One of Africa’s most versatile destinations, Tanzania attracts honeymooners, families and seasoned travellers alike. Home to the Big Five, Mount Kilimanjaro and within easy reach of laid back and idyllic Zanzibar, this is a country that encapsulates fantastic wildlife viewing, countless walking and trekking opportunities and intimate beach resorts. Plan your trip to one of Africa’s most appealing safari destinations.

The climate is tropical and coastal areas are hot and humid, while the north-western highlands are cool and temperate. There are two rainy seasons; the short rains are generally from October to December, while the long rains last from March to June. The central plateau tends to be dry and arid throughout the year. Tanzania can be visited year-round, although the best time for travelling is outside of the rainy season between June and October, when temperatures stay well below their summer peaks. Beach side locations like Zanzibar can be fine to visit during the hotter months of December to January, when ocean breezes make the high temperatures bearable (though humidity can still be high). However, this is also the time popular for typical beach holidays, especially for those travelling from Europe wanting some winter sunshine, and hotels can book up early especially for the Christmas and New Year period.

The native cuisine varies due to Tanzania’s multi-ethnic culture. However, most of their meals consist of cereals like millet, sorghum, chickpeas cornmeal, beans, chickpeas and potatoes are eaten as main dishes. Raw and ripe plantains are served as ingredients in stews. The native population of Zanzibar eats pilaf dishes, rice cooked with spices such as cloves, saffron, cinnamon, fruits pomegranate juice, meats. The Indian settlers brought with them their curries and wheat flour breads. The British added their own dishes including grilled meats, boiled vegetables and meat stews. East African cuisine is famous for dishes containing a variety of insects. Locusts, grasshoppers and flying ants are trapped and then are either fried or sun dried. Termites are another delicacy along with caterpillars and lake flies. Other than these, plenty on international cuisines are available in Tanzania and wonderful dishes are created using the delicious seafood, spices, and tropical fruits. Some of the famous dishes of Tanzania include Mtori soup, Mchicha, and Mandazi.

Tanzanian cities and towns mostly sell things like animal skin drums, beaten brass and copper ware, wooden carvings, textiles, chess sets in bone, ivory and wood and ethnic jewellery. The most sought after item that captures the attention of the tourists would be the Makonde (ebony carvings). Some good souvenirs would be beaded jewellery, decorated gourds, and sarongs worn by the men and women. Bargaining is possible in the street markets. The stores stay open till evening but some Muslim-owned businesses close on Friday afternoon. However, may be open on Sundays.

Tanzania is a multilingual nation with many different languages. Swahili is the official language of Tanzania. However, English is widely spoken.

1. DAR-ES-SALAAM

The city of Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Located along the Swahili coast, this former capital of Tanzania is now an important economic and bureaucratic centre of the country. The city houses the Dar Es Salaam Stock Exchange and Tanzania’s central bank, The Bank of Tanzania.

Dar-Es-Salaam is a rich hub of art, culture and music. It is famous for the colorful Tingatina style of painting, and also has a burgeonic music scene. There is both live dance music or the muziki wa danci and the bongo flava, which is the Tanzanian version of hip hop. The city is home to two popular museums – the National Museum and the Makumbusho Cultural Centre and Village Museum. The other attractions in the city include traditional markets like the Kivukoni fish market and the woodcarvers market. Beachside tourism is also popular in the city with places like the Oyster bay, and Bongoyo Island off the coast attracting a large amount of footfall, the latter also being a good spot for snorkelling. Though the capital is being shifted to Dodoma, Dar Es Salaam retains its importance to the country by being a centre for trade, business, commerce and government. The city continues to grow at a fast pace today, and attracting businesses and tourists alike.

Places to visit in Dar-Es-Salaam: National Museum, Makumbusho Cultural Centre and Village Museum, Oyster Bay

2. MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak (5,895 m) and Tanzania’s most iconic image. Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, unlike other parks in northern Tanzania, is not visited for the wildlife but for the chance to stand in awe of this beautiful snow-capped mountain and, for many, to climb to the summit. Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time, although the best period is from late June to October, during the dry season. While the climb’s far from easy, you’re rewarded with seemingly endless views over the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, the Shira plateau, and the distant horizons of Tanzania and Kenya far below.

3. SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

If you are all about seeing wildlife and being one among nature, then there is no better place to visit than the Serengeti National Park. Their grassy plains are home to some of the most exotic animals that walk the earth, such as wildebeests, zebras, elephants, deers, and even some wildcats such as tigers and lions. A piece of Tanzania travel advice for all you photography enthusiasts is to take a 200mm lens with you to capture the animals at their best, in their natural habitat.

4. ZANZIBAR BEACHES

The island of Zanzibar, also called Unguja, is a major holiday destination in Tanzania and known for its beautiful beaches. Part of the Zanzibar archipelago, which consists of the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, this island has some of the best beaches in the world. The surf varies depending on what side of the island you are on, but visitors will find soft white sand and clear shallow water, along with traditional boats lining the shore. The historic city of Stone Town, known for old Arabian townhouses, narrow alleyways, and a busy port, is located in the heart of Zanzibar.

5. NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

Located between the Serengeti and Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and is one of Tanzania’s most popular wildlife viewing areas. This huge volcanic crater has a permanent supply of water, which draws thousands of animals who stay in this area rather than migrating.

Visitors come here primarily for viewing large animals and bird watching. Thousands of animals can be seen on the crater floor, including lions, elephants, rhinos, Thomson’s gazelles, and buffaloes, but wildebeests and zebras account for over half of the animals that call the Ngorongoro Crater home.

6. ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK

Arusha National Park (ANAPA) is a gem of varied ecosystems and spectacular views of Mt. Meru, the crater that gives the region its name.

It is a popular destination for day trip visitors who are about to embark from the town of Arusha on longer northern circuit safaris. The small national park includes the slopes, summit, and ash cone of Mt. Meru, the Momela Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater, and the lush highland forests that blanket its lower slopes. Game viewing around the Momela Lakes is at a laid-back and quiet pace, and while passing through the forest many visitors stop to search for troupes of rare colubus monkeys playing in the canopy.

7. MAFIA ISLAND

The Mafia Island is just one good example of what Tanzania has to offer in terms of beach life. Mafia is part of the wider Zanzibar archipelago – also known as the “Spice group of Islands” which also includes Pemba, Unguja and Latham. Mafia is smaller with a population of about 41,000 people and is governed directly from the mainland. Mafia Island has pristine beaches and remains relatively unspoiled by tourism. Tourists can expect a more private experience with opportunities to take part in a variety of water sports including scuba diving, deep sea fishing and spotting well sharks. It is the perfect place to relax after a long safari in the mainland.

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