed and won't leave a lasting trace on the land. A number of camps have attained some eco-rating, and there is a big trend (particularly by the smaller places) to implement environmentally sensitive measures. Seek out places that have aimed to avoid the use of felled timber -- many responsible designers use only wood from trees that have been knocked over by elephants, for example, and the keenest architects are careful to use local materials as much as possible and create accommodations that blend organically with the landscape in which they're located.

Many camps make use of solar power (for electricity and hot water), and some restrict their use of generators, helping reduce their use of fuel. Game-drive vehicles are a necessary evil in the wilderness, but you can at least try to encourage your guides and drivers to be responsible and considerate toward the environment; discourage off-road driving wherever possible.

Choose lodges and camps that employ local people (not just in menial positions, but in posts that matter, such as guiding and management), and look for evidence of involvement in community projects (you'll usually get a sense of how involved a property is from its website). Often there's evidence of sustainable, responsible tourism practices in small details, such as how a curio shop is stocked. Is it filled with mass-produced goods with widely distributed brands? Or can your host show you the workshop where local communities are actively employed in the craft trade?

You can also make a difference in small ways. Where your room or tent has a bathtub, first find out about the availability of water before going ahead and thoughtlessly squandering a scarce resource. If your lodge or camp still provides drinking water in plastic bottles, make strong suggestions that they change over to using reusable glass bottles or -- better still -- provide filtered water in glass jugs in your room.

Another issue to consider is that many locals are involved in the tourism industry, and some, like the Maasai and Samburu, do so while maintaining their traditional lifestyles, customs, and dress. When encountering these people, do not stop and stare, but interact and share. And it is the local people who act as guides that can best show you their country. On another note, never take a photograph of a person without first asking permission.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Fitch Affirms Tanzania’s ‘B+’ Rating Citing Strong Growth, Low Inflation, and Manageable Debt

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STAMICO and Korea’s KOMIR Sign Agreement to Develop Strategic Minerals in Tanzania

In 2023, tourist arrivals to Tanzania increased by 24.3% to a record-breaking 1,808,205, from 1,454,920 tourists in 2022, 922,692 in 2021, and 616,491 in 2020.

Tanzania’s tourism receipts reached a record-high USD 3,368.7 million in 2023, compared to USD 2,527.8 million in 2022 (USD 1,310.3 million in 2021). This increase is consistent with the rise in the number of tourist arrivals.

In 2020, revenues were down to USD 1 billion as it was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on international travel, from a peak of USD 2.6 billion in revenues and 1.5 million arrivals in 2019.

The sector’s contribution to GDP fell from 10.6% in 2019 to 5.3% in 2020 and climbed to 5.7% in 2021. 

However, given the ongoing fast recovery of the sector, the Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) forecast that the share of tourism in the country’s GDP will reach 19.5% in 2025/26.

Europe traditionally accounts for the largest share of arrivals, followed by Asia and the Pacific, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East.

Tanzania´s hotel occupancy rate was estimated at 53.8% in December 2019 compared to 44.9% in December 2018.

The increase in tourist arrivals in 2023 was attributed to the rebound of travel activity post-COVID. Additionally, it was driven by the continued efforts of the Tanzanian government to promote tourism attractions within and outside the country.

“The Royal Tour” Documentary

In April 2022 Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan unveiled the “The Royal Tour” documentary while promoting FDIs during her official visit to the US.

Filmed throughout Tanzania in 2021, it features Emmy Award-winning journalist Peter Greenberg traveling to Tanzania with President Hassan.

She’s the ultimate guide for a week, exhibiting Tanzania’s history, culture, environment, food, and music, as well as telling the stories of Tanzania’s hidden jewels.

Source Markets

In 2022, the United States of America recorded the highest number of arrivals from the rest of the world at 100,600 followed by France (100,371), Germany (67,718), the United Kingdom (60,116) and Poland (46,431).

Meanwhile, arrivals from Africa were from Kenya (166,324) Burundi (100,851), Zambia (46,787), Malawi (44,438) and Rwanda (44,288).

Tourist arrivals from the top 10 countries out of 214 account for 53.2% of all arrivals.

Tanzania Tourism Offer

Tanzania’s incredibly rich natural tourism offer earned it the title of “Africa’s Leading Destination” in 2021.

