Planning to visit East Africa? Tanzania should be on your travel list. The Republic of Tanzania offers various game parks with the wildlife, birds and the beautiful landscapes.
Most of travelers to Tanzania visit whole year-round but to experience the African big5 and then holidays at the Zanzibar islands. But, the busiest time in Tanzania is from June to October where you will experience the mixture of big5 and the great wildebeest migration in the Grumeti and the northern Serengeti.
During this time round we offer the fly-In safaris and the overland tours in Tanzania suitably offering the migration safari in Tanzania and also can be combined with the Masai Mara in Kenya.
Arusha National Game Park: This is one of the less visited national parks Tanzania and this happens because it is a neighbor to the most popular national parks like Lake Manyara, Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Despite that, Arusha National Park has its own share of wildlife and has an advantage of being close to the city of Arusha. Most tourists visit the park for a day or two before or after visiting the larger national parks. The key attractions of the park are Climbing Mount Meru, exploring the Ngurdoto Crater and the seven Momela Lakes. Expect to encounter Colobus monkeys, buffaloes, warthogs and zebras among many other creatures. The Momela lakes are particularly attractive with over 200 species of both resident and migratory birds.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located next to the Serengeti and 180 kilometers away from the city of Arusha. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the top 10 natural wonders of the world. There was a time when it was part of the Serengeti National Park but a decision was made to manage it as a separate wildlife conservation area. The key feature of the reserve is a large volcanic caldera which acts as a natural enclosure that keeps most of Africa’s famous wildlife together. Because of this protective shield and constant water throughout the year, the animals here do not migrate as much as those of the Serengeti. Visitors can expect to spot them throughout the year. The animals to look out for are lions, black rhino, leopard, elephants, flamingos and buffaloes. The varied landscape includes forests, bushes, Savannah grasslands, volcanic features and saline lakes. The government has allowed the Masai tribesmen to continue living and taking care of their domestic within the conservation area hence allowing tourists chance encounters with them.
Olduvai Gorge. The Olduvai Gorge is found within the wider Ngorongoro conservation area. It is where some of the first fossils of the earliest humans were found. For this reason, it is sometimes known as the cradle of mankind. The site sits on a collection of fault lines which got exposed due to erosion allowing scientists to excavate fossils that are millions of years old. The first fossil was discovered in 1911 by a German professor while looking for butterflies in the area. The Leakey family carried out more advanced explorations in the area where they unearthed bones and fragments of skulls believed to be about 2 million years old. The Leakey’s also unearthed hunting weapons and other tools which are believed to be 1 to 1.5 million years old.
Serengeti National Game Park: The Serengeti national park is arguably Tanzania’s most popular tourist attraction and among the best destinations to see wildlife in Africa. It is part of the wider ecosystem which also includes the Simiyu and Mara regions in Kenya. The park consists of acacia trees, savanna grasslands, woodlands and small forests. The annual great migration safari in the Serengeti sectors are the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
During this migration, over 1 million wildebeest and 250,000 zebras move around the Serengeti and then cross the Mara River to Kenya. They undergo great challenges and have to cross crocodile infested rivers and lion territories. While on safari in the Serengeti, you can spot elephants, buffaloes, cheetahs, giraffe, impala, hyenas, eland, gazelle, ostriches and wild dogs. If you can afford the hot air-balloon experience, then go for it. Since the animals, move a lot during the dry season, it is important to plan your trip during specific months.
Singita Grumeti Reserve: This is a private enterprise and conservation project next to the Serengeti National Game Park. It is run by Paul Tudor Jones under a leasing agreement with the government. The reserve lies in a strategic location west of the Serengeti, an area with breathtaking views of the wildlife.
Ruaha National Game Park: Ruaha is found in the western part of Iringa. It is the largest National Park in Tanzania covering an area of around 13,000 square kilometers. Ruaha is part of a wider Eco-system that also includes Usangu Game Reserve, Rungwa Game Reserve and other smaller protected reserves. The park gets its name from the River Ruaha. This river is very important to the Eco-system because it helps support the animals and plant life particularly during the long dry spells. The animals gather to drink along the banks of the river offering amazing wildlife viewing. Ruaha river also supplies most of the electricity in the country. The key attractions in Ruaha National Park are the large prides of lions, elephants and the wild dog. Other animals roaming the park are jackals, leopards, zebras, bat-eared foxes, cheetahs, giraffes and impala. Ruaha can be reached by car via Iringa or by air to the airstrip in the park.
