Tanzania

About Tanzania

Tanzania is the most impressive African Safari destination with typical wilderness in its national parks that can easily be located in their respective circuits; the Northern circuit, southern circuit, and the western circuit which you can explore while on your Tanzania safari. There are 17 national parks that occupy about a third of the total area within the geographical territories.

The Northern circuit comprises of Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National park, Tarangire national park, and Arusha national park. The southern circuit has Ruaha national park, Mikumi national park, and Selous game reserve and Mahale mountains national park and Katavi national park in the western circuit. National parks in the Northern circuit offer numerous views of the game especially the wildebeest which also attracts a number of predators including lions, leopards, and others.

The best and famous national park in Tanzania is Serengeti national park because of the Wildebeest great migration. A combination of Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro crater on a safari makes the perfect adventurous wildlife tour in Tanzania with the high chances of spotting the big five in their natural habitat. The crater is located in the Ngorongoro conservation area, inhabited by the Maasai people who widely reside close to national parks and also known for making some of the best and strong handmade craft items. Lake Manyara is also attractive with a number of animals which such as elephants, flamingos, buffaloes, zebras, and lions among others. Therefore it’s recommended to include the northern circuit on your Tanzania Safaris.

The southern circuit has the most fascinating attractions including the elephants, high numbers of predators especially lions, leopards, and buffaloes. It receives fewer visitors than the northern circuit despite its thrilling sites.

The western circuit has great attractions of chimpanzees in Mahale mountains national park, one of Tanzania’s most remote destination parks, and Katavi for wildlife and seasonal lakes. About 1700 chimpanzees live in Mahale mountains national park. The area also gives a perfect view of the sunset in the evening.

Besides wildlife destinations, there are many more beautiful areas to visit just across the coast. Tanzania has beautiful islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia which are very perfect places for relaxation with the freshest breezes. These would be recommended to wind up your Tanzania Safari before embarking on the return journey back home.

Mount Kilimanjaro has the highest peak in Africa and is an exceptional site to visit if you need to watch the beautiful snow after hiking through different types of vegetation until you reach the summit standing at 5,895m. The mountain has three ranges; Shira, Kibo and Mawenzi and the highest peak are found on Kibo.

Parks in the northern circuit offer a lot of attractions and views throughout the year whereas the perfect time for spotting a variety of animals in the other circuits is during the dry season from June to October to encounter the great wildebeest migration. January and February are also good to see the wildebeest calving. The best days for mountain climbing on Mt. Kilimanjaro are also the dry season from late June to October.

Best time to visit Tanzania

Tanzania’s average temperatures are recorded in Dar es Salaam, annual precipitation amounts to 1,150 mm (45 in), with a maximum from March to May; April is the rainiest month with 255 mm (10 in). There is also a secondary maximum, that of the short rains, from October to December.

Weather and climate

Here is a broad guide to the climate of Tanzania – although remember that this comes from records and experience, not from a crystal ball. Weather patterns across Africa are becoming increasingly unpredictable, probably due to global warming; we’re seeing downpours in the middle of deserts and damaging droughts when rains should be falling.

Just south of the equator, Tanzania is huge and its sheer size means that the climate varies considerably within it. However, generally, the main rainy season, or the ‘long rains’, lasts during about March, April, and May. Afternoon tropical downpours are the norm – which are heavier and more predictable beside the coast and on the islands. The humidity is high and daily temperatures reach the low-mid 30°s.

The long dry season lasts throughout June, July, August, September, and October is when rainfall is unusual, even on the islands. Temperatures vary hugely with altitude and location, but it’s usually a fine, clear sky and sunny weather – it’s a great time to visit Tanzania. During November and December, there’s another rainy season: the ‘short rains’. These are much lighter than the main rains and less reliable.

If it has rained during the short rains, then it normally dries up for a few months, January and February, which is Tanzania’s ‘short dry season’, before starting to rain again in earnest in March.

Best time to see the great wildebeest migration

Many travelers visit Tanzania to see the Serengeti’s great wildebeest migration. Linked to the rainfall, this stunning migration of thousands of wildebeest – accompanied by zebra, gazelle, eland, and impala – takes place throughout the year, and follows a fairly predictable pattern, as the wildebeest are constantly seeking fresh grazing and water.