The natural attractions fall into two main categories: wildlife and beach.

Tanzania Wildlife & Beaches

Tanzania’s wildlife resources are considered among the finest in the world. Tanzania is the only country, which has allocated more than 25% of its total area to wildlife national parks and protected areas.

There are 16 National Parks in Tanzania, 28 Game Reserves, 44 Game controlled areas, 1 conservation area, and 2 Marine Parks.

Tanzania boasts many of Africa’s most renewed destinations; in the north the Serengeti plains, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Mount Kilimanjaro, and in the south Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks and the Selous Game Reserve.

According to a survey conducted by SafariBookings.com, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park was voted Africa’s best safari destination for 2020, followed by Mana Pools (Zimbabwe), Mala Mala (South Africa), Okavango Delta (Botswana), and Lower Zambezi (Zambia).

Mount Kilimanjaro was declared Africa’s leading tourist attraction in 2016 during the World Travel Awards Africa and the Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar.

Other additional natural attractions include the white sandy beaches of the Zanzibar archipelago, those north and south of Dar es Salaam, and excellent deep-sea fishing at the Mafia and Pemba Islands.

Tanzania Hunting

Tanzania is prized for its superb trophy hunting (sport hunting or safari hunting).

Hunting in Tanzania is presently permitted and regulated by the Wildlife Conservation Act of 2009, and its subsidiary regulations.

The hunting industry has grown considerably in the last two decades and Tanzania is among the leading hunting destinations in the world.

Hunting and Forestry jointly contribute 2 to 3 % of the GDP of Tanzania. Given there is such commitment to the conservation and protection of wildlife, it may be surprising to note that, unlike neighboring Kenya, hunting still occurs in Tanzania.

However, there is no contradiction, as hunting in Tanzania is part of the wildlife conservation process, as it is done in a much-planned manner. Counts of wildlife are taken regularly and hunting licenses are issued accordingly.

Investments in the Tanzanian Tourism Sector

The Tanzanian Government is engaged in developing and promoting sustainable growth in the travel and tourism sector in Tanzania, to preserve its natural and cultural resources.

The Government, therefore, is focused on attracting high-income tourists who are less likely to spoil the culture and the natural environment.

Last Update: 23rd February 2024

Sources: Bank of Tanzania (BoT), Statista, Tanzania Immigration Department, Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), World Bank (WB).

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Tanzania Tourist Arrivals Reached Record-Breaking 1.8 Million in 2023

Tanzania Economic Review November 2023: Tourist Arrivals Up by +27%

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Tanzania Economic Review, September 2023: Tourism and Transport Receipts Up by 30.5%

Tanzania Economic Review, August 2023: Strong Growth in Coal Exports and Resilient Tourism Sector

Serengeti Voted Africa’s Leading National Park For The 5th Time

Tanzania Coal Exports Triple, Diamond Sales Up By 60%, and Tourism Hits Record High in YE July 2023

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"[Second Thoughts on Capitalism and the State is a] profoundly reflective book shows a pathway forward for academics and activists alike who are stymied by the disconnect between deep critical scholarship and emancipatory social change, yet who will still not give up the good fight."

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Sustainable Tourism Development in Tanzania

• Description
• Contributors

Tanzania is rivalled by few countries, if any, in terms of its bountiful natural and cultural tourist attractions. Given that tourism development, if sustainable, is an outstanding policy for distributing welfare, even to less developed parts of a country, this field is of particular importance to Tanzania. In this edited volume, prominent scholars focus on the practises and policies of tourism development, with a particular eye on the case of Tanzania. They explore the demand for sustainability from international tourists, the need for local food and linkages between the tourism and agricultural sectors, and the production of tourism services in a responsible and inclusive way. The book will be a valuable source of knowledge for the tourism industry, as well as policymakers, scholars and students who are concerned about the development of a form of tourism which benefits a country, inclusively and responsibly.

Wineaster Anderson, PhD, is Professor in Marketing at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She was the Tanzanian Principal Investigator (PI) of the UDSM-Sida Programme on Tourism and Sustainable Development in 2009-2014 and the current PI of the UDSM-Sida Programme on Innovation and Sustainability in Tourism. She has researched widely in the areas of international business and trade, sustainable tourism, and poverty alleviation, and has published a wide range of articles and books on these subjects.

