Where is Tanzania

Where is Tanzania Located in Africa? Location on World Map:

Where is Tanzania located in the world? Many travelers planning to visit Tanzania often wonder, “Where is Tanzania located on the African map?” If you’ve ever wanted to visit the home of the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro but you are unsure of its location on the map, or how to get there, this guide is a must-read.

Where is Tanzania

Where is Tanzania Located Geographically?

Geographical Location of Tanzania: Tanzania is situated in the eastern part of the African continent, precisely at 6.3690° S, 34.8888° E coordinates.

It’s a land of geographical marvels, from the sun-soaked islands of Zanzibar to the lofty peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. The country’s diverse landscapes are a testament to its unique position on the globe.

Climate Zones and Topography of Tanzania:

Tanzania’s climate is as varied as its topography, which ranges from the warm coastal plains to the cool highlands. The country experiences tropical conditions along the coast, where it’s typically hot and humid, while the highlands have a more temperate climate.

The central plateau experiences hot and arid conditions, making it less hospitable than the fertile regions surrounding the Great Lakes in the north and west.

Where is Tanzania Located in Africa?

Where is Tanzania on the Map of Africa? – Political Map and Boundaries: Tanzania is surrounded by a tapestry of neighboring countries, Tanzania shares its northern border with Uganda and Kenya, while Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo stand to the west.

To the south lie Mozambique and Malawi, with Zambia to the southwest. The eastern boundary of Tanzania is an expansive coastline that meets the Indian Ocean, providing not only stunning beaches but also vital ports for trade and travel.

Location of Tanzania

As the largest country in East Africa, Tanzania spans a total land area of 947,303 km², including the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, as well as mountains such as Kilimanjaro—the tallest in Africa—savannahs, and forests. The country’s eastern border is lapped by the Indian Ocean, boasting a coastline of 1,424 km.

Interesting Facts about Tanzania:

  • Official Name: United Republic of Tanzania
  • Continent: Africa
  • Coordinates: 6.3690° S, 34.8888° E
  • Independence: 1961
  • Official languages: Swahili, English
  • Capital: Dodoma
  • Largest city: Dar es Salaam
  • Currency: Tanzanian Shilling
  • GDP (PPP) 2023 estimate: USD 227.725 billion
  • Dialing code: +255
  • Time zone: UTC+3 (East Africa Time)
  • Land AREA: 365,755 square miles (947,303 square kilometers)
  • Population: 63.59 million (2021) World Bank
  • Religion (2020): 63.1% Christianity, 34.1% Islam, 1.5% no religion, 1.2% traditional faiths, and 0.1% others
  • Driving side: left
  • ISO 3166 code: TZ

How to Get to Tanzania?

You might be wondering how to get to Tanzania now that you know where it is. The country is accessible by sea, air, and land.

Getting to Tanzania By Air:

This is the best way to travel to Tanzania! There are numerous international flights that land directly in Tanzania.

Some of the well-known airlines flying to Tanzania include KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Emirates, Swiss, Kenya Airways, Uganda Airlines, Air Tanzania, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Ethiopian Airlines, EgyptAir, South African Airways, RwandAir, and Turkish Airlines.

The International Airports in Tanzania are:

  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
  • Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Getting to Tanzania by Road:

Tanzania’s road network extends approximately 86,472 kilometers (53,731 mi), with 12,786 kilometers (7,945 mi) classified as trunk roads and 21,105 kilometers (13,114 mi) as regional roads. Be prepared for a long drive if you’re planning to drive to Tanzania from neighboring countries.

From Uganda, you would use the Mutukula border; from Kenya, you would drive through the Isebania border, Loitokitok, or Namanga one-stop border.

Tanzania Entry Points

Other borders include the Rusumo border point from Rwanda, the Kabanga/Kobero border from Burundi, Tunduma – Nakonde from Zambia, Songwe-Kasumulu from Malawi, and lastly, Mtambaswala – Negomano from Mozambique.

By Train:

For those interested in rail travel, the Tazara Railway is the only train that travels cross-border from Zambia to Tanzania, running from Dar Es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi along a 1,860 km route.

The journey typically takes about 50 hours, but the route is very rewarding as it passes through various parks.

Getting to Tanzania by Water:

Ocean freighters, passenger liners, ferries, and steamers provide vital transportation links, connecting the port city of Dar es Salaam and the picturesque island of Zanzibar with various regional and nearby destinations.

Tanzania Entry Requirements:

  • Valid Passport
  • Visa – apply for a visa to visit the United Republic of Tanzania here.
  • Entry via designated points only.
  • Recommended vaccinations/boosters: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, Tetanus, and Yellow fever.

Comprehensive List of Countries with No Visa Requirement for Tanzania:

Countries Visa-Exempt for Entering Tanzania: The following countries do not require a visa to visit Tanzania, listed in alphabetical order:

  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Anguilla
  • Ashmore & Cartier Island
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • Belize
  • Brunei
  • British Virgin Island
  • British Indian Ocean Territory
  • Botswana
  • Cyprus
  • Cayman Island
  • Channel Island
  • Cocos Island
  • Cook Island
  • Christmas Island
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
  • Dominica (Commonwealth of Dominica)
  • Falkland Island
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Grenada
  • Guernsey
  • Guyana
  • Heard Island
  • Hong Kong
  • Isle of Man
  • Jamaica
  • Jersey
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Lesotho
  • Malawi
  • Montserrat
  • Malaysia
  • Madagascar
  • Malta
  • Mauritius
  • Macao
  • Mozambique
  • Nauru
  • Niue Island
  • Norfolk Island
  • Namibia
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Rwanda
  • Romania
  • Ross Dependency
  • Samoa
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore
  • Swaziland
  • Solomon Island
  • South African Republic
  • South Sudan
  • St. Kitts & Nevis
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Vincent
  • St. Helena
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • Turks & Caicos
  • Tokelau
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Vanuatu
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Popular Destinations in Tanzania:

After settling into Tanzania, here are the top 15 best places you can visit to enjoy your stay:

  1. Serengeti National Park
  2. Mount Kilimanjaro
  3. Zanzibar Islands
  4. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
  5. Dar es Salaam
  6. Tarangire National Park
  7. Lake Manyara National Park
  8. Arusha City
  9. Julius Nyerere National Park
  10. Ruaha National Park
  11. Selous Game Reserve
  12. Gombe Stream National Park
  13. Pemba Island
  14. Lake Tanganyika
  15. Cheetah’s Rock

Cultural and Historical Significance of Tanzania:

The cultural tapestry of Tanzania is rich and woven with the threads of numerous ethnic groups and languages. It’s a nation that has witnessed the rise and fall of colonial powers and has emerged with a strong sense of identity.

The historical significance of sites like Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the “Cradle of Mankind,” and the influence of Swahili culture along the coast, are integral parts of Tanzania’s heritage.

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