Tanzania is a traveler’s paradise. From its beautiful mountains to its exotic islands, Tanzania has a lot to offer for all types of travelers. The local cultural heritage, delicious Swahili cuisine and endless plains of African wilderness lure you into the beauty that is Tanzania.

Keep reading to find out more about Tanzania!

Weather Guide

Since Tanzania is situated close to the equator, the country doesn’t experience vast changes in temperature.

Generally, December to February is the hottest time of the year with temperatures going up to 40 degrees Celsius.

March to May consist of the rainy season, during which the average temperature can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius.

June to October marks the driest season (and also the peak tourist season) which can get chilly, especially during the early mornings and nights. The afternoon temperatures usually range from 20 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius.

That being said, the mountain tops (Kilimanjaro and Meru) can reach negative temperatures!

Best Places to Go

Here are some of the best places to explore in Tanzania:

• Serengeti National Park

Go on a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania’s most popular wildlife destination, the Serengeti National Park. Observe the magnificent wildebeest migration here and look for the Big 5! Other animals you can spot here include giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, hippos, hyenas, jackals, impalas, and cheetahs.

It’s also a great place for birdwatching with over 500 species of birds.

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tanzania. The Big 5 are easy to spot here and the area is full of scenic views!

• Zanzibar Island

Zanzibar is a beautiful island destination with lots to offer, especially for the honeymooners! Explore Stone Town, chill at Nungwi beach, go kitesurfing or scuba diving and enjoy delicious Zanzibar pizza!

• Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the Roof of Africa because it’s the tallest mountain in Africa. You can hike up the mountain to the base camps as well as to the summit. It’s a great experience but requires immense physical strength!

• Selous Game Reserve

The Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa. It represents authentic, pristine African wilderness! The Selous is largely untouched, making it an ideal spot for those seeking an “off-the-beaten-track” adventure. It’s known for its African wild dog population and its scenic beauty. You can also go on a canoe safari here! Check out the Expert Guide on Selous Game Reserve for more details.

• Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is home to a beautiful soda lake that often reflects a pinkish hue owing to the thousands of flamingoes that line the Lake. Also known for its unusual tree-climbing lions, Lake Manyara National Park is a beautiful and interesting park to explore. Make sure you go on the treetop walkway to explore the park’s canopy!

• Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s hidden gem. It’s one of the most rewarding safari destinations because it’s considered a “predator’s paradise” with large populations of lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, and jackals. Other rare wildlife species that can be found here include sable and roan antelopes, greater kudus, lesser kudus and African wild dogs.

Cultural Observations

With over 120 different ethnic tribes in the country, Tanzania is a land of rich cultural heritage. You need to respect the culture and traditions of the locals. Here are a few tips and precautions:

• Don’t wear bikinis or short skirts. Wear long clothes and dress modestly.
• Make sure you don’t take any pictures of the locals without asking for their permission first!
• Try not to wander around the streets at night alone!
• Respect their language and their customs. Don’t mock their religion or culture.

Time Zone

Tanzania falls under the (GMT+3) time zone. This means it’s 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Currency

The local currency in Tanzania is called Tanzanian Shilling. You can convert your dollars into Tanzanian Shillings at the airport and various other spots. You should also take your MasterCard or Visa Card because they’re accepted at various locations throughout the country.

At this moment, 1 USD = 2314 TSH.

However, make sure you get an anti-theft belt to store your money and gadgets safely.

Mobile Networks and Wi-Fi

There are three major mobile networks available: Vodacom is the best for Tanzania generally, Airtel is the best for the northern circuit and Zantel is the best if you’re going to Zanzibar too! Getting a local sim card is important to make communication easier.

Wi-Fi networks are available at almost all hotels across the country. You can also find free Wi-Fi at numerous cafes!

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to Tanzania and have an experience of a lifetime!