Tommy D. Andersson, PhD, is a Senior Professor in Tourism and Hospitality Management at the Center for Tourism in the School of Business, Economics and Law at Gothenburg University, Sweden. His publications are mainly focused on the area of event management, food tourism and tourism impacts.

Lena Mossberg, PhD, is Professor in Marketing, in the School of Business, Economics and Law at Gothenburg University, Sweden, and Professor II in Innovation and the Experience Economy at Nord University, Norway. She has published extensively on nature-based tourism, food tourism, hospitality and events.

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Release Date: 23rd December 2020

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Govt gratified at increased tourism earnings

DODOMA: THE government is happy with tourism earnings trend, highlighting moves to promote tourism activities within and outside the country to win even more tourists earnings.

The Minister for Finance, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba told the National Assembly on Thursday evening that a lot has been done on the background, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan coming up with a special Royal Tour Programme, that has since attracted many tourists.

Tabling the 2024/25 Budget Estimates, Nchemba said the government has been going on with different strategies to promote the country’s tourism attractions, so as to increase earnings from that significant sector.

The minister told the august House that due to the set and executed strategies, the number of tourists increased up to 1,808,205 in 2023, from 922,692 in 2021.

Revenue in the sector increased from 1.31billion US dollars in 2021 to 3.37billion US dollars in 2023. The government has continued to implement various strategies including the Royal Tour Programme to promote tourism both domestically and internationally to increase revenue.

ALSO READ: Why Tanzania deserves top tourism investment

These efforts increased number of foreign tourists from 922,692 in 2021 to 1,808,205 in 2023. Further, revenue collection from tourism sector increased from 1.31 billion US dollars in 2021 to 3.37 billion US dollars in 2023,” noted the minister.

He added that he was optimistic that a film ‘Amazing Tanzania’ that was launched in May this year would increase revenue emanating from tourists. Early in the morning, the Minister of State in the President’s Office, Planning and Investment, Professor Kitila Mkumbo, noted that in the 2024/25 National Development Plan, the tourism sector is prioritised so that it could contribute more to the economy.

Priority areas are to develop strategic tourist products, including the beaches, to strengthen and improve tourist infrastructure in antiquities and museums.

On the cards also is to raise awareness and motivate the society on conservation and sustainable management of wildlife resources, forestry and beekeeping; and develop the tourism in southern Tanzania zone as an alternative to other zones.

In ensuring that the defined strategies are fully achieved, the Government in collaboration with other stakeholders will continue implementation of some projects, such as tourism development ones.

Others are management of natural resources and developing tourism in the southern region (Resilient Natural Resources Management for Tourism and Growth Project – REGROW); and combating poaching and illegal trade of wildlife.

There will also be activity to enable the Bee Crops Value Chain – BEVAC, as implementation of the project will help reduce the level of forest destruction and provide activities in entrepreneurship, especially for young people.

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KISWAHILI FOR BEGINNERS: LETTER M

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Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches New “Made Possible” Tourism Campaign to Promote State History and Culture, Attract New Travelers

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Boston — Today, Governor Maura Healey announced a new tourism campaign called “Made Possible” to showcase Massachusetts as a dynamic travel destination for visitors across the globe and the best place to live, raise a family, and build a business. The campaign builds off of the administration’s “Massachusetts For Us All"  campaign, which ran in the Summer of 2023, as well as proposed investments in arts, culture and tourism in the Mass Leads Act. 

“Our state is full of go-getters and change-makers, each with an amazing story to tell and invaluable contributions to make in our diverse communities,” said Governor Healey . “Everyone is welcome here, and we proudly showcase this on a global scale. The Made Possible campaign will engage a new generation of travelers and future residents and demonstrate that anything is possible here in Massachusetts.”

“Through Made Possible, visitors can find themselves in every corner of Massachusetts – in our small businesses, downtown areas, and cultural centers,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll . “Through this new campaign, we want residents and visitors to feel connected to our state’s rich heritage and legacy of possibility. We look forward to sharing our story.”

