Tanzania

With such a perfect location perched on the edge of the African continent, and facing the Indian Ocean, Tanzania’s weather and climate leaves nothing to be desired. Warm and sunny days are followed by cool and balmy nights, and whether you’re on safari on the Serengeti plains or enjoying the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, the temperatures are always welcoming and gentle. Consult

But sun-filled and beautiful days are not all that Tanzania has to offer. On the contrary, the country’s borders hold a vast number of people and tribes whose varied cultures and traditions make up the rich tapestry that is Tanzanian culture. A visit will enable you to learn more about the Masaai culture and the customs of the Swahili Coast.

Although Tanzania is a country rich in culture and traditions, it’s history is also one of treasured heritage and pride. From the early days of mankind's history, man has called the land of Tanzania home - its verdant mountains, its scrubland plains. Today there is a peaceful political climate.

The People

Tanzania has a population of around 33 million, with around 2 million people in the largest city Dar es Salaam and 200,000 in the legislative capital. Average life expectancy was 47.9 years in the late 1990’s. There are around 120 tribal groupings and a small but economically signifant Asian a Arabic population as will as a small European community.

Language

The official languages are Swahili and English. Swahili has played a key role in unifying the nation and is widely spoken, as is English especially in the major towns and centres. Reflecting the diversity there are numerous other African languages spoken.

Climate

Between June to October, temperatures range from around 10°C in the northern highlands to about 23°C on the coast. On the plains and the lower-altitude game reserves, the temperatures from June to October are warm and mild. On the coast, these months are some of the most pleasant to visit, with balmy, sunny weather much of the day and cooling ocean breezes at night. 

From December to March, the days are hot and sunny with often not a cloud in the sky. Temperatures range from the mid-twenties to the low thirties throughout the country . In the game parks and central plains, the beautiful weather provides perfect opportunities for unhampered game viewing, and clear night skies offer perfect opportunities for star-gazing and romantic evenings in the bush.

Tanzania’s equatorial climate brings two seasons of rain each year: the masika, or long rains that fall from mid-March to the end of May, and the mvuli, or short rains, that come intermittently throughout November and parts of December, and sometimes stretch into early January. During the long rains, heavy showers fall in the early mornings but usually clear up by mid-day, with the weather often remaining clear and sunny until late afternoon. By evening, impressive cloud formations build, breaking sometime after dark and the rain often continues throughout the night. During the short rains, light showers in the mornings and late afternoons are punctuated by stretches of clear weather and beautiful rays of sunlight. The beginning of both rainy seasons is marked by a change in the winds which historically, marked the time for trading boats to set off on expeditions across the Indian Ocean or return to their native lands.

In summary, however, Tanzania can really be visited at any time!

Time

When it is noon in New York it is 8pm in Tanzania.

Parks and Reserves

The Parks of Tanzania range between the readily accessible and the remote.

Northern Circuit

The Northern Circuit has some of the worlds most famous sites, the Serengeti (and where if you are traveling from December to April, you may see the annual wildebeest migration ) and the Ngorongoro Crater being the obvious ones. Nearer to Arusha are Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks. For hikers, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or the crater of Mt. Meru is an adventurous break from game viewing.

 

Sourthern Circuit

Requiring more time because of the distances there are some vast areas where Selous Game Reserve Ruaha National Park can be found Nearer to Dar es Salaam Saadanis is a feature of the so call Eastern Circuit of Parks. The Parks in the West are remoter and are less developed but include Parks such as Katavi, Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream where chimpanzees are a major attraction.

International Airports

The major international airports are Dar es Salaam International, Kilimanjaro International Airport (midway between Arusha and Moshi) and Zanzibar Airport. There is a departure tax payable.