Mainland Tanzania

Overview

This is the region of the Great Lakes, Africa’s famous Kilimanjaro summit, the savannah, national parks and reserves, and the continent’s most spectacular wildlife—above all, the safaris that have made the country’s reputation.

Main towns

Tourist attractions

Towns and their heritage

Beaches and coastline

Nature and activities

Climate

The eastern coast enjoys a very hot and humid equatorial climate year-round, which sea breezes struggle to moderate. Rain falls occasionally in November–December (the "short rainy season") and especially from March to May (the "long rainy season"), with much heavier and more persistent downpours. This is also when temperatures are at their highest.

On the inland high plateaus, the climate is tropical and temperate. Days are hot and dry but not stifling, and this holds true throughout the year. However, nights can get considerably colder. Temperatures also vary with altitude, to the point that the summit of Kilimanjaro sees snowfall at the start of the year and nights there are freezing in July–August.

The interior (Dodoma)