Tanzanite: Tanzanite is a rare and precious gemstone only found in Tanzania. They are mined from deep inside Mount Kilimanjaro. The mineral has striking shining blue colors. Though not as expensive as diamonds, they are equally stunning. They are excellent as gifts for friends, lovers and those you cherish. Tanzanite can be bought from jewelry shops in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha but it is important to be careful so as not to buy fakes. Only buy from authorized dealers and in well-known artisan shops. Genuine products will have a recognized gem certification.
Tarangire National Game Park: Tarangire is the sixth largest park in Tanzania. It covers an area of about 2,850 square kilometers. The park got its name from the Tarangire river which crosses the park and is a major source of water for the animals especially during the dry season. One striking feature in the park are the old baobab tree and countless termite mounds. Though smaller, the park receives almost the same number of visitors because it is closer to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Tarangire has one of the largest population of elephants in Africa and is home to tree climbing lions.
Apart from lions and elephants, there is possibility of encountering impala, giraffe, zebras and wildebeest. Tarangire National Park is a birders paradise with over 550 species. During the dry season, the park receives thousands of birds and animals from other nearby parks especially the Manyara National Park.
Lake Manyara National Game Park: This park is found close to the city of Arusha. Much of the park is made up of 330 square kilometers of water and forest. Lake Manyara is a key feature in the park. The soda/alkaline lake is considered to be one of the best places for birding in East Africa. During the rainy season, over 300 species of migratory birds visit the lake including flamingos. Many of the birds leave during the dry season once the lake starts losing water due to evaporation. However, flocks of flamingos remain. You can spot hippos, elephants, giraffe and wildebeest. Perhaps the greatest attractions of the park are the rare tree climbing lions of Lake Manyara. Spotting lions climbing as they rest on top of acacia trees is very rare.
Gombe Stream National Park: Gombe is a small national park covering an area of only 52 square kilometers. Despite its small size, it is an important wildlife conservation area. Gombe has one of the largest populations of habituated chimpanzees in Africa. Jane Goodall a primatologist, her first research about chimpanzees was done in Gombe Stream National Park. Because of that, the park has become internationally known among primatologists and tourists interested in trekking habituated chimpanzees. Apart from chimpanzees, there are also smaller primates and 200 recorded species of birds to be seen in this park. Among the birds are barbets, crowned eagles, kingfishers, palm-nut vultures, starlings and sun-birds. Other activities in Gombe Stream National Park include swimming, hiking and exploring waterfalls.
The Great Rift Valley. The East African rift valley passes through Tanzania leaving behind amazing features like lakes, rivers, hot springs, geysers and volcanoes. Some of the lakes found on the floor of Tanzania’s part of the rift valley are Lake Tanganyika, Lake Natron, Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi, Lake Victoria and Lake Makati. Most of these lakes are shallow and are blessed with amazing biodiversity.
Dar es Salaam: This is the largest metropolitan area in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam is also Tanzania’s commercial hub and busiest port. With a population of Tanzania over 4 million, Tanzania is the best place to experience Tanzanian culture, cuisines, restaurants and nightlife. The key attractions in the city are the beautiful beaches, the fish market, the national museum, Kunduchi Wild Water Park, Botanical gardens, Askari monument, Oyster Bay, Mbudya Island, the former state house and nearby national parks. The city is located on the showers of the Indian ocean hence allowing residents and visitors access to beautiful beaches, the islands of Zanzibar and much more.
Religious buildings: From ancient mosques to sprawling modern churches, Tanzania has a lot to offer for those interested in a religious or cultural tour. The Anglican Cathedral in Zanzibar is one site you must visit while in Zanzibar. It was constructed in 1887 to commemorate the end of slave trade along the coast. The cathedral is close to the old slave market and whipping post. St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral in Zanzibar is also an interesting place to visit and was built in the last decade of the 19th century. It was designed by the same architect of the Notre Dame Basilica in Marseilles, France. While in Dar es Salaam, you can also check out the Azania Front Lutheran Church close to the city beaches. This church was built in 1898 and is a major religious attraction in the city.
Other religious establishments include the Mosques in Dar es Salaam such as the Darkhana Jama’at-Khana Mosque along Mosque Street, Memon Mosque, Sunni and Ibaddhi Mosque. Then there are the impressive Hindu temples along the Kitsu Street in Dar es Salaam.
