Tanzania has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, thanks to its wildlife safaris, tropical islands (such as Zanzibar), and iconic peaks like Mount Kilimanjaro.
In 2024, Tanzania welcomed a record ~5.36 million tourists (including ~2.14 million international visitors) and logged strong revenue growth, signalling the tourism sector’s rising importance to the national economy.
Key stats: Tanzania Tourism
- 5.36 million visitors in 2024 — Tanzania smashed its tourism target and set a new national record.
- Out of those, 2.14 million were international and 3.22 million domestic travellers — strong domestic travel market sets Tanzania apart.
- Tourism generated about US$4 billion in 2024 — a major contributor to the economy.
- In 2023, arrivals rose to 1.8 million, up more than 24 % year-on-year — showing rapid recovery and growth.
- Tourism is responsible for around 17 % of Tanzania’s GDP — underscoring its economic importance.
- By April 2025, Tanzania had already logged around 5.3 million tourists, hitting its target months early — momentum is strong.
- Leisure-travel dominates: older exit survey data show ~90.7 % of international visitors came for holiday/leisure — wildlife and safari remain magnets.
How Many Tourists Visit Tanzania Each Year?
Tanzania received ~5.36 million visitors in 2024 (2.14 million international, 3.22 million domestic).
- In 2023, international arrivals were ~1.808 million, up ~24.3% from 2022.
- Tourism is rapidly recovering from pandemic lows and trending upward.
How Many Tourists Visit Tanzania Each Day?
With 5.36 million visitors in 2024, Tanzania averaged ~14,700 visitors per day.
During peak safari/high-season months this number is significantly higher, particularly in high-traffic parks and Zanzibar.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Tanzania?
Tourism earnings reached USD ~$3.37 billion in 2023 and continue to rise.
- In 2024 the sector’s contribution to GDP was reported at ~17.2%.
- Travel & tourism’s broader economic impact (including jobs, indirect spend) is documented by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in its factsheet.
Which Countries Visit Tanzania the Most?
Top source markets include Kenya, USA, Italy, Germany, France, China and India.
- For example: in Jan–Aug 2023, the U.S. (84,541), France (72,009), Germany (57,798) were among the top non-African markets.
- A more comprehensive breakdown is pending full exit-survey data.
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Tanzania?
Tanzania’s draw is its wildlife and natural scenery more than beach-resort tourism.
| Attraction | Annual Visitors (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | ~589,000 (2024 est.) | Wildlife migration hotspot. |
| Ngorongoro Conservation Area | ~515,961 (2023) | Crater reserve. |
| Mount Kilimanjaro (hikers) | Growth +13.4% (2024) | Major trekking destination. |
| Zanzibar (archipelago) | ~300,000+ intl visitors (2023) | Beach & heritage tourism. |
| Tarangire & other game reserves | ~241,741 (2023) | Emerging safari hotspots. |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?
Tourism is highest during the dry seasons when wildlife viewing is optimal.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June–October | Peak safari & migration viewing | Dry, optimal game drives |
| December–March | High for beach (Zanzibar) + game viewing | Warm, less rain |
| April–May | Low / shoulder | Rainy season in many regions |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Tanzania?
While Tanzania is less centred on large festivals, there are important tourism-driving events and trends.
- Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti (Jun–Jul) attracts large numbers of visitors.
- Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) in July/August draws culture-tourism.
- Expansion of luxury safari lodges and high-spend markets is shifting the tourism profile.
How Much Does Tourism Impact Tanzania’s Economy?
Travel & Tourism contributes roughly ~17% of Tanzania’s GDP and supports over 1.4 million jobs.
- The sector is a key foreign-exchange earner and growth engine.
- Infrastructure investments (e.g., airports, roads) are being driven by tourism growth ambitions.
Which Regions in Tanzania Are Most Popular With Tourists?
Visitors concentrate in northern safari circuit + Zanzibar; coastal and western regions are seeing slower growth.
- Northern Circuit (Arusha region, Serengeti, Ngorongoro) – safari core
- Zanzibar Archipelago – beach + heritage
- Coastal Mainland (Dar es Salaam, Pemba) – growing resort stays
- Mount Kilimanjaro – trekking tourism
- Emerging East/Tanzania lakes – under-touristed but rising
FAQ – Tanzania Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Tanzania yearly?
Approximately 5.36 million visitors in 2024.
What is Tanzania most known for?
Wildlife safaris, the Great Wildebeest Migration, Mount Kilimanjaro, beach resorts in Zanzibar.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania?
June–October for safari; December–March for beach + wildlife.
Is Tanzania expensive?
It ranges from budget to luxury safari lodges; high-end safaris and Zanzibar resorts command premium rates.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Generally yes for organised travel, but visitors should use standard precautions, especially in isolated regions and park areas.
Which region of Tanzania is best to visit?
The Northern Safari Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) plus Zanzibar offers the most-visited tourist experience.
How much does tourism contribute to Tanzania’s economy?
Readily around 17% of GDP and supports over 1.4 million jobs.
Sources
- Xinhua News — Tanzania attracts record 5.36 million tourists in 2024
- National Bureau of Statistics Tanzania (NBS) — International Arrivals Jan–Aug 2023
- TanzaniaInvest — Tourist Arrivals to Tanzania Increase by 20% in 2024 to Reach Record 2.66 Million
- IDEAS/RePEc — Reaching Historic Heights of Tourism Arrivals in Tanzania 2023
- WTTC — Tanzania’s Travel & Tourism Reached Record-Breaking Levels in 2023
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