Having said that, the wildebeest migration happens all year – the migration can be found during any given month; you just need to know where to look! The question should really be about the ‘best places’ to see them during a given time of the year – and when visiting them is most enjoyable.

Tanzania Safari Parks and Reserves

A good itinerary depends on the interests of the traveler. However, some of the best destinations you must include on the itinerary when planning to travel to Tanzania is Ngorongoro and Serengeti. We then add other simple activities like community walks, city visits, and probably more adventurous activities like mountain climbing and more.

We may repeat some activities to increase the chances of spotting animals or decide to travel at a given time expecting great sightings as we drive into the park. Every timing and plan of the activity is selected and suggested to ensure that the tour goes beyond the expectation of the traveler, that they encounter the best about our prediction of nature.

Things you must not miss while on your Tanzania Safari

Wildebeest Migration Safari

Located on the eastern side of Africa, Tanzania is one of the biggest countries on the continent. It has wondrous areas that have been protected by the government to develop tourism; there are 16 national parks with amazing attractions such as the wild beast migration chimps, lots of lions, cheetah, hyena, elephant, and more. It has game reserves and other protected areas that are even bigger and richer than some national parks.

In addition to the above, the location of Tanzania along the coast of the Indian Ocean and having the highest mountain in Africa make this safari destination a “worthy to visit” country. As you plan to travel to Tanzania, you may consider doing any of the things below;

Hot air balloon in Serengeti National Park

Hot air safari is a breathtaking experience that enables you to watch wildlife in the open grasslands and other beautiful sceneries of Serengeti national park at an aerial view. Serengeti national park in the northeastern part of Tanzania is famously known for the great wildebeest migration which takes place annually. This is the biggest attraction to the park and the animals involved in the migration (wildebeest, zebra, gazelles) can be watched from the hot air balloon. In central Serengeti, the hot air balloon offers an opportunity of viewing wildlife in the Seronera river valley, while riding on the balloon in the southern plains will expose you to the large herds of wildebeest and predators like lion, cheetah, and other animals. If you take on the hot air balloon is the western part of the park, expect to view Grumeti River where if it is a season when animals in the migration are crossing, you could watch how they are grabbed by crocodiles while trying to cross the river.

Hot air balloon rides are conducted in the morning, safety is at its maximum, and breakfast is enjoyed in the bush after the ride. Hot air balloon flights provide stunning views of a wide range of the park. This is the best way to capture the wonderful landscapes of Serengeti.

Ngorongoro crater safari

The crater is located under the Ngorongoro Conservation area and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the largest caldera in the whole world and is one of the destinations in Tanzania with the highest concentration of wild animals and is also a grazing area for the cattle of the Maasai. This extinct volcanic caldera which is said to have been formed about 2.5 million years ago is located in the northern direction of Tanzania close to the famous Serengeti national park. Ngorongoro crater has fertile soils with flourishing grasslands which lots of herds feed on. You’ll find different animals in this crater including warthogs, buffalo, zebra, elephant, antelope, wildebeest, the globally threatened black rhino, and many others. The breathtaking landscape and rich biodiversity make Ngorongoro crater one of the prominent tourist destinations in the world.

Hiking- Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa but amazing also the highest free-standing mountain in the whole world. It has three volcanic cones Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo with the highest peak known as Uhuru. Lying at 5895m above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is not so difficult to hike through some degree of fitness that can be required. Climbing to the summit offers an opportunity to view Africa at a glance and the lovely snow covering the top of the mountain. The mountain is too high with much snow that on clear days, it is visible from some parts of Kenya. Hiking to the top of the mountain takes about 6-8 days depending on the fitness of the climbers and the routes used. There are 6 routes to lead you to the top; Shira route, Machame route, Marangu route, Rongai route, Umbwe route, and Lemosho route. While hiking, you may spot some animals on the lower slopes of the mountain for example; buffaloes, colobus monkeys, antelopes, giraffes, and lions. You’ll encounter varying vegetation types at different altitudes of the mountain due to the different temperatures. You are encouraged to carry thick clothes that can warm you when you go higher.

