The Ultimate Guide to Using an eSIM in Tanzania

Imagine trekking up the magnificent slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, capturing the sunrise over the snow-capped peak, or cruising through the golden plains of the Serengeti, camera ready for that perfect shot of a lion’s pride. Now imagine doing all of that while staying reliably connected – without having to fuss over SIM cards or searching for elusive Wi-Fi. That’s where an eSIM for Tanzania comes in. 

Whether you're an intrepid adventurer or a digital nomad, a Tanzania eSIM ensures seamless connectivity, saving both time and effort. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using an eSIM in Tanzania or an eSIM Africa plan, particularly with GigSky’s offerings that make travel easier and more rewarding than ever. 

I’ll also share my experience using an eSIM during my recent trip to Tanzania, where I hiked Mount Kilimanjaro and went on safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park. 

What is an eSIM & Why Travelers Like Me Love It 

An eSIM  – short for embedded SIM – is a digital SIM card that’s already integrated into your device. It eliminates the need to change physical SIM cards while traveling, making it a game-changer for globetrotters and adventure-seekers like myself.

Benefits of Using an eSIM for Travel 

• Seamless Activation: Easy to purchase and install directly onto a compatible smartphone or device. 
• Reliable Connectivity: Perfect for locations where Wi-Fi is unreliable, such as mountainous regions or remote safari lodges. 
• Hassle-Free Management: Check your data balance and top up instantly without visiting a store or buying a new card. 
• No Hidden Fees: Transparent pricing eliminates roaming charges or surprise bills. 

If you’re heading to Tanzania, an eSIM Tanzania plan is your key to staying connected from the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the breathtaking Serengeti. 

Why Use an eSIM in Tanzania? 

Tanzania offers unforgettable experiences, from summiting Africa's tallest mountain to breathtaking wildlife encounters on safari. Here’s how an eSIM amplifies your adventure: 

1. Stay Connected on Mount Kilimanjaro 

Hiking Kilimanjaro is exhilarating but also physically demanding. With an Africa eSIM, you can stay in touch with loved ones, access weather updates, or share your epic progress on social media – all in real-time from the various camps. I even had service at the summit!  

2. A Reliable Network on Safari 

Wi-Fi across Tanzania’s national parks can be non-existent. An eSIM provides connectivity, so you can upload snapshots of elephants or video chat with your family the moment you spot a cheetah. GigSky’s eSIM plans are perfect for enabling connectivity across the plains.  

3. Peace of Mind in Remote Areas 

From Zanzibar’s pristine beaches to Ngorongoro Crater’s untamed wilds, the best eSIM for Tanzania offers the reassurance of reliable connections wherever your travels take you. 

My Experience Using GigSky’s eSIM in Tanzania 

My trip to Tanzania lasted 13 days from touch-down to take-off. For this trip, I bought an Africa eSIM just in case I needed service in another African country during a layover. The plan that I used was 5GB, which offered 30 days of use. 

The first seven days of my trip were dedicated to hiking Kilimanjaro. During that time, I hiked through a series of camps, in which GigSky had varying amounts of service. Interestingly, I compared my service with that of my hiking companions and found that their networks had less service at many of the same locations. 

Here is a breakdown of the service I experienced throughout my time hiking Kilimanjaro: 

• Service was available at Big Tree Camp
• For periods between Big Tree Camp and Shira II Camp, when we weren’t in deep ravines
• For periods between Shira II Camp and Lava Tower, though interestingly, none at Lava Tower
• For a brief period from Lava Tower to Baranco Camp, before we descended fully into the valley
• Pretty strong, consistent service at Baranco Camp
• For periods from Baranco Camp to Karanga Camp, when we weren’t surrounded by rock walls
• Some service at Karanga Camp, notably the strongest near the top of the campsite
• For a brief periods from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (Base Camp), when we crested the final ridge before Barafu
• Some service at Barafu Camp, notably the strongest near the top of the campsite
• Service at the summit of Kilimanjaro, but really only enough to send messages in apps like WhatsApp, Messenger or Signal

The next four days of my trip were dedicated to going on safari – which included visiting Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park. During that time, I spent most of my days in a 4x4 Jeep, driving through the natural habitats of iconic animals like lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos, hyenas and rhinos. When I compared my service to that of my fellow traveling companions, I found that GigSky’s Tanzania eSIM provided about the same level of service in the less remote areas, and sometimes more service in the remote areas.

