Tanzania
Its panoramic landscapes, sweeping savannahs, soaring peaks and spectacular sunsets make the East African nation of Tanzania one of the continent’s most scenically beautiful safari destinations.
Land of
Kilimanjaro,
the
Serengeti and Spice Island
Teeming with wildlife, Tanzania is the geographic home of Africa’s highest and most iconic mountain – Kilimanjaro. There’s debate around where ‘Kili’ got its name. It may be a mix of the Swahili word Kilima, meaning mountain, and the KiChagga word Njaro which loosely translates to ‘whiteness’ and refers to the snow-capped summit. The mountain attracts climbers from across the world who come to realise their dream of summiting the roof of Africa. Tanzania is renowned the world over for the Serengeti National Park which links up with neighbouring Kenya’s Maasai Mara, forming the twin centres of the annual great wildebeest migration. The country is also home to over 120 different ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions.
Leading safari destinations abound in Tanzania, from the Ngorongoro Crater with its unique ecosystem contained within the soaring walls of an extinct volcano, to Tarangire National Park with its huge numbers of animals and diversity of wildlife species. A highlight attraction is the 30,000 square kilometres greater Serengeti eco-system. Add to this the exotic and self-autonomous island of Zanzibar, located off Tanzania’s gorgeous coastline. A short distance away, is the capital city of Dar es Salaam.
POPULATION
64 million
CAPITAL CITY
Dodoma
CURRENCY
Tanzanian Shilling
LANGUAGE
Swahili, English
GEOGRAPHICAL SIZE
947,303 sq km
BEST TIME TO GO
All year, with safaris best in the long dry season which falls from July to September
Take a look at Tanzania’s primary regions to guide you to which you’d like included on your itinerary.
At a Glance
Iconic Landmarks,
Thrilling Adventures.
Nature lovers can look forward to thrilling game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and witnessing the annual wildebeest migration across the Serengeti National Park where lions, elephants, and giraffes reside. Adventurers can conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, with its challenging yet rewarding trekking routes. For relaxation, Zanzibar’s pristine beaches beckon with turquoise waters and white sands, offering swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing opportunities. Cultural enthusiasts can explore the vibrant markets of Stone Town, immerse themselves in traditional Maasai villages, and delve into the country’s fascinating history and local traditions.
Experience Tanzania
Witness the awe-inspiring Serengeti migration and encounter diverse wildlife on thrilling safaris. Conquer the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, explore the vibrant culture of Zanzibar and linger on white palm-fringed beaches. Tanzania awaits your exploration. An ideal trip would be a combination of bush and beach, with easy connections from your game experience to a few days of island bliss.
REGIONS OF Tanzania
Heightened Senses,
Soothed Souls
Tanzania’s diverse regions offer a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures that cater to the discerning traveller. The Serengeti National Park showcases the Great Migration, while the Ngorongoro Crater presents a uniquely captured wildlife spectacle. For adventure-seekers, Mount Kilimanjaro beckons with its towering summit and challenging trails. Zanzibar’s idyllic beaches provide a luxurious retreat – and a great post-safari option, while the historic Stone Town offers a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. The pristine landscapes of Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Park offer wildlife-rich safaris and cultural immersions, each appeasing the soul.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania's oldest national park and its most renowned, the Serengeti National Park covers a vast area of grassland plains, savannah, riparian forest, and woodlands. Located in the northwest of Tanzania, the Serengeti’s northern reaches form the border with neighbouring Kenya, where it is continuous with the Maasai Mara.
Arusha
Arusha, Tanzania’s capital, is a gateway city situated beneath the towering peaks of Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro that effortlessly blends its vibrant urban atmosphere with nature’s splendours and offers an opportunity to sample the essence of Tanzania and its rich cultural heritage before heading into the bush.
Tarangire National Park
Grumeti National Park in the western corridor of Tanzania was created by the Tanzanian government to protect the path of the annual wildebeest migration. The right to manage and conserve the concession was granted to the Grumeti Community and Grumeti Fund. With conservation at the forefront of this remarkable location.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park in the north of Tanzania centres around its namesake alkaline lake. Well known for its unusual tree-climbing lions and the vast elephant herds it was established to protect. At the centre is the expansive soda ash lake where thousands of greater and lesser pink flamingos gather along with pink-backed pelicans, yellow-billed storks, and pods of hippos.
Ngorongoro Crater
The largest intact volcanic caldera in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater is the remnant of a three-million-year-old volcano that's estimated to have once dwarfed Kilimanjaro before its eruption. The vast caldera, with its sheer walls reaching heights of over 600 meters, forms a self-contained ecosystem that holds a staggering diversity of wildlife.
Zanzibar Archipelago
Nicknamed the ‘Spice Island’, the enchanting archipelago off the coast of Tanzania beckons with its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant cultural heritage. From the bustling shores of Stone Town to the idyllic stretches of Nungwi and Kendwa, Zanzibar's coastline, ensures that you find your perfect spot in this island paradise.
Mahale National Park
Mahale National Park on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is a hidden gem that offers a truly remote and remarkable safari experience. With its untouched wilderness, towering mountains, and thriving population of chimpanzees, it is a sanctuary for wildlife and adventure seekers alike and a primary spot for chimp trekking.
FAQs
Which safari is best in Tanzania?
Tanzania is one of the most scenically beautiful safari destinations in East Africa, with incredible panoramic landscapes, soaring peaks, eye-catching sunsets, sweeping savannah and more. Every safari destination is unique and provides ample opportunities to explore nature at its best. Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Katavi National Park etc are top destinations frequented by safari enthusiasts.
How much does a safari cost in Tanzania?
Some factors that can decide the overall cost of a safari in Tanzania include the time of the year when a safari is planned, the mode of getting around from one place to another, choice of camps and level of comfort, etc. If you want to get the best estimate for a safari, please contact us and we will help you find one.
What is the best time for a safari in Tanzania?
The best time to visit Tanzania for a safari is usually during the dry season, from late June to October when wildlife is easy to track and spot. The skies are clear and there is little to no rain. In other words, the season is when most days are sunny and, there are a lot of opportunities to view wildlife at its best.
How many days do you need for the Tanzania tour?
Generally speaking, a 7-10 day safari tour can be enough for some travellers to cover the major highlights. One may choose to stay more for an extensive experience of the country, it’s incredible wildlife and culture.
What animals can you see on a Tanzania safari?
Some of the animals you can expect to spot on your Tanzanian safari include Wildebeest, Lion, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippopotamus, Zebra, Antelopes, Black Rhino, African Wild Dogs, Leopard, African Buffalo, Gazelles, etc.