Tanzania - Africa's Best Safari Destination - Home of the Serengeti National Park & the Roof Top of Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro
The name Tanzania evokes visions of sweeping savannahs filled with thundering wildebeest herds, mist-shrouded rainforests alive with monkeys and birds, and vast plains where Africa’s greatest wildlife roams free. From the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro to the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania is a country of breathtaking contrasts and unparalleled natural beauty.
With its warm-hearted people, diverse cultures, and world-class destinations, Tanzania stands as one of Africa’s most captivating travel experiences — a place where adventure, relaxation, and discovery meet in perfect harmony.
Location and Geography
Situated in East Africa, Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, and Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia to the south. To the east lies the glittering Indian Ocean, home to the idyllic Zanzibar Archipelago.
Covering nearly 950,000 square kilometres, Tanzania is one of Africa’s largest countries, encompassing vast plains, volcanic highlands, lush forests, and tranquil lakes — including Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Nyasa. This geographical diversity supports a remarkable array of wildlife, ecosystems, and cultures.
Top Attractions and Experiences
Tanzania offers travellers four main experiences, each distinct yet equally unforgettable:
1. Safari Adventures
Home to some of Africa’s most legendary parks, Tanzania’s northern and southern safari circuits offer unrivalled game viewing.
Serengeti National Park: Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural spectacles.
Ngorongoro Crater: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with wildlife in a spectacular volcanic setting.
Ruaha and Selous (Nyerere) National Parks: Discover vast, remote wilderness areas where elephants, lions, and leopards roam freely.
2. The Spice Islands of Zanzibar
Just off Tanzania’s coast lies Zanzibar, an enchanting island paradise of turquoise seas, coral reefs, and historic towns.
Relax on white-sand beaches in Nungwi, Paje, and Jambiani.
Explore Stone Town, a UNESCO-listed cultural treasure of winding alleys, carved doors, and spice markets.
Dive into world-renowned coral reefs, or sail on a traditional dhow into a golden sunset.
3. Mount Kilimanjaro
Rising to 5,895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the world’s most iconic trekking destinations.
Climbers ascend through distinct ecological zones — from lush rainforest to alpine desert — before reaching the snow-capped Uhuru Peak, the “Roof of Africa.”
4. Marine and Coastal Adventures
Beyond Zanzibar, the Mafia and Pemba Islands offer spectacular diving and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters rich with marine life. The Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park provides sanctuary for rare species like the prehistoric coelacanth and gentle dugongs.
People and Culture
Tanzania’s true beauty extends beyond its landscapes — it lies in its people. Home to more than 120 ethnic groups, including the Maasai, Chaga, Sukuma, and Hadzabe, Tanzania is a tapestry of languages, traditions, and beliefs.
Despite this diversity, Tanzanians share a strong sense of unity and peace, bound together by Swahili — the nation’s lingua franca. Visitors are greeted with warmth and hospitality, experiencing the “Hakuna Matata” spirit that defines the country’s easy-going charm.
Local cuisine is a reflection of this cultural blend: from spiced coconut curries on the coast to nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali (maize porridge) in the interior. Food, music, and storytelling are woven into daily life, enriching every travel experience.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (June – October): Ideal for safaris and mountain treks. Wildlife congregates around water sources, offering excellent game viewing.
Green Season (November – May): Perfect for birdwatching and lush landscapes. The calving season (January–February) in the Serengeti is particularly rewarding for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Why Visit Tanzania
Tanzania is Africa in its purest form — wild, beautiful, and deeply soulful. Whether you’re watching elephants cross the Serengeti, exploring coral reefs off Zanzibar, or summiting Africa’s highest mountain, every moment feels timeless and awe-inspiring.
Add to that the warmth of the Tanzanian people and the rich blend of cultures, and you have a destination that captures the heart of every traveller.
With such an abundance of experiences — from safari plains to island retreats — the hardest part of your journey will simply be deciding where to go first.
