Tanzania

Overview

Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. They include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs. The ultimate safari destination, opportunities to immerse yourself with the wildlife can be found everywhere you go! But don't be fooled, wildlife isn't the only thing to see in Tanzania. The country is also riddled with powdery beaches and the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. It is home to Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, whose snow-capped peaks pose a challenge to even the most experienced adventurers. And who can forget the heart of Tanzania – its people; from the Changga to the Hadzabe – their warm hospitality is sure to keep you coming back for more.

When to Go

Tanzania can be visited almost all year round, due to its equatorial climate and mild temperatures. The only period to avoid is the rainy season from March to May. At this time the lodges are closed and the roads are impassable because they are too muddy. The short rainy season in October and November is not as unpleasant and a safari in the Serengeti and even a stay at the beach can be envisaged, the showers punctuating great sunny days. Because Tanzania is in the southern hemisphere, the hottest weather occurs during the southern summer, at the peak of the dry season, between December and February. The weather is generally warmer and rainier on the coast than inland in the highlands. Zanzibar and the Tanzanian coast have a humid equatorial climate, while the rest of the country has a temperate tropical climate.