Tanzania

Tanzania not only boasts Africa’s highest mountain: Kilimanjaro (5 895 meters) but also Africa’s longest and deepest lake: Tanganyika. The country also borders with Africa’s largest lake: Lake Victoria. In Tanzania you also find a wide range of wild animals, to mention some: wildebeest, monkey, antelope, lion, cheetah, crocodile, gazelle and flamingo. Nearly one quarter of the land area is protected by national parks, hunting reserves and controlled zones! But Tanzania also offers white, secluded beaches, for example north and south of Dar es Salaam, and the island of Zanzibar is regarded as one of the most exotic islands in the world.

Economy

Tanzania is a poor county and most people depend on agriculture for their main income. Despite the fact that the climate only allows 4% of the area to be cultivated 85% of the country’s GNP comes from agriculture. Tanzania also has natural assets like gold, diamonds, carbon, tin, and phosphate.

Population

There are about 120 different tribes in Tanzania. The largest tribes are Sukuma and Nyamwezi. Even though most of the tribes have their own language, most people speak Swahili and English. English is also the official business language.

Massai

Although most travelers have heard about the massai, the tribe only consists of about 1% of Tanzania’s population. The Massai people are a semi nomadic, stock-raising people who live in Kenya and Tanzania. They are recognized by their colorful clothing and jewelry. The Massai value tradition and rituals and they have a rich culture. They are known for living in harmony with nature.

Serengeti

Serengeti is one of the world’s most famous national parks and the park was listed on UNESCO’s world heritage list 1981. Serengeti comprise of 15 000 square km. of savannah - 14% of the country’s land area! The area has a unique ecosystem, which is one of the oldest on earth. In the park you can find large concentrations of animals, especially the big cats but also wildebeests, elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, and gazelles. Serengeti is maybe most famous for the migration; one of the most impressive natural events in the world. During the migration, over a million wildebeests and about 200,000 zebras, follows the rains, and wanders between Serengeti and Masai Mara (Serengeti boarders with Masai Mara), to find water and green grass.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria is the biggest lake in Africa and also the largest tropical lake in the world. It is located in Tanzania and Uganda with a small part extending into Kenya. Lake Victoria is one of the primary headwater reservoirs of the Nile. Although its size, it’s relatively shallow, and it measures only 84 meters at it’s deepest. In the lake you will find more than 3000 islands, and there a millions of people living on its shores.

Ukerewe Island

Ukerewe Island is the largest of the islands in Lake Victoria. It is 50 km long and between 25 to 35 km wide and has a population of 150,000. The landscape is varied and you will find rice fields, fruit plantations, rocks and beautiful beaches. Most of the islands inhabitants live in small fishing villages that are scattered around the island. Some of the locals refer to Ukerewe as “little Zanzibar”. There are many birds on the island, and it is said that Ukerewe Island is every bird watchers dream. You can see birds like Crowned Crane, Cormorants and Fishing Eagles here.

ZANZIBAR

The island of Zanzibar (Unguja in Swahili), is located about 40 km outside the Tanzanian coastline, and it is regarded as one of the most exotic islands in the world. Here you will find magnificent white beaches, great diving, snorkeling and an exciting culture. Zanzibar is sometimes called “'Island of Spices”; and cinnamon, peppers and cloves are cultivated here. The population of Zanzibar is predominantly Muslim with a rich Swahili culture. The main livelihood for the people of Zanzibar are fishing and farming.

There are no large animals living on Zanzibar. But in Jozani forest lives quite a few interesting animals like: bush pigs, small antelopes and the native red Colobus monkey. The red Colobus monkey is one of Africa’s rarest primates! The coral reefs around Zanzibar are rich in marine diversity, and you can find stunning and intact reefs with an abundance of tropical fish.

The capital of Zanzibar Island is Zanzibar. In the old town of Zanzibar you will find “Stone Town” where little has changed over the last 200 years. There are many beautiful buildings, mosques and alleys to be seen and lively bazaars to be visited. Stone Town is represented on UNESCO’s world heritage list.

Climate

The mainland of Tanzania has a varied climate, along the coastline there is a tropical climate and on the highland a more tempered climate. The rainy season is between March and May (the long rains) and October-November (the short rains), day temperature varies between 20-30 degrees Celsius. You could say that February is the warmest month with temperature about 30 degrees Celsius and the coolest period is May - August with temperature around 20 degrees Celsius.

Zanzibar has a warm tropical climate with temperature around 25-31 degrees all year around; February being the warmest month and August the coolest. The sun shines approximately 7-8 hours a day. The rain period is between Mid March and the end of May. June – October and January – February are dry and warm months. In November and December there is a slight risk of rain.

More information

Here you can find some more info about Tanzania: The official online getaway of the united republic of Tanzania .