A modern amalgam of the mainland nation of Tanganyika and the coastal trading empire of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers a rare treat for travelers seeking an experience of cultural variety and natural splendor. Tanzania is a vast nation, consisting of high plateaux, mountains, mangrove swamps, and a fine coastline whose beaches and offshore islands are increasingly popular. While the coast, islands and southern park of Selous have a tropical climate, the other parks are temperate. Like Kenya, the temperature is influenced by altitude: it can be quite cold at the Ngorongoro Crater in the dry season. The dry season generally is from June to October. A short rainy season in November and December is marked by daily thunderstorms. This period is followed by the dry heat of January to March. The heaviest rains are from April to May - several of the country's lodges and resorts close during this period.

Most travelers to Tanzania are drawn to witness the Great Migration, when the Serengeti plains are teeming with vast herds of wildebeest and zebra traveling to and from Maasai Mara National Park. This happens from late June to October, covering different regions at different times. However, the country boasts a wealth of attractions throughout the year. The heights of Kilimanjaro are best explored, or appreciated from a comfortable viewing point, from January to March. Birders will find much to observe year-round, although the period from November to March sees a massive influx of over 160 species of migrating birds escaping the northern winter. Game viewing is excellent all year round. After the two rainy seasons, the country is carpeted with wildflowers.

Tanzania consists of over a hundred different ethnic groups, most of whom live in the north of the country, particularly amidst the fertile slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. The distinction between ethnic groups is often subtle, and refers to linguistic and cultural differences that groups use to distinguish themselves from their neighbors. Swahili is the official language of the country, while English is widely spoken. The safari parks of the northern circuit - Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and others - are comparatively well known and developed, while the southern regions offer a wild safari experience that will appeal to first time and repeat visitors alike.

Tanzania is home to some of the world's oldest archaeological remains. The Olduvai Gorge, near the Ngorongoro Crater, is the site of many of the world's most significant finds, such as bones from the Austraolpithecine stage of human evolution. Here, Homo Habilis began using tools. Indeed, the development of tool using has been superbly documented at Olduvai Gorge, where different levels of tools have been found at the gorge, in different levels of rock.

Migrations over the past two thousand years led to Tanzania's current diverse populations. As well as inland cultural diversity, the coast saw the development of Swahili culture, as Arab traders influenced these communities. Other cultures who left their mark on the coast include Persian, Arab, Egyptian, Indian, Chinese and European. By the 19th century, European traders were bringing missionaries in their footsteps. Soon, big game hunters, traders, and adventurers followed. By the turn of the 20th century, Tanzania was a major playing field for the imperial ambitions of Germany and Britain. German colonial rule was from 1886 to 1921 - a period noted for its attempts at establishing a settler economy. Railway developments, and increased missionary activity took off during these years. After WWI, the British took control of the country, and introduced Indirect Rule: this policy involved giving political power to local chiefs, and ruling through them. There was little development of a cash crop economy. This was also the time of the beginning of the Tanganyika African Association (TAA), which focused on forming unions and agricultural associations before tackling the wider issue of national independence. This shift in goal came about in the 1950's, when Julius Nyerere became the leader of the TAA, and oversaw the formation of the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU). Independence was achieved in 1961, and entered a unique period of economic and social experimentation.

Tanzania is one of Africa's most politically fascinating nations. From 1961 to 1995, the country was under single party rule; Julius Nyerere was President until 1985. Widely recognized as one of Africa's greatest statesmen, Nyerere was a model of integrity, modesty, and sincere devotion to equality, justice and human rights. Nyerere's politics were strongly influenced by Chinese concepts of communism; while these did not always blend well with traditional Tanzanian cultural structures, they did lead to Tanzania achieving some of the highest levels of literacy and health care in Africa. Today, Tanzania is in considerably stronger shape than many of her neighbors, although still wrestling with such ubiquitous problems as overpopulation, deforestation, and rapid urbanization.