Discover Africa

Tanzania

Q: What animals can I see in Tanzania?

Tanzania has the largest animal population density of any country in the world. Animals native to Tanzania include cheetah, lion, wildebeest, gazelle, ostrich, elephant, leopard, jackal, hyena and giraffe, and over 1,100 different bird species. Tanzania also has the highest number of predators in Africa.

Q: Where is Tanzania located?

Tanzania is located east of Africa’s Great Lakes, north of Mozambique and south of Kenya. It’s coastline runs along the Indian Ocean.

Q: What language is spoken in Tanzania?

Swahili and English are widely spoken in Tanzania.

Q: How many national parks are there in Tanzania?

Almost 40% of the country is protected through wildlife reserves, conservation areas and marine conservation areas. Tanzania has 17 national parks that cover more than 16,000 square miles. Our Wilderness teams can arrange accommodation in beautiful safari camps situated in the country’s most sought-after wildlife areas.

Q: What can I do in Tanzania besides going on safari?

There is much to do in Tanzania. A visit to Zanzibar’s golden beaches with a dhow cruise on the warm Indian Ocean is a must. Discover the rich culture of Tanzania by visiting Stone Town, the famous spice market and enjoy eating delicious local food. Explore the bustling city of Dar es Salaam. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is many people’s most aspirational African adventure.

Q: What should I wear on a Tanzanian safari?

Tanzania is generally warm but can get cooler in winter, particularly on early morning and late evening game drives. Pack a rain jacket, and warmer clothing for winter, with light clothing for summer. Bright colours and white are not recommended for a safari, with khaki-coloured clothing generally recommended for travel in the African wilderness.

Q: Where do I fly into Tanzania for a safari?

If you are travelling to Tanzania’s popular northern safari circuit you will land at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Tanzania's main airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport, in Dar es Salaam.

Q: What is Tanzania’s national animal?

The graceful giraffe is Tanzania’s national animal.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Yes, travellers from most countries need a visa to travel to Tanzania. A single entry e-visa can be obtained online before travelling.

Q: What vaccines do I need to visit Tanzania?

Always chat to your travel clinic or doctor before travelling to Tanzania. As a guide, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, diphtheria and polio vaccinations are recommended. You will also need to show your yellow fever vaccination card.

From Mount Kilimanjaro’s iconic snow-capped peak, to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the Great Migration, Tanzania is spellbinding.

Home Africa Tanzania

A wonderland of wildlife

Discover an East African safari spectacle

Beyond the exotic spice island of Zanzibar and the dramatic snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, the famed plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania offer some of the best game-viewing on Earth. Tanzania is home to some of the most iconic African national parks, private game reserves and conservation areas, including the Ngorongoro Crater and renowned Serengeti National Park, where over a million wildebeest and zebras cross the plains in the Great Migration.

TANZANIA

The Great Migration

Clouds of dust across the plains. Horns, hooves, stripes; behold Africa’s most impressive wildlife spectacle, the Great Migration. Watch hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and other plains game travel an endless journey, covering the entire Serengeti; crossing its rivers, braving its predators. Grazing, drinking, breeding, moving as one.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Tanzania at a glance

As one of Africa’s most iconic destinations, and with a pleasant year-round climate, Tanzania is a must-visit at any time. Follow in ancient footsteps on guided walks across the Serengeti’s wildlife-rich plains, sunbathe on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar or explore the country on a hike, cycle or canoe excursion.

Key Facts

Habitats

Wildlife

Weather

Tanzania key facts

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa and includes the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia. The country is about twice the size of California and is bordered by the Indian Ocean. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa and is flanked by three of the largest lakes on the continent. Lake Victoria, in the north, Lake Tanganyika in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the south-west.

POPULATION SIZE

61.5 million

CURRENCY

Tanzanian shilling (TZS)

GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE

947,300 km²

BEST TIME TO GO

All year round

LANGUAGE

Kiswahili & English

Weather

Tanzania enjoys a tropical climate year-round, but due to its diverse geography, rainfall and humidity vary. 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 two rainy seasons.

TRANSITION SEASON

March to May

DRY SEASON

May to October

SUMMER SEASON

November to January

Key Facts

Tanzania key facts

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa and includes the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia. The country is about twice the size of California and is bordered by the Indian Ocean. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa and is flanked by three of the largest lakes on the continent. Lake Victoria, in the north, Lake Tanganyika in the west, and Lake Nyasa in the south-west.

POPULATION SIZE

61.5 million

CURRENCY

Tanzanian shilling (TZS)

GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE

947,300 km²

BEST TIME TO GO

All year round

LANGUAGE

Kiswahili & English

Habitats

Wildlife

Weather

Tanzania enjoys a tropical climate year-round, but due to its diverse geography, rainfall and humidity vary. 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 two rainy seasons.

TRANSITION SEASON

March to May

DRY SEASON

May to October

SUMMER SEASON

November to January

TANZANIA EXPERIENCES

Tanzania safari experiences

Explore one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations on game drives and guided walks across the Serengeti’s open savannah plains. Tick Tanzania’s many birds off your list, and spend the evenings gazing at the stars, as plentiful as the migratory herds below.

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TANZANIA JOURNEYS

Ready to take the wildest Tanzania safari?

Our curated journeys across Tanzania offer you a taste of the thrilling experiences that await: iconic sightings, dramatic landscapes and luxury safaris in pristine areas. Our industry-leading guides are passionate storytellers who look forward to sharing their love of Tanzania’s wild with you.

Explore our Journeys

The Serengeti in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park is located in the north-eastern corner of Tanzania and is known as one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife. Wilderness operates a safari camp that moves between various sites in the vast Serengeti. Exclusive and totally mobile, no luxury has been spared.

Visit Serengeti National Park

Wilderness Usawa Mobile Tent Accommodation

A luxury mobile tented camp

Wilderness Usawa Serengeti experience provides a perfect balance of action and comfort. Offering great wildlife encounters yet distanced from the crowded tourist hubs, this tented camp showcases thoughtful design and architecture, inviting guests to indulge in a secluded and exclusive East African adventure.

Visit Usawa Camp

FAQ

General

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Visas

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Vaccinations

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Journal

Tanzania featured stories

Enjoy this collection of Tanzania stories – from award-winning photography to wildlife updates, feature travel stories and more. Travel to Tanzania’s iconic Serengeti – ready and waiting to welcome you.

See all stories

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