The popularity of cultural trips has increased global tourism numbers every year. Even though Morogoro may not have much to do, travelers nonetheless flock there because of its proximity to the bustling city of Dar es Salaam. Old German architecture used by missionary organizations defines the way of life and culture that the city adopts. You can be sure that Morogoro won’t let you down with all of its fame and allure. The Morogoro region, well-known for its colonial past dating to the German era, displays its beauty through its culture and art.
The German-influenced architecture and the jazz band It has a certain quality that makes it one of Tanzania’s most stunning and prestigious regions, in my opinion. Even if the city doesn’t have much to offer tourists, the attractions it does have make it a good destination for a getaway. With less chaos and fantastic food, this is where you can have the most fun and relax. At the closely nested Mikumi National Park and Selous Game Reserve, one can even enjoy safari while touring Morogoro, Tanzania.
LOCATION AND SIZE OF MOROGORO TOWN
The town is situated in one of the six districts that make up the Morogoro area of the vast country of Tanzania, known as Morogoro Urban. The region’s capital city and biggest town are both located in Morogoro town. It is located 196 kilometers to the west of Tanzania’s major commercial metropolis, Dar es Salaam. It can also be found on the eastern side of Dodoma, the nation’s present capital. It is located 260 kilometers east of Dodoma.
The renowned Uluguru Mountains are located at the foot of Morogoro town. The center for agricultural research, the Sokoine University of Agriculture is also located in Morogoro region. Morogoro Rural Area borders the town to the east. The Mvomero district encircles the town on its northern and western sides. According to the 2012 national census, the town has a population of about 315,866 people and a total land area of 260 square kilometers.
Premier Parks and Reserves near Morogoro
Nyerere National Park
One of the largest designated game areas in Africa, Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) is approximate two and a half times the size of Wales and is truly one of the last frontiers in Africa, with game roaming freely and unimpeded throughout. The main focus for the safari....
Mikumi National Park
As the fourth largest park in Tanzania, the Mikumi National Park is rarely included on a flying circuit to the southern parks, but is very accessible to those that are vehicle-bound. The main reason for this is the existence of the Tanzam highway that was opened in 1964 and runs from Dar es Salaam
Ruaha National Park - Iringa
Approximately an hour and a half flying time to the west of the Selous, Ruaha National Park is often paired with its neighbour and provides the perfect foil. Where the Selous is verdant and riverine, Ruaha is barren and sparse. Where the Selous has elephant, hippo and crocodile, Ruaha has lions,
Tanzania Tourism Profile
Tanzania offers excellent wildlife viewing. There are three different safari circuits, and each one of them alone would make Tanzania a great wildlife destination. The Big Five and most other sought-after safari animals are easily seen. The black rhino is very rare throughout, with the exception of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Wildebeest Migration
The wildebeest migration is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles. At least two million ungulates – mainly wildebeest, but also zebra and gazelle – move around the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. The wildebeest calving season is also a very special time to visit. The large concentrations of wildebeest and their calves attract many opportunistic predators, and this is a good time to see some action.
Wildlife Highlights
The Serengeti is famous for its abundance of big cats and the highly endangered African Wild Dog is relatively easy to find in Nyerere and Ruaha where their numbers are quite healthy. Gombe Stream and Mahale are Africa’s best chimpanzee reserves.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
The Dry season (late June to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing. The Wet season (November-May) is often more beautiful and tourist numbers are lower. The best chance for seeing the wildebeest migration is during June and July. The parks in the Southern and Western circuit are less accessible in the long rains (March to May) and some lodges close in that period.
Tanzania is one of Africa’s best birding destinations. It has one of the largest species lists of any African country: over 1,100, of which over 800 species are resident, and nearly 200 are regular migrants. There are 22 species endemic and thus unique to Tanzania, and a further 43 near-endemic, restricted to Tanzania and neighboring countries only. Migrants are present from November to April.
Endemic Birds
Other Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Tanzania is good year-round, but at its best from November to April when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. The wettest months are March and April, when parts of the country may experience storms on a daily basis. The Wet season is also the hottest time of the year. This may make it uncomfortably hot on the coast. For wildlife viewing, the dry season is better.
Best Parks for Birding –Includes Birding Rating
All the well-known safari parks offer good birding opportunities, and specials can be found pretty much everywhere you go. The often-overlooked Arusha National Park has an amazing diversity of habitats that host an incredible list of 400 species in a small area. Lake Manyara offers a good variety of waterbirds.
The best time to visit Tanzania is during the Dry season, from late June to October, when wildlife viewing is generally at its best. The wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is usually during June and July and the time to see the wildebeest calving is late January to February. The southern and western circuit parks are best visited during the Dry season (June to October), unlike the more popular northern circuit parks that can be visited year-round.
June to October –Dry Season
November to May –Wet Season
Best Time To Go by Major Park
The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater offer good wildlife viewing throughout the year. June and July are the best months for seeing the migration, and February is the best month for the wildebeest calving. The dry months offer good wildlife viewing throughout Tanzania. Tarangire and the southern and western circuit parks (including Katavi, Nyerere and Ruaha) are best visited in the Dry season, from June to October.