Museums: The best way to gather evidence about Tanzania’s fascinating history is in the numerous museums around the country. The most important one is the National Museum of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. Built in 1940 and expanded in 1963, this museum shows everything from vintage cars to some of the finest artifacts you will find in Africa. Expect to see ancient rock painting, footprints of the earliest man dating back to millions of years ago. Most of the important discoveries from Olduvai Gorge have found home here. The Makumbusho Village Museum offers something completely different. It is a large piece of land with traditional buildings from 18 of the ethnic tribes in Tanzania. Tourists love the museum because it offers a chance experience the culture of Tanzania’s people in one area.
Selous Game Reserve: Selous Game Reserve is located in the southern part of the county. It covers an area of about 54,600 square kilometers and has additional protective zones outside its main boundaries. It was named after Sir Frederick Selous who died in 1917 while fighting against the Germans in the first great war. Frederick was a great game hunter who later turned into a passionate conservationist. By sheer size alone Selous Game Reserve is almost four times the size of the Serengeti National Park. The park consists of typical savanna grasslands, bushes, forests and rivers. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The main mammals in the reserve are rhinos, crocodiles, hippos, buffaloes, brindled gnu, eland, giraffe, greater kudu, hartebeest, leopard, lion, Nyasaland gnu, reedbuck, sable antelope, spotted hyena, warthog, waterbuck, zebras, elephants and over 350 species of birds. Selous has the largest population of buffaloes and elephants in Africa of over 110,000 in number. Apart from mammals, the other attractions are volcanic springs, lakes, rivers such as Rufiji and Ruaha.
Mahale Mountains National Park: The Mahale mountains are found close to the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The highest of the lot is Nkungwe at 8,069 feet above sea level. Tourists are mostly drawn to the park because of its 1000 chimpanzees. Chimpanzee trekking is the most done activity in the park along with the beautiful Lake Tanganyika. While trekking chimpanzees in this park, it is also possible to spot yellow baboons and red colobus monkeys. The park is also excellent for photography. For about two decades, Mahale Mountains National Park was a research base for a group of Japanese anthropologists but it still has a lot to be discovered. The best time to visit the park is after the rains between the months of May and October.
Katavi National Game Park: Katavi is found in the remote western part of the country. It is the 4th largest national park in Tanzania and consists of 4471 square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness. The park is covered by massive floodplains for much of the year allowing wildlife to thrive. The park is endowed with a lot of Africa’s famous animals including giraffe, 4,000 Elephants, buffaloes, lions, crocodiles, hippos, reedbuck, leopards, zebras and impala. Over 400 species of birds can be sighted. Because of its remote location, Katavi National Park is an excellent place to escape the large crowds and experience the magic of the African wilderness. The best time to visit is during the dry months of June to November.
Lake Natron: Natron is a salt water lake found in the northern part of the country between Ol Donyo Lengai mountains and the Ngorongoro islands. The area is very dry with temperatures reaching 60 degrees Celsius on a particularly hot day. Lake Natron gets its water from hot springs and the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The lake is generally shallow and about 3 meters deep. During the long dry season, the water reduces considerably in size as a result of evaporation leaving behind minerals and salts. Only one type of fish, algae and bacteria can survive in this highly alkalized water. Despite all these harsh conditions, over 2.5 million Lesser flamingos thrive and breed. The flamingos fed on the algae and feel safe in the area because of its remoteness.
Mount Kilimanjaro: Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. It is also the highest free-standing mountain on earth with height of 19,331 feet above sea level. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most visited tourism sports in Tanzania. Each year, over 40,000 hikers attempt to reach the snow-peaked uhuru peak. There are five major routes used to get to the summit including Rongai, Machame, Shirea, Lemosho and Marangu. Each route starts from a different part of the park and presents a different challenge. Marangu is more straight forward and popular but other routes are more scenic. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is surprisingly easier and safer compared to many of Africa’s mountains. The cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is about $2500. The price includes the services of a Guide, a cook and porters.
Tanzanian food and beer: Tanzanian food has heavy influences from Europe, Arabia, India and Pakistan. Most of the food is composed of meat and spices. Nyama Choma (roasted meat, fish or chicken) is arguably the most popular local cuisine and usually served with baked bananas. Pilau is a rice dish which has been influenced by Indian cooking and recipes. It often includes boiled rice mixed with either chicken, fish, mutton or boiled eggs. The spices used are kachumbari, tomatoes, onions and chili pepper. Many Tanzanians depend on street food after work which is then washed down with local beer.
