About Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the most impressive safari destinations in East Africa. With its culture-rich atmosphere, spectacular natural attractions, and an abundance of things to do, you’ll need a lifetime to explore everything the country has to offer.

It’s home to some of Africa’s most famous national parks and boasts an unmatched safari circuit. Split up into four sections (north, south, east, west); you could spend your entire vacation hopping from one park to the next and experience wildly different landscapes and wildlife.

But Tanzania’s appeal doesn’t stop at game viewing. Inside its borders, you’ll find the highest mountain in Africa, palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, the statuesque Maasai warriors, and the intriguing histories of Stone Town.

Tanzania has it all. Are you ready to experience it for yourself?

Easy Travel's Recommended Tanzania Safari Tours & Kilimanjaro Trekking

Tanzania Safari Travel Guide

Tanzania - why visit tanzania - tanzania 2

Tanzania is a country full of seductive beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Site, astounding natural scenery, and some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa.

It’s a destination for the adventurous traveler. Whether you want to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, explore the depths of the Zanzibar Archipelago, or drive off into the Serengeti in search of the Great Migration.

For a slower pace that’s still full of adventure, float over the plains with a hot air balloon safari, unwind on the white sand beaches of Pemba Island, or explore the histories of Stone Town.

You can do all of this and more in Tanzania!

Tanzania - best time to travel tanzania min - tanzania 2

The best time to go to Tanzania depends on what you want to see. There’s no bad time to plan a trip, but each season comes with its own highlights.

During the dry season (June to September), it’s prime safari weather. Wildlife flock to the watering holes, and the bush is thin, making it easy to spot those elusive Big Cats.

For trekking, June to October are the best months to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is dry, and you’ll have a much easier time summiting the highest mountain in Africa.

In the wet season (October to April), you’ll have prime viewing for bird watching and baby animals. With over 1,000 native bird species and migratory birds from Europe and North Africa, there’s plenty to see if you don’t mind a bit of rain.

Parks in tanzania

With 22 national parks to choose from, it can feel overwhelming trying to plan your Tanzania safari. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide between the best national parks in Tanzania:

Northern circuit:

Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park.

Southern circuit:

Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park.

Western Circuit:

Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park.

Eastern circuit:

Saadani National Park

These parks offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Tanzania, as well as unique landscapes you won’t find anywhere else.

What-to-see-in-tanzania

There are so many things to do in Tanzania. You could spend weeks or even months here and still find attractions and places to visit. Some of the top sights in Tanzania include Mount Kilimanjaro (one of the Seven Summits), Serengeti National Park (home of the Great Wildebeest Migration), Stone Town in Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia Island, Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area (famous for its crater and Big 5 sightings), Tarangire National Park, Nyerere National Park (the largest game reserve in Africa) and Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research in Gombe Stream National Park.

Four season

Tanzania has a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget. If you want to keep your costs as low as possible, book one of our basic tours. It includes all the camping equipment and stay at campsites within the different national parks.

Want some more creature comforts? Upgrade to a tented camp (glamping), and you won’t have to bring anything except your standard luggage. If you want to spoil yourself, book one of Tanzania’s luxury lodges. There are dozens of four and five-star camps to choose from with different price points and inclusions.

Seasons of tanzania

There are four seasons in Tanzania. The Dry Season (June to October) is the most popular time of year to visit Tanzania. Accommodation and flight prices peak, and you’ll get to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration. January to February is the Green Season. It’s Tanzania’s second high season and another fantastic period to go on safari and see big cat action.

The Long Rain Season (March to May) is the best time to travel to Tanzania on a budget. You’ll find cheap flights and lodges knocking off as much as 50% off their standard rates. The only downside? The rains make some of the national parks inaccessible. The Short Rain Season (November to December) is a busy period despite the less-than-perfect weather. Travelers flock here for the end-of-year holidays, and accommodation prices are high.

Tanzania - is tanzania a safe country 1 - tanzania 2

Yes, Tanzania is a safe country. It’s the largest East Africa nation and is one of the most peaceful countries on the continent.

One thing you’ll need to keep in mind before you arrive is the COVID travel restrictions to travel to Tanzania. While reported cases and deaths aren’t as high as other destinations, you’ll need to adhere to the safety protocols for the coronavirus in Tanzania.

All visitors to Tanzania must have a negative 96-hour PCR test on arrival. When you land at the airport, you’ll need to take a covid antigen test at your expense.