Tanzania has a pleasant, tropical climate but has large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. The hottest and most humid part of the country is the coast. Other low-lying areas, such as the western and southern parks, are also hot but less humid. The rest of the interior is much milder and cools down significantly at night. Tanzania has a distinct Dry and Wet season.
Arusha’s climate compared to Tanzania’s parks
Arusha is the town closest to the most popular northern parks and has a comparably mild climate. The peak amount of rainfall in April is considerably less in most parks than in Arusha. The Ngorongoro Crater rim receives quite a lot of rain and is very cold during evenings and mornings due to its high altitude (about 2,300m/7,545ft). Lower lying parks, such as Manyara, Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha, Gombe, Mahale Mountains and Katavi, are slightly warmer than Arusha.
Dry Season–June to October
There is very little rainfall during this period and humidity is very low. It cools off at night; be sure to pack warm clothing because morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold, especially in the northern parks.
Wet Season–November to May
During most of the Wet season, afternoon temperatures are consistently hot (a bit above or below 30°C/86°F) but it is colder above 1,300m/4,265ft. Mornings are cold in most northern parks due to the high altitude.
Northern Circuit (1 to 2 weeks)
The northern circuit is the most popular circuit in Tanzania. In most cases, you will fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) near Arusha, the gateway of the northern circuit.
Destinations:
Popular add-ons:
Southern Circuit (1 to 2 weeks)
The ‘off-the-beaten-track’ character of the southern circuit makes for a holistic wilderness experience. It’s an excellent choice for a second safari on which marking off the Big Five is less of a concern. In most cases, you will fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and fly on by small airplane to Ruaha or Nyerere National Park.
Destinations:
Popular add-ons:
Western Circuit (1 week)
Destinations:
Popular add-ons:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is situated 50km/31mi east of Arusha, the gateway of Tanzania’s popular Northern safari circuit. The drive from the airport to Arusha takes about 1½ hours*.
Tanzania’s main airport is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), located 13km/8mi southwest of Dar es Salaam. This is the entry point for visitors to the southern parks.
From Arusha or Dar es Salaam, you can fly or drive between reserves. Some domestic flights out of Arusha will leave from Kilimanjaro International Airport, while others leave from the much smaller Arusha Airport (ARK) located 8km/5mi west of town. However you choose to travel, in most cases, your local tour operator will pick you up from the airport and arrange all further transportation as part of your safari package.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Flights & Airlines to Tanzania
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Tanzania and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Airlines & Flights in Tanzania
Domestic and charter flights between parks are usually booked by tour operators as part of the tour package. Domestic flights can be booked with several domestic carriers.
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Tanzanian embassy/high commission to verify that the information below is current.
- Australia
– www.smartraveller.gov.au - Canada
– travel.gc.ca - EU member states
– ec.europa.eu - Ireland
– www.dfa.ie - New Zealand
– www.safetravel.govt.nz - United Kingdom
– www.gov.uk - United States
– travel.state.gov
- Australia
The information on this page is just a general guide and should not be used instead of a consultation with your travel doctor. The government organizations and travel clinics below are trusted resources for complete and up-to-date info about travelers’ health in Tanzania.
Vaccinations
Recommended; see websites below for more detailed immunization advice.
Malaria Risk
High risk throughout the country except in high altitude mountains over 2000m including the Ngorongoro Crater rim, Mt. Kilimanjaro and parts of the Eastern Arc Mountains. Most safari parks are high-risk zones. The highest risk of transition is in the rainy season from November to May. See websites below for more detailed advice.
More Info
- Australia – www.travelclinic.com.au
- Canada – travel.gc.ca
- Ireland – www.tmb.ie
- United Kingdom – www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
- United States – wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Staying Safe in Cities and Towns
Most crime in Tanzania is in the cities (as is the case throughout the world). Petty theft and pickpocketing are quite common, but violent crime is very rare. You are unlikely to encounter any problems on a guided tour. Venturing out in the cities unguided is fine as long as you follow a few simple safety precautions: check with your hotel whether the area is safe to walk; only take a bit of cash with you; don’t display any valuables; don’t walk around after dark. For more safety tips that apply to African cities in general:
Other Tips on Staying Safe
Please read the pages below regarding malaria and vaccination information for Tanzania and general travel safety precautions.
Governments’ Travel Advice
Please use the links below for governments’ travel advice on Tanzania.
- Australia – www.smartraveller.gov.au
- Canada – travel.gc.ca
- EU member states – ec.europa.eu
- Ireland – www.dfa.ie
- New Zealand – www.safetravel.govt.nz
- United Kingdom – www.gov.uk
- United States – travel.state.gov
Southern Tanzania Safari
Often overlooked by many safari operators in favour of the northern parks, the southern parks of Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) and Ruaha National Park are worth serious consideration and are the preferred destination for most who are really keen on their safari.
