Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Tanzania Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Republic of the Congo Property Pack
If you're considering running an Airbnb in Tanzania, you're probably wondering whether it's legal, profitable, and worth the effort in 2026.
This guide breaks down everything from licensing requirements to realistic revenue expectations, so you can make an informed decision.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest housing prices and short-term rental data in Tanzania.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Tanzania.
Insights
- Tanzania's Airbnb market is heavily concentrated in Zanzibar, which accounts for roughly 70% of the country's estimated 3,500 active short-term rental listings in early 2026.
- North Zanzibar beaches like Nungwi and Kendwa command average nightly rates of $109, nearly double the $64 average in Zanzibar City and Stone Town.
- The typical Tanzania Airbnb achieves around 42% occupancy, translating to about 12 to 13 booked nights per month on average.
- Infrastructure reliability, especially backup power and stable Wi-Fi, is a stronger competitive differentiator in Tanzania than in most other markets.
- Zanzibar operates as a separate compliance jurisdiction from mainland Tanzania, with its own hotel levy and tourism licensing requirements.
- One-bedroom units dominate supply in Tanzania, making up 50% to 62% of listings in major Zanzibar regions.
- High season in Tanzania runs from June to October and late December to February, when hosts can expect revenues 25% to 45% above their annual average.
- The price range of $40 to $90 per night is the most crowded segment in Tanzania, where competition is fiercest.
- Top-performing hosts in Tanzania achieve occupancy rates of 50% to 60%, about 10 to 20 percentage points higher than average hosts.
- Monthly net profits for Tanzania Airbnb hosts typically range from $150 to $800, with net margins between 15% and 40%.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Grace Makoye 🇹🇿
Manager of Operations, Zinza Real Estate
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Tanzania in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, short-term renting is permitted in Tanzania and operates widely, though hosts should understand that the government treats it as tourist accommodation rather than casual renting.
The main legal framework comes from Tanzania's Tourism Accommodation Facility Regulations, which classify short-term stays as a regulated accommodation activity requiring proper licensing.
The single most important thing to know is that Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania are separate compliance environments, meaning hosts in Zanzibar face different licensing and tax obligations than those operating in Dar es Salaam or Arusha.
Penalties for unlicensed operation can include fines and potential closure orders, though enforcement varies significantly by location and the scale of your hosting activity.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Tanzania.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Tanzania.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Tanzania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Tanzania does not have a citywide 90-days-per-year cap or fixed minimum-stay requirement like you might find in some European or North American cities.
These rules don't vary by property type or residency status at a national level, though individual building rules, HOA restrictions, or lease agreements may impose their own limits on short-term rentals.
Market data supports this: in Zanzibar's main short-term rental region, 62% of Airbnb listings show availability of 271 to 365 nights per year, indicating hosts are not operating under strict annual caps.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Tanzania right now?
There is no formal residency requirement that forces you to live in a property in order to list it on Airbnb in Tanzania.
Yes, owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals in Tanzania, and many clearly do, especially in Zanzibar's beach markets where entire-home listings make up 59% of the supply.
No additional permits specifically target secondary homes versus primary residences, though all short-term rental operators may need to comply with general tourism accommodation licensing regardless of whether they live on-site.
In practice, the main difference is not about regulations but about how visible your operation becomes to authorities, as multiple or heavily marketed properties are more likely to attract compliance scrutiny than a single occasionally rented home.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Tanzania
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Tanzania right now?
Yes, you can operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Tanzania, and property managers clearly do this across the country, particularly in Zanzibar.
There is no published maximum number of properties that one person or company can list for short-term rental in Tanzania, so scaling up is legally possible.
However, running two or more units starts to look like a formal accommodation business, which means you should expect to need proper business registration through BRELA and potentially tourism accommodation licensing from the relevant authorities.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Tanzania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, you should plan for two layers of compliance: business registration (through BRELA as a sole proprietor or company) and accommodation or tourism licensing where applicable.
The process for business registration starts at Tanzania's official business portal, where you can register through BRELA, though timelines vary and typically take a few weeks depending on the entity type.
Documentation requirements generally include identification, proof of address, and details about your business activity, with additional requirements for accommodation licensing depending on whether you operate on mainland Tanzania or in Zanzibar.
Costs for business registration are relatively modest (typically under $100), though accommodation licensing fees vary by jurisdiction and property type.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Tanzania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Tanzania does not have the kind of citywide neighborhood bans you see in some Western cities, but certain areas face practical restrictions that hosts should understand.
