Tanzania is a beautiful country located along the Indian Ocean just south of the equator. Many of those visiting this picturesque destination head to incredible places like Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park. The history that exists in Tanzania is impressive; the oldest known human remains were discovered at Oldupai Gorge. Here are some useful facts for any Tanzania Trips that you might decide to go on in the future:
Airports
Julius Nyerere International Airport is Tanzania’s largest. It is conveniently located about 8 miles from the country’s largest city, Dar es Salaam. Passengers travel here from destinations throughout Europe, Asia and Africa.
- Julius Nyerere International Airport TanzaniaU.S. Department of State / Foter.com
Many visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport instead. It is situated close to destinations such as Mount Kilimanjaro and Serengeti National Park. This airport also serves those traveling from European, Asian and African cities.
Climate
Visitors to places near sea level like Dar es Salaam experience hot and humid weather throughout the year. The wet season provides a tremendous amount of rain to these areas from March to May. The driest months are June to September.
However, those visiting cities in the north that are located at elevation such as Arusha experience much cooler temperatures at night. Also, the high temperatures in the cooler months of May to August are very comfortable. The wet and dry periods of the year in these areas are identical to those found in Dar es Salaam.
Time
Although most of the country use the clock system that the rest of the world utilizes, some places adhere to Swahili time. Hour zero or midnight in Swahili time happens at 6 a.m., which is roughly when the sun rises.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an island community located about a 90-minute boat ride from Dar es Salaam. Some great snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities may be enjoyed here.
- ZanzibarGasti / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
Highs and Lows
Many of Africa’s extremes may be found here. Mount Kilimanjaro is the continent’s highest mountain at 19,341 feet above sea level. Lake Tanganyika is Africa’s deepest lake at 4,820 feet, and Lake Victoria is the largest lake in the continent at 26,600 square miles.
Safaris
Many visit this country so that they can take part in a Tanzania safari.
Serengeti National Park is a popular destination for those wanting to experience Tanzania tours. This is especially true from January to March when more than 1 million wildebeest take part in one of the world’s largest mammal migrations. Hundreds of thousands of zebras and other animals either follow or precede the wildebeests on this epic journey.
- Serengeti National ParkDavid Dennis / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
However, many of those looking for a quieter Tanzania safari head to Ruaha National Park in the southern part of the country. The variety of wildlife here is impressive, and many feel that the ability to view wild animals in this park is better than anywhere else in the country.
Oldupai Gorge
Those interested in human history are encouraged to visit Oldupai Gorge as the oldest known human remains dating millions of years were discovered here. Stone tools and other evidence of early instances of hunting and social interactions have been discovered here as well.
- Oldupai Gorgeapurdam (Andrew) / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
Tanzania is an incredibly picturesque country that possesses some of the world’s most amazing natural attractions. In fact, nearly half of the country’s land area is taken up by beautiful national parks and game reserves. These are just some of the reasons why 1 million tourists make journeys to Tanzania every year.
