How many public holidays does Tanzania have in 2026?

Tanzania has approximately 15-17 public holidays including Zanzibar Revolution Day (12 January), Union Day (26 April), Saba Saba (7 July), Nane Nane (8 August), plus Christian and Islamic holidays.

Does Zanzibar have different holidays from mainland Tanzania?

Zanzibar shares most national holidays with the mainland but also celebrates Zanzibar Revolution Day (12 January) which is specifically significant there. Islamic holidays are observed more extensively in Zanzibar.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

January to March and June to October are the best months for Kilimanjaro. Avoid the rainy seasons (April-May and November). July-August is busiest. January-February offers quieter trails.

What is Nane Nane Day in Tanzania?

Nane Nane (8 August, meaning eight-eight in Swahili) is Farmers' Day, celebrating agriculture and trade. Agricultural shows and exhibitions are held nationwide.

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

June to October (dry and warm) and December to February (hot and dry) are best. Avoid March to May heavy rains. The kusi monsoon wind (June-September) is great for kitesurfing.

Tanzania Public Holidays 2026

National holidays, Zanzibar dates, safari seasons and travel planning

2026 Holiday Calendar

Date	Day	Holiday	Type
1 January	Thursday	New Year's Day	National
12 January	Monday	Zanzibar Revolution Day	National
~20 March*	Friday	Eid al-Fitr	Islamic
3 April	Friday	Good Friday	Christian
6 April	Monday	Easter Monday	Christian
26 April	Sunday	Union Day	National
27 April	Monday	Union Day (observed)	National
1 May	Friday	International Workers' Day	National
~27 May*	Wednesday	Eid al-Adha	Islamic
7 July	Tuesday	Saba Saba (Industry Day)	National
8 August	Saturday	Nane Nane (Farmers' Day)	National
14 October	Wednesday	Nyerere Day	National
9 December	Wednesday	Independence Day	National
25 December	Friday	Christmas Day	Christian
26 December	Saturday	Boxing Day	Christian

* Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar; dates are approximate.

Business Hours

Type	Hours	Notes
Banks	Mon-Fri 8:30-15:30, Sat 8:30-12:00	Closed Sundays and holidays
Shops	Mon-Sat 8:00-18:00	Reduced hours in Zanzibar during Ramadan
Government	Mon-Fri 7:30-15:30	Closed all public holidays
Safari Lodges	24/7	Unaffected by holidays

Zanzibar note: During Ramadan, many restaurants in Stone Town close during daylight hours. Resort restaurants remain open for tourists.

Best Times to Visit

Safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro)

June - October: Dry season; best game viewing; Great Migration June-July in Serengeti
January - February: Calving season in southern Serengeti; excellent photography
Avoid April - May: Heavy rains; some camps close; roads impassable

Zanzibar

June - October: Dry, warm, low humidity; best beach weather
December - February: Hot and dry; festive season; busy
Avoid March - May: Masika heavy rains; humidity very high

Kilimanjaro

January - March: Dry; quieter trails; cold at summit
June - October: Driest; July-August busiest; best success rates

Festivals

Event	When	Where	Description
Zanzibar Int'l Film Festival (ZIFF)	July	Stone Town	East Africa's largest film and cultural festival
Sauti za Busara	February	Stone Town	Swahili music festival in historic Old Fort
Great Migration	June-July	Serengeti	Millions of wildebeest heading north
Mwaka Kogwa	July	Zanzibar	Zoroastrian new year festival; ritual fighting

Key Dates 2026

Zanzibar Revolution: 12 Jan

Union Day: 26 Apr

Saba Saba: 7 Jul

Nyerere Day: 14 Oct

Independence: 9 Dec