Tanzania is the land of the ultimate safaris. In it’s beautiful National Parks it is possible to see incredibly large numbers of wildlife in a short time. World famous are the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater. In addition to the famous Big Five, the extensive National Parks guarantee great landscapes. The annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebras is one of the largest migrations of wildlife on earth.
Tanzania is also known for its rich culture, the snowy mountaintop of Kilimanjaro and exotic Zanzibar.
The super friendly population, divided into 120 different tribes and cultures, lives in harmony with each other.
A Tanzania trip means seeing wildlife, sleeping in a tented camp with western comfort in the middle of a National Park, encounters with local people, hiking & cycling in nature and relaxing on tropical beaches. A trip through Tanzania is a once in a lifetime experience.
Facts
- Capital - Dodoma
- Largest city - Dar es Salaam
- Currency - Tanzanian Shilling
- Population - about 56 million (the figures vary considerably)
- Tribes - 120 tribes of which the Maasai is the most famous tribe
- Languages - Swahili and English
- Land area - 945,087 square kilometres (23x the size of the Netherlands, 31x Belgium)
- National Parks - 17
- The country has measured the highest animal density in the world per square kilometre
- Neighbouring countries - Kenya, Uganda, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique
- Highest point - Kilimanjaro 5,895 meters
- Time difference – Tanzania is GMT/UTC +3h Standard Time
- Most famous attractions - Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar
Situated in northeastern Tanzania, the Arusha National Park is set against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. This 552 square kilometre park is renowned for its other-worldly scenery and excellent choice of trekking possibilities. This beautiful area is divided into three parts: Mt. Meru, a spectacular volcanic cone; the Ngurdoto Crater, with its lost-world feel; and the multi-hued Momela Lakes. The park features a wide range of habitats that provide a home to an array of wildlife and plant species. Commonly spotted animals include Cape buffalo, giraffe, zebra, warthog, monkey, flamingo, lion and elephant.
Located to the north of Mount Meru in northeastern Tanzania, West Kilimanjaro is a concession south of Kenya's Amboseli National Park. Wild, unspoilt and often overlooked in a clamour for the peak, this extraordinary destination is a wonderful place for private game viewing, hiking, night drives, horse safaris, and more. Vast stretches of savannah dotted with acacia woodland and wild bush are home to large numbers of elephants, as well as wildebeest, buffalo, gerenuk, warthog, zebra, giraffe, lesser kudus, and shy predators such as cheetahs, leopards, lions, hyenas, and jackals. Abundant birdlife adds appeal - spot tawny eagles, Masai ostrich, and more. The ancient Masaai tribe lives here with their cattle among the wildlife and allows visitors to stay with them and learn about their unique culture.
Situated in the East African country of Tanzania, Lake Natron is fed by mineral-rich hot springs and is less than three meters deep. High levels of evaporation leave loads of salt and minerals behind, the volcanic carbonate colours the water a striking red and the temperature can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius. All of which makes it a perfect breeding ground for the endangered Lesser Flamingo; however, it is known as the deadliest lake in the country, the high sodium carbonate level in the water is known to calcify and petrify wildlife who get too close. Visitors can climb the Ol Doinyo L'Engai, an active volcano; explore the surrounding terrain, including rugged mountains, grassy plains, and gorges; and spot a variety of wildlife.
Located between the Central Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve to the north, the Northern Serengeti is a remote African wildlife wonderland. The vast, rolling savannah of the Northern Serengeti, is known as the hub of the great migration. The landscape is characterised by vast stretches of savannah interspersed with acacia trees and riverine woodlands. Wildlife can be seen along the banks of the Mara River and visitors can view the annual spectacle of the half a million migrating wildebeest. Commonly spotted wildlife include: a multitude of plains game such as buffalo, zebra, gazelles, impala, giraffe as well as lion and leopard. Visitors can look forward to bird watching, hot air ballooning, game safaris and guided bush walks.
As previously described
The Seronera region, in the central Serengeti, is set directly on the Great Migration route and offers excellent viewing of this incredible annual phenomenon, when countless wildebeest flood the area and move across the plains. While migratory game populations fluctuate seasonally, Seronera is still a wildlife hotspot at other times of the year, sheltering the Big Five, among many other species. A number of small campsites provide accommodation and visitors can enjoy hot air balloon trips and walking safaris as well as guided game drives.
Situated in the Crater Highlands in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is best known for its archaeological and geological significance, rich wildlife, and beautiful scenery. The conservation area encompasses the famous Crater, the renowned Olduvai Gorge and vast plains of grasslands, forests and mountains extending to the Serengeti. This 8000-square-kilometre protected area is recognised for its natural beauty and has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visitors flock here to soak up the spectacular views of the Ngorongoro Crater, voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, it is famed for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Popular activities include: mountain biking, hiking, game drives, bush walks, and visiting a local Maasai village.
