Home > Destinations > Tanzania
Tanzania PDF Print E-mail
Article Index
Tanzania
Lake Manyara National Park
Tarangire National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park
Zanzibar Island
All Pages

Tanzanian FlagMt. Kilimanjaro

Tanzania was formed out of the union of two sovereign states namely Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The two sovereign republics formed the United Republic of Tanzania on 26th April, 1964. However, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is a unitary republic consisting of the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government.

Official name:

Republic of Tanzania

Capital:

Dar es Salaam; note - legislative offices have been transferred to Dodoma, which is planned as the new national capital; the National Assembly now meets there on regular basis

Area:

total: 945,087 sq km

Water:

59,050 sq km

Land:

886,037 sq km

Population:

39,384,223

Ethnic groups:

More than 120 tribes.

Languages:

Kiswahili (National)

Location:

Eastern Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean, between Kenya and Mozambique

Currency:

Tanzanian shilling (TZS)

Climate

June-late October: This is the dry season in Tanzania and the weather is coolest during June, July and August. During June, July and August it can be very cold on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater and warm clothes are needed for early mornings and evenings. Evening temperatures at the Crater can go down to the 40. It can be cold at the top but when you reach the floor of the Crater it can be very warm during the day so it is advised to layer the clothing. The Serengeti and Lake Manyara regions gradually become warmer during this period so summer clothes are best with lightweight sweater and windbreaker recommended for the mornings and the evenings.

National Parks and Game Reserves of Tanzania

Tanzania has more land devoted to national parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. Everything from pristine coral reefs to the Crater Highlands remote game reserves and the famous national parks are protected by government law and placed in trust for future generations.

In addition to a listing of the main attractions of Tanzania, we have included many parks that are largely neglected in favor of the big names like Serengeti and Ngorongoro. It is our hope that in writing up these lesser-known locations, visitors may be tempted to include them on their itineraries and encourage tourism to other equally beautiful, parts of the country.

Most hunting reserves have been omitted due to restricted access for safari vehicles and wildlife tourists. Tanzania has incredible biodiversity, so wildlife populations and bird species often vary according to the season and region. A visit to one of the smaller game reserves for a short hiking trip or a day excursion is well worth the effort of an extended itinerary. Off the beaten track, the sights and sounds of Africa truly come alive.

travel info