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!
Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.
The Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is a wildlife paradise offering a unique safari experience. Covering approximately 2,850 square kilometers, the park is named after the Tarangire River that flows through the area. Its diverse landscapes provide a refreshing contrast to the savannas found in other Tanzanian parks, featuring acacia forests, seasonal swamps, and expansive grasslands. During the dry season, the park’s distinctive baobab trees, with their massive trunks and wide-spreading branches, stand out against the arid landscape, creating a picturesque backdrop for wildlife viewing.
Wildlife
Tarangire National Park is renowned for its rich wildlife, making it an ideal destination for animal enthusiasts. The park is particularly famous for its large herds of elephants, which can often be seen bathing in the Tarangire River or grazing on the grasslands. Visitors may also encounter other iconic African animals such as giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, and impalas. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are present as well, though spotting them may require a bit more luck and patience. With over 550 recorded bird species, the park is a haven for birdwatchers, including colorful species like the yellow-breasted lovebird and the lilac-breasted roller.
Conservation Efforts: Tarangire National Park plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation in Tanzania. The park is actively involved in protecting its diverse ecosystems and supporting local communities. By visiting Tarangire, you contribute to the preservation of this vital natural treasure and support the sustainable development of the region.
Located in Northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is best known for its natural beauty and abundance of diverse wildlife; which makes it one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Surrounded by Tanzania’s highlands, this UNESCO-listed crater is said to be the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. Visitors can look forward to spotting the world-renowned Big Five and a host of other wildlife species including large herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is famed as one of Tanzania’s best tourist attractions offering visitors an array of wonderful activities including excellent bird watching, trekking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking and visiting a local Maasai village. Don’t miss the opportunity to jump on an excursion to the magnificent Olduvai Gorge.
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.
Stretching over 10 kilometres in length and situated in the southeastern corner of Zanzibar, Michamvi Peninsula is renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, and its array of luxury hotels and tropical island retreats. The peninsula is famed for its pristine palm-fringed beaches lapped by calm crystal-clear waters. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities including: snorkelling in the calm waters, jumping on a diving excursion to the thriving barrier reef, and relaxing on the countless unspoilt beaches that line this scenic peninsula. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Zanzibar’s most idyllically-set restaurant; perched on a coral outcrop and only accessible at low tide, 'The Rock' serves an impressive array fresh seafood including: prawns, fish, crab, and even crayfish.
