Internet and SIM card in Tanzania — what works, what doesn't and what to expect
The honest expectation: safari = offline
Let me start with the most honest statement I can make: in Tanzania's national parks — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire — there is virtually no mobile signal. And that's exactly how it should be.
The Serengeti is 14,763 km² of continuous wildlife reserve. There are no masts. There are no hotels along the road. The silence and disconnection are part of the experience.
Make peace with this before departure. Inform your loved ones. Make sure all practical matters are arranged before you enter the park.
Arusha and Zanzibar: excellent connection
In Arusha — where most safaris start — the connection is good. 4G available from all major providers. WiFi in every hotel. You can clear your emails here, answer WhatsApp and arrange everything.
Zanzibar has reliable 4G in and around Stone Town, Nungwi and Kendwa. Resorts in the north and east have good WiFi. On the beach the signal is variable but generally usable.
Which SIM card do you buy?
Two providers dominate Tanzania:
Vodacom Tanzania: the best coverage in cities and on Zanzibar. 4G strong in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Stone Town. In the parks: zero.
Airtel Tanzania: comparable, sometimes slightly better in specific rural areas outside the parks. Zanzibar coverage slightly less than Vodacom.
Where to buy a SIM card? At the airport (Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar), in telecom shops in Arusha or Stone Town. You need your passport for registration — this is legally required in Tanzania.
Price: SIM card free or for a small fee; data bundles are cheap. A 10GB bundle costs approximately $5–8 depending on the provider and offer.
eSIM — for those who prefer it
If your phone supports eSIM, this is the easiest option. You configure it at home and have data immediately on arrival.
Popular eSIM providers for Tanzania: Airalo, Holafly, Saily. Compare their Tanzanian data packages before departure. Prices are comparable to a physical SIM card but the convenience is greater.
Note: check whether your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones from 2018 and recent Android devices do) AND whether the SIM card from your home provider isn't "locked" (SIM-lock). This is rare nowadays but check it.
Roaming — expensive and unreliable
Roaming with your Dutch SIM card technically works in Tanzania. But costs are high (€5–15 per day), speed is low and reliability is variable. Turn off roaming unless you really need it for emergencies.
My recommendation
Buy a Vodacom SIM card at Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar airport. Register with your passport. Buy a 10GB bundle ($5–8). Use WiFi in your hotel and data for WhatsApp and maps outside.
In the park: put your phone in airplane mode and enjoy the Serengeti. Your guide knows the way.
Practical: sharing photos from Tanzania
If you want to share photos during your trip, there are two practical moments: early morning before departure (WiFi in your tented camp) and after the afternoon game drive at dinner.
Photos taken in the car can be uploaded later. There's no rush. The Serengeti doesn't wait for your Instagram.