Quick Facts About Tanzania
General Information
- Capital: Dodoma (Political), Dar es Salaam (Commercial)
- Population: 61.7 million
- Languages: Swahili, English, Arabic
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Time Zone: EAT (UTC+3)
Connectivity Overview
- Network Coverage: 4G in cities & tourist areas
- Main Operators: Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo
- eSIM Availability: Growing support
- Average Speed: 15-30 Mbps in cities
- Best Coverage: Dar es Salaam, Arusha, safari lodges
Why Use eSIM for Tanzania Travel
Safari & Wildlife Benefits
- Share wildlife encounters in real-time
- Navigate between national parks
- Coordinate with safari guides
- Access animal identification apps
General Travel Advantages
- No need to find local SIM shops
- Keep your regular number active
- Instant activation upon arrival
- No language barriers at phone shops
Tanzania eSIM Pricing & Plans
💰 Current Tanzania eSIM Prices
eSIM Installation Guide
For iPhone Users
- Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile
- Tap "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add eSIM"
- Scan the QR code from your email
- Label your plan (e.g., "Tanzania eSIM")
- Select as primary line for data
- Ensure data roaming is ON
For Android Users
- Go to Settings → Network & Internet
- Tap "SIMs" or "Mobile Network"
- Select "Add eSIM" or "+"
- Scan QR code or enter details manually
- Activate the new profile
- Set as default for mobile data
Pro Tip: Install your eSIM before leaving home while connected to WiFi. This way you'll be connected immediately upon landing in Tanzania.
Network Coverage in Tanzania
Best Coverage Areas
- Dar es Salaam: Excellent 4G coverage
- Arusha: Strong coverage, safari gateway
- Stone Town: Good 4G throughout
- Safari Lodges: Most have coverage
- Main Roads: Generally reliable
Limited Coverage Areas
- Remote Safari Areas: Spotty coverage
- Kilimanjaro (High Altitude): No signal above 3,000m
- Deep Crater Areas: Limited connectivity
- Remote Villages: Basic 2G/3G only
- Game Drive Routes: Variable coverage
Travel Style Recommendations
Choose your travel style below to see personalized eSIM recommendations for your Tanzania adventure:
Safari Wildlife Photographer
Capturing the Big Five, Great Migration, and stunning landscapes across Tanzania's world-famous national parks
Data Needs
High (15-25GB)
Recommendation
Essential for uploading stunning wildlife photos, sharing real-time safari experiences, and backing up precious memories.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Upload photos during lodge WiFi time to save data
- ✓Use cloud storage for automatic backup
- ✓Share Big Five encounters on social media
- ✓Research best photography spots and timing
- ✓Create digital safari journal with locations
Kilimanjaro Climber
Conquering Africa's highest peak through multi-day trekking expeditions with professional guides and porters
Data Needs
Low-Moderate (3-8GB)
Recommendation
Critical for coordination and safety, but remember coverage decreases significantly above 3,000m altitude.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Download offline maps and emergency info
- ✓Share climb schedule with family
- ✓Coordinate with guide services
- ✓Use data for weather updates at base camps
- ✓Consider satellite communicator for high altitude
Safari Circuit Explorer
Multi-park safari adventures visiting Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara in organized tours
Data Needs
Moderate-High (10-18GB)
Recommendation
Perfect for coordinating multi-day safaris, sharing daily wildlife encounters, and staying connected between parks.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Track game drive routes and sightings
- ✓Coordinate with different lodges and camps
- ✓Share daily safari updates with family
- ✓Research animal migration patterns
- ✓Book additional activities and excursions
Zanzibar Beach & Culture Lover
Exploring Stone Town's UNESCO heritage, pristine beaches, spice tours, and Indian Ocean water activities
Data Needs
Moderate (8-15GB)
Recommendation
Excellent coverage for beach activities, cultural exploration, and sharing tropical paradise experiences.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Find best diving and snorkeling spots
- ✓Book spice tours and cultural experiences
- ✓Navigate Stone Town's historic streets
- ✓Share beach and sunset photos
- ✓Research local restaurants and nightlife
Cultural & Community Traveler
Connecting with local communities, learning about tribal cultures, and experiencing authentic Tanzanian traditions
Data Needs
Moderate (6-12GB)
Recommendation
Useful for translation, cultural research, and respectfully documenting authentic community experiences.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Use translation apps for Swahili
- ✓Research cultural customs and etiquette
- ✓Find community-based tourism projects
- ✓Learn about tribal histories and traditions
- ✓Connect respectfully with local guides
Adventure & Luxury Safari Traveler
Experiencing premium safari lodges, gourmet bush dining, and exclusive wildlife experiences with top-tier accommodations
Data Needs
High (12-20GB)
Recommendation
Perfect for sharing luxury experiences, coordinating premium services, and maintaining connectivity in remote luxury camps.
Essential Tips:
- ✓Research and book exclusive experiences
- ✓Share luxury lodge and camp experiences
- ✓Coordinate premium transport and guides
- ✓Access fine dining and wine information
- ✓Connect with concierge services remotely
💡 Pro Tip for Tanzania
Tanzania offers good 4G coverage in major cities and established tourist areas, with Vodacom providing the most comprehensive network reaching many safari camps and lodges. However, remote wilderness areas and high altitudes (especially on Kilimanjaro above 3,000m) have limited connectivity. Download offline maps for game drives and trekking, and inform contacts of your safari/climbing itinerary. Swahili is the national language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas - translation apps help with deeper cultural interactions. US dollars are commonly accepted for tourism, but local shillings are needed for smaller purchases. Safari lodges often have WiFi, but your eSIM ensures independence. The Great Migration timing varies by location and season, so having data helps track wildlife movements. Power can be unreliable in remote areas, so bring power banks and consider solar chargers for extended safaris. Zanzibar has its own cultural considerations - research local customs, especially in Stone Town's conservative areas.
