Tanzania – A Destination That Has It All
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, Tanzania is well-established as one of the best wildlife-viewing destinations in the world. Safaris follow the trail of giant herds of antelope or wildebeest across the Serengeti, while lions lounge in the shade waiting for their next meal to trot by. On the horizon looms the conical silhouette of Kilimanjaro, beckoning the strong of lung and leg, and just off the coast the beaches and Arabian-infused culture of Zanzibar offer travelers a very different Africa.
Most people on African safari is a significant investment in the “Trip of a Lifetime” and for a large portion it becomes a wonderful obsession to return again and again. Planning the ultimate safari can be a daunting task with infinite choices to make and amazing brochures and promises that make every choice sound perfect. Our planning philosophy is to have an open dialogue to determine what a client is hoping to see and experience on safari. Based on factors such as budget, time of travel, and certain desired style choices we can recommend the best options to create the ultimate custom safari experience.
For the great wildlife safaris in East Africa, you should not miss including Tanzania in your tour itinerary.
- Serengeti national park is undoubtedly the most famous of the country’s national parks, home to the annual wildebeest migration attracting thousands of visitors each year.
- For sheer African magic, the Ngorongoro crater- often called the eighth natural wonder of the world’- is a must see. Deep within the ancient caldera, herds of gazelle roam beside sated lions, and endangered black rhino and elusive cheetah are always spotted thorough the early morning mist.
Still, the big name parks aren’t all the country to offer. The elephants of Tarangire national park and tree climbing lions of Lake Manyara also reward the discerning traveler. On the Indian Ocean shore, the Saadani game reserve is the most recently protected area to receive international attention. Famed for its views of elephants playing in the ocean surf; Saadani and other lesser known national parks, offer equally rewarding experiences for guests willing to wander off the beaten track.
But the magic of the safari isn’t all this great country has to offer. Tropical beaches, coral reefs and the Swahili culture along the Indian Ocean coast are also a main attraction for visitors who want to end their experience of the African bush with some well earned relaxation, Zanzibar style. For the more intrepid adventures, a climb to the roof top of Africa, mt Kilimanjaro, is a highlight of a safari itenary. Longer treks through the Ngorongoro conservation area, through the magical Gol Mountains or the active volcano of Ol Donyo Lengai, are a fantastic way to experience less-visited parts of the country in a new way.
People of Tanzania
Tanzania has a wealth of diverse groups that make up its national community. Hunter – gatherer tribes and fierce maasai co-exist in the northern wilderness, and lesser known people like the Wadorobo and the iraqw also make up the collage of the country. Cultural tourism has become a popular choice for many visitors to Tanzania, with different programs and itineraries on offer around the country.
From day hikes on the slopes of mount Meru to honey connecting in the usambaras, discovering local culture is a highlight for any visitor to Africa.
So welcome to Tanzania – experience the warmth of our people, the magic of our wilderness, and the sheer wonder of our wildlife.
Safaris in Tanzania promise amazing scenery, fabulous game viewing and a host of unique experiences.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to options for wildlife viewing in Tanzania.
Choose from:
- Conventional jeep safaris
- Walking safaris
- Cycling safaris
- Horse riding safaris
- Trekking holidays with game viewing included
All amazing ways to experience the incredible wildlife of this stunning country.
Which are the best areas for safaris?
Of the many national parks and game reserves in Tanzania the most renowned are:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Selous Game Reserve
As well as giving information on these, I will also look at a few other highlights and end with a brief introduction to wonderful Zanzibar.
Where to Go in Tanzania
Serengeti National Park
This vast open grassland, dotted with acacia woodland and the occasional granite outcrop (koppie), is the arguably the best place for safaris in Tanzania, and indeed in Africa as a whole.
Although there are seasonal variations in animal populations, the park always has impressive volumes of wildlife, including a large number of predators.
Ngorongoro Crater
To the south of Serengeti, but still very much in the north of Tanzania, is stunning Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world.
Its 12 mile wide basin is home to some of the densest wildlife populations to be found anywhere in Africa, including large herds of elephants.
Selous Game Reserve
One of the great things about safaris in Tanzania is the variety of landscapes they explore and Selous in the south-east of the country offers a very different experience to the northern reserves.
Three times larger than Serengeti, and cut into in the north by the Rufiji river system, it is rich in wildlife.
Other highlights
Ruaha National Park
Despite being the second largest national park in the country, Ruaha, in central Tanzania, is one of the more remote game reserves and offers a real off-the-beaten-track, wilderness experience.
To track game in its beautiful, tranquil surroundings makes a refreshing change to jostling for viewings in the busier safari destinations.
With a high central plateau, open plains, wooded hillsides and a major river system, there are habitats to suit all the species of game and birdlife you could hope to see.
You’ll also come across magnificent specimens of the huge baobab tree which will surely draw your attention from the wonderful wildlife, if only briefly.
Tracking chimpanzees
Two of the best places in the world to see chimpanzees are Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park.
Both are situated in the far west, bordering the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika.
Their extensive areas of rainforest also shelter many other primates such as olive baboons, red colobus and vervet monkeys.
Riding safaris
There are great horseback safaris to be had in north-east Tanzania in the hinterlands of Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru.
Incredible landscapes, superb game viewing and exciting, fast riding make for outstanding trips.
Wilderness camping adds to this amazing experience.
Do note that you will need to be a fit, confident, experienced rider with a secure seat for trail safaris, although short rides suitable for novices, in areas with no dangerous game, may be available in some locations.
Cycling safaris
You are again likely to be based in the north of the country as you alternate between two wheels and four to explore the top safari spots.
The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Rift Valley and Lake Manyara, with its flock of pink flamingos, will all probably be on your route.
This is a great way to get the true feel of this fabulous country.
Fundraising trips
Several companies specializing in harity Holidays offer bush treks in Tanzania.
While not promoted as safaris (probably because no one is likely to sponsor you to go on a game viewing jolly), you can’t fail to see a wide variety of wildlife as you trek in the prime safari regions.
If you want a really tough charity challenge, an ascent of Mt Kilimanjaro is the other trekking option.
Or you could consider a charity cycle ride covering both Tanzania and Kenya.
This is a good point to mention that many safaris in Tanzania also take in highlights of neighbouring countries, Kenya being the most regularly featured.
Zanzibar
This exotic tropical island, fringed with sandy beaches and ringed by coral reefs washed by the Indian Ocean, is the perfect place to relax at the end of your safari.
Many trips include a few day there, while others offer Zanzibar as an optional extension.
Go snorkelling or diving to discover more wonders of nature in its stunning, hidden undersea world.
Accommodation
Camping features heavily on many safaris.
This could be in luxury permanent camps, basic static camps or involve wilderness camping where you pack up and move on each day.
Or you may stay on lodges, hotels and guest houses.
The standard will vary from trip to trip so do study the details carefully to ensure you end up with the accommodation really you want.
Choosing your holiday
There are endless options for safaris in Tanzania and it is true to say that many trips take in all the highlights of the main regions covered on this page.
To help you find your perfect trip I have categorised some of the Adventure Travel Companies listed below to assist you in your search.
Tanzania is also included in many overland African journeys (of up to 38 weeks duration)and game viewing a highlight of such trips.
Where to Stay
Safari lodges are the equivalents of the western deluxe hotels. Lodge chains such as the Serena and Sopa and a few other privately owned safari lodges and camps keep a very high standard of service. Moderate lodges that we use, such as the chain of, Hotel and Lodge Hotels and Sopa Lodges , for The Camps Tanganyika wilderness Camps, Anjari Camps, Moivaro Camps and Lemala Tented Camps are of a good standard too.