Gombe stream national park- chimp trekking

Gombe stream national park is one of the parks in the western circuit, situated on the western border of Tanzania and on the upper side of L. Tanganyika. It is home to the endangered chimpanzees. This park is the smallest in Tanzania and it became famous after the work of a primatologist named Jane Goodall who founded a behavioral research program for studying the behavior of the endangered chimps. Chimp trekking is the highlight of visits to this park but there are other tourist activities like swimming, hiking, and snorkeling. While trekking for chimps, you may encounter other residents of the forest such as olive baboons, colobus and vervet monkeys, antelopes, and forest birds.

Selous game reserve – Boat cruise

Selous game reserve is the biggest game reserve in Africa covering a total area of 50,000 sq km. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the undamaged nature and wildlife diversity. This game reserve is one of the parks in Africa with the highest population of elephants and lions. Other animals in the park are crocodiles, waterbuck, hyena, buffalo, hartebeest, rhino, and many others. It is home to the big 5. There are lakes; Siwandu, Manze, Mzizimia, Nzelekela, and Tagalala where many animals gather during the dry season. They as well harbor big populations of hippos and crocodiles.

River Rifiji is a large river with numerous channels and swamps located in the middle of the Selous game reserve. This is the most famous water body were to conduct boat cruises in Tanzania. A boat cruise on this river enables you to watch a wide range of wildlife.

The ruins of Kilwa Kisiwana

Kilwa Kisiwana is a historical island located in Kilwa district, south of Dar es Salaam in the south of Tanzania. It was a powerful city in east Africa that was occupied by the Swahili people who were greatly trading across the Indian Ocean, north to the Gulf region, to the east of India and to China. Though the islands are now one of the poorest places in Tanzania, it and Songo Mnara Island are designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buildings on this island were constructed with coral stone mixed with limestone, with attractive architecture. Some of these buildings still stand up to date. The place still mosques that have been there for more than more centuries. Visit the island and see the great mosque of Kilwa that was constructed in the 11th century.

Camping in Serengeti National Park

Camping in the wilderness of Serengeti national park is such an outstanding part of the lodging experience of an African safari to Tanzania. Watching the golden glow of the campfire, enjoying food in the bust as you gain heat from the campfire, total immersion in the wilderness when the lions roar at night and waking up to watch the grazing wildebeest, antelopes, buffalos, and zebras is the true definition of camping in the wilderness. There are many fascinating sites for camping; Kisura camp, Ubuntu camp, Nasikia mobile camp, and many more.

Wildlife in Tanzania

Wildlife

For travelers with much interest in watching wild animals, the dry season has great chances of spotting big populations of different species. It is even easier to go through the trails and reach far places in search of the animals. The dry season begins towards the end of June to October. In the dry season, seasonal water holes dry up and most animals move to permanent water sources where they are found drinking and cooling their bodies. Large herds of buffaloes, antelopes, elephants, wildebeest, and others are many along the shores of rivers and lakes.

There are many tourists who are interested in watching the great wildebeest migration that takes place also in the dry season from Serengeti national park in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya. About 2 million animals migrate from Tanzania to Masai Mara and back to Tanzania every year, in search of water and food. This migration takes place in a series of movements through different areas and depending on where you wish to watch these mammals; we shall give you a prediction about the best time since their movement does remain exactly the same each year. Generally, the migration takes place in the dry season in June and July. Calving among wildebeest is interesting because about 80% of the wildebeest cows give birth; predators keep invading the areas where herds live. Calving takes place from January up to February.

National parks and game reserves are divided into circuits according to their locations; those of the northern circuit in the north, those of the western circuit in the west and those in the southern circuit in the southern part of Tanzania. National parks in the northern circuit remain accessible and interesting even during all seasons throughout the year part form Tarangire national park, while those in the southern and western circuits are recommended during the dry season from June to October.

Tanzania Safari Lodges

When it comes to luxurious accommodation, Tanzania isn’t short of beautiful camps and lodges offering unique experiences, combining a classic safari with the ultimate in luxury. Discover the endless African plains and fantastic game Tanzania has to offer and afterward pamper yourself at the spa, relax by the pool, or just enjoy the elegant surroundings and fantastic service.

No matter if you are looking for an exclusive, high-end safari or an indulgent beach retreat, Tanzania has a good selection of standout luxury accommodation.

