World Guide

Tanzania

Country · Africa, Eastern Africa

Mount Kilimanjaro
Pictured: Mount Kilimanjaro · Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tanzania is a country in Eastern Africa, bordered by nine neighbors including Kenya, Rwanda, and Mozambique. With a population of about 70.5 million people and an area of 947,303 square kilometers, it features a capital city at Dodoma. The country offers a range of natural and cultural sites, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Highlights

This guide covers 10 notable sights in Tanzania. The country is known for its prominent natural landmarks, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, its associated national park, and Mount Kibo, which is the highest point. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts often visit the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Selous Game Reserve, and Lake Natron. For historical and cultural exploration, the country features Stone Town and the ancient ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Additionally, visitors can explore the Olduvai Gorge or view the National Assembly building.

Food and drink

Local cuisine includes dishes such as mandazi, nyama choma, kunga cake, and ming'oko.

When to go

The climate in Dodoma follows a seasonal pattern of rain and dryness. June, July, August, and September have the least rainfall, with almost no rain reported during these months. Temperatures are generally consistent throughout the year, with daily highs ranging between 26 °C and 31 °C and lows between 14 °C and 19 °C. The wettest months are January, March, and December, each experiencing over 120 mm of rain.

Practical notes

The official languages are Swahili and English. The currency is the Tanzanian shilling. The country operates on UTC+03:00 time and uses type G plugs with a voltage of 230 V. Traffic moves on the left side of the road.

Food and drink to try in Tanzania

  • Mandazi
  • Nyama choma
  • Kunga cake
  • Ming'oko

Top sights in Tanzania

  1. Mount KilimanjaroMount Kilimanjaro
  2. Stone TownUNESCOStone Town
  3. Ngorongoro Conservation AreaUNESCONgorongoro Conservation Area
  4. Serengeti National ParkUNESCOSerengeti National Park
  5. Lake NatronLake Natron
  6. Olduvai GorgeOlduvai Gorge
  7. Kilwa KisiwaniUNESCOKilwa Kisiwani
  8. National AssemblyDodoma
  9. Selous Game ReserveUNESCOSelous Game Reserve
  10. House of WondersHouse of WondersStone Town
  11. Kilimanjaro National ParkUNESCOKilimanjaro National Park
  12. ChanguuChanguuStone Town
  1. Sultan's Palace, Zanzibar · Stone Town

UNESCO sites in Tanzania →

Weather by month

The warmest month is November, with an average high of 31 °C. The wettest is December, with about 164 mm of rain.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C282828282827262729303129
Average low, °C191919181715141516171819
Rainfall, mm1451331266571000339164
Rainy days21161918611002916

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Dodoma (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

Also worth a look

Neighbouring countries and territories