Situated in east Africa, Tanzania is a country of stunningly beautiful landscapes, wildlife and cultures. Home to Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, and the world famous Serengeti, Tanzania provides the wildlife enthusiast with vast areas of true wilderness. One of the main reasons to visit Tanzania is to witness the ungulate (wildebeest) migration.

The county's northern parks are fantastic. The Ngorongoro Crater, a microcosm of Africa and it's wildlife (including all of the Big 5), is not to be missed. For those seeking a true escape the southern part of Tanzania has been set aside as the world's largest wildlife reserve. The Selous Reserve is remote Africa at its best.

Tracking chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains is a must! The spice island of Zanzibar, off Tanzania’s coast, is the perfect safari extension and offers incredible culture / history along with superb beach resorts and water activities.

In a land where even the most organized tour companies find it hard to run a smooth operation (east Africa tends to be less efficient and travelers and tour operators experience more problems than in southern African countries such as Botswana, Namibia and South Africa) it is good to know a large company with extensive resources is there to back up our clients. In Tanzania and Zanzibar Ultimate Africa works very closely with Conservation Corporation Africa and their circuit of lodges and camps (in addition to a select handful of other high end properties). Please note that most Tanzanian properties are closed April through May due to the long rains.

Tanzania is a great safari destination! Not as good as Botswana, but still great…

When to Visit: Late December through early March / late June through October
Big 5 Wildlife Species: Yes
Overall Quality of Safari Guides: 2.5 (varies widely)
Overall Quality of Wilderness Experience: 4.5
Personal Safety: 2.5 (mainly urban with some rural crime, terrorism in recent past)
Health Concerns: 2.5
General Infrastructure (roads, telecommunications, water): 1.5
Medical Infrastructure: 1.5
Political Stability: 3.5
Overall Rating: 2.6
(ratings are based on a 5 point scale with 1 being the least desirable value and with 5 being the most desirable value)

Official Languages: Swahili and English
Currency: Tanzania Shilling
Time Difference: EST +8
Electricity: 220/240 50 cycles
Departure Tax: US $20
Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania
2139 R Street NW, Washington D.C. 20008
Telephone: (202) 939-6125
Entry Visa: Visa is required for American tourists - US $100. Purchase visa before departure.