And beyond Serengeti under canvas camp

  • Aurari camp
  • Chaka camp
  • Kirurumu Serengeti camp
  • Lamai Serengeti
  • Ngorongoro crater safari lodges and camps

And Beyond Ngorongoro crater lodge

  • Ngorongoro wildlife lodge
  • Ngorongoro Serena safari lodge
  • Tarangire safari lodges
  • Tarangire Osupuko Lodge
  • Mbali Tarangire river camp
  • BaoBab tented camp
  • Lamela Mpingo ridge Logde

Tanzania Weather & Climate

Dry season- June to October

The dry season in Tanzania starts in June and ends in October. It is characterized by warm temperatures during the day, clear skies, and cool temperatures early morning and in the evenings. The dry season is the best for wildlife viewing because the vegetation is short and thin and animals can easily be spotted. Due to high temperatures during the day and lack of rain, seasonal waterholes, and rivers dry up and animals are forced to move to the main water sources to drink where you’ll find them in large herds. You can view the wildebeests crossing rivers in August and September.

During this period, Tanzania receives a lot of tourists since all parks are accessible, there are fewer mosquitoes and the weather is friendly for doing most adventurous activities like mountain climbing, chimp trekking nature walks, and more. The coast is also enjoyable when you visit it during the dry season.

During this dry season is when you’ll see many visitors in Tanzania especially in parks in the northern circuit; Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Even if the temperatures are normally high, you are encouraged to carry thick heavy clothes to use when it is cold especially early morning when going for game drives.

January to February

There is little rainfall received during this period. The grass is available for animals to feed on though it is short and animals can easily be spotted. This is the calving season for wildebeest in Serengeti national park. A lot of big cats are spotted around the areas where there are wildebeest and you may get a chance to see them hunting for the wildebeest calves. Common predators are lions, cheetah, and hyena.

Wet season- March to May

Tanzanian experiences its wet season in the months of March, April, and May. There is heavy rainfall, normally cloudy, grass in national parks grows tall and thick and animals can’t be easily spotted. Some trails become slippery. This makes it quite challenging to reach some areas of the park when trails get wet.

The wet season is fantastic for bird watching. Migratory birds from Europe and North Africa have arrived and the number of birds is higher.

This is also the period when wildebeests and other animals start leaving southern Serengeti towards the west to Serengeti’s western corridor. Visiting Serengeti during this period enables you to watch the initial process of the migration.

Is Tanzania safe for tourists?

Requirements for accessing Tanzania

When you think about traveling to Tanzania for a safari or other purposes, ensure that you obtain the following items;

  • A valid passport which is in position to serve for at least 6 more months from time of travel
  • A residence permits or passes
  • Travelers from yellow fever endemic countries are required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
  • Visa, some people may obtain them prior to travel and they can also be applied for on arrival at the airport; Zanzibar airport, Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro airport. It is, however, advisable to apply for the visa online in advance.
  • You are also urged to make copies of your travel documents before starting your safari.

How and where to get a visa to Tanzania?

You can apply for the visa early enough online and/or obtain it from the Tanzanian embassy in your country of residence. Alternatively, we can help you apply for it when you arrive at the airport or at the border entry points like the Namanga border.

Health tips for a Tanzania safaris

You are required to prepare for your safari before, during, and after the travel ensuring good health throughout the tour.

Prior to traveling to Tanzania, you are advised to do the following;

  • Get necessary vaccination while still at home
  • Visit your physician, let them know about the destination you are traveling to, the activities you intend to do, and the period you’ll spend. They’ll give you the necessary advice on how to prepare for your safari regarding health. They will inform you about the important vaccinations to have; yellow fever, diphtheria, and hepatitis A and B.

Anti-malaria precautions

Your physician will also give relevant advice on malaria prevent6ion since East Africa is one of the areas still being affected with malaria. You may take anti-malaria medication before travel or on arrival at the destination.

First aid kit is important

It is very important to have a first aid kit when traveling with pain killers, anti-septic cream, anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrhea medicine, antibiotic ointment, plaster, sun-screen cream among others.

Travel insurance for a Safari to Tanzania

Before starting your journey to Tanzania, you are advised to obtain complete travel insurance that can step in immediately in case you encounter any problems that were covered in the policies.

