Why visit Tanzania for Safari?

Why visit Tanzania for Safari? – Great wildebeest migration in Serengeti and Wildlife Safaris in Ngorongoro crater

Why visit Tanzania for Safari? – Welcome to Africa’s definitive Tanzania safari guide. From the great migration of the Serengeti to the more remote National Parks, Tanzania offers superb game viewing in a dramatic setting of snowy peaks, volcanic craters, and the Masai steppe of endless plains.

There is truly something to suit every kind of holidaymaker in Tanzania. From incredible game reserves teeming with wildlife to glorious beaches, luxurious accommodations, incredible culture, and food, here are some reasons why you should think about spending your next holiday there.

Tanzania is the untamed half of East Africa, the raw safari experience that first drew explorers from around the world, home to endless savannah, volcanic mountains, the Great Migration, and the towering walls of the Ngorongoro Crater.

Chimpanzees in Mahale National Park

The small and remote Mahale Mountains National Park is found in the very West of Tanzania and on the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. Chimpanzee treks are the main draw card here and seeing them in their natural habitat is a truly magical experience. When you are with the chimps you will be able to observe their very human-like behaviour as the younger ones play in the trees and the adults observe and squabble amongst themselves.

The Great Migration

Why visit Tanzania for Safari? – 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 traveler 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.

The Western and Southern Safari Parks

Southern and western Tanzania is very often overlooked by travelers 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. 

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.

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 toward the lake.

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 harbor 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 centers the local resorts boast – the waters around the island are very clear and host a huge diversity of marine life.

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.

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.

The Masai People

The Masai people of East Africa live in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania along the Great Rift Valley on semi-arid and arid lands. They’re well known for the special red cloth they wear which is called a Shuka and their highly energetic customs. They openly welcome visitors to the area to experience their culture and lifestyle firsthand.

Climate

Summer – October – April

 20˚C/68˚F 30˚C/86˚F

Winter – May – September

 19˚C/66˚F 25˚C/77˚F

Long rains in the winter, short rains in the summer

Top Tanzania Safaris Packages