Tanzania

The cradle of mankind

The United Republic of Tanzania is an East African country bordering the Indian Ocean. Its neighbours are Kenya and Uganda, to the North, Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo, to the West, Zambia, Malawi and to the South, Mozambique.

The country boasts the island of Zanzibar popular for its balmy weather and warm tropical waters.

Tanzania is a result of the unification of Tanganyika (the mainland) and the Zanzibar islands. Tanganyika and Zanzibar united on 26th April 1964, forming the United Republic of Tanzania. Tanganyika became independent from the British in December 1961 and Zanzibar became free through a revolution on 12th January 1964.

About 10,000 years ago, Tanzania was populated by hunter-gatherer communities who spoke Khoisan. They were joined by Cushitic-speaking people who came from the North, absorbing their culture, introducing techniques of agriculture, food production, and cattle farming. Later, Bantus began arriving from Western Africa who further developed iron working skills and introduced different ideas of social and political organisation.

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Population & Location

41,087.000 and Eastern Africa

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Local Currency

Tanzanian Shilling

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Airline Carriers & Routes

Airlines like Kenya Airways, Qatar, Emirates & Turkish Airlines

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Vaccinations

Yellow fever is advised and visitors are advised to carry mosquito repellants

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Climate

Generally warm, Over 20 degrees Celsius. Sunscreen is recommended

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E-Visa

Apply online and available for a fee

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Languages

English & Swahili

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Accommodation Types

Lodges, Hotels, Campsites & Glamping campsites

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GMT/UTC

+3 Hrs

Exploring Tanzania's Wilderness

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro is one of the largest unbroken calderas in the world that isn’t a lake. Its steep walls soar 400m to 610m and provide the setting for an incredible natural drama, as prey and predators graze and stalk their way around the open grasslands, swamps and acacia woodland on the crater floor.

Zanzibar Stone Town

Stone Town also known as Mji Mkongwe is a prominent historical and artistic importance in East Africa, popular for long walks through a maze of narrow streets. Its architecture, mostly dates back to the 19th century and reflects the diverse influences underlying the Swahili culture, giving a unique mixture of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. For this reason, the town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Serengeti National Park

As Tanzania’s largest and most iconic national park, Serengeti boasts the acclaimed new seven wonders of the world – the Wildebeest migration. Also famous for spotting the big five, and the largest population of Lion’s in Africa, this park attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year.

Lake Manyara National Park

The highlight of Lake Manyara is the large population of Elephants, tree-climbing Lions and hippos, which can be observed at a much closer range than in other parks.

Paradise, White Sandy beaches

Prison Island

Prison island is very scenic, surrounded by perfect blue waters. Its proximity to Stone Town on Unguja makes it a popular day trip option. ‘Changuu’ – as it is sometimes called – has had numerous uses throughout history, with the island once used as a slave port and quarantine station, amongst other things.

Nowadays, the island is coated in trees, and a giant tortoise sanctuary can be found at one end. The remains of the prison, which never actually hosted any prisoners, can be found scattered about here and there.

With a stunning beach on offer, fantastic snorkelling just offshore, and marvellous views to boot, Prison Island is well worth visiting when in Stone Town. The boat trip there and back is equally entertaining as you skim across the waves to the secluded island.

Jambiani beach

Jambiani hosts a variety of activities that attract tourists wanting to experience the best of both worlds. Other than the tropical waters and beautiful scenery, it is worth going for a boat trip on one of the dhows.

The nearby Stingray City is one of the most impressive dive sites around; you’ll find hundreds of stingrays gracefully gliding around.

Additionally, guests can opt to take a local cooking class, go for a cultural tour or head to Jozani Forest to catch a glimpse of Monkeys playing amidst the trees.

Kendwa beach

Located on the North-western coastline of Unguja, Kendwa Beach is one of the liveliest and most touristic parts of Zanzibar and is the place to head if you want the perfect quality nightlife. For instance, Kendwa Rocks organizes monthly all-night full Moon Parties.

There are plenty of activities and day trips for visitors to choose from (nothing on the island is more than an hour or two drive away), with the snorkelling and scuba diving being particularly fantastic.

Select Tours in Tanzania

9 Days Masai Mara & Serengeti Walking Safari

4 Nights / 5 Days: Manyara National Park and Zanzibar Beach

5 Nights / 6 Days Safari: Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti & Zanzibar

Honeymoon Kenyan Safari & Flying to Zanzibar Beach

Culture & History

Kenya has managed to develop its own unique and diverse heritage and culture, which spans 42 tribes. This is the Nation’s greatest strength – he ability to blend the best of many worlds into a strong singular identity. In fact, recently, Kenya has now included the Indian community as the 43rd tribe of the country.

The National Museum of Tanzania

The National Museum of Tanzania (NMT) was established as a body corporate under the National Museum Act No.7 of 1980 as a scientific, educational and cultural institution. Its responsibilities are to acquire, research, document, conserve, and display all materials related to Tanzania’s cultural and natural heritage.

Village Museum Bagamoyo Tanzania

Experience how the local Tanzanian’s used to live before civilization and an optional extra experience of local dances at a small fee.

Stone Town Zanzibar

Stone Town has become a UNESCO World Heritage in 2000 and is considered to be one of the most significant historical and tourist attractions in Tanzania. There are many attractions in Stone Town including museums, memorials and ancient iconic buildings influenced by Arabia, Persia, India and Europe.

Kenya Activities

Mountain Climbing

Both Mt. Kenya and Mt. Longonot offer a route for every level of trekker and climber. It is not surprising that trekking on these mountains is high on many travellers’ priority lists.

Golf

Few places in the world offer such ingredients for a golf holiday. The opportunity to play the sport and to see wildlife sometimes on the course is an incredible experience. IAGTO has recognised Kenya as an undisputed golfing destination. More info at www.kgma.co.ke

White Water Rafting

The Tana River is a drop pool river offering exciting white-water rafting, as does the Athi River that borders Tsavo National Park. Mathoya River can offer arguably the most technically challenging water to be found across Kenya.

Skydiving

Skydiving in Diani allows you to experience the thrill of free fall and a magnificent canopy flight over the coastline without any significant training. After the pre-jump brief, divers board a plane for a 15 minutes’ flight under a clear sky, and over a stunning rim of white sand below.

Bunjee Jumping

The ultimate adrenaline rush can be combined as part of a safari in the north, or as part of a white-water rafting experience at Tana River near Sagana. A nation known around the world, famous for its culture, history and natural beauty, Kenya is also an adventure seeker’s paradise. The secret of its success is its ability to combine each of these qualities with ease. Kenya is a magical land of beauty and adventure. Kenya, a Land of Adventure.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

A morning flight will give you a bird’s eye view, offering exceptional vistas such as the Great Rift Valley. Early morning is the ideal time to see wild animals on the plains. In the Masai Mara Game Reserve it is an unforgettable experience as you glide leisurely