On the other hand, there are a number of things you need to do so as to ensure good health during and after the safari;

  • Drink safe water. The company provides safe packed drinking water as well as restaurants when having meals. You are advised also not to buy any kind of packed drinks from unreliable producers.
  • Drink enough water. Since most tourists come in the dry season, you are advised to take enough drinks to keep the body hydrated, prevent dry skin, and prevent headaches.
  • You are advised to sleep under a treated mosquito net. Most lodges provide mosquito nets
  • Use insect repellant. Do away with insect biting like mosquitoes when you are in the parks and game reserves and sometimes even in towns.
  • Don’t forget to carry sun-screen protection lotions to protect your body from the strong sunshine especially during the dry season.

More fascinating African safari destinations worth visiting

  • Kenya for great wildlife views, hiking, and relaxation
  • Uganda for gorilla trekking and other wildlife safaris
  • Rwanda for gorilla trekking and other wildlife safaris
  • South Africa for the best of wildlife, hikes, sceneries, and relaxation at the coast
  • Botswana for stunning views of the landscape endowed with vast wildlife
  • The Democratic Republic of Congo for gorilla trekking and hiking

Tanzania Safaris and tours

A good itinerary depends on the interests of the traveler. However, some of the best destinations you must include on the itinerary when planning to travel to Tanzania is Ngorongoro and Serengeti. We then add other simple activities like community walks, city visits, and probably more adventurous activities like mountain climbing and more.

We may repeat some activities to increase the chances of spotting animals or decide to travel at a given time expecting great sightings as we drive into the park. Every timing and plan of the activity is selected and suggested to ensure that the tour goes beyond the expectation of the traveler, that they encounter the best about our prediction of nature.

Things you must not miss while on your Tanzania Safari

Wildebeest Migration Safari

Located on the eastern side of Africa, Tanzania is one of the biggest countries on the continent. It has wondrous areas that have been protected by the government to develop tourism; there are 16 national parks with amazing attractions such as the wild beast migration chimps, lots of lions, cheetah, hyena, elephant, and more. It has game reserves and other protected areas that are even bigger and richer than some national parks.

In addition to the above, the location of Tanzania along the coast of the Indian Ocean and having the highest mountain in Africa make this safari destination a “worthy to visit” country. As you plan to travel to Tanzania, you may consider doing any of the things below;

Hot air balloon in Serengeti national park

Hot air safari is a breathtaking experience that enables you to watch wildlife in the open grasslands and other beautiful sceneries of Serengeti national park at an aerial view. Serengeti national park in the northeastern part of Tanzania is famously known for the great wildebeest migration which takes place annually. This is the biggest attraction to the park and the animals involved in the migration (wildebeest, zebra, gazelles) can be watched from the hot air balloon. In central Serengeti, the hot air balloon offers an opportunity of viewing wildlife in the Seronera river valley, while riding on the balloon in the southern plains will expose you to the large herds of wildebeest and predators like lion, cheetah, and other animals. If you take on the hot air balloon is the western part of the park, expect to view Grumeti River where if it is a season when animals in the migration are crossing, you could watch how they are grabbed by crocodiles while trying to cross the river.

Hot air balloon rides are conducted in the morning, safety is at its maximum, and breakfast is enjoyed in the bush after the ride. Hot air balloon flights provide stunning views of a wide range of the park. This is the best way to capture the wonderful landscapes of Serengeti.

Ngorongoro crater safari

The crater is located under the Ngorongoro Conservation area and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the largest caldera in the whole world and is one of the destinations in Tanzania with the highest concentration of wild animals and is also a grazing area for the cattle of the Maasai. This extinct volcanic caldera which is said to have been formed about 2.5 million years ago is located in the northern direction of Tanzania close to the famous Serengeti national park. Ngorongoro crater has fertile soils with flourishing grasslands which lots of herds feed on. You’ll find different animals in this crater including warthogs, buffalo, zebra, elephant, antelope, wildebeest, the globally threatened black rhino, and many others. The breathtaking landscape and rich biodiversity make Ngorongoro crater one of the prominent tourist destinations in the world.