The benefits of heading to the south is that, where the very north of the Serengeti gives the numbers of game, along with some seclusion, the southern parks are still very much “frontier” parks and so are noticeably less busy (they also feature the same spread of species as the north, but more like a thousand, rather than 2 million).
The second important point is that, where the average lodge cost in the north is around $700 per person per night, the lodges in the south, where they offer a similar experience, are around $2-300 less.
How to Go there
Unlike the road based itineraries to the northern parks, the southern parks of the Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park are easily accessed by small plane with Nyerere National Park being around a 30 minute flight from Dar es Salaam, and Ruaha being another hour and half on from there, or you may also consider a road transfer.
When to go
This is probably the most important question to ask when considering a trip to the southern parks for safari as, unlike the open grassland plains to the north of Tanzania, the southern safari parks are much more seasonal due to the riverine topography of the area. The best time (June - Novermber) - These are time to go.
How to go Long for
With access into and out of the parks being nice and easy, and the fact that it is possible to connect from the Selous to Zanzibar within an hour, it is definitely possible to go to Nyerere National Park for as little as 2 nights. We tend to recommend that you consider between 3 and 5 nights in each park .
Morogoro Tourism - FAQ's
Dar es Salaam is located in Tanzania with (-6.8235,39.2695) coordinates and Morogoro is located in Tanzania with (-6.821,37.6612) coordinates. The calculated flying distance from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro is equal to 110 miles which is equal to 178 km.
If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Dar es Salaam and Morogoro is 193.63 km. If you ride your car with an average speed of 112 kilometers/hour (70 miles/h), travel time will be 01 hours 43 minutes. Please check the avg. speed travel time table on the right for various options.
Difference between fly and go by a car is 16 km.
| City/Place | Latitude and Longitude | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | -6.8235, 39.2695 | 6° 49´ 24.5640” S 39° 16´ 10.2360” E |
| Morogoro | -6.821, 37.6612 | 6° 49´ 15.6720” S 37° 39´ 40.3920” E |
Estimated Time Between Dar’Salaam and Morogoro
| Average Speed | Travel Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48 km/h) | 04 hours 02 minutes |
| 40 mph (64 km/h) | 03 hours 01 minutes |
| 50 mph (80 km/h) | 02 hours 25 minutes |
| 60 mph (97 km/h) | 01 hours 59 minutes |
| 70 mph (112 km/h) | 01 hours 43 minutes |
| 75 mph (120 km/h) | 01 hours 36 minutes |
Experience the diverse attractions of Morogoro, from hiking majestic mountains to exploring lush national parks, immersing in cultural festivals, and indulging in local delicacies.
Step into the untamed beauty of Morogoro, where you’ll encounter elusive leopards, towering elephants, and a diverse array of wildlife that will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.
African Buffalo
African Wild Dog
Nile Crocodile
Giraffe
Spotted Hyena
Cheetah
African Elephant Shrew
Olive Baboon
Unleash your adventurous spirit in Morogoro, where many thrilling activities await. From hiking majestic mountains to exploring wildlife-rich national parks, immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences.
Step into the breathtaking landscapes of Morogoro, where lush green mountains, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife offer unforgettable adventures and natural beauty.
Uluguru Mountains
Mikumi National Park
Morogoro Botanical Gardens
Mahenge Mountains
Immerse yourself in the diverse avian world of Morogoro, where lush forests and wide-open plains offer a haven for an extraordinary array of bird species.
Marabou Stork
African Pied Wagtail
White-browed Robin-Chat
Grey-headed Silverbill
Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu
African Paradise Flycatcher
Morogoro is known for its scenic beauty, vibrant markets, and being a hub for agriculture and education. Lush mountains surround it, and it is a popular base for exploring nearby national parks and reserves.
Morogoro is easily accessible by road from Dar es Salaam, approximately 200 kilometers away. There are regular bus services connecting the two cities. If you prefer to fly, you can take a domestic flight to Morogoro’s small airport or fly to Dar es Salaam and then travel by road.
Morogoro has several cultural sites worth exploring. The Boma Museum showcases the region’s history and cultural artifacts. You can also visit the Mgeta Cultural Village, where you can learn about the traditional customs, music, and dances of the local Luguru people.
Morogoro is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, as with any place, it is advisable to take common safety precautions. It is recommended to avoid walking alone at night, keep your belongings secure, and follow any local guidelines or advice from trusted sources.
Morogoro experiences a tropical savanna climate. The city has two distinct rainy seasons, from November to December and March to May, with January and February being the hottest months. From June to October, the dry season offers pleasant temperatures and is an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Yes, you can visit nearby national parks from Morogoro. Mikumi National Park is the closest and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife safaris. Other parks, like the Udzungwa Mountains National Park and Ruaha National Park, are within driving distance and showcase Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems.
Morogoro has a well-developed transportation system. Buses and minibusses (daladalas) are the primary means of public transportation within the city and neighboring towns. Taxis and motorcycle taxis (bodabodas) are also readily available for shorter distances.
Yes, you can go on a safari in Morogoro. Mikumi National Park, located nearby, is known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. You can join guided game drives or even opt for camping safaris to experience the wilderness up close.