Should you need a negative PCR to board your flight back home, you can take a covid test in Tanzania by pre-booking your appointment with select clinics.

Tanzania sunset
 
Tanzania’s weather depends heavily on where you are in the country and the time of the year. Due to its proximity near the equator and its size, you might find it hot and tropical on the coast but cool in the northern highlands.

If you want to go on safari in Tanzania, the best time to visit is during the dry seasons. January to February and June to early October, see hardly any rainfall and the wildlife flocks around the dwindling water holes. However, the two rainy seasons (March to May and November to December) have their charms. It’s prime time to see baby animals, migrating birds and scoop up incredible deals at Tanzania’s top lodges.

Open plains

Tanzania is famous for its diverse wildlife and spectacular landscapes. Inside the country’s 22 national parks, you’ll find 20% of Africa’s large mammal population and incredible experiences like the Great Wildebeest Migration and Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research in Gombe National Park.

Tanzania’s defining natural attraction is Mount Kilimanjaro. One of the Seven Summits, the mountain dominates the landscape and is home to five different climate zones. Further afield, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the largest intact caldera in the world and one of the best places to see the Big 5 in Tanzania.

History of tanzania

The United Republic of Tanzania has a rich history, dating back millions of years, and is the 13th largest country in Africa. Its Olduvai Gorge region is called “The Cradle of Mankind.” Here, researchers have found 3.6-million-year-old footprints from our immediate human ancestors, the Laetoli.

Tanzania (the name) is the combination of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. On 26th April 1964, the two regions unified, forming the United Republic of Tanzania after becoming free from British colonial rule. The same year, Prime Minister Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere became president of Tanzania and introduced African socialism (aka Ujamaa) to promote justice and equality.

Tanzania - people of tanzania min - tanzania 2

Tanzania is home to a mix of 120 ethnicities and tribes. The country has Africans (95% are of Bantu origin) and a significant number of Arabs and Asians with a small European community. On Zanzibar (where 3% of Tanzania’s population resides), you can find the Shirazi people, descendants of immigrants from Shiraz in Iran. But Tanzania’s most famous and iconic tribe is the Maasai, a Nilotic ethnic group. This tribe surged in popularity due to living near some of the top game reserves in Tanzania, and their distinctive customs and dress.

Tanzania - language in tanzania min - tanzania 2

Tanzania is the most linguistically diverse country in Africa. It’s home to over 100 languages, split amongst the country’s 129 different ethnic groups. In an effort to make sure that no one tribe dominates in the country, there is no de jure official language.

However, Swahili is the national language of Tanzania and is spoken by a large percentage of the population. English is used as a de facto language in Tanzania and is a remnant of colonial rule. You’ll find most people can speak and understand it in the cities, but it’s not widely spoken in the rural areas.

Why choose us?

Easy Travel takes the hassle out of planning a trip to Tanzania. With over 35-years of experience, the team and guides know how to plan custom-made itineraries and run an unforgettable trip you’ll rave about for years.

As an elite KPAP certified operator, and three decades running treks to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, you know you’re dealing with an ethical tour company who will look after you and their porters.

Don’t believe us? Our reviews speak for themselves. Easy Travel received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence nine years in a row and we have 2000+ positive reviews on the platform with 96% five-star rating.

Where to go in Tanzania

Scintillating safaris, majestic mountains, crystal-clear ocean waters, vibrant cities. Tanzania has everything, all you have to do is choose!

Tanzania - tanzania map circuit - tanzania

Tanzania's Northern Circuit

Tanzania’s northern circuit is undoubtedly the most popular of all four points of the compass in Tanzania.

The north is where you’ll find such world-famous landmarks as the sprawling Serengeti, the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, and the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania - northern tanzania circuit map - tanzania
Tanzania - eastern circuit map - tanzania

Tanzania's Eastern Circuit

The eastern circuit of Tanzania is the coastal region with the Indian ocean, meaning you will find more cities and settlements along this circuit..

The most famous draw of eastern Tanzania, of course, are the spice islands of the Indian ocean – Zanzibar being the crown jewel among them.

Tanzania's Southern Circuit

The southern circuit of the country has more than its fair share of incredible sights to see. One word that can be used to describe the southern circuit is ‘sprawling’. Ruaha and Nyerere combine to over 50,000 km2 of safari landscape.
Tanzania - southern tanzania circuit map - tanzania
Tanzania - western tanzania circuit map - tanzania

Tanzania's Western Circuit

The western circuit is the domain of tall mountains, lonely lakes, and remote locations.

