The United Republic of Tanzania is located in eastern Africa on the Indian Ocean between Mozambique and Kenya and includes the island of Zanzibar. Its largest city, Dar es Salaam, is located along the eastern coast on the Indian Ocean. The capital Dodoma lies west of Dar-es-Salaam. The population is estimated at 60,445,249 million (2019). There are over 120 different ethnic groups in Tanzania but the main language here is Swahili and English.
Tanzania covers an area roughly 947, 303 km2 (365,756 sq mi). The terrain includes coastal plains, a central plateau, and highlands in the north and south. It is home to Mt. Kilimanjaro (the highest point in Africa), Lake Victoria (the second largest lake in the world), and the Great Rift Valley. The climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands.
Tanzania is regarded as an excellent safari destination, largely due to its many world class opportunities for game spotting. Tanzania is home to many of the best and biggest parks in Africa more than 20 game parks and about 16 game reserves, and some of the most varied and unique landscapes that you’ll ever see. From grasslands to woodlands, rock formations, and mountain peaks, there’s no question that Tanzania features some amazing opportunities for sightseeing, and photo hunting alike. These varied ecosystems are also ideal conditions for one of the most quintessential aspects of any great safari: African animals.
No safari would be complete without a glimpse of a few of the “Big Five” or the chance to see some lesser known, but equally fascinating animals. Fortunately, Tanzania doesn’t disappoint. Home to the Great Wildebeest Migration, each year, Tanzania sees millions of animals make their way across the land in search of water and fresh pasture. Wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle make the arduous journey, and brave the raging Mara River filled with waiting crocodiles.
But the great migration isn’t the only aspect of Tanzania that’s worth seeing. Herds of grazing animals mean that predators won’t be far away. In Tanzania, you’ll have the opportunity to see lion, cheetah, leopards, and hunting dogs. If you’re curious about what this beautiful country has to offer, read more about popular Tanzania safari destinations.
As African Diurnal Safari and Tours, we are here to help you experience the best travel experience all around Tanzania and East Africa. Regardless of your status, or where you come, we’ll ensure you get the moment of your life. We’ll help you create memories that you will cherish forever.
The best time to visit Tanzania is during the Dry season, from late June to October, when wildlife viewing is generally at its best. The wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is usually during June and July and the time to see the wildebeest calving is late January to February and March. The southern and western circuit parks are best visited during the Dry season (June to October), unlike the more popular northern circuit parks that can be visited year-round.
Tanzania has a pleasant, tropical climate but has large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. The hottest and most humid part of the country is the coast. Other low-lying areas, such as the western and southern parks, are also hot but less humid. The rest of the interior is much milder and cools down significantly at night. Tanzania has a distinct Dry and Wet season. There is very little rainfall during this period and humidity is very low. It cools off at night; be sure to pack warm clothing because morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold, especially in the northern parks.
June, July, August, September and October, Afternoon temperatures are usually between 20°C/68°F and 30°C/86°F and vary greatly according to altitude and location. Most days have a fine, clear sky and sunny weather. During most of the Wet season, afternoon temperatures are consistently hot (a bit above or below 30°C/86°F) but it is colder above 1,300m/4,265ft. Mornings are cold in most northern parks due to the high altitude.
- November and December – ‘Short rains’ – A period of about a month of short rains which occurs sometime between November and December. Its timing is unpredictable and, in Northern Tanzania, it can even happen in October. The rains will rarely interfere with your safari.
- January and February – The northern parks and coastal areas tend to have a break in the rainy season. The other parks don’t really experience a dry spell.
- March, April and May – ‘Long rains’ – These are the wettest months. It tends to rain heavily almost every day, although not often for the whole day. Humidity tends to be high, especially in the hotter southern and western parks.
Tanzania has several airports, although the most common access points are Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) on the coast and Kilimanjaro International Airport in the north-east of the country or connections are available from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi, Kenya).
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is situated 46km/29mi east of Arusha, the gateway of Tanzania’s most popular Northern safari circuit.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) located 13km/8mi southwest of Dar es Salaam. The latter is the entry-point for visitors to the southern parks as well as connection flight to Mwanza city and other regions of Tanzania.
Moving on from Arusha or Dar es Salaam, you can fly or drive between reserves. Some domestic flights out of Arusha will leave from Kilimanjaro International Airport, but most flights to reserves leave from the much smaller Arusha Airport (ARK) located 8km/5mi west of town. However you choose to travel, African Diurnal Safaris team will pick you up from the airport and arrange all further transportation as part of your safari package.
Best Tanzania Safari Packages
Read more about popular Tanzania safari packages below. Our customized tours and packages holidays can include multiple destinations to ensure you get the most out of your Tanzania safari holiday and other East Africa destinations.