Tanzania

About Tanzania

An extraordinary mix of vast open plains stocked with great game, Tanzania is an idyllic country in East Africa, filled with spices, souks, pristine beaches and bustling bazaars; located within the incredible African Great Lakes region. 

The country is populated by around 120 different African tribal groups and with the likes of the Serengeti, which is one of the world’s oldest ecosystems, Mount Kilimanjaro and a host of rare wildlife to spot, a holiday to Tanzania offers everything you can expect from a quintessential African adventure. 

Tanzania provides some of the greatest game viewing experiences in Africa and the wildlife here is considered by many to be the best. It is particularly spectacular during the migration, in which over a million wildebeest and more than 200,000 zebras head south every October and November; returning northwards after the long rains from April to June. This really is an amazing experience to see and hear.

All of this happens through the Serengeti National Park, the most famous of all East African safari parks; where the Masai tribesmen have grazed their cattle for centuries and which they know as Siringitu: “The place where the land moves on forever”. So, taking a safari tour here promises you the wildlife experience of a lifetime.

During your time in Tanzania, you will have the chance to spot 350 different species of bird, making it an ideal destination for ornithologists as well as general wildlife lovers. Don’t miss the chance to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, where you can savour the breathtaking views from atop Africa’s highest mountain. 

There is also the Selous Game Reserve to discover, as well as the Olduvai Gorge, where the fossil remains of the two-million-year-old Nutcracker Man was discovered. From there, you can visit the Ngorongoro Crater, an extinct volcanic caldera which provides nature’s own theme park for game.

Interesting things to do in Tanzania

Of course, the possibility of seeing The Big Five in Tanzania is a massive draw for many visitors. The chance to see some of the rarest and most beautiful species on the planet is a chance you simply can’t turn down. Tanzania is also home to the likes of zebras, giraffes and chimpanzees, making it an animal lover’s paradise. So, ensure you take a safari to see as many of these magnificent species as possible during your Tanzania holiday.

If you need to take a break from animal sighting, you can embark on a mini beach holiday and relax on the absolutely breathtaking beaches of Zanzibar. These white sand beaches provide holidaymakers with a tranquil and serene location to unwind in under the sun, combined with an absolutely gorgeous view of the calming, blue ocean. Zanzibar’s beaches are among some of the most unspoilt anywhere in the world.

Pay a visit to the oldest part of Zanzibar, Stone Town during your travels. This ancient town is brimming with history down every single winding alleyway, located right beside the crystal blue Indian Ocean.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk 

Seasons

• Dry – June to October (Again in January to February – ‘short dry season’)
• Green – March to May (Again in November to December – ‘short rains’)

In The Know

• Capital – Dodoma
• Currency – Tanzanian Shilling
• Point of Entry – Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar
• Airlines – British Airways, Kenya Airways via Nairobi
• Flying Time – 9 hours 40 minutes
• Time Zone – GMT +3
• Visa on arrival
• Medical Requirements – Malaria prophylaxis & Yellow Fever vaccination recommended

Insider Tips

• Consider booking a private safari vehicle & guide for the best game-viewing experiences
• Don’t take the ferry from Dar-es-Salaam to Zanzibar – flying is quicker and safer
• If staying on the beaches of Zanzibar make the time for a day trip to fascinating Stone Town
• Take USD dollars cash with you for tips & souvenirs
• Include at least two nights stay at the Ngorongoro Crater, one night is never enough