The Tanama has its source in the Gyda Peninsula, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Tyumen Oblast.

It flows first roughly northwestwards and northwards, forming a wide arch across the tundra above the Arctic Circle.

In its upper and middle course the river forms the border of the Tyumen Oblast for about 430 km (270 mi).

The Tanama changes direction in its lower course and meanders roughly eastwards, flowing across the swampy lowlands of the northeastern part of the West Siberian Plain.

The main tributaries are six of these that are over 100 km (62 mi) in length: the Ngarka-Lybonkatyakha, Yartoyakha, Nenereyakha, Payotayakha on the left and the Big Pyakoyakha and Yara on the right.