Tanzania

These lands are among the places where humankind began. The earliest traces of hominins here date to about 3.6 million years ago. The area was home to Bushmen, Hottentots, and Bantu peoples. Later the Persians arrived, followed by the Arabs. From them and the peoples already living here, a new ethnic community—the Swahili—emerged. In the 16th century these lands were controlled by the Portuguese, but in the 17th century the Arabs expelled them completely. A long period of slave trading followed, and only in the mid-19th century, with the arrival of European missionaries, was slavery banned. At the end of that same century, Germany made these lands its colony. After World War I, the territories passed under British administration; later there was a period of socialist rule, followed by the establishment of democracy.

This remarkable country immerses you in a wildlife world: expect hot savannas, majestic mountains, vast lakes, and the “Big Five” — Africa’s signature animals. The beaches delight with powder-white sand, the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, and lush tropical greenery. Meeting the Maasai adds special color to the journey. To fully soak up the spirit of the country, you can search and book an online tour to Tanzania. Vivid African and tropical landscapes will brighten memories you’ll cherish for a long time.

A few official facts

Capital: Dodoma.

Official languages: Swahili, English.

Currency: Tanzanian shilling.

Religion: Christianity, Islam.

Reasons to buy a tour or package to Tanzania: online search and selection

Tanzania is still developing tourism for large visitor numbers. The country’s potential is enormous: the mesmerizing vistas of Kilimanjaro, abundant wildlife, beautiful beaches, and distinctive local color draw many travelers.

Travelers buy tours to Tanzania to:

• Enjoy incredible African scenery. More than 44% of the country is protected. Top national parks include: Ngorongoro, set within a vast volcanic crater; Ruaha, where you can pair wildlife viewing with visiting archaeological digs; Serengeti, famed for its diversity of animals and landscapes that can be admired from a hot-air balloon; and Mount Kilimanjaro, towering over wide open plains.
• Go on safari in national parks. Beyond jaw-dropping landscapes, you’ll encounter countless animals—zebras, antelopes, cheetahs, baboons, and many more. Spotting the entire “Big Five” — lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopard — is a special stroke of luck. 
• Bask on Zanzibar. The island is renowned for Tanzania’s best beaches: silky white sand, the Indian Ocean’s crystal-clear azure water, vibrant tropical greenery, and coconut palms.
• Meet the Maasai. This Indigenous people carefully preserves its traditions and culture. Once a warrior society, they now gladly introduce visitors to their way of life, including traditional dances in national dress and more.

You can also try fishing in the Indian Ocean or take a boat trip in hopes of spotting dolphins. Or plan a weekend tour around Tanzania to see as many highlights as possible. One such place is Stone Town—Zanzibar’s capital, listed by UNESCO. It exudes an atmosphere of antiquity and local color. Incidentally, Freddie Mercury was born here, and you can visit his former home.Tanzania from Niktot on Vimeo.

✔️ Types of activities by region

Although the country is quite large, three travel areas can be singled out:

• Main cities: the capital Dodoma, as well as Mwanza and Dar es Salaam. Stone Town on the island of Zanzibar is the most intriguing for travelers.
• Enjoy African nature in the national parks.
• The main resort areas are concentrated on Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia.

✔️ Climate and seasons

There are two climate zones. Along the coast it’s hot and humid; inland it’s drier. Throughout the year, depending on the season, temperatures range from +20–32 °C. On the coast, the thermometer rarely drops below +25 °C.

✔️ Currency

The national currency is the Tanzanian shilling. Currency can be exchanged at nearly all banks, generally at similar rates. Avoid street moneychangers. You can pay by credit card in large hotels and markets, while withdrawing cash can be an almost impossible task.

✔️ Major holidays

Tanzania celebrates holidays shared with the rest of the world and national observances tied to the struggle for independence and civil rights. Festivals are especially appealing to visitors, as they concentrate local color.

Tanzania celebrates with the world:

• New Year’s Day (January 1). People hold carnivals, dance, and decorate buildings and palm trees. In the seven days leading up to New Year, Tanzanians observe Kwanzaa, an African holiday whose main symbols are seven colored candles, lit one by one each festive night.
• International Workers’ Day (May 1), marked with ceremonial parades, contests, and children’s events.

Key religious dates:

• Christmas (December 25) — a quiet family holiday. People first attend church services, then gather at home for a festive meal.
• Easter (date per the church calendar). Christians listen to sermons in churches or private homes. Buildings are decorated with banana-palm branches, flowers, and artificial butterflies. The main tradition is to show love for one’s neighbor; Tanzanians give each other traditional treats such as dried fish and flatbreads made from corn and cassava flour.
• Ramadan (dates follow the lunar calendar) — the principal fast and month of purification for Muslims. Believers devote themselves to God, give to charity, and pray. One central aspect is refraining from eating, drinking, and smoking until sunset.
• Eid al-Fitr (dates follow the lunar calendar) — the end of the holy month of Ramadan. People celebrate, go on picnics, enjoy festive foods, and visit relatives and friends.

You can dive into African culture at various events:

• the international Swahili Music and Cultural Festival in Stone Town (February);
• the East African Heritage Festival on Zanzibar (July);
• the Zanzibar Culture Festival (October 22–24).

At these events, people showcase their culture and folk art.

The wildlife migrations in Serengeti National Park each spring and autumn are especially noteworthy—an opportunity to watch vast herds on the move. 

✔️ Healthcare

Wherever you travel, it’s wise to purchase insurance, as unexpected situations can arise and it’s best to be prepared. A policy will cover the expenses of your insured event, which is far cheaper than paying for treatment yourself.

✔️ Useful tips

Preparing for a trip isn’t only about what to pack, how to dress, or what to buy. Learn the nuances of staying in the country you’re visiting to avoid problems and make the journey more pleasant.

• If you speak English, you shouldn’t have trouble communicating with locals.
• Carry copies of your documents and leave originals in the hotel safe—along with large sums of cash.
• Drink only bottled water, as tap water is not safe for consumption. 
• Tipping at the end of a safari is customary. In hotels, you can leave a gratuity at reception; staff will distribute it among themselves.
• Filming the national flag, head of state, military facilities, airports, prisons, detainees, soldiers, and police is prohibited. Photograph locals only with permission, and offer a small gift or money in return.
• If you see an ashtray, it likely marks a designated smoking area.
• On safari, you may leave the vehicle only where your guide indicates. Don’t speak loudly and don’t feed the animals.
• Shops are not allowed to pack goods in plastic bags. Try to avoid using them altogether; certainly don’t litter—take them with you.