Hot on the heels of a record-setting 50 nominations at this year’s World Travel Awards (and with Dar es Salaam playing host to Africa’s most influential travel leaders), Tanzania isn’t just “another safari” – it’s emerging as the continent’s ultimate adventure playground and a model of sustainable tourism excellence.
If you’ve ever dismissed regional escapes as less exciting than bucket-list trips abroad, it’s time to think again. With new direct flights from Johannesburg and seamless bush-and-beach itineraries now easier than ever to book, Tanzania and Zanzibar offer an experience that feels worlds away from home… without the long-haul flight.
Thanks to South African passport holders’ visa-free status for up to 90 days and fly & stay holiday packages starting from just R21,143 per person*, this is one adventure that combines big-value with even bigger memories.
And this isn’t just about ticking off sights, says Flight Centre South Africa’s Sue Garrett, GM Supply, Pricing & Marketing:
“It’s about being part of something dynamic: a country investing in world-class conservation standards, community upliftment, and truly transformative travel moments.”
Ready to see why everyone will be talking about Tanzania in 2026? Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Why the world is watching Tanzania
Access has never been easier
New direct flights between Johannesburg and both Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are genuine game-changers for South Africans. Air Tanzania now operates five weekly flights from Joburg to Dar es Salaam (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays), plus a twice-weekly service linking Johannesburg directly to Zanzibar via Dar es Salaam (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
These connections make it easier than ever to combine a Serengeti safari with downtime on Zanzibar’s world-famous beaches, all without lengthy layovers or complicated transfers. With flight times under four hours from Johannesburg, you can leave in the early afternoon and be unwinding by sunset.
Affordability and adventure
Regional doesn’t mean second-best (or second mortgage!).
“With fly & stay packages for Tanzania/Zanzibar starting from R21,143 per person* (and return flights between JHB and Dar es Salaam as low as R7,520**) for a week-long escape, booking a Tanzanian holiday is closer to home and budget than many expect,” says Garrett.
World Travel Awards spotlight
Tanzania is making headlines with a record 50 nominations at the 2025 World Travel Awards, spanning everything from Africa’s Leading Tourist Destination to eco-lodges, national parks, and innovative safari operators. With Dar es Salaam hosting this year’s gala ceremony, global attention is firmly on the country’s diverse and world-class offerings – an obvious sign that Tanzania is fast becoming East Africa’s benchmark for quality tourism.
Presidential drive & global campaigns
The country’s elevated profile isn’t accidental. Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan – the first woman to serve as both vice president and president in Tanzania’s history – high-impact initiatives like “The Royal Tour” documentary (in which President Hassan was the main character and guide, showcasing Tanzania’s rich tourism, culture, environment, and investment opportunities) have put Tanzania on an international stage.
This government-led focus has translated into tangible upgrades, including smarter infrastructure, strong conservation policy, and a rapidly professionalising tourism industry.
Smart currency reforms
New regulations now require all local payments to be made in Tanzanian shillings (TZS), reinforcing economic sustainability while keeping things simple for travellers. International bank cards remain widely accepted at hotels and major attractions; cash exchanges can be easily handled at banks or bureaux de change. It’s a move designed to support local businesses – and it means your spend goes further in-country.
Where the wild still surprises: extraordinary experiences you’ll only find in Tanzania
Tanzania offers adventures that are simply unmatched anywhere else on the continent. Here are a few highlights:
- Katavi National Park: For those craving true exclusivity, Katavi is one of Africa’s last wild frontiers. With just three remote camps and access only by light aircraft, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vast plains teeming with hippos, lions, and elephants… often without another vehicle in sight.
- Ruaha National Park: Home to classic tented camps and dramatic baobab landscapes, Ruaha delivers an authentic safari with abundant predators, yet it remains blissfully off most tourists’ radar. Its proximity to Zanzibar makes it ideal for combining untamed bush with Indian Ocean relaxation.
- Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous): Larger than Switzerland but visited by a small number of travellers each year, Nyerere invites you to swap game drives for guided walking safaris or riverboat journeys beside hippos and crocodiles.
- Mahale Mountains chimpanzee trekking: On the forested shores of Lake Tanganyika lies Mahale Mountains National Park. Accessible only by boat, this remote haven offers intimate treks to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural rainforest habitat.
- Lake Manyara tree top walkway: This elevated forest walkway lets you spot monkeys, butterflies, birds, and panoramic lake views from high up in the canopy.
- Tarangire: Renowned for hosting massive elephant herds (sometimes over 300 strong), Tarangire also delights bird enthusiasts with more than 500 recorded species, making it perfect for multi-generational trips or anyone seeking diversity beyond big cats alone.
- Gombe Stream: Step into history at Gombe National Park, the site where Jane Goodall revolutionised our understanding of chimpanzees. Guided treks here let you witness these remarkable primates up close while connecting with conservation history firsthand.
Flight Centre’s quick tips for first-timers
- Check your passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
- Visa-free entry: South African citizens can visit Tanzania visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Currency matters: All payments within Tanzania must be made in Tanzanian shillings (TZS). Bring a bank card and use official bureaux de change or ATMs to get local currency.
- Mandatory travel insurance: The Government of Tanzania has introduced travel insurance for foreign nationals entering Mainland Tanzania. Visitors will be required to pay an insurance fee equivalent to US$44 US dollars in Tanzanian shillings.
- Health precautions: Yellow fever vaccination is recommended if travelling from/through risk areas; malaria prophylaxis is advised, especially if visiting game parks.
- Pack wisely: Layered clothing is best. As in South Africa, days are warm, but evenings (especially on safari) can be chilly. Don’t forget sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly in Zanzibar and rural areas; always ask before photographing people or sacred sites.
- Book ahead for unique experiences: Remote parks like Katavi or Mahale require advance planning. Consult with a travel expert to secure flights and camps well in advance.
With its hearty mix of responsible tourism initiatives, world-renowned wildlife, and easier-than-ever access for South Africans, Tanzania is changing what it means to explore Africa in 2026.
“Tanzania is setting new standards for the continent, not just in conservation and hospitality, but in making extraordinary experiences truly accessible. For South Africans looking to venture beyond our borders without breaking the bank, there’s a whole new world waiting to be discovered,” Garrett concludes.
*Pricing subject to change – correct as of 3 July 2025
**Based on a booking made on 3 July for early January 2026
