Tanzania is a place where nature shows off at its finest. It’s the land of safaris, where you can spot lions, elephants, and if you’re lucky, the elusive leopard. These are part of the famous “Big Five” that everyone talks about. Each year, the Great Migration paints the Serengeti with herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the plains in a sight so spectacular, that it’s unforgettable.
Then there’s Mount Kilimanjaro, which isn’t just any mountain. It’s the tallest in Africa, and it calls out to anyone who’s up for a real adventure. Climbing it is a big achievement!
But Tanzania isn’t just about animals and mountains. It has over 20 national parks, each with its own special story. You might walk through Gombe and Mahale and meet some chimpanzees, or find yourself in the middle of the Ngorongoro Crater watching a whole world of wildlife living in an ancient volcanic bowl.
The land is full of surprises too. The Rift Valley carves through Tanzania, creating landscapes that take your breath away—think massive lakes and rolling hills.
And the people? They’re the essence of Tanzania. Groups like the Maasai share their traditions and stories, adding to the rich diversity that makes this country unique. The food is a mix of flavours reflecting Tanzania’s place as a crossroads of cultures—spicy, sweet, and everything in between.
In Tanzania, every day is different. One day you might watch the sunrise over Kilimanjaro, another day spot a leopard on the hunt, or learn a few Swahili phrases from new friends. It’s all about wild adventures and real moments. That’s Tanzania for you—wild, diverse, and always inviting.
Tanzania is renowned for its world-class safaris, featuring three distinct safari circuits, each offering a unique experience.
The Northern Circuit is the most popular, home to the Serengeti National Park where you can witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration and easily spot the Big Five.
The Southern Circuit includes remote parks like Selous Game Reserve, which is less crowded and offers a chance to see wildlife in a more untouched setting.
The Western Circuit allows for adventurous encounters, such as chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains.
The best wildlife viewing is during the Dry season from late June to October. This is when you can catch the famous wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, especially around June and July. If you want to see the wildebeest calving, plan your visit for late January to February.
Tanzania has a tropical climate but it varies a lot. The coast is hot and humid, while the western and southern lowlands are hot but drier. The highlands are cooler, especially at night. There are two main seasons: Dry and Wet. The Dry season is generally more comfortable for travel and wildlife viewing.
There are two main international airports: Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha, and Julius Nyerere International Airport near Dar es Salaam. Arusha is the gateway to the northern safari parks, while Dar es Salaam is closer to the southern parks. You can fly between reserves from these cities, and most safari packages include airport pickups and all necessary transportation.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar) – is the main airport serving Zanzibar, an island region of Tanzania. It is located approximately 5 kilometers south of Zanzibar City, the island’s capital. The airport is named after Abeid Amani Karume, the first president of Zanzibar.
The airport serves as a key gateway for tourists visiting Zanzibar, known for its pristine beaches, historic Stone Town, and rich cultural heritage. It handles both domestic and international flights, with connections to major cities in East Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Visitors need a passport valid for at least six months with at least one blank visa page. If you’re coming from a country with a yellow fever risk, you’ll need a vaccination certificate. Most nationalities need a visa, which you can get before your trip online or on arrival, though waiting times can be long at the airport. Always check the latest entry requirements with your local Tanzania embassy before travelling.
Tanzania offers an online e-visa application process via visa.immigration.go.tz