Hiking- Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa but amazing also the highest free-standing mountain in the whole world. It has three volcanic cones Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo with the highest peak known as Uhuru. Lying at 5895m above sea level, Mount Kilimanjaro is not so difficult to hike through some degree of fitness that can be required. Climbing to the summit offers an opportunity to view Africa at a glance and the lovely snow covering the top of the mountain. The mountain is too high with much snow that on clear days, it is visible from some parts of Kenya. Hiking to the top of the mountain takes about 6-8 days depending on the fitness of the climbers and the routes used. There are 6 routes to lead you to the top; Shira route, Machame route, Marangu route, Rongai route, Umbwe route, and Lemosho route. While hiking, you may spot some animals on the lower slopes of the mountain for example; buffaloes, colobus monkeys, antelopes, giraffes, and lions. You’ll encounter varying vegetation types at different altitudes of the mountain due to the different temperatures. You are encouraged to carry thick clothes that can warm you when you go higher.

Gombe stream national park- chimp trekking

Gombe stream national park is one of the parks in the western circuit, situated on the western border of Tanzania and on the upper side of L. Tanganyika. It is home to the endangered chimpanzees. This park is the smallest in Tanzania and it became famous after the work of a primatologist named Jane Goodall who founded a behavioral research program for studying the behavior of the endangered chimps. Chimp trekking is the highlight of visits to this park but there are other tourist activities like swimming, hiking, and snorkeling. While trekking for chimps, you may encounter other residents of the forest such as olive baboons, colobus and vervet monkeys, antelopes, and forest birds.

Zanzibar beaches

After the fatigue of the adventurous activities in national parks and game reserves, you ought to relax at the beach and reflect on the previous activities. This is good to relax and regain some energy along the beautiful coast of Tanzania before returning home. Tanzania’s beaches of Zanzibar are some of the world’s most spectacular places to relax. They are beautiful, luxurious with stunning coral reefs, cute white sand, and spectacular views of the sunset. Beaches at Zanzibar; Nungwi beach, Paje Beach, Kendwa Beach, Bwejuu beach. Besides swimming and sunbathing, other exciting activities to do at these beaches are snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, kite surfing.

Maasai cultural experience

Believed to have originated north of Lake Turkana, the Maasai people live on the trans-boundary of southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They are internationally known for the attachment they have to national parks and game reserves. They have maintained their traditions, customs, and way of dressing and have continued to resist the urge from their governments about the adoption of a modern lifestyle.

The Maasai are pastoralists and graze their animals from some areas of national parks and game reserves. They live in houses known as Inkajijik which are made by women fenced with Enkang made by men.

Traditional dances of the Maasai people are so interesting with the best vocal songs and great matching dances. One of the famous ceremonies is the Eunoto ceremony, also known as the function of the horn of the greater kudu. It takes 10 or more days. The Maasai are seen to be unique generally because of their traditional lifestyle, visiting their communities will expose you to these indigenous Africans.

Zanzibar town tour

Also known as Mji Mkongwe, the stone town of Zanzibar is the main city of Zanzibar in Tanzania. Mji Mkongwe means “old town”. It is located on the western coast of Unguja. It is a famous historical city filled with architectural infrastructure that reflects a combination of the elements of the African, Arab, Indian, Persian, and European cultures (the combination formed the Swahili culture). The town is dominated by the Swahili people. Due to the unique architecture, the town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Selous game reserve – Boat cruise

Selous game reserve is the biggest game reserve in Africa covering a total area of 50,000 sq km. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the undamaged nature and wildlife diversity. This game reserve is one of the parks in Africa with the highest population of elephants and lions. Other animals in the park are crocodiles, waterbuck, hyena, buffalo, hartebeest, rhino, and many others. It is home to the big 5. There are lakes; Siwandu, Manze, Mzizimia, Nzelekela, and Tagalala where many animals gather during the dry season. They as well harbor big populations of hippos and crocodiles.

River Rifiji is a large river with numerous channels and swamps located in the middle of the Selous game reserve. This is the most famous water body were to conduct boat cruises in Tanzania. A boat cruise on this river enables you to watch a wide range of wildlife.

The ruins of Kilwa Kisiwana

Kilwa Kisiwana is a historical island located in Kilwa district, south of Dar es Salaam in the south of Tanzania. It was a powerful city in east Africa that was occupied by the Swahili people who were greatly trading across the Indian Ocean, north to the Gulf region, to the east of India and to China. Though the islands are now one of the poorest places in Tanzania, it and Songo Mnara Island are designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buildings on this island were constructed with coral stone mixed with limestone, with attractive architecture. Some of these buildings still stand up to date. The place still mosques that have been there for more than more centuries. Visit the island and see the great mosque of Kilwa that was constructed in the 11th century.