The areas with the most scrutiny include Stone Town in Zanzibar (where heritage conservation expectations can create friction), apartment buildings in Dar es Salaam's prime neighborhoods that prohibit short-term rentals in their rules, and hyper-touristed beach pockets like Nungwi and Kendwa where community concerns occasionally arise.
The reasons for these restrictions are typically building-specific rules, heritage preservation pressures, or informal community pushback rather than formal government zoning ordinances.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Tanzania compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Tanzania in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb listing in Tanzania is approximately $85 (around TZS 220,000 or €78), while the median sits lower at about $65 (TZS 170,000 or €60) because many affordable private rooms and simple apartments pull down the middle.
The typical price range covering roughly 80% of Tanzania Airbnb listings runs from about $40 to $150 per night (TZS 105,000 to TZS 390,000, or €37 to €138), with beach villas at the top and private rooms in cities at the bottom.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Tanzania is location: beach-adjacent properties on Zanzibar's north coast command nearly double the rates of Stone Town or Dar es Salaam city listings.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Tanzania.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, nightly prices in Tanzania vary dramatically, from about $30 per night (TZS 78,000 or €28) in practical Dar es Salaam neighborhoods like Ilala up to $220 per night (TZS 570,000 or €202) in premium Zanzibar beach areas like Nungwi and Kendwa.
The three most expensive neighborhoods for Airbnb in Tanzania are Nungwi and Kendwa on Zanzibar's north coast ($110 to $220 per night, TZS 285,000 to TZS 570,000, €101 to €202), Masaki and Oyster Bay in Dar es Salaam ($90 to $180, TZS 235,000 to TZS 470,000, €83 to €165), and Paje and Jambiani on Zanzibar's southeast coast ($70 to $160, TZS 182,000 to TZS 415,000, €64 to €147).
The most affordable areas include Ilala and Kariakoo in central Dar es Salaam ($30 to $70, TZS 78,000 to TZS 182,000, €28 to €64), Stone Town's simpler units ($55 to $90, TZS 143,000 to TZS 234,000, €51 to €83), and Upanga in Dar ($60 to $100, TZS 156,000 to TZS 260,000, €55 to €92), and yes, travelers do book these areas for business trips, budget travel, and practical city access.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Tanzania is around 42%, which means hosts can expect roughly 12 to 13 booked nights per month on average.
The realistic range covering most listings falls between 35% and 50% occupancy, with well-optimized properties in popular areas reaching the higher end and basic listings in less-traveled locations at the lower end.
Compared to more mature STR markets in Europe or North America, Tanzania's occupancy rates are lower, reflecting the country's seasonal tourism patterns and the fact that most visitors come for specific itineraries (safaris, beach holidays) rather than year-round city breaks.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Tanzania is infrastructure reliability, meaning stable Wi-Fi and backup power, which guests have come to expect and which differentiates listings in a market where these amenities are not guaranteed.
Don't sign a document you don't understand in Tanzania
Buying a property over there? We have reviewed all the documents you need to know. Stay out of trouble - grab our comprehensive guide.
What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Tanzania is approximately $1,000 (around TZS 2,600,000 or €920), though this varies significantly by location and property type.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of Tanzania Airbnb listings runs from about $500 to $1,800 per month (TZS 1,300,000 to TZS 4,700,000, or €460 to €1,650), with Stone Town apartments at the lower end and north Zanzibar beach properties at the higher end.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Tanzania, particularly well-managed villas in Nungwi or Kendwa, can achieve monthly revenues of $2,500 to $4,000 (TZS 6,500,000 to TZS 10,400,000, €2,300 to €3,680). A quick calculation: at $150 ADR and 70% occupancy, a top property earns roughly $3,150 per month.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Tanzania.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical Airbnb monthly revenue in Tanzania during high season reaches about $1,250 to $1,450 (TZS 3,250,000 to TZS 3,770,000, €1,150 to €1,335), while low season revenue drops to around $500 to $700 per month (TZS 1,300,000 to TZS 1,820,000, €460 to €645) for an average listing.
High season in Tanzania runs from June to October (the dry safari season) and late December to February (holiday and European winter sun travel), while low season covers April and May (long rains) plus softer shoulder periods in March and November.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, realistic monthly expenses for operating an Airbnb in Tanzania range from about $250 to $900 (TZS 650,000 to TZS 2,340,000, €230 to €830) for apartments and townhouses, and from $600 to $2,500 (TZS 1,560,000 to TZS 6,500,000, €550 to €2,300) for villas and beach houses that require more staff and maintenance.
The single largest expense category for Tanzania Airbnb hosts is typically cleaning and turnover costs combined with utilities and backup power (generator fuel or UPS equipment), which together can account for $150 to $400 monthly (TZS 390,000 to TZS 1,040,000, €138 to €368) depending on booking frequency.
