I’ve yet to steer the Troopy north into East Africa — but if there’s one place that keeps calling, it’s Tanzania. The country that gave us Serengeti sunsets, Mount Kilimanjaro, and, of course, Safari Lager.
I still remember the first time I had one — not in Dar es Salaam, but here in Africa’s south, a cold Safari Lager brought along by a family member, with a knowing smile. Later, a Kilimanjaro Premium Lager, its label proudly declaring: “If you can’t climb it, drink it.”
And in that moment, I started dreaming of the day I’ll cross into Tanzania myself — to see where these iconic beers are brewed and to taste the country’s beer story firsthand.
A Nation Built on Beer
Beer, or bia in Swahili, is woven into Tanzanian life. The country ranks among Africa’s top beer producers and consumers, though most of what’s brewed never makes it into bottles or brands — over 90% of Tanzania’s beer is still made at home or in small local setups.
But in the formal world, two names tower above the rest: Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) and Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL). Between them, they shape the modern taste of Tanzanian beer.
TBL’s lineup — Safari Lager, Kilimanjaro, Ndovu Special Malt — dominates bars from Mwanza to Morogoro. Meanwhile, Serengeti Breweries, founded in the late ‘80s, carries the flag with its award-winning Serengeti Premium Lager, brewed to the German Reinheitsgebot.
These aren’t just beers — they’re badges of national pride.
A Taste of Tanzania
From what I’ve gathered — and tasted — Tanzanian lagers share a familiar rhythm: clean, crisp, and made for the heat. But each one carries its own story.
- Safari Lager (5.5%) – The everyday hero. Dry and slightly tart, best enjoyed in a glass bottle with the dust of the day still on your boots.
- Kilimanjaro Premium Lager (4.5%) – Light and refreshing; you can almost taste the mountain breeze.
- Serengeti Premium Lager (4.8%) – Smooth, balanced, and brewed with care — the kind of beer that feels like it belongs everywhere.
- Ndovu Special Malt (4.8%) – Richer, brewed without maize — a quiet standout for those who like a touch more depth.
And then there’s the curious one that every explorer talks about: banana beer from Arusha. Locally brewed, unfiltered, and naturally sweet — it’s called Raha Banana, and locals say it hits 10%. You won’t find it in safari lodges, but you might find it where the real stories live — in village markets and roadside bars.
Craft Beginnings
Tanzania’s craft beer scene is still young but growing. Twiga Brewery in Arusha and Crafty Dee’s Brewing Companyin Dar es Salaam are leading the way — small, independent, and brave enough to experiment in a market dominated by giants.
Twiga’s Ale and Stout sound like beers worth the detour alone, and I can already imagine rolling the Troopy up to their brewery gates one day.
What the Beers Say About Tanzania
Every beer tells a story — and in Tanzania, that story seems to be about community, resilience, and joy. From big-city breweries listed on the stock exchange to farmers fermenting maize beer in clay pots, beer is part of the rhythm of life.
One day soon, I’ll point the Troopy north — through Zambia, across the border, and into the land of Safari Lager and Serengeti sunsets. Until then, every sip of Kilimanjaro keeps that dream alive.
🍺 Beer Troopy’s Tanzania Picks (so far):
Best introduction: Safari Lager
Most iconic: Kilimanjaro Premium Lager
Bucket-list brewery stops: Twiga Brewery (Arusha), Crafty Dee’s (Dar es Salaam)
One to hunt down: Raha Banana Beer – if you can find it, you’ve earned it.
Join the world’s greatest beer adventure.
Follow Beer Troopy as we explore the people, places, and beers that make Africa’s map worth crossing — one sip at a time.