Tanzania
Tanzania stretches from the Indian Ocean coast across savanna, highland plateau, and the world's largest intact volcanic caldera to the snowfields of Kilimanjaro — a country where wildlife migration, Swahili culture, and geological extremes share the same longitude.
Overview
Located in East Africa, Tanzania borders Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The Indian Ocean defines its eastern edge. Dodoma is the official capital, though Dar es Salaam remains the largest city and commercial hub. Swahili and English are the official languages, and the Tanzanian shilling is the national currency. The country holds 26 mainland regions plus the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar.
Visa Requirements
Many nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival or can obtain one in advance through Tanzania's official online e-Visa portal before travelling. Some East African Community member-state citizens enter without a visa. Requirements and processing times vary by nationality, so consulting the official immigration authority website well ahead of travel is advisable.
Airports in Tanzania
21 airportsAirlines based in Tanzania
6 airlines
Famous Attractions in Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park hosts the annual wildebeest Great Migration, one of the largest animal movements on Earth. The Ngorongoro Crater — a collapsed volcanic caldera roughly 260 km² in area — shelters one of Africa's densest wildlife populations. Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at 5,895 metres, draws trekkers year-round. Zanzibar's Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserves layers of Swahili, Arab, and colonial architecture. Selous Game Reserve, recently renamed Nyerere National Park, is among Africa's largest protected ecosystems.
Weather & Climate
Tanzania is broadly tropical, though altitude creates significant regional variation. The coast and Zanzibar are warm and humid year-round, averaging 25–32 °C. Highland areas including Kilimanjaro's foothills run considerably cooler. The country has two rainy seasons: short rains from October to December and long rains from March to May. The driest months — June through October — are generally the most comfortable for wildlife viewing and summit attempts. Light layers are essential for highland evenings even during the dry season.
Interesting Facts About Tanzania
- Home to Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Zanzibar was birthplace of Freddie Mercury.
- Lake Tanganyika is the world's second-deepest lake.
- Swahili originated largely along Tanzania's coast.
- Julius Nyerere was Africa's first elected president post-independence.
Official Resources
- immigration.go.tz — Tanzania Immigration Services Department, visa and entry requirements
- tanzaniatourism.go.tz — Tanzania Tourist Board, official tourism information
- tanzaniaparks.go.tz — Tanzania National Parks Authority, park fees and regulations
- meteo.go.tz — Tanzania Meteorological Authority, weather forecasts and climate data