The united republic of Tanzania comprises both the mainland and the Zanzibar Archipelago,after the unification in April 26th 1964.It is largest country in East Africa. The capital Dodoma, is in the centre of the country, while Dar es salaam, the economic capital, is on the Indian ocean coast.

The country has more land devoted to conservation than any other country in the world. Tanzania has on the whole been – and still is – peaceful and stable with few tribal or regional divisions. It stands out as a stable democracy in a region that has witnessed some of the most vicious civil conflicts in Africa.

The tourism industry,which is major source of foreign exchange has steadily been growing in importance and ranks as the second highest foreign exchange earner after agriculture. According to 2007 figures, tourism was worth about US$1 billion to the Tanzanian economy.

Holidays in Tanzania have been growing considerably as the country is endowed with a wealth of natural attractions bringing almost a million tourist annually.This  is not surprising for a country that boasts the Iconic mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park,the Ngorongoro Crater,Tarangire National Park,Lake Manyara National Park and Zanzibar. Tanzania is definitely a country to be recognized both in terms of wildlife and beauty. For many tourists, it is the ultimate safari destination. With national parks extending over some 33,660 sq km (13,000 sq miles),

Tanzania has more land devoted to national parks and game reserves than any other wildlife destination in the world. Attractions ranges from from pristine coral reefs on the coast to the Crater Highlands in Ngorongoro, remote game reserves and the famous national parks, is protected by government law,this makes safaris in Tanzania very attractive

With a size of  14,763 sq km (5678 sq miles),the Serengeti National Park is a plain-dwellers’ stronghold  and is claimed to be the finest in Africa with an estimated 35 species of big mammals, including wildebeest and zebra, and also an extensive selection of bird life. The Selous Game Reserve in the south of the country is larger than Switzerland and covers one-sixth of Tanzania’s land surface,the reserve is famous for hiking tours and walking safaris in selous which you can include as part of your wildlife safari in Tanzania

Tanzania is home to approximately 120 tribal groups in addition to its beautiful landscape.Tribal diversity is prized and far from being a source of division, Tanzanians place a high value on their country’s multicultural heritage. Over the past few years, cultural tourism in Tanzania has become an increasing attraction for visitors and visits to tribal villages are often a highlight of safari itineraries.

Perhaps the most well known of Tanzania’s tribes are the maasai’s that inhabit the northern regions of the country. The tribal life of the maasai revolves around caring and protecting their herds of cattle and finding ample grazing land in their region.A cultural in safari in Tanzania that includes a visit to a maasai homestead will definitely enrich your overall safari experience.

The ‘Spice Islands’ of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba, Mafia, and the entire Tanzanian coast is home to the Swahili people, a vibrant mix of Arab, Indian and Bantu origins who historically based their livelihoods around Indian Ocean trade. The coast,known as the swahili coast, is a predominantly in inhabited by the muslims with old mosques and coral palaces found throughout the area.

The culture of the people in the region centers around the dhow, a wooden sailing boat powered by the seasonal wind. Fishing remains a mainstay of coastal income in small villages throughout the area, and coconut and spice plantations continue to form an important source of export.

Whether your desire is to enjoy the tranquility of the Swahili coast or the challenge of ascending Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania safari tours has it all.

Geography

Tanzania lies on the east coast of Africa and is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north; by Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west; by the Indian Ocean to the east; and by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south.

The Tanzanian mainland known as Tanganyika before unification with Zanzibar in 1964 is divided into several clearly defined regions: the coastal plains, which vary in width from 16 to 64km (10 to 39 miles) and have lush, tropical vegetation; the Masai Steppe in the north, 213 to 1067m (698 to 3500ft) above sea level; and a high plateau in the southern area towards Zambia and Lake Nyasa (Lake Malawi). Savannah and bush cover over half the country, and semi-desert accounts for the remaining land area, with the exception of the coastal plains.

Over 53,000 sq km (20,463 sq miles) is inland water, mostly lakes formed in the Rift Valley. The United Republic of Tanzania includes the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, about 45km (28 miles) off the coast to the northeast of the country.

Weather

Tropical equatorial is the climate of Tanzania,which tends to make the country hot throughout the year, with more humidity on the coast and drier regions in the central plateau. In the north of the country, there are two separate wet seasons, the longest being from March to May, and the shorter from November to December.

The rest of the country experiences only one wet season, from November to May. Heavy rains can mean that road access becomes more limited, and most travel to Tanzania takes place in January and February, when the weather is hot and dry. January to March is the best time to visit the magnificent Serengeti, when most grazers give birth and there are lots of lion on the prowl, and visitors can also witness the incredible spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration to and from Kenya that occurs at the beginning of the dry season and again with the first rains – usually at the beginning of June and then again in mid-November.

Dar-es-Salaam,the economic capital of Tanzania has a temperature range year round of between 66؛F (19؛C) and 88؛F (31؛C). The spice island of Zanzibar has a warm climate all year round, modified by cool sea breezes, though a holiday in Zanzibar in the rainy season, from April to May is not advisable.