The name Tanzania conjures up images of wildebeest stampeding across vast savannah, rain forests teeming with monkeys and birdlife, and great plains brimming with legions of game. All of these natural wonders and more are on offer in this exceptionally diverse African nation. Visitors typically visit Tanzania to partake in at least one of the four well-known Tanzanian tourist experiences: a relaxing seaside vacation on the picturesque island paradise of Zanzibar, an underwater tour of some of the world’s most renowned dive sites around the gorgeous Spice Islands, a safari adventure in some of Africa’s most impressive game reserves, or a hiking excursion around Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Whichever of these incredible holidays you choose, you will undoubtedly be welcomed by some fabulously friendly and peaceful inhabitants who, despite being divided into 120 different ethnic groups and cultures, live in harmony with one another and provide some of the most wonderfully exotic local cuisine you could imagine. With all of this diversity on offer, the most difficult part of your Tanzanian holiday experience is likely to be deciding where to go!
Arusha is the safari capital of Tanzania - nestled below Mt. Meru and close to Mount Kilimanjaro. From Arusha there are options to head to Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks and from there it’s a short trip to the Serengeti. Arusha was built by the Germans as a centre of colonial administration because of the temperate climate.
Tarangire National Park is known for having the greatest concentration of wildlife outside of the Serengeti eco-system. Named after the river that crosses through it, this park at 1,100 square miles located southwest of Arusha, is sometimes sadly missed by those heading for the more well known of the National Parks in Tanzania. Yet we can highly recommend it for its elephant migration, quiet authentic atmosphere and fantastic birding opportunities. During the dry season, the river is the only source of water for many animals, with thousands migrating to it from the nearby Lake Manyara National Park. The landscape here is diverse, with a mix of habitats that are unique to the area and not found anywhere else: hilly landscapes are dotted with vast numbers of baobab trees, dense bush and high grasses. Herds of up to 300 elephants congregate here, whilst migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala and eland can also be seen, with the accompanying predators following along behind. On drier ground you find the Kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird; ostriches, the world's largest bird; and small parties of ground hornbills blustering like turkeys.
The park is also famous for the termite mounds that dot the landscape. Those that have been abandoned are often seen to be home to dwarf mongoose.
The swamps, an oasis of green year round, are where you will find over 550 bird species, the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world. It is a birder's dream with frequent sightings of yellow-collared lovebirds, which can be seen during a game drive alongside the river.
Tarangire's pythons climb trees, as do its lions and leopards, lounging in the branches where the fruit of the sausage tree disguises the twitch of a tail.
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.
Located in Tanzania’s scenic northern highlands, Karatu is a small, colourful town surrounded by rolling green hills and fertile farmland. Travellers heading for the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater often pass through Karatu, which lies beneath the towering Ol Deani Volcano. The town serves as a popular overnight stop for visitors exploring the region’s many game parks. Karatu offers a variety of activities, including browsing bustling local markets, sampling beer at a local brewery, visiting traditional homesteads, or taking guided walks through the Ngorongoro Forest in search of waterfalls and caves. Whether seeking cultural experiences, hiking and biking opportunities, or simply a relaxing break between safari drives, visitors will find plenty to enjoy in this welcoming town.
Zanzibar - The “Spice Island” is influenced by a fusion of multi cultures and steeped in history still evident today. Spice Island, Slave Island, Arab Island, Tropical Island - Zanzibar is or was all of the above. The enchanting winding streets and high townhouses of old Stone Town remain unchanged with their giant, ornate doors. An archipelago with pristine beaches, excellent diving and the cobble stone, narrow lanes of Stone Town lined with enchanting historic buildings blending Middle Eastern, Indian and African architecture. Tropical beaches and all the romance and attractions that go with them – scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing and sailing on traditional local dhows.Spice tours to working plantations allow you to see where your cloves, vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon come from.
