There truly is something to suit every kind of holidaymaker in Tanzania. From incredible game reserves teeming with wildlife to glorious beaches, luxurious accommodation and incredible culture and food. Here are just 10 reasons why you should think about spending your next holiday there.
1. The Great Migration
Africa is full of amazing wildlife experiences but one of the most spectacular to witness is the Great Migration. A once in a lifetime experience and on the bucket list of many a traveller to Africa, none can surpass this incredible spectacle: a million wildebeest crossing the plains of the Serengeti in search of fresh grass while braving predators and perilous river crossings.
2. Mount Kilimanjaro
Located in North Eastern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and can be seen from far into Kenya. The mountain represents a powerful life force for the local Chagga people and all those who have made their lives around the mountain, providing rich volcanic soils for agriculture and an endless source of pure spring waters. 75,000 people climb Kilimanjaro every year so it is not the most untouched mountain, nor is it the most arduous, however it is still an awe inspiring sight to behold and highly recommended for anyone with even a vague interest in mountaineering.
3. Zanzibar
What better way to round off a safari adventure through Tanzania than to spend some time relaxing in Zanzibar on one of its beautiful white sand beaches. Known as the “Spice Island”, Zanzibar has brought visitors from other lands since time immemorial – Persians, Chinese, Arabs, Indians and many more have all sailed their vessels into Zanzibar’s harbour over the centuries, bent on trade and sometimes plunder. Make sure to visit Stone Town to explore its spice markets and superb Arabic architecture. If diving is more your thing then learn to dive at one of the many dive centres the local resorts boast – the waters around the island are very clear and host a huge diversity of marine life.
4. The Food
Tanzanian cuisine is a mix of traditional African food, with a strong Arabic/Indian influence, especially along the coast and in Zanzibar. Surrounded by the ocean, Zanzibar is renowned for its seafood with most hotels in the area offering a fantastic variety of fresh seafood menus. For the ultimate foodie experience, visit the Stone Town night food market. Offering a variety of delicious eats, this lively market is a must-see to experience the local people and culture.
5. Maasai Culture
The iconic colorful attire and jumping dance of the Maasai have become synonymous with Africa, and it is in Tanzania and neighboring Kenya that these semi-nomadic people can be interacted with.
Whether you simply snap a photo of a wandering herdsman out on the savannah or spend a night at the Maasai operated Africa Amini Maasai Lodge, the chance to interact with these fascinating people is one not to be missed.
For those wanting true cultural immersion, our six-day Culture & Wildlife Safari blends traditional game drives with two unique cultural experiences with the Maasai and the Hadzabe. If you’re more interested in the cultural element than the wildlife, you can even take a full Tribes of Tanzania safari!
6. Wildlife and Birdlife
Tanzania has the largest concentration and diversity of animals in Africa and there are over 1000 bird species to spot in the country. Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most treasured national parks and game reserves including the Selous Game Reserve, which is the world’s largest game reserve and home to more than 120,000 elephants, 160,000 buffalos and 2000 rhinos. Selous is also home to large concentrations of hippos, crocodiles and wild dogs.
7. The Ngorongoro Crater
A jewel in Tanzania’s crown is the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera and haven to a wondrous array of animal life which makes the crater a “must do” on any visit to Tanzania. The backdrop of the crater walls makes for some stunning photographic opportunities as you see the animals wander through the grasslands on the crater floor towards the lake.
8. The Western and Southern Safari Parks
Southern and western Tanzania are very often overlooked by travellers intent on visiting the more well known parks of the north, yet these regions are highly regarded among serious safari-goers. The southern parks of Selous and Ruaha offer seriously good wildlife, plus a wider choice of activities and much better value for money than can be found in Northern Tanzania. The remote western parks of Mahale and Katavi are expensive and more difficult to get to, however they do both offer a unique safari and African wilderness experience.
9. Camping on the Serengeti
While there are plenty of brick and mortar lodges to be found across Tanzania, the tented camp experience is something that every traveler should have.
Sleeping in tented luxury out amidst the elephants, hyenas, and lions is something that you’ll remember for the rest of your days.
What is a tented camp? We’re glad you asked! The perfect fusion of luxury accommodations and being close to nature, tented camps are the most common kind of accommodation in large parks such as the Serengeti.
10. The Big Five
The lion, leopard, elephant, cape buffalo, and rhinoceros might have been dubbed the ‘Big Five’ for being hard to hunt, but these days the iconic quintet is more popular with photographers than big game hunters.
Tanzania is one of the best countries on earth to see the Big Five in its entirety, and a visit to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro all but guarantees you the chance to see these instantly recognizable animals.
While our six-day Big Five safari is the best option for those chasing the Big Five, all of our safaris that include Ngorongoro and the Serengeti give you the opportunity to spot the entire group.
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