GEOGRAPHY
Tanzania boasts 947,300 km² of incredible land and is the world’s 31st largest country and Africa’s 15th largest country. It is slightly smaller than Egypt but similar in size to Nigeria. There are eight other African countries on the borders of Tanzania; Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. It has a population of approximately 60.2 million people.
LAKES & MOUNTAINS
Tanzania is a vibrant country with incredible landscape. Toward the North East it is mainly mountainous and that’s where you will find Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The Great Lakes are situated in the North and the West, Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake and Lake Tanganyika is Africa’s deepest lake, renowned for unique species of fish. In the South West of the country lies a third large lake, Lake Nyasa.
CULTURE MAASAAI VILLAGE
Situated within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area one can experience a culture difference in a Village which is home to the Maasai tribe. Despite significant environmental threats to their existence they have managed to hold on to their heritage. They are known as Tanzania’s nomadic, peaceful warriors. In this area you’ll see Maasai Bomas (the tribe’s traditional housing), Maasai dancing and experience Maasai culture which is warm and welcoming.
The area is an abundant spectacle of breathtaking landscape, plains, mountains, wildlife and birdlife. The government of Tanzania promotes the Maasai village as an area of integrity and high diversity and it’s a must-see destination. Additionally, this area is home to Olduvai Gorge also known as “Cradle of mankind”. Both of these are renowned for their cultural, ecological and geological value.
WEATHER & CLIMATE
Tanzania is positioned very close to the equator which means that its weather is very stable at most times of the year and never gets too hot, although there are regional differences. However, it’s safe to say that Tanzania’s weather offers something for everyone. The peak period for holiday makers is from June to October and this is mainly because it coincides with holiday times in many other countries. The rainy seasons in Tanzania are the long rainy season which runs from the middle of March to May and the short rainy seasons which fall from November through to January. Cooler months are June, July, August, September and October and then if you’re looking for warmth, visit from December to March.
RAINFALL
There are two rain seasons in Tanzania, the long and the short season. Central Tanzania areas include the capital Dodoma and Singida. These areas are semi-dry with less than 500mm of rain a year. The mountains in the South West and North East of Tanzania get over 2000mm of rain a year. The coastal areas (Tanga, Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, The Coastal Region and Lindi) rainfall can be anything from 1000 mm to 1900 mm annually.
TANZANIA COASTAL CLIMATE
These areas include the Dar es Salaam, Lindi, Coastal Region, Tanga, Mtwara the offshore islands of Pemba, Unguja and Mafia. You’ll find the weather tropical with high levels of humidity and an average temperature ranging between a very pleasant 27 and 29 Deg C (this temperature is cooled off by the breeze from the sea, especially on the islands).
NORTH EAST & SOUTH EAST TANZANIA
These areas include the mountainous Kilimanjaro, Mara Region, Arusha, Mbeya, Rukwa, Ruvuma, Makonde Plateau (Masasi, Nachingwea, Tunduru and Newalla), Iringa and Mbeya where the temperature sometimes drops below 15 Deg C during the night in June and July. In the Rungwe mountain area, temperatures can drop to 6, 7 or 8 Deg C.
CENTRAL, NORTHERN & WESTERN TANZANIA
These areas include Kigoma, Shinyanga, Tabora, Mwanza and Kagera where the climate is changed by highland plateaus. There is low humidity and temperatures range from 20 to 27 Deg C during the June, July and August. From December to March, temperatures can peak at 30 Deg C +.