Stay Connected at Top Attractions
🦁 Safari Parks
- • Serengeti: Good coverage at main camps
- • Ngorongoro Crater: Signal at rim lodges
- • Tarangire: Coverage at major camps
- • Lake Manyara: Good near entrance areas
- • Selous/Nyerere: Limited in remote areas
🏔️ Mountain Areas
- • Kilimanjaro Gates: Good 4G coverage
- • Machame Camp: Limited signal
- • Barranco Camp: Very weak coverage
- • Karanga Camp: No reliable signal
- • Barafu/Summit: No coverage
🏝️ Zanzibar Islands
- • Stone Town: Excellent 4G coverage
- • Nungwi Beach: Good coverage throughout
- • Kendwa Beach: Reliable signal
- • Paje/Jambiani: Good along coast
- • Prison Island: Basic coverage
🏙️ Urban Areas
- • Dar es Salaam: Excellent 4G/5G
- • Arusha City: Strong 4G coverage
- • Moshi Town: Good coverage
- • Dodoma Capital: Reliable 4G
- • Mwanza: Good urban coverage
Network Providers in Tanzania
Vodacom Tanzania
- 🌐 Best overall coverage
- 📡 4G LTE in major areas
- 🏞️ Good safari park coverage
- 📱 5G in Dar es Salaam
- ✅ Recommended for tourists
Airtel Tanzania
- 🏙️ Strong urban coverage
- 📡 Growing 4G network
- 🏖️ Good coastal coverage
- 💰 Competitive pricing
- 🌐 International roaming
Tigo Tanzania
- 🌆 City-focused network
- 📡 3G/4G coverage
- 💳 Mobile money leader
- 🏘️ Basic rural coverage
- 🤝 Local partnerships
Pro Tip: Vodacom offers the most extensive coverage for safari areas and tourist destinations. Your eSIM will automatically connect to the strongest available network.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
No Service After Landing
- • Ensure data roaming is enabled
- • Toggle airplane mode on/off
- • Manually select network (Vodacom preferred)
- • Restart your device
Slow Data Speeds
- • Check if you're in a rural area
- • Ensure 4G/LTE is enabled
- • Try switching networks
- • Clear browser cache
eSIM Not Activating
- • Verify device compatibility
- • Check if already installed
- • Delete and reinstall profile
- • Contact support for new QR code
Emergency Contacts in Tanzania
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency:112
- Police:999 or 112
- Fire Department:115
- Medical Emergency:114
- Tourist Police:+255 22 211 5897
Important Contacts
- Kilimanjaro Airport:+255 27 255 4252
- Julius Nyerere Airport:+255 22 284 4610
- Flying Doctors:+254 20 699 2000
- US Embassy:+255 22 229 4000
- UK High Commission:+255 22 229 0000
Safari Emergency
- 🦁 TANAPA HQ: +255 27 250 3471
- 🏔️ Kilimanjaro Rescue: +255 27 275 4377
- 🚑 AMREF Flying Doctors: +254 20 699 2000
- 📡 Park Rangers Radio: Channel 16
Note: Save these numbers offline before heading to remote areas.
Health Services
- 🏥 Aga Khan Hospital Dar: +255 22 211 5151
- 🏥 IST Clinic Arusha: +255 27 254 5103
- 💊 Pharmacy Hotline: +255 22 219 9313
- 🚑 Red Cross Tanzania: +255 22 211 6610
Tip: Most lodges have first aid and can contact emergency services.
Important: Mobile coverage may be limited in safari areas and on Kilimanjaro. Always inform your lodge/guide of any emergencies. Many safari vehicles have radio communication.
Tanzanian Culture Guide & Etiquette
Do's
- Greet with "Jambo" (hello) or "Habari" (how are you)
- Use your right hand for greetings and eating
- Dress modestly, especially in Zanzibar and rural areas
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Show respect to elders - they're highly valued
- Learn basic Swahili phrases - locals appreciate it
- Tip safari guides and porters - it's expected
Don'ts
- Don't use your left hand for greetings or food
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Don't wear revealing clothing in Stone Town
- Never touch someone's head - it's considered sacred
- Don't point with your index finger - use open hand
- Avoid discussing politics or criticizing the government
- Don't refuse offered food/drink - at least taste it
Cultural Tips
Greetings Matter
Tanzanians value lengthy greetings. Take time to ask about health, family, and work before business.
"Pole Pole" Culture
Life moves slowly ("pole pole"). Be patient and don't rush interactions or expect immediate service.
Gift Giving
Small gifts are appreciated when visiting homes. School supplies for children are especially welcome.
Religious Respect
Tanzania is religiously diverse. Respect both Christian and Muslim customs, especially in Zanzibar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does eSIM work on safari?
Can I use eSIM on Mount Kilimanjaro?
Will my eSIM work in Zanzibar?
Which network provider is best for tourists?
Can I top up my data if I run out?
Do I need a physical SIM card too?
Ready for Your Tanzania Adventure?
From Serengeti safaris to Kilimanjaro summits, stay connected throughout your East African journey