The campaign will emphasize digital and social engagement and aim to increase tourism to Massachusetts’ many historic, cultural, and natural destinations, from Boston to the Berkshires and Provincetown to Plymouth. Launching in June during Pride Month, the campaign will also highlight Massachusetts as a welcoming place for the LGBTQIA+ community through creative billboards and digital advertising in New England states, Texas, and Florida. The campaign will grow over the next 12 months, targeting domestic travelers through a mixed media approach that will include television, radio, digital, print, and billboards that target consumers who are planning travel to Massachusetts.

Made Possible’s creative builds off of the successful launch in 2023 of “Massachusetts For Us All,” which ran from June 2023 to September 2023 on highway billboards and social media in Texas, Florida, New York, and New England, promoting Massachusetts as a welcoming and safe place for all. The campaign resulted in 1.6 million impressions and 12,000 website visits.

“Massachusetts is a hub of innovation, new ideas, and the spirit of possibility, and we are excited to show the world our vibrant history and promising future through this new campaign,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “Made Possible will help drive visitors to our many cultural, recreational, and historic sites and support local and regional economies throughout the state.”  

“From our revolutionary roots and rich historical sites to our beautiful mountains and picturesque coastlines, Massachusetts has it all,” said Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Executive Director Kate Fox . "We're teaming up with Hill Holliday to welcome everyone to explore our vibrant cities and towns, stunning landscapes, and endless adventures. Massachusetts awaits!"

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism selected Hill Holliday, the award-winning integrated creative and media agency, as the creative partner developing and implementing the Made Possible campaign. 

“Since its founding in 1968, Hill Holliday has been an advocate for Massachusetts and all its unique offerings across this amazing state. We are incredibly proud to represent the state we call home,” said Peter Nicholson, Chief Creative Officer, Hill Holliday . “This summer, we will launch a bold and fresh integrated campaign that celebrates our many destinations as well as our unique culture.” 

In March 2024, the Healey-Driscoll administration unveiled the Mass Leads Act , the administration’s first economic development bill that contains the tools and resources needed to make Massachusetts the best place in the nation for individuals to pursue rewarding careers and for companies to start, scale, and succeed. The bill makes critical investments in the tourism, arts, and culture industries, including $40 million for capital improvements at tourism assets across the state, $50 million to improve cultural facilities like museums and theaters, the creation of an artist in residence and poet laureate for the state, and support for Massachusetts’ celebration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

About Hill Holliday

Hill Holliday is proud to be one of the top creative marketing agencies in the country, with over 200 cross disciplinary talents across the network. Since 1968, Hill Holliday has been on a mission to create transformative work that doesn’t just turn heads and stop thumbs, but consistently drives growth. Blending communications planning, media, and technology with superior creative, the agency approaches problems holistically to create work that punches above its media weight.  For more about Hill Holliday’s people, work, and culture, visit www.hhcc.com .

About The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) 

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure travel destination. An essential part of the state’s economy, tourism generates $1.9 billion in state and local taxes and $24.2 billion in tourism-related spending, supporting 131,100 in-state jobs. Learn more at www.visitma.com . 

Meggie Quackenbush, Director of Communications

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Canadian flight prices see steep increase compared to last year

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If you're planning to take a flight within Canada this summer, you'll likely be paying more for your airfare.

That's according to recent booking data from Flight Centre Travel Group, which revealed that flight fares to major Canadian cities have increased on average by 14 per cent compared to last year.

The data shows that across various routes in Canada, there have been several steep increases in airfare despite a decrease in capacity.

For example, the Edmonton to Vancouver flight route saw an 82 per cent rise in fares, with a 13 per cent reduction in capacity.

Another price increase was seen in the Toronto to Calgary route, as fares rose 24 per cent and capacity fell 10 per cent, year over year.

However one of the country's most popular routes — Vancouver to Toronto — had a slight (1 per cent) drop in fare prices.

Flight Centre Canada

Flight Centre Canada says several factors contributed to the fare increases, including "global supply chain disruptions impacting aircraft deliveries, a slow reintegration of planes previously taken out of service during COVID-19, and technical issues with engines (specific to Pratt & Whitney) reducing [the] number of operational aircraft."

Canada's airline industry is also experiencing a lack of competition.

In less than a year, Canada lost two low-cost carriers: Swoop shut down in late 2023, while Lynx ceased operations in early 2024. Air Canada and low-cost carrier WestJet remain the biggest airlines in the country.