The biggest draw of western Tanzania is that it is one of the few locations in the world where you can see chimpanzees in the wild.

Month-by-month guide for the best time to visit Tanzania

Where to stay in Tanzania

World-class hotels, luxury lodges, tented camps. Let us guide you through the best accommodations in Tanzania, whatever your preferred location.

Tanzania - where you can stay in tanzania - tanzania

Tanzania Travel Advice

Tanzania is a safe destination. Below, learn all about traveling, looking after yourself and about the culture and etiquette. 

  • Tanzania - icon 1 - tanzania
  • Travel Find out about Getting to Tanzania, visas, money, and what to pack.
  • Tanzania - icon 1 - tanzania
  • Safety Read about safari safety, mountain safety, or safety in other activities.
  • Tanzania - icon 1 - tanzania
  • Health Find out about general health, travel insurance, medicines, medical facilities, and vaccinations.

Reviews

Your adventure is unique, every trip is different. But others have gone before you. Read what they have to say.

4200+ reviews


Easy Travel & Tours Ltd on TripAdvisor


FAQ

You have questions, many questions. With over 35 years of experience, we at Easy Travel believe we have the answers.

Located in East Africa, Tanzania is bordered by the Indian Ocean on its Eastern Side, blessing us with the beauty of Zanzibar.

North of Tanzania you will find Kenya and Uganda, whilst Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi can be found to the west. South of Tanzania is Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

There are a number of ways of getting to Tanzania, however you usually will fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (640km, or 2 hours’ flight from Arusha City), or at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (45 minutes’ drive from Arusha City.

Tanzania is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). This means that there’s no time difference between their summer and winter months.

The official language of Tanzania is Swahili, and most of our people speak it. Just as well, as we have well over 100 different tribal languages! Fortunately English is widely spoken in the larger towns and places where visitors frequent. At Easy Travel, we have a team of driver-guides who can speak a variety of languages such as English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. When booking with us be sure to let us know if you have a preferred language you would like our Guides to speak.

We are sure you’ll feel very safe here, we’re sure you’ll feel very welcome. As with everywhere else in the world, just use a bit of common sense, don’t flaunt any valuables and you can enjoy the natural wonders, the culture and the people of Tanzania.

Whilst most of our visitors will come to Tanzania for our wildlife experiences, they often leave with a much wider and richer experience than they could have ever expected. Why? Part of that is due to our friendly, welcoming, colourful people. Tanzanians are a true mix of many ethnicities, different religious beliefs and all live together in harmony in what is one of the African continent’s safest destinations.

Whether you are looking to climb Kilimanjaro or tick off that African Safari from your bucket list, we are excited to help you plan.

Contact us today with any specific preferences and our team of Tanzania specialists will get back to you with a bespoke Itinerary that will blow your mind.

We cannot wait to welcome you!

The Tanzanian dry season usually starts at the start of June and continues through until the end of October. After that, the ‘short rains’ begin from late October/early November until mid- to end December. There is then a respite from late December to Mid of March, and then the ‘long rains’ start at the end of March and last until May.

Of course, weather seasons can vary every year, so you have to be prepared for anything.

Tanzania has two rainy seasons, with the so-called ‘long rains’ from the end of March to May and the ‘short rains’ from late October/early November through to mid-December.

Yes. With its tropical climate, there inevitably are mosquitos in Tanzania. Visitors should take advice from a medical practitioner well in advance of visiting, as courses of antimalarial drugs usually have to begin before your visit start. You should bring mosquito repellent and wear neutral-coloured/khaki clothes. Some accommodations will provide anti-mosquito measures such as mosquito nets or spray your sleeping quarters with repellent.

Tanzania is mapped by the World Health Organization as a low risk country because no Yellow fever virus has been isolated in the country. However, the abundance of Yellow fever vector and other favorable ecological conditions pose potential risk for Yellow fever if the virus is introduced into the country. Furthermore, being bordered with Yellow fever endemic countries has also increased the vulnerability of Tanzania being infected with the virus.

In order to conform to IHR, 2005 requirements and safeguard public health security in Tanzania, Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to travellers arriving from Yellow fever endemic countries. This condition also applies to travellers subjected to long flight connection (transit) in Yellow fever endemic country for twelve hours (12hrs) or more.

Why not chat with an expert?

Get in touch with our expert to plan your Dream Tanzania Tour

Or WhatsApp us on +255 754 400 141