Key Highlights
Serengeti National Park – Home of the Great Wildebeest Migration
Ngorongoro Crater – UNESCO World Heritage Site and wildlife sanctuary
Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak and iconic hiking destination
Zanzibar Archipelago – Historic Stone Town and idyllic beaches
Selous (Nyerere) National Park – One of Africa’s largest protected reserves
Warm, Welcoming People – Over 120 ethnic groups living in harmony
Mount Kilimanjaro – The Roof of Africa
Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak is one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring natural landmarks. Straddling the Kenya–Tanzania border, this iconic freestanding volcano rises to a staggering 5896 metres above sea level, making it Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing peak in the world.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park encapsulates an astonishing variety of ecosystems—from lush tropical rainforests and alpine meadows to barren high-altitude deserts and the glacial summit of Uhuru Peak. Its sheer scale, dramatic landscapes, and accessibility have made it a bucket-list destination for trekkers, climbers, and nature lovers worldwide.
Location
Located in northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro rises majestically from the open plains that border Amboseli National Park in Kenya. The surrounding Kilimanjaro National Park spans over 750 square kilometres, encompassing diverse ecosystems and breathtaking scenery.
Unique Features
Africa’s Tallest Peak: Standing at 5896 metres (19,341 feet), Mount Kilimanjaro is both the highest mountain in Africa and the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.
Triple Volcanic Cones: The mountain comprises three extinct volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo hosts Uhuru Peak, the mountain’s highest point.
Five Ecological Zones: The climb traverses distinct zones—from cultivated farmland and rainforest to moorland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit—each with unique flora and fauna.
Glacial Ice Fields: Despite being near the equator, Kilimanjaro retains glacial ice fields and snowcaps, remnants of its once vast ice sheet.
Cultural Significance: The mountain holds deep spiritual meaning for the Chagga people, who live on its fertile lower slopes.
Activities in the Area
Mountain Climbing & Trekking: Take on the challenge of summiting Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point. There are several established routes, each offering a unique combination of scenery, duration, and difficulty level:
Marangu Route (“Coca-Cola Route”) – The only route with hut accommodation; shorter and less steep, but with lower summit success rates.
Machame Route (“Whiskey Route”) – The most popular and scenic route, featuring diverse landscapes and a higher success rate due to better acclimatisation.
Lemosho Route – A longer, less crowded route through remote forest and moorland areas, offering excellent acclimatisation and stunning vistas.
Rongai Route – Approaches from the north near the Kenyan border; quieter, drier, and ideal during the rainy season.
Shira Route – Begins at a higher elevation on the western side, merging with Lemosho later; beautiful but recommended for experienced hikers.
Umbwe Route – The steepest and most direct ascent; best suited for seasoned climbers seeking a challenge.
Northern Circuit Route – The newest and longest route, offering exceptional acclimatisation, minimal crowds, and panoramic views from multiple aspects of the mountain.
Guided Nature Walks: Explore the lush lower slopes and foothills of Kilimanjaro, home to tropical forests, waterfalls, and wildlife such as blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.
Cultural Experiences: Visit Chagga villages on the mountain’s lower slopes to learn about local traditions, coffee farming, and folklore tied to the mountain.
Travel Information
How to Get There
By Air: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 40 km from Moshi and 50 km from Arusha.
By Road: Accessible via well-paved roads from Arusha (2 hours), Moshi (1 hour), and Nairobi (5–6 hours via border crossing at Namanga).
Travel Distances
Arusha → Moshi: ~85 km (2 hours)
Moshi → Kilimanjaro National Park Gate: ~45 minutes
Kilimanjaro → Nairobi: ~300 km (5–6 hours)
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (June – October):
Clear skies, minimal rain, and the best visibility for climbing.Short Dry Season (January – February):
Another excellent period for trekking with warm, stable weather.
Why Include Mount Kilimanjaro in Your African Safari Itinerary
Mount Kilimanjaro offers one of the world’s most unforgettable natural experiences — a chance to walk from equatorial forests to glacial peaks in a matter of days. Whether you’re summiting Africa’s highest point, exploring its biodiverse slopes, or marvelling at its beauty from afar, Kilimanjaro embodies the spirit of adventure and wonder that defines Africa.
Combining a Kilimanjaro trek with nearby safaris in Amboseli, Tarangire, or Serengeti National Parks makes for an unparalleled East African journey.
Key Attractions
Kilimanjaro National Park
Uhuru Peak (5896 m)
Kibo, Mawenzi & Shira Cones
Chagga Cultural Tours
Lush Rainforests & Waterfalls
Diverse Flora, Fauna & Birdlife
Avoid the long rains (March – May) and short rains (November) for the most comfortable trekking conditions.
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
