Welcome to Tanzania and Zanzibar, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
Witness the awe-inspiring great wildebeest migration and spot the Big 5 animals in their natural habitat, or head off the coast of Zanzibar to swim with playful dolphins. This East African gem is home to some of the continent’s most stunning wildlife, but that’s just the beginning.
From the towering summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to the picturesque ancient towns and archaeological sites, Tanzania is a country full of diverse experiences waiting to be discovered.
With extensive protected areas such as the Serengeti, Tanzania is about the same size as Texas and Oklahoma combined and is home to Africa’s most scenic and captivating landscapes. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as you explore this captivating destination.
"I got to Africa. I got the opportunity to go and learn, not about any animal, but chimpanzees. I was living in my dream world, the forest in Gombe National Park in Tanzania. It was Tanganyika when I began."
Tanzania is a country renowned for its vast wilderness areas, diverse landscapes, and abundant wildlife. From the plains of the Serengeti to the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers a range of unique experiences and adventures for travelers seeking to explore the natural wonders of Africa.
Below we share you three of the must-see places in Rwanda, along with a link to more detail on Rwanda’s many destinations.
Home to the world-renowned Great Migration of wildebeest and other wildlife, the Serengeti is a vast expanse of grasslands and savannahs that covers over 5,700 square miles (14,750 square kilometers). Visitors can witness an unparalleled spectacle of nature as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate across the plains.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unbroken volcanic caldera in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning natural wonder is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo), as well as Maasai tribespeople who live in the area.
This picturesque island off the coast of Tanzania is a unique blend of African and Arab influences, with a rich history and stunning beaches. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or relax on the white sand beaches and swim in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Tanzania is a fantastic destination year-round, with warm and sunny weather throughout. While the high season (June to August, December to February) is popular for wildlife viewing, even the low season months (March to May, September to November) can offer great safari experiences with fewer crowds and potential discounts at lodges.
For those interested in the best weather for wildlife viewing, the dry season from June to October is generally recommended. This is also a good time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, with clear skies offering stunning views. However, even during the rainy season from November to May, there are still plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the country’s natural beauty.
Weather
Tanzania experiences a tropical climate, with relatively high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The coastal areas and Zanzibar are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F) at night. Inland areas, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, are cooler and drier, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) during the day and dropping to as low as 5°C (41°F) at night. Tanzania has two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May, and the short rains from October to December.
The Best Weather For Wildebeest Viewing
This wildebeest migration takes place in the Southeastern Serengeti from December through April, the Western Serengeti and Grumeti from May through July, and then in the Northern Serengeti from July through November.
The herds move from the southern Serengeti to the northern Mara River, with thrilling river crossings that can be witnessed up close.
The wildebeest calving season, another exciting time to visit, occurs between January and March in the southern Serengeti.
Tanzania is a land of wonder, offering a range of experiences that are unparalleled in their beauty and excitement. From the vast savannas of the Serengeti, to the tropical paradise of Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, Tanzania has something to offer every type of traveler.
View the highlights beelow, then click to read more about them.
Founder, Kikooko Africa Safaris
Our tailor-made safaris are designed to offer you the best possible value to make your East African experience a memorable one.
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From mid-July to mid-September is the ideal time of year to see the Great Migration, as this is when the wildebeest herds move from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
From mid-July to mid-September is the ideal time of year to see the Great Migration, as this is when the wildebeest herds move from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
Essential items include lightweight and breathable clothing, including long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection and mosquito prevention, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for safaris and outdoor activities, sunscreen, a camera or binoculars to capture the incredible wildlife and landscapes, a small backpack or daypack to carry your essentials during excursions, and a first aid kit with basic medical supplies such as band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic cream. It’s also important to bring any necessary medication and prescriptions with you.
Tanzania is located in East Africa, bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. It also has a coastline along the Indian Ocean to the east, where the Zanzibar Archipelago is located.
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on your interests. The dry season from June to October is considered the best time for wildlife viewing.
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on your interests. The dry season from June to October is considered the best time for wildlife viewing.
include ugali, a starchy porridge made from maize flour, which is often eaten with a side of meat or vegetable stew. Pilau rice, biryani, and chapatis are also popular dishes, brought over by Indian and Arabic traders. Nyama choma, grilled meat, is a beloved delicacy in Tanzania, with beef, goat, and chicken being the most commonly consumed meats.
Seafood is also popular along the coastal areas, with fish and shellfish being key ingredients in dishes like fish curry and coconut fish soup. Finally, Tanzanian street food is an experience in itself, with vendors selling everything from roasted maize and peanuts to samosas and mandazi, a type of sweet fried bread.
Tanzania is a country filled with natural wonders and cultural treasures, offering a wide range of experiences for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular attractions is the Serengeti National Park, famous for its annual wildebeest migration and diverse wildlife. Another must-see destination is Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa and a popular destination for trekkers and adventure seekers.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is another natural wonder worth exploring, with its stunning volcanic crater and diverse wildlife. For those interested in culture and history, a visit to the island of Zanzibar is a must, with its rich history of spice trading and Swahili culture. The historic Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the island’s beaches offer a chance to relax and unwind.
Other notable attractions include Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa and a great spot for fishing and water sports, and the Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest game reserves in the world. The country’s bustling capital city, Dar es Salaam, is also worth a visit, with its vibrant markets, museums, and lively nightlife. With so much to see and do, Tanzania is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
Yes, visas are required for traveling to Tanzania. Foreign nationals may apply for a visa online in advance of travel by completing the e-visa application form.
Yes, visas are required for traveling to Tanzania. Foreign nationals may apply for a visa online in advance of travel by completing the e-visa application form.
In terms of what to wear, it’s generally best to dress modestly and comfortably, particularly if you plan to visit religious sites or rural areas. In more urban areas like Kigali, casual and business attire is generally acceptable. Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife you’ll encounter on your trip to Rwanda.
No, Tanzania is not a part of the East African Tourist Visa.
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