Pemba Island: Pemba island is also part of the Zanzibar archipelago and the so called “Spice Islands” in the Indian ocean. It covers an area of about 988 square and is relatively less crowded compared to Unguja. It is popular for its marine life and untouched coral reefs. It still has a large Omani Arab community who first settled several centuries ago. They intermarried with the local people giving birth to a mixed race. Pemba island has fertile soils which support the growth of large plantations of cloves and other spices. Pemba Island has gained both a positive and negative reputation as the home of some of the most powerful traditional witch doctors in the country. Tourists visit the island each year just to see these medicine men hoping to solve their worldly problems.
Mafia Island: Mafia is part of the wider Zanzibar archipelago also known as the “Spice group of Islands” which also includes Pemba, Unguja and Latham. Mafia is smaller with a population of about 41,000 people and is governed directly from the mainland. Residents depend on subsistence agriculture, fishing and tourism. Mafia island has pristine beaches and remains relatively unspoiled by tourism. Tourists can expect a more private experience with opportunities to take part in a variety of water sports including scuba diving, deep sea fishing and spotting well sharks. It is the perfect place to relax after a long safari in the mainland.
Mount Meru: Mount Meru is found in Arusha National Park. It is the second highest mountain in Tanzania with a height of about 4,565 meters above sea level. Mount Meru is an active strato-volcano and the most recent eruption was in 1910. The mountain lost much of its original size 8,000 years ago after a volcanic blast. Evidence of its past eruptions are the craters and smalls cone close to the summit. The mountain offers a steeper and more difficult climb than even Mount Kilimanjaro. Hiking routes pass through different kinds of vegetation depending on altitude, savanna grasslands, forests, heather zones and moorlands. Once hikers get to the summit, they must pass through a narrow ridge where some of the best views are possible. Apart from climbing to summit and getting beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro, hikers can also spot over 400 species of birds along its slopes. Small primates, leopard and antelopes also live along the slopes.
The Arusha Cultural Centre: The Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre is located on the Western edge of Arusha along Dodoma Road about 10 kilometers after the first roundabout from Arusha town opposite ‘Soko Mujinja’ a famous market in Arusha.
At the center, there is a museum building with modern architectural design boasting of arguably the biggest collection of African art in this era. From woodcrafts, statues, masks, furniture, utensils, to famous antique doors from Zanzibar to African Art beautifully embedded in paintings and photography. The cultural centre similarly has different shops for souvenirs. Shopping here is hassle-free. If in need of a meal, you will find a restaurant and coffee bar. This property has no accommodation facilities and therefore, visitors are encouraged to stay at nearby hotels. Cameras are not allowed on the premises.
The cultural center also hosts a library sort of arrangement for the book lovers. The section encompasses reading space were one can camp and get lost in the world of authors and wildlife. The book collection is rich and it caters for all ages and levels.
Some of the activities carried out in Tanzania include; game drives, balloon safaris, walking safaris, bush meals, canopy walkway, Mountain climbing, cycling, sport fishing and any more.
Tanzania has several hotels, lodges and camps located in urban cities, coastal towns, wildlife parks and reserves. Safari accommodations Option Includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Rubondo, Selous, Ruaha, Mikumi, Udzungwa, Mahale, Katavi, Gombe, Saadani, Lake Eyasi, Lake Natron, Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. Beach accommodations option Includes Islands of Zanzibar (Mnemba, Chumbe, Chapwani), Pemba, Mafia, Bagamoyo (Lazy Lagoon), Kilwa (Fanjove) and Dar es Salaam (Kunduchi, Ras Kutani, Jangwani). City and town accommodations option Includes Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Moshi, Mwanza and Kigoma.
Zanzibar Island. Zanzibar Island is one of the most picturesque and idyllic islands you will ever venture to. Blue skies, hot climates and clear turquoise waters with golden sands fill every corner of this wonderful island. Everywhere you gaze, Zanzibar is that dream island you have always imagined visiting and what a lot of people would say is their ‘happy place’.
Zanzibar offers a fantastic range of coast line restaurants, gorgeous spa hotels, historical intrigue as well as a variety of diverse wildlife, biodiversity and sea safaris to experience too. Sea safaris in Tanzania are a great alternative to the mainland safaris and offer observations of dolphins, Manta rays, green turtles, humpback whales and many more.
Zanzibar is semi-autonomous from the mainland and has a unique cultural heritage dating back to the early centuries. It was an important trading center connecting the islands to the mainland during centuries of Arab occupation. The key tourist attraction in Zanzibar are the beautiful white sand beaches and Stone Town. Stone Town is home to some of the top cultural and historical sites in Tanzania – some date back to the early 15th Century.
