The very best of East Africa
Thrilling wildlife, stunning landscapes, majestic mountains
Tanzania The United Republic of Tanzania is the thirteenth largest country in Africa by area, which is more than three times the area of the US State of Texas.
Tanzania is recognized as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The northeastern part of Tanzania features most of the county´s national parks, from which the Serengeti is the most famous one. Almost half of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, belongs to Northern Tanzania as well as the Usambara and Pare mountain ranges, Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro, which is Africa's highest summit. West of Kilimanjaro runs the Gregory Rift, the eastern branch of the East African Great Rift Valley. On the floor of the rift there are a number of large salt lakes, like Lake Natron, Lake Manyara, and Lake Eyasi. The rift also encompasses the Crater Highlands, which includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the world famous Ngorongoro Crater.
Along with the species rich wildlife Tanzania holds one of the world´s biodiversity hot spots. The Eastern Arc Mountains are home to some of the last coastal rain forests and many endemic species that exist nowhere else in the world. Last but not least the tropical Zanzibar archipelago features some of the most colorful coral reefs in the world, a pristine and species-rich maritime life which is hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Northern Tanzania Climate Although Northern Tanzania features a tropical savanna climate which is usually warm and dry, rainfall occurs in two rainy seasons. Due to the higher altitude of the majority of Northern Tanzania from about 5,000 to 6,000 feet temperatures are wonderfully pleasant all year round, just below 85°F (30°C) during the day. Even during mid-day it is rarely too hot which is why many animals remain active all day. Wildlife can be viewed year round due to the equatorial climate.
The main rainy season, or the “long rains”, lasts throughout March, April and May. Afternoon tropical thunder storms are the norm – which are heavier and more predictable close to Lake Victoria. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low to mid 30°C. The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October when rainfall is unusual. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it´s usually fine, clear sky and sunny weather – generally the perfect time to visit Tanzania. During November and December there is another rainy season, the “short rains”. Those rains fall much lighter and less regular. For January and February it dries up again, this period is considered the “short dry season”.
Tanzania Coastal Climate Located just south of the equator, the Zanzibar archipelago´s weather pattern follows that of mainland Tanzania very closely, although always tends to be more humid and hot. Occasional rain in the dry season is less uncommon than on the mainland.
The Tanzania coastline together with Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island experiences ideal holiday weather for most of the year. The heat of summer is seasonally cooled down by windy conditions, resulting in pleasant sea breezes, particularly on the North and East coasts. Being near the equator, both the islands and the sea are warm all year round. Officially, summer and winter peak in December and June respectively. Zanzibar is blessed with an average of 7-8 hours of daily sunshine year round and with a steady average water temperature of 80°F (26.5°C) diving and snorkeling are always a great joy.
Short rains occur in November but are characterized by short showers that do not last very long. The long rains normally occur in April and May which is why this time period is called the ‘Green Season’. It typically doesn't rain every day during that time.