This has prompted the country's Competition Bureau to launch a market study of competition in domestic air travel within the country.

"The airline industry is important to Canadians and the Canadian economy. Since the Canadian population is spread out over vast distances, other modes of transportation may not be feasible replacements for air travel," said Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition at the Competition Bureau, in a previous statement.

"More competition in the industry will mean lower prices, better services, and improved productivity."

Thousands of frustrated Canadian travellers have also signed a petition demanding that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stop the airline monopoly in Canada .

With files from Irish Mae Silvestre

Jack Landau

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Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

• Travelers are facing high prices and crowds this summer.
• The best way to get around the high prices and crowds: Be flexible.
• There are ways to become flexible during the busiest travel season of the year, from planning your trip to the tools that get you there.

Life is full of compromises, and that will never be more true than when you're traveling this summer.

Flights will be packed. Just before Memorial Day, the Transportation Security Administration set a new record for most air travelers screened. It checked nearly 3 million passengers on May 24, surpassing the previous record set last Thanksgiving. U.S. airlines are projecting a record summer . They expect to fly 271 million passengers in June, July and August, up 6% from last summer.

Roads will be jammed. GasBuddy’s latest summer travel survey predicts 76% of Americans plan to take a road trip sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day – up 18% from last summer.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

Hotels are full, too. Average hotel occupancy will rise to 63.4%, the highest level since 2019, according to the consulting firm HVS .

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There's only one way to get around the high prices and crowds: Be flexible.

"With peak season prices, crowds, flight delays and more, your itinerary should be in pencil − not pen," said Bill Smith, CEO of Landing , a company that offers flexible rentals. "Being flexible can help to minimize your travel spend while maximizing your adventure this summer."

There are ways to become flexible during the busiest travel season of the year, from planning your trip to the tools that get you there. Being a more flexible traveler also means thinking about travel a little differently − bending but not breaking.

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Ways to become more flexible this summer

So, how do you become more flexible? Here are a few examples:

• Fly to another city. Sometimes, the place you're trying to visit is too popular − and expensive. That's what happened to Phil Strazzulla when he tried to visit Milan last summer. Airline ticket prices were more than $1,000. But he could fly to nearby Zurich for less. So he did. "Not only did this save us more than $300 for each ticket, but the drive over the mountains was spectacular," said Strazzulla, who runs a software review company. "Travel flexibility can result in cost savings − and a unique experience."
• Go off the beaten path. Being truly flexible can mean getting outside your comfort zone. "Instead of Rome, Italy, go to the Puglia region," said Lynna Goldsby, a cruise planner with Travel With Lynna. "Instead of London, try Normandy or Bath." Trying these alternate destinations can still satisfy your travel itch but also reduce your expenses for lodging, restaurants, tours and transfers, she said.
• Take a detour. Airfares are often less expensive if you fly out of the way through an airline's hub. Don't waste that opportunity, said Linda Robert, a travel coach with Back in the Groove Again. Airlines such as Icelandair, Qatar Airways and Copa have stopover programs that allow you to enjoy a day or two at their hubs before continuing to your vacation destination, often at no extra cost. "This strategy enriches your travel experience and offers a cost-effective way to see more places," she said. 

Here are a few useful flexibility tools

There are a few new ways to be flexible. 

For example, Landing, which is a favorite of digital nomads and location-independent workers, rolled out a new tool this week. Its 12-month Flex Stay program offers renters the opportunity to save up to 30% on monthly rates by committing to living with Landing for a year, which has locations in more than 375 cities.

"This new offering gives members the freedom to roam throughout our nationwide network of fully furnished apartments as much − or as little − as they’d like throughout the year," Smith said.

Another newish feature is Airbnb's flexible dates search , which lets you select a period of time rather than a specific date, to see more options. Airbnb introduced the feature during the pandemic, and it can help you save as much as 20% on vacation rental accommodations.

One of my all-time favorite tools is available on almost every self-respecting online travel site. It's the ability to search for airfares or hotel rates based on a more flexible schedule. Google Flights and Kayak are great at showing you more flexible options. Pro tip: Don't limit your flexibility to dates; select a region you want to visit, which may include an alternate airport.

