The United Republic of Tanzania is located in eastern Africa on the Indian Ocean between Mozambique and Kenya and includes the island of Zanzibar. Its largest city, Dar es Salaam, is located along the eastern coast on the Indian Ocean. The capital Dodoma lies west of Dar-es-Salaam. Tanzania covers an area roughly twice the size of California. The terrain includes coastal plains, a central plateau, and highlands in the north and south. It is home to Mt. Kilimanjaro ( the highest point in Africa ) , Lake Victoria ( the second largest lake in the world), and the Great Rift Valley. The climate varies from tropical along the coast to temperate in the highlands. Natural resources include hydropower, tin, phosphates, iron ore, coal, diamonds, gemstones, gold, natural gas, and nickel. Population. Around 55 million people live in Tanzania. Kiswahili or Swahili (Kiunguju in Zanzibar) and English are the official languages; Arabic and numerous other local languages are spoken as well. The population is overwhelmingly native African (99%), most of whom are Bantu (95%). Religious practices on the mainland include: Christian (30%), Muslim (35%), and indigenous beliefs (35%). its independence on 9th December 1961. Its constitution went into effect on April 26, 1977, and underwent major revisions in 1984. Tanzania’s president and vice president are elected by popular vote for five-year terms. The head of state is President John Magufuli, he belongs to the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Party.

Venturing out on safari in wet season does not particularly sound attractive at first thought, right? However, what lodges consider as low season, we rather mark it as the ‘green’ season. The truth is that this green season in Tanzania is quite special. There are some major benefits to traveling off peak that you might not have known. We will share with you 5 reasons why traveling in Tanzania during low season is absolutely amazing. And pssst, don’t tell anyone! 1. Escape the crowds 2. Value for money 3. The weather 4. Excellent photographic opportunities 5. Baby animals & Birds An authentic and discerning tour of Tanzania with AfricanMecca Safaris presents the whole of Africa in microcosm, providing outstanding examples of sustainable tourism in a country with unbeatable natural resources. Stunning landscapes, spectacular wildlife diversity and concentration, safari adventures to remember for a lifetime, challenging mountain and active watersports, barefoot beaches and idyllic islands, historical and cultural riches, all wait for you in dream vacation venues where you can relax in luxurious self-indulgence.

The best wildlife viewing months in Tanzania are during the Dry season from late June to October. The best chance of seeing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is during June and July and the time to see the wildebeest calving is late January to February. The southern and western circuit parks are best visited during the Dry season (June to October), unlike the more popular northern circuit parks that can be visited year-round. Tarangire is the only exception since its wildlife viewing is considerably better in the Dry season as well. Best Time June to October (All parks), June-July and January-February (Serengeti for the wildebeest migration and calving)
High Season July to March (northern circuit parks; they get crowded), July to October (southern and western circuit parks; they don't really get crowded any time of the year) Low Season April and May (northern circuit parks still get quite a few visitors unlike the southern and western circuit parks, where many lodges close down) Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall) Worst Weather March and April (Peak of Wet season) June to October –Dry Season June and July are the best months to see the wildebeest migration Animals are easier to spot since they concentrate around waterholes and rivers and there is less vegetation There are fewer mosquitoes because there is little to no rain; skies are clear and most days are sunny. Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still don't feel crowded, except for the Seronera area in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater Mornings and nights get cold; it's recommended to bring warm clothing for morning game drives in open vehicles during the months of June, July and August.

Tanzania is a tropical country and vaccines are sensible (typhoid, polio, tetanus and yellow fever). Malaria is common and occurs all year round; you must take anti-malarial measures, especially in areas below 1500m. Always check the latest recommendations with your clinic or doctor. In Tanzania, HIV infection rates are high. This isn't usually an issue for visitors, but you should be aware of the situation, and take the usual sensible precautions you would in any country. We understand that blood supplies used by private hospitals in Tanzania have been carefully screened for many years.

Most travellers require visas for Tanzania. Always check the latest regulations with your nearest Tanzania embassy high commission before you travel.

Virtually all camps and lodges have a laundry service, although sometimes, because of religious taboos, women's underwear cannot be included.

The food served in Tanzanian safari camps varies, but is often delicious – the equivalent of a reasonable restaurant in Europe or America. In Tanzania's towns and villages, the food is usually simpler. Plain grilled meat, nyama choma, is very popular, and often served with sauce, rice, chips, plantains or ugali (cornmeal or cassava mush). Indian cuisine is also wide spread. The locally brewed beer is good, including Serengeti, Safari, Kilimanjaro, mbege (homebrew from the Chagga people) and banana beer; imported beers (e.g. Tusker from Kenya) and wine are also excellent.

Here is a broad guide to the climate of Tanzania – although remember that this comes from records and experience, not from a crystal ball. Weather patterns across Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable, probably due to global warming; we're seeing downpours in the middle of deserts and damaging droughts when rains should be falling. Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. However, generally the main rainy season, or the 'long rains', lasts during about March, April and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm – which are heavier and more predictable beside the coast and on the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30°s. The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September and October is when rainfall is unusual, even on the islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it's usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it's a great time to visit Tanzania. During November and December there's another rainy season: the 'short rains'. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable. If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzania's 'short dry season', before starting to rain again in earnest in March.