Tanzania

Calls of greeting carry across the street, then a minibus rattles past. Swahili runs through all of it, the shared language between many others, and it turns a crowded market into one long conversation. Far off, the broad shoulders of Kilimanjaro rise over the plains.

Outside the highlands the days stay warm, and the year follows wet and dry seasons instead of winter and summer. Come in the cooler months and evenings are made for walking and talking. A Local Friend opens a door you would not have knocked on, from a family kitchen to a neighbourhood football pitch.

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Population

70.5 million

World Bank 2025 estimate; 2022 census: 61.7 million.

A nation since

26 April 1964

Tanganyika and Zanzibar united as one republic.

Climate

Tropical, cooler highlands

Wet and dry seasons; two rainy spells in the north and east.

Capital

Dodoma

Seat of national government.

Did you know?

Africa's highest mountain

Kilimanjaro: a lone volcano, 5,895 m, above the plains.

Good to know about Tanzania

Language, money, timing and the details travelers sort out before they land.

National language: Swahili
Swahili is the national language; English is also widely used.
Currency: Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
ISO 4217 code TZS, numeric 834.
Time zone: UTC+3
One time zone nationwide; no daylight saving time.
Best time to visit: June to August
Coolest months; Serengeti herds peak from January to February.
Area: 947,300 km²
Total surface area, World Bank, 2023

Also worth knowing

Driving side: Left
Vehicles keep to the left.
Calling code: +255
International dialling code (ITU E.164).
UNESCO sites: 7 World Heritage Sites
3 cultural, 3 natural, 1 mixed; shared sites count for each state.

Arusha
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Babati
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Bagamoyo
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Bariadi
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Bashanet
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Basotu
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Biharamulo
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Bugarama
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Bugene
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Bukene
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Bukoba
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Bukonyo
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Bungu
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Buseresere
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Butiama
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Chake Chake
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Chala
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Chalinze
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Chanika
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Chato
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Chimala
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Chiungutwa
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Dar es Salaam
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Dawn fish auctions by the harbor, a bronze soldier on a downtown roundabout, Tingatinga paintings from Msasani and sea-breeze evenings on Coco Beach with grilled mishkaki.
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Dareda
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Dodoma
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Dongobesh
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Endasak
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Galappo
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Gamba
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Geiro
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Geita
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Hedaru
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Hedaru
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Ibaba
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Ifakara
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Igugunu
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Igurubi
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Ikama
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Ikinga
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Ikolo
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Ikungi
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Ikuti
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Ikwiriri
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Ilala
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Ilembo
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Ilembula
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Ilemela District
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Ilongero
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Ilula
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Inyonga
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Ipinda
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Iringa
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Isaka
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Issenye
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Itigi
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Izazi
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Kabanga
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Kabula
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Kahama
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Kahe Tanzania
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Latest Tips & Traps in Tanzania

Fresh advice from Local Friends and travelers: what to do in Tanzania, and what to avoid.

Tip

Art & Culture

Maasai Village

Monduli, Tanzania

The Maasai are a semi-nomadic people who live in close harmony with nature, often sharing their surroundings with wild animals. On this tour, you’ll visit a traditional Maasai village (manyatta) and learn about their daily life, cattle herding, and sustainable practices.

Experience the famous Maasai dances and songs…

See all Tips & Traps in Tanzania