ABOUT TANZANIA

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Discover Tanzania

A Land Surrounded by Water

Tanzania is the largest country in East Africa. It is almost completely surrounded by water. Lakes Victoria and Tanganyika lie to the north and west, while Lake Nyasa borders the south. To the east, the warm Indian Ocean stretches along Tanzania’s 1,424-kilometre coastline and around the islands of Zanzibar.

Climate and Seasons

Located just south of the Equator, Tanzania enjoys a warm tropical climate throughout the year.

  • The coast is humid.

  • The highlands are fresh and cool.

  • The islands enjoy steady ocean breezes.

The country has two rainy seasons each year. These rains create lush green landscapes and support the abundant wildlife that makes Tanzania world-famous.

Wildlife and Natural Wonders

More than a quarter of Tanzania’s 945,087 square kilometres is protected as national parks and reserves. Many of these areas rank among the finest wildlife sanctuaries on the planet. They include:

  • Serengeti National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Ngorongoro Crater (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Selous Game Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Other iconic destinations include Mount Kilimanjaro, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Ruaha, Mikumi, and the Zanzibar Islands. These locations have long been favourites of travellers and tour planners.

Several remote parks, such as Katavi, Mahale Mountains, Gombe Stream, Mkomazi, Saadani, Udzungwa Mountains, and Kitulo, are now drawing more attention. For years, these regions were rarely featured in itineraries due to limited infrastructure. Today, many remain pristine and offer exciting opportunities for new nature-based adventures.

A Rich Cultural Mosaic

Tanzania’s culture is shaped by interactions among its many tribes and early visitors to the East African coast. This blend includes:

  • Indigenous Bushmen of the Great Rift Valley, known for their rock paintings near Kondoa Irangi

  • Nilo-Hamite, Cushite, and Bantu tribes

  • Early traders from China, Malaysia, India, Arabia, and Persia

  • Later explorers and colonial visitors, including the Portuguese, Germans, and British

People and Language

The country is home to more than 120 tribes, each contributing to Tanzania’s vibrant cultural identity. Kiswahili, the national language, unites all tribes and is widely spoken across East and Central Africa.