Must-Have Travel Apps and Tools for Visiting Tanzania

Traveling to Tanzania can be a fantastic experience, but having the right tools makes everything easier. Here’s a list of must-have travel apps that will help make your trip smooth—from navigation to communication to local transportation.

Google Maps (Free)

Google Maps is essential for navigation in Tanzania. You can download maps for offline use, which is ideal for areas with spotty reception. It has great coverage of the country’s major cities and even some remote national parks.

Maps.me (Free)

If you’re going off the beaten path, download Maps.me. This app is known for its detailed offline maps, which are perfect for hiking or getting around national parks where mobile data may not work.

Uber (Free)

While Uber isn’t available everywhere in Tanzania, it’s operational in Dar es Salaam. It’s a safe and convenient way to get around the city, and you won’t have to worry about haggling prices.

Bolt (Free)

Much like Uber, Bolt operates in Tanzanian cities and offers affordable rides. It’s great for having an option when Uber isn’t available or when you want to compare prices between the two services.

Rome2Rio (Free)

For planning longer trips between cities or even figuring out how to get from your hotel to a safari park, Rome2Rio is ideal. It shows all the transit options available—buses, flights, ferries, and taxis—along with estimated travel times and costs.

Flightradar24 (Free; Paid Version Available)

Flightradar24 allows you to track flights live in real-time. It’s extremely useful if you’re waiting for an airport pickup, or you just want to get updates on any travel delays.

Google Translate (Free)

Swahili is widely spoken in Tanzania, so Google Translate is a lifesaver when you’re communicating with locals. Download the Swahili language pack to use it offline, which is super helpful when you’re in remote areas.

KaaKoo (Free)

KaaKoo is a transportation app tailored specifically for Tanzania. It helps you book buses or shuttles between cities. You can even see real-time bus schedules, which is useful for last-minute planning.

Booking.com (Free)

Whether you’re booking hotels or guest houses, Booking.com offers tons of options with real reviews to help you choose the best place for your stay in Tanzania. You can cancel certain bookings for free, which gives a lot of flexibility if your plans change.

iOverlander (Free)

If you plan on camping or going overland in Tanzania, iOverlander is a community-generated map for overlanders. It shows camping spots, accommodation, and points of interest relevant to road trippers and adventurers.

Airbnb (Free)

For unique stays or a homier experience, Airbnb has some great listings across Tanzania. Whether you’re looking for a room in Dar es Salaam or a villa near Arusha, Airbnb has a wide range of options.

XE Currency (Free)

Managing your money is easier with XE Currency. It helps you convert Tanzanian Shillings to your home currency. You can even track rates in real-time, which is useful if you’re planning to exchange cash or make big purchases.

MyTeksi (Free)

In Zanzibar, you might find MyTeksi super useful for booking taxis quickly. It’s good for travelers looking to avoid the hassle of street haggling for rides. The app lets you book and pay through your phone.

M-Pesa (Free)

M-Pesa is an essential app for payments in Tanzania. It’s widely used for mobile money transactions, and you can use it to pay for everything—from shopping to transportation. You’ll need a local SIM card to set it up, though.

Skyscanner (Free)

Before heading to Tanzania, check out Skyscanner to book cheap flights. It compares several airlines and travel portals, helping you find the best—I’ve saved a lot on international tickets using this one.

Final Tip

Make sure to download as many of these as possible before your trip, especially those with offline capabilities. A little preparation can save you a lot of hassle when traveling around Tanzania!