What to see on a Tanzania safari

Tanzania is a great safari destination with a variety of wonderful attractions that anyone would wish to see. For those attractions that can be found elsewhere, Tanzania has in plenty. For example, as other destinations hustle to search for predators like lions and cheetah, Tanzania has in them in a large population. There is much more than wildlife and here is the list of some of these incredible things.

The great wildebeest migration

Nowhere else in the world does a migration of 2 million or more wild animals take place? This great migration of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and other mammal species takes place in Tanzania’s Serengeti national park each year. The animals make a U-turn from the north of Serengeti and Masai Mara national park to head back to southern Serengeti. It is a thrilling experience to watch the large crowd of wild animals in the western corridor, at Grumeti River, crossing Mara River, or when they shortly settle in Masai Mara national park and attract a lot of predators. Because of all these processes of the great migration, this is one of the most amazing things to look out for on a Tanzania safari.

The “Big Five”

Tanzania doesn’t just offer the big five but rather brings it out for you in large numbers. Tanzania is one of the top African safari destinations that have a high concentration of the ‘big five’- elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. These are found in most of the national parks and game reserves such as Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro national park, Selous game reserve, L. Manyara national park, Mikumi national park, Arusha national park, and others. There is much more interesting wildlife to check for on the safari, for example; cheetah, hippo, zebra, wildebeest, antelopes, hippo and the list is long.

A flight in the “Hot air balloon”

Don’t forget to go try out the experience of viewing wildlife from above. The hot air balloon is conducted early in the morning so that you get a chance of viewing most wild animals during their active hours. The balloon takes you over lots of wondrous landscapes, rivers where you watch large schools of hippos and many other different mammals. Photos captured from up in the balloon create a memorable experience. After the hot air balloon, guests enjoy breakfast in the bush, fantastic experience of enjoying meals in the locality of wild animals.

Visit the world’s largest caldera- Ngorongoro crater

Located in the northern part of Tanzania, the Ngorongoro crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Tanzania. It came to existence about 3 million years ago when a large volcano believed to have been as high as Mt. Kilimanjaro exploded and collapsed forming a caldera of a diameter of about 17-19km. the northern side of the crater is covered by open savannah grasslands where you’ll find most of the wild animals grazing. Predators come to this crater to hunt. The crater is home to wondrous Africa’s attractions; black rhino, zebra, wildebeest, Grant’s gazelle, elephant, and topi among others.

Numerous birds- Bird watching

Tanzania is a great destination for birders with over 1000 bird species found in different habitats like swamps, forests, thickets, grass plains. One of the best birding destinations in Tanzania is Selous game reserve, Serengeti national park, Ruaha national park, Tarangire national park among others. Bird species in Tanzania; crested guinea fowl, white-fronted bee-eater, Nubian woodpecker and grey crowned crane

Camping in Serengeti National Park

Camping in the wilderness of Serengeti national park is such an outstanding part of the lodging experience of an African safari to Tanzania. Watching the golden glow of the campfire, enjoying food in the bust as you gain heat from the campfire, total immersion in the wilderness when the lions roar at night and waking up to watch the grazing wildebeest, antelopes, buffalos, and zebras is the true definition of camping in the wilderness. There are many fascinating sites for camping; Kisura camp, Ubuntu camp, Nasikia mobile camp, and many more.

Maasai people- typical African tradition

The Maasai people are well known internationally for living close to wildlife reserves. They are one of the African tribes that have carried on their tradition, customs, and lifestyle up to now. They are found in Kenya and Tanzania and these governments have encouraged them to cope with the modern way of living but in vain. Meeting these people exposes you to the ancient way of living of the Africans, entertains you with soothing traditional songs and great Maasai dances. You may support their work of handmade items like craft shoes, jewelry, and other things by purchasing souvenirs.

Look out for tree-climbing lions

Tanzania is a popular safari destination for predators including cheetah, lion, leopard, and hyena. It is so exciting to spot any of these predators but again so overwhelming and amazing to find lions lying and resting on branches of trees. Encounter these tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara national park in the Northern circuit of Tanzania.