Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar Island Overview

Tanzania is the place to be for those who love travel and adventure. This beautiful East African country, which borders the Indian Ocean, has something for everyone. Large cities and untouched landscapes means you don’t need to leave this sunny oasis to fulfill your vacation desires. <br>

Tanzania is a land of extremes. It is situated 600 feet (or 200 meters) above sea level and contains both the tallest mountain in Africa and the second deepest lake in the world.

Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest mountain, can be found nestled in this African country. Also called “the land of hope,” Tanzania is home to the second deepest lake in Africa( Lake Tanganyika). This lake is so vast that biologists have discovered over 40 species of fish unknown to all the human race.

History Of Tanzania

In 1964, the mainland called Tanganyika and the islands called Zanzibar unified. It was at this point that the United Republic of Tanzania was born.

The merger wasn’t possible until both countries became independent from the British. Tanganyika reached independence in 1961, while Zanzibar only managed the feat in January 1964. 3 months later, Tanzania became united.

Language

There are two official languages in Tanzania – English, and Swahili. Although English is spoken by many people in the country.Because the country is so vast and diverse in culture, there are many unofficial languages spoken by the locals too. For example, many of the 120 ethnic groups have their own language, and due to Asian influences Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Gujarati have become popular.

Culture

Art and history are also extremely important in Tanzania’s culture. Storytelling through dance and speech creates the majority of entertainment. And because scientists from around the world sturdy human ancestry in Tanzania soil, the concept of history and nature are woven into one.

Why Should You Visit Tanzania?

Tanzania is a country surrounded by wildlife, beaches, archaeological discoveries, and a culture largely untainted by globalization.

When Should You Visit?

Tanzania has two seasons – wet and dry. The rainy season starts near the end of October and continues until January. It picks up again from March to June. Between these bouts of rain, is the dry season.

Visiting in the dry season (February, then July till September), means climbing mountains in a safe condition, and exploring areas in the beautiful sun of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius). The roads will be easier to drive on and the wildlife will be around waterholes making them easier to spot.

However, if you want to see large movements of animals, you can also do this during the rainy season. The rain makes the wildlife happy, while the grassland will be colorful and luscious. You will develop the best photos and see a large variety of creatures.

Do You Need A Visa?

Yes. To travel to Tanzania, you will need a passport, a return ticket, and a single-entry tourist visa.

Duration Of Your Trip

Ideally, your Tanzania safari should be at least 10 days long. 10 days is enough to travel across the Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro) which is the most popular safari in Africa.

With a longer stay, you can also include visits to the lakes and cultural hubs in the area.

Things You Can Do to a vibe

See The Big 5

The Big 5 is a tick box exercise that lets you see the most iconic animals in Africa. Going on Big 5 safaris means searching for the African Lion, the African Elephant, the African Leopard, the Rhinoceros, and the Cape Buffalo.

Experience The Great Migration

The great migration is the iconic trek made by thousands of wildebeest to cross the lands of Africa. It has been watched millions of times through hundreds of documentaries, but there is nothing like seeing a surreal experience in real life.

Climb Mount. Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is unlike the other national parks in Tanzania. You won’t find a lot of wildlife on this tour, instead, the attraction is climbing Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa.

Even if you don’t reach the summit, the view of the wilderness below is a sight for the gods.

Travel The Northern Circuit

The Northern Circuit contains the most famous national parks in Tanzania. As we said before, you can visit national parks such as Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro. But you can also explore Arusha, Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Kilimanjaro, Olduvai, and Mkomazi.

Go To Stone Town

Stone Town is considered the architectural capital of Tanzania. Found on the island of Zanzibar, the majority of homes in the area were built in the 19th century. The wooden doors on the houses are often beautifully carved and delicately maintained.

Explore The Beaches Of Zanzibar

If you prefer an active vacation instead of an animal-watching one, then we suggest finding a surfing beach in the islands of Zanzibar. The white sand beaches, and clear shallow water, makes learning the sport easy.

You can also hire boats to explore the clear ocean water while staying close to the island’s land.

Lake Victoria

Although this lake is only the second largest lake in the world. It is the largest tropical lake by miles.

The lake itself is so large that it touches on three countries – Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.