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You can also be flexible when it comes to the rate you pay, said Virginia Tech hospitality and tourism professor Mahmood Khan. Hotels cut their rates by about 20% if you pay upfront. (But you have to be sure you're going because those lower rates are usually nonrefundable.)

"At times, selecting a hotel away from busy destinations, yet comfortable for commuting, helps in finding an economical deal," he said.

But how do you put it all together this summer, including the flexible itinerary and the tools? Funny you should ask.

What are some more ways to increase your travel flexibility?

There are also new strategies to increase your travel flexibility, which can help you save money and a big headache when you're on the road. 

"A critical skill is knowing how and when to put white space into your itinerary," said Stephanie Chastain, owner of Infinite Ireland Travel, a boutique travel consultancy. "A too-rigid schedule leaves travelers vulnerable to travel hiccups that disrupt well-intended plans."

What is white space? It's literally that − a blank page on your itinerary. An empty afternoon with free time. A leisurely breakfast instead of getting up at the crack of dawn for an all-day tour. It's a rest day every two or three days, to prevent yourself from vacation burnout and to give your schedule some wiggle room.

Even the experts keep relearning the lesson of flexibility. For example, I had to fly from Anguilla to Miami at the last minute recently, and the flights were crazy expensive − around $800 for a one-way ticket. Just as I got ready to book, I realized that Anguilla is a short ferry ride from St. Martin, which has more flights. 

Total savings: $200. 

Being flexible means thinking about travel differently from everyone else. It's the belief that there are many ways to get to your destination and that if you don't get there on the exact day your vacation starts, it's not the end of the world. Travel companies love sticking it to you when you absolutely must be in one place at a fixed time. Be a contrarian. But don't go too far.

Bend so you don't break

Some of the best travel advice for people who want to be flexible comes from veteran travel adviser Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. She told me lowering your expectations is one of the best ways to stay flexible.

"Life isn't perfect," she said. "Your trip will likely involve unforeseen and unpredictable events."

One more thing: Being too rigid is a recipe for a terrible trip. I've made that mistake before, and believe me, it's no fun.

You don't want to take it too far. By all means, schedule your flight on a weekday to avoid high fares. Try booking your flight by using one of the flexible fare features on Google Flights or Kayak, or check out Landing's new flex program. 

But if you make too many compromises, it won't be much of a vacation. You'll end up staying in a motel in the suburbs, far away from all the attractions, and missing all the fun. Be flexible, but be smart. 

Bend − but don't break.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Mayo Clinic Minute: Can lifestyle changes help with enlarged prostate?

Jason Howland

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Benign prostatic hyperplasia , also called an enlarged prostate, is incredibly common, especially among men over 40. While it's not the same as prostate cancer , an enlarged prostate can cause significant quality of life issues.

Dr. Scott Cheney , a Mayo Clinic urologist , says there are ways to treat it and reduce the symptoms, including some lifestyle changes.

Watch: The Mayo Clinic Minute

Journalists: Broadcast-quality video (1:16) is in the downloads at the end of this post. Please courtesy: "Mayo Clinic News Network." Read the script .

"I like to tell patients that the prostate is kind of like an orange with a straw going right through the middle of it. And as we age, the prostate gets larger and larger. And the straw going through the middle gets compressed by the tissue of the prostate, makes it harder for the bladder to push urine through the urethra," says Dr. Cheney.

Enlarged prostate symptoms can include frequent or urgent urination, a weak urine stream and the inability to empty your bladder.

"I see men who get up at night to pee, and they get up again and again. They get poor sleep, It can really affect their lifestyle. So they're always looking for a restroom wherever they go, they can't drive long distances because they have to stop and urinate very frequently," says Dr. Cheney.

If you suffer from any of those symptoms, Dr. Cheney first recommends a few lifestyle modifications.

"You can tell a man to avoid excess fluids. Some men, they don't realize how much fluid they're drinking. The more fluid you drink, the more often you're going to have to urinate. The types of fluids also matter. So, if a man is drinking a lot of caffeine, a lot of alcohol, especially before bed, that can cause nighttime issues with urination," Dr. Cheney says.

He says talk to your healthcare team about your concerns. An enlarged prostate also can be treated effectively with medications or procedures.

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