Tanzania area map and overview

Tanzania area map

Tanzania geography

Tanzania's unique geography is one of the world's most intricate, featuring Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, as well as Lake Victoria, the largest African lake. Thousands of tourists flock to Tanzania annually to witness and experience the beauty of Mt Kilimanjaro, as well as the incredible wildlife found in this part of Africa.

Diverse wildlife and natural beauty

Tanzania is widely recognised as one of the countries with the most diverse natural beauty and wildlife, and for good reason, since the country boasts some of the most captivating wilderness locations in the world. Incredibly, tropical forests, savannah grasslands, mountain ranges, mangroves, riverine basins, swamps and coral reefs all form part of Tanzania's national parks.

Tanzania's national parks cover an area of roughly 330, 000 km². Included in these you will find the amazing Serengeti National Park, famous for its roaming herds, the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater and the magnificent Lake Tanganyika, second deepest freshwater lake in the world. The Indian Ocean lies to the east of Tanzania, offering white sand beaches. Just beyond lie the islands of Mafia, Pemba and the beautiful Zanzibar.

Ultimate safari destination

Tanzania is, surprisingly, a unique destination many a traveller has not yet experienced. Those in the know, however, will tell you that it is the ultimate in safari adventures; a must-see for those who love wild animals and beautiful scenery.

Tanzania ethnic groups

Tanzania's people are friendly and welcoming. Wherever you may go in Tanzania, you're bound to be treated with warmth and courtesy. The tribe that is probably the best known in Tanzania is the Maasai. They inhabit the regions aoround the game reserves and national parks in the northern part of Tanzania, and herd cattle for a living. There are roughly a 126 other tribes in Tanzania, which makes for a very colourful country. Some of these include the small nomadic Kindiga hunters tribe, who inhabit the regions around Lake Eyasi, and the million strong Sukumas tribe in the Lake Victoria region. The most inhabited areas are the coast, Lake Victoria and the northern mountain region, which offers fertile soil for cultivation purposes.

Tanzania climate

Coastal areas
Tanzania's coastal areas offer hot, humid tropical weather, usually tempered by sea breezes. Rainy season runs from March to June.

Central plateau
Tanzania's central plateau is mostly dry.

Northern highlands
This area is cool and temperate, with a rainy season from March to May. Short rainfalls also occur during November. This may cause difficulty in travelling on some dirt roads.

Best time to visit Tanzania

Tarangire National Park
Best game viewing time: July to December.
The Tarangire River is the only permanent water source in the area, and animals go there in great numbers to quench their thirst.

Lake Manyara National Park
Best game viewing time: June to September & January to February.
Lake Manyara is best visited in dry seasons, since from November to March/April roads become almost impassable and mosquitoes become unbearable.

Serengeti National Park
Best game viewing time: February.
The Serengeti gets heavy rainfalls during March and April, and light rain in December. February is when migratory herds head out the the short grass plains of the Serengeti. This is also birthing season for wildebeest; a thrilling experience to be part of.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Best game viewing time: June to October.
Ngorongoro may receive rains anytime from November to May, with heavier rains definitely occuring from April to May. June to October is a dry period, as well as January and February.

Arusha National Park
Best game viewing time: All year.
Arusha can be visited any time of the year. However, rainy season (March to April) may require the use of a four wheel drive vehicle.