Hosts in Tanzania should expect to spend between 35% and 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with the higher end applying to properties that need regular generator use, professional cleaning, or staff support.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Tanzania.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, realistic monthly net profit for an Airbnb in Tanzania ranges from about $150 to $800 (TZS 390,000 to TZS 2,080,000, €138 to €736), with profit per available night running from roughly $5 to $27 (TZS 13,000 to TZS 70,000, €5 to €25).
The net profit range covering most Tanzania Airbnb listings falls between $100 and $800 monthly (TZS 260,000 to TZS 2,080,000, €92 to €736), with Stone Town and budget Dar listings at the lower end and well-managed north Zanzibar properties at the higher end.
Net profit margins for Tanzania Airbnb hosts typically land between 15% and 40%, depending heavily on how efficiently the host manages expenses like cleaning, utilities, and platform fees.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Tanzania Airbnb listing is around 25% to 35%, meaning you need roughly 8 to 10 booked nights per month just to cover your operating costs before making any profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Tanzania, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Tanzania versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Tanzania as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Tanzania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Tanzania has approximately 3,500 active Airbnb listings, with the vast majority concentrated in Zanzibar, which alone accounts for over 2,400 listings across its main regions.
This number has grown steadily over the past few years as Tanzania's tourism sector recovered from pandemic disruptions, and the long-term trend points toward continued growth as more property owners recognize the short-term rental opportunity, particularly in Zanzibar and safari gateway cities.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Tanzania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Tanzania are Nungwi and Kendwa on Zanzibar's north coast, Stone Town in Zanzibar City, Paje and Jambiani on the southeast coast, and Masaki and Oyster Bay in Dar es Salaam.
These areas became saturated because they sit at the intersection of strong tourism infrastructure, established guest expectations, and reliable transport links, meaning new hosts naturally gravitate there even as competition intensifies.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities include the quieter edges of Stone Town, Mikocheni and Upanga in Dar es Salaam for business travelers, and emerging beach pockets south of the main Zanzibar tourism corridors where infrastructure is improving but competition remains lighter.
What local events spike demand in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main local events that spike Airbnb demand in Tanzania include Sauti za Busara music festival in Stone Town (February 5 to 8, 2026), the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba, typically in July), and the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF, usually in July).
During these peak events, hosts in affected neighborhoods typically see booking increases of 30% to 50% and can raise nightly rates by 20% to 40% above normal levels without losing bookings.
Hosts should adjust their pricing and availability settings at least 4 to 6 weeks before major events to capture early bookers, with final rate increases possible 1 to 2 weeks out as remaining inventory becomes scarce.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Tanzania achieve occupancy rates of 50% to 60%, which translates to roughly 15 to 18 booked nights per month even during shoulder seasons.
By comparison, average hosts in Tanzania typically see occupancy rates of 35% to 45%, meaning the performance gap between top and average hosts is about 10 to 20 percentage points.
New hosts in Tanzania typically need 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, assuming they invest in quality photos, fast response times, backup power, reliable Wi-Fi, and consistently excellent cleanliness from the start.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Tanzania.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Tanzania right now?
The most crowded price range in Tanzania's Airbnb market is $40 to $90 per night (TZS 105,000 to TZS 235,000, €37 to €83), where the bulk of simple apartments and private rooms compete heavily on price.
White space opportunities exist at two ends: the $140 to $200 range (TZS 365,000 to TZS 520,000, €129 to €184) for genuinely reliable, well-designed properties that aren't quite luxury but deliver consistently, and the long-stay segment where monthly discounts attract digital nomads and extended-stay travelers.
To compete successfully in underserved segments, new hosts should focus on guaranteed infrastructure (backup power, strong Wi-Fi, reliable water), family-friendly 2-bedroom configurations near Stone Town edges or beach areas, and clear, professional listing presentation that builds trust with international bookers.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Tanzania
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What property works best for Airbnb demand in Tanzania right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Tanzania as of 2026?
As of early 2026, 1-bedroom units get the most bookings in Tanzania's Airbnb market, making up roughly half of all listings in major regions and consistently attracting the largest share of demand.
The breakdown by bedroom count in Tanzania shows approximately 50% to 62% of bookings going to 1-bedroom units, 17% to 25% to 2-bedroom units, and 15% to 20% split among studios and 3-bedroom-plus properties.
One-bedroom units perform best in Tanzania because the typical traveler profile includes couples on honeymoons or beach holidays, solo travelers doing safari circuits, and digital nomads seeking affordable monthly stays, all of whom need just one bedroom.
