Take a walk on the wild side in this quintessential African landscape. Step out into the vast open plains of Tanzania and you suddenly feel very, very small. And so you should. You've just joined one of the largest, wildest animal populations in the world. Wildebeest, monkey, antelope, lion, cheetah, crocodile, gazelle, flamingo - they're all out there.

An economically poor country troubled by rowdy neighbours and opportunistic colonial powers, Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities on the continent. Its famous parks make the often rather pedestrian towns here well worth the stopover.

FAST FACTS
Full Name: United Republic of Tanzania
Capital City: Dodoma (official); Dar Es Salaam (administrative)
Area: 945,090 sq km / 364,899 sq miles
Population: 35,922,000
Time Zone
GMT/UTC + 3 ()
Daylight Saving
Start: not in use
End: not in use
Languages
Swahili (official)
English (official)
Religion
40% Christian, 40% Muslim, 20% indigenous beliefs
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TSh)
Electricity: 230V 50HzHz
Country Dialing Code: 255

Weather Overview
If there's a time to avoid coastal Tanzania, it's during the long rainy season from March to May, which has a brief revival from November to January. The best time is between June and September when rainfall is sparse and temperatures orbit around a pleasantly balmy 28°C (83°F). Inland on the plateau, rain during the middle of the year is insignificant and temperatures sink slightly but comfortably.

Health & Safety
Recommended to take precautions for malaria and yellow fever. Consult your doctor prior to travel. Carry mosquito repellents.

Most places are tourist friendly, but it is advisable to keep your important documents and valuables safely.

Time & Place
Time Zone
GMT/UTC + 3 ()
Daylight Saving
Start: not in use
End: not in use

Weights Measures System
Metric


Crossing Borders

Visas Overview
All visitors from Europe, North America and Australasia require a visa. You will need proof of yellow fever vaccination only if arriving from a yellow-fever infected area (which includes Kenya).

Government
Government Type
republic
Government Leaders
Jakaya Kikwete
President (head of state)

People and Society
People
99% native African (over 100 tribes), 1% Asian, European and Arabic

Religion
40% Christian, 40% Muslim, 20% indigenous beliefs