Tanzania
Overview
A country with both Africa’s highest and lowest points: Kilimanjaro and Lake Tanganyika. It has some of the continent’s most impressive game parks and a coastline of pearly white beaches perfect for sun-worshipping. And to top it all, it’s one of Africa’s most stable nations, making its many treasures all the more accessible.
Tanzania boasts of its abundant wildlife, unique cultures, and beautiful beaches. Over 38 percent of Tanzania’s land is put aside in protected areas for conservation. 17 National Parks, 29 Game Reserves, 40 controlled conservation areas, and Marine Parks all make Tanzania an incredible safari destination in East Africa.
Attractions In Tanzania
National Parks
National Parks and Wildlife Reserves are undeniably the major attractions in Tanzania. Tanzania is a vast country, with about 17 parks where diverse wildlife and birdlife survive. The popular parks/protected areas in Tanzania include Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, Arusha National Park, and Gombe National Park. Other parks in Tanzania include Saadani National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park, Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, and more.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is a spectacular volcano, also most referred to as Africa’s roof. It is a free-standing Mountain, located in Tanzania rising at an altitude of 5895m. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mount Kilimanjaro is lying in the Northern side of Tanzania, and nearby towns include Moshi town. Accessing this volcano is also easier from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Over 20,000 climbers each year visit Tanzania to hike through Mount Kilimanjaro.
Spectacular Wildlife
Tanzania prides itself on abundant wildlife, which includes lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, cape buffaloes, wildebeests, rhinos, chimpanzees, hippos, crocodiles, aardvarks, and birds.
An array of Birds
All 1100 species of birds make Tanzania a great birding destination, with over 500 of them thriving in Serengeti National Park. Here is the list of birds to expect to find on the Tanzania birding tour tawny eagle, ostriches, Pemba scops owl, Mareau’s sunbird, Uluguru bush shrike, Banded green sunbird, African fish eagle, African grey hornbill, African paradise flycatchers, Kori bustard, to mention but a few.
Zanzibar Beaches
Zanzibar isn’t only a tourist destination, but also a semi-autonomous region from Tanzania. This spectacular island lies along the Indian Ocean, lying along the Swahili Coast near mainland Tanzania. Most holidaymakers flock into this charming island for beach and honeymoon experiences.
Related tours
Unique Experiences in Tanzania
Wildebeest Migration
Visit Tanzania to witness the wildebeest migration. You will be watching over 2 million wildebeest and other grazers –elands, gazelles, zebras while they migrate in huge numbers in search of pasture and water. This world’s spectacle takes place from July to September.
Go safari in Tanzania
There are many places in Tanzania that offer tourists unforgettable wildlife encounters in the wild. A game safari in most of Tanzania’s National Parks is all about exploring the big five game –cape buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos. Other wildlife to see on a safari in savanna parks in Tanzania includes warthogs, cheetahs, bat-eared foxes, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests plus other antelope families.
Explore the magical Zanzibar
Zanzibar Island, located near Tanzania's mainland, offers a range of attractions. Explore Stone Town's narrow streets, visit spice plantations and ancient Arabic buildings, or enjoy beach holidays on beautiful sands like Kendwa, Kizimkazi, Bwejuu, Matemwe, Nungwi, Michamvi, Paje, Kiwengwa, and Nakupenda.
Explore and experience the Ngorongoro Crater
Discover one of the world’s natural wonders –Ngorongoro Crater on Tanzania safaris in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater formed due to volcanic activity in the Great Rift Valley area. At Ngorongoro, you won’t only have a spectacular view of the Crater, but also the big five game: lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffaloes.
Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
Mt. Kilimanjaro rises high at an elevation of 5895m, and at its summits, it is snow-capped. This dormant volcano is the tallest of all the mountains in Africa and attracts thousands of climbers/hikers every year. About 6 routes lead up to the peaks of Kilimanjaro and include Machame, Lemosho route, Shira, Umbwe, Marangu, Northern circuit, Rongai, and others.
Chimpanzee encounter
Beyond the big five, Tanzania is a preferred primate destination. If you are interested in chimpanzees, the must-visit parks include Gombe National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park. These are the two main areas in Tanzania where you can locate chimpanzees in their natural habitats.
Safari Lodging in Tanzania
Gombe National Park lodges: Mbali Mbali Gombe Lodge, Kigoma Hilltop Hotel, Lake Tanganyika Hotel, Sunset Vista Hotel; Lodges in Kilimanjaro NP: Honey Badger Lodge, Kilimanjaro Crane Hotel, Kindoroko Hotel; Serengeti safari lodges –Mbalangeti Serengeti, Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge; Ngorongoro Area- retire for a night at Gnu Ndutu Camp, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, and others.
Accessibility
Tanzania is one of the most accessible destinations whether it is by air or road transport. By air, the airports that serve this country include Julius Nyerere International Airport, Mwanza International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha Airport, Dodoma Airport, and more. Most airlines also run flights from airports in Arusha to airstrips such as Lobo, Serengeti Kusini airstrips, Seronera airstrip, Kirawira B airstrip, etc.
People/Culture
If there is one most culturally diverse destination in the world, then it is Tanzania. Go cultural tour and interact with the Maasai warriors, learn the ancient ways of the Hadza Bushmen, and meet the Wameru and Chagga farmers/traders for authentic experiences. From the pristine coral reefs of the Swahili Coast to the slopes of the continent’s highest mountain, it teems with wildlife – and promises to take your breath away.