Here is a breakdown of the service I experienced during my safari: 

• Consistent service in Tarangire National Park
• Some service in Serengeti National Park; the lands here are so vast that the more remote areas afforded no service at all to me and my traveling companions, who were not using GigSky eSIMs
• Some service in Ngorongoro Conservation Area; similar to the Serengeti, the more remote areas didn’t allow for any kind of cellular service – no matter the plan. However, there were places where I had strong service and was able to receive and send messages and emails. 

How to Get & Activate an eSIM in Tanzania 

Getting started with an eSIM in Tanzania has never been easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide on using GigSky to unlock hassle-free connectivity. 

Step 1. Check Your Device Compatibility 

Most recent smartphones, including iPhones (XR and newer) and Google Pixel devices, support eSIMs. Confirming compatibility before heading out is essential. Double-check the list of compatible devices to ensure yours is ready for this kind of technology. 

Step 2. Purchase GigSky eSIM 

GigSky makes purchasing an eSIM simple. Head to the GigSky website or download their app (available for Android and iOS), select “Tanzania” from the drop-down menu and choose from their affordable data plans. If your trip includes visiting other countries in Africa – whether for more adventures or a long layover – an Africa eSIM may be a better option. 

Step 3. Install Your eSIM 

Once purchased, follow the prompts in the app (or in the e-mail) to install and activate. 

Step 4. Start Browsing 

Voila! You’re all set to enjoy consistent connectivity wherever your Tanzanian adventures lead. Monitor your usage and top up your data balance directly through GigSky’s app if needed. 

GigSky vs. Wi-Fi vs. Home Carrier Plans

Why choose GigSky’s eSIM plans over spotty Wi-Fi or traditional SIM cards? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

With GigSky, experience unmatched flexibility and dependable, secure service without breaking the bank.

Tips for Using an eSIM in Tanzania 

To make the most of your eSIM experience in the stunning landscapes of Tanzania, follow these tips: 

1. Pack a Power Bank: Ensure your device stays powered during long treks or safaris. 
2. Plan Data Usage Accordingly: Use offline map apps for navigation and download media before trips to preserve data. Avoid streaming content as much as possible. 
3. Understand eSIM Policies: Double-check how long your eSIM is valid for and use Wi-Fi at your lodges/accommodations to back up your photos and videos from your adventures. 

Why Choose GigSky for Your Tanzanian Adventure? 

‍

In my experience, the GigSky eSIM Tanzania plan made it easy to stay connected as I traveled across Tanzania. I was impressed with the amount of service I had on the side of Kilimanjaro. I was able to send and receive messages with my loved ones, reassuring them that I was safe, healthy and able to summit. It also boosted my spirits to receive words of encouragement and pictures of my dogs while I was away. 

‍

Additionally, I was able to log in to an app I use for work to solve a minor issue while I was away. I received emails and, before I took off to return home, was able to stream reels on Instagram (though this does eat through data quickly). For my 13-day trip, I found 5GB to be more than enough data. I didn’t need to use navigational tools and I took a break from my usual online routines (checking social media and emails) since I was so focused on hiking and seeing the beautiful creatures of Tanzania.  

‍

In my opinion, GigSky has one of the best Tanzania eSIM plans available. It was so easy to purchase, download and install, providing me connectivity the moment I arrived in the country. 

Conclude Your Journey with Confidence 

Don’t get caught without a connection while scaling Kilimanjaro, exploring the Serengeti, or enjoying the coastal bliss of Zanzibar. With an eSIM for Tanzania, staying connected has never been so simple or reliable. 

Grab your GigSky eSIM plan now and stay connected across Tanzania’s most remote yet awe-inspiring locations.