About Tanzania in East Africa

Tanzania is a country located in East Africa on the Indian Ocean. It has a great diversity of wildlife, cultures and landscapes, from the savannah destinations of the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater to the beaches and coral reefs of Zanzibar (an archipelogo of islands off the coast).

Tourist Attractions

The prime tourist attractions include Mount Kilamanjaro, Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Olduvai Gorge archaeological site, Zanzibar's historic Stone Town and clean white sand beaches.

Tanzania's Northern Safari Circuit is the most celebrated safari area in Africa, offering some of the world's most diverse safari experiences. It includes famous national parks, game reserves and conservation areas. The concentration of Africa's BIG GAME in this area is incredible. You'll likely see the BIG 5.

East African Big 5

The East African BIG 5 includes Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalo and Rhinos.

This East African country offers a wide range of safaris and climbing treks for both first-timers and experienced travelers and hikers.

Tanzania's Climate

• The climate in Tanzania is tropical and the coastal areas are usually hot and humid.
• On the central plateau tends to be dry and arid and cool during the night throughout the year.

There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania:

• The short rains season are generally from November to December.
• The long rains are usually from March to late May.

Zanzibar is warm all year round due to its position near the equator, while the heat of summer is countered by strong sea breezes, offering an idyllic climate. On the mountains in Tanzania, the temperature is much cooler. Mount Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro Crater can be extremely cold during the night.

Best Wildlife Viewing Months

The best wildlife viewing months in Tanzania are during the dry season from late June to October.

Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers and there is less vegetation. There are also fewer mosquitoes because there is little to no rain. Skies are clear and most days are sunny. Mornings and nights get cold. It's recommended to bring warm clothing for morning game drives in open vehicles during the months of June, July and August.

The Serengeti Migration involves hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebra and antelope running the gauntlet of predators as they migrate around the Maasai Mara/Serengeti ecosystem.

• The best chance of seeing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is during June and July.
• The best time to see the wildebeest calving is late January to February.

Tanzania Fun Facts

1. The world's only tree-climbing lions live in the Manyara National Park.
2. The world's largest complete crater, the now-extinct Ngorongoro Crater is in Tanzania.
3. The earliest remains of humans was recovered in Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.
4. Tanzania is the largest country on the East African Coast. It is three times the size of New Mexico.
5. The Maasai Tribe is an indigenous ethnic group of semi-nomadic people living in northern Tanzania and across the border to Kenya. Their distinctive customs and dress make the Maasai one of the most well-known African ethnic groups in the world.
6. The highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is situated in Tanzania. At 19,341 feet, it is over three times as tall as Mount Washington in New Hampshire.

Best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro

The best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are December to February and September. These months offer the clearest and warmest conditions. (June to August can also be a good time to climb Kili.)

Mount Kilimanjaro is sometimes known as the "Roof of Africa." It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. At Serengeti Vacationland Safaris & Kilimanjaro Treks, we pride ourselves in providing the safest Mount Kilimanjaro treks.