What property type performs best in Tanzania in 2026?
As of early 2026, the best-performing property types for Airbnb in Tanzania are apartments and condos in premium urban pockets (Masaki, Oyster Bay, Stone Town edges) for steady occupancy, and villas and beach houses on Zanzibar's north and east coasts for higher nightly rates.
Occupancy rates across property types show apartments achieving 40% to 50% in good locations, houses and townhouses at 35% to 45%, and villas at 40% to 55% in peak beach areas but with more seasonal variation.
Apartments and condos outperform for consistency because they have lower operating costs, attract both short and longer stays, and serve the reliable business and expat demand in Dar es Salaam, while beach villas win on revenue per night but require more intensive management and face sharper seasonal swings.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Tanzania, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania National Bureau of Statistics | It's official tourism demand data produced by Tanzania's core public statistical institution. | We used it to ground Airbnb demand in real visitor volumes, stays, and spending patterns. We also used it to check whether STR pricing and occupancy assumptions feel realistic for Tanzania. |
| Bank of Tanzania | It's the central bank, and it publishes official tourism-sector survey material with macroeconomic context. | We used it to cross-check tourism performance and avoid relying solely on platform-based STR numbers. We treated BoT tourism publications as a reality check for revenue expectations. |
| Tanzania Revenue Authority Tax Guide | It's the national tax authority's own summary of current rates and tax categories. | We used it to map the tax obligations hosts are most likely to face, including income tax, VAT triggers, and tourism levies. We also used it to avoid citing made-up tax rates from blogs. |
| TRA VAT Overview | It's the primary regulator explaining what VAT is and when it applies in Tanzania. | We used it to explain when hosts need to worry about VAT registration. We also used it to clarify that VAT applies to VAT-registered persons, which matters for small hosts. |
| Zanzibar Revenue Authority | It's Zanzibar's tax authority describing the hotel levy framework specific to the island. | We used it because Zanzibar is Tanzania's biggest Airbnb market and has its own levy structure. We used it to explain what extra per-night government charges may apply in Zanzibar. |
| TISEZA VAT Page | It's a government facilitation authority summarizing Tanzania's VAT rates and basics in accessible language. | We used it as a second official cross-check on VAT rates and scope. We also used it to keep the VAT explanation simple for non-professional readers. |
| Tanzania Business Portal | It's a government portal pointing to the official business registrar, BRELA. | We used it to outline the real business registration path without guesswork. We also used it to keep compliance steps practical and actionable. |
| Tourism Accommodation Facility Regulations | It's actual subsidiary legislation covering the licensing of accommodation facilities in Tanzania. | We used it to explain why short-term stays can be classified as accommodation and may require licensing. We also used it to move beyond vague "you probably need a license" advice. |
| AirDNA Unguja Mjini Magharibi | AirDNA is a widely used STR data provider with consistent methodology across global markets. | We used it to estimate listings, occupancy, ADR, and revenue for Zanzibar's Stone Town and Zanzibar City area. We also used its amenity and bedroom mix data to describe competition realistically. |
| AirDNA Unguja Kaskazini | AirDNA is one of the most recognized short-term rental analytics providers globally. | We used it to model Nungwi, Kendwa, and north Zanzibar beach performance, which behaves very differently from Stone Town. We compared it to Unguja Mjini Magharibi to show neighborhood-level variation. |
| Knight Frank Africa Report | Knight Frank is a global real estate consultancy with standardized market reporting across Africa. | We used it to anchor prime residential context in Dar es Salaam, where high-end Airbnb demand clusters. We also used it as a reality check on which neighborhoods are truly premium. |
| TanTrade DITF | It's the official organizer platform for Tanzania's biggest trade fair, Sabasaba. | We used it to identify demand spikes that reliably lift short stays in Dar es Salaam. We also used it to explain why certain weeks book out faster than normal. |
| Sauti za Busara | It's a direct event listing with specific 2026 dates for Stone Town's major music festival. | We used it to mark a concrete annual demand spike in early February for the Stone Town area. We also used it as a calendar-based pricing lever for hosts. |
| Zanzibar International Film Festival | It's the festival's official website for Zanzibar's marquee cultural event. | We used it to explain another repeatable calendar bump that affects Stone Town bookings. We also used it to support seasonality analysis beyond just weather patterns. |
| Expert Africa Weather Guide | It's a long-established specialist publisher that clearly explains Tanzania's seasonal patterns. | We used it to translate weather into booking seasonality, connecting dry versus rainy periods to revenue. We also used it to justify high-season versus low-season revenue ranges. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Tanzania. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.