TANZANIA

Nowhere else are you as spoilt for choice when it comes to iconic Africa as in Tanzania – the striking, snow-capped Mt Kilimanjaro, the splendour of the endless Serengeti plains, the world-renowned Great Migration, and the intrigue of the Ngorongoro Crater – all accessible in just one visit. Beyond the beauty and excitement of these popular destinations, the many lesser-known reserves beckon with the promise of something unspoilt, along with the less-travelled safari experiences outside of the usual.

Just off the Indian Ocean coastline of Tanzania, the Zanzibar archipelago offers an exotic mix of rich history and local culture, as well as some of the best beach experiences in Africa. Palm-fringed, soft, white sand and coral reefs with turquoise waters invite you to relax and unwind, whereas the history and intrigue of the towns promise to tantalise and excite your senses. A great add-on to a spectacular safari experience.

  • Serengeti National Park, arguably the best-known wildlife area in the world, also boasts one of the oldest ecosystems. The classic rolling grasslands attract exceptional, year-round game, but the highlight is the Great Migration when over two million wildebeest, zebra and antelope begin their trek across the Mara River to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
  • Ngorongoro Crater, part of the Great Rift Valley, is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Dramatic crater walls encircle a vast, lush crater floor sustaining a remarkable density of wildlife living side by side with local Masai still tending their cattle here.
  • Selous and Ruaha Game Reserves in the south are not as well known, are less busy and feel more untouched. High diversity of game, birds and plants is coupled with a variety of different safari options – boating, walking, photography, fishing.
  • Gombe National Park, situated on the wild shores of Lake Tanganyika, has lush forests hosting guided walks with chimpanzees and other interesting forest wildlife.
  • Zanzibar Island, the Spice Island, is an exotic beach and diving destination infused with the intrigue of old Arab history.

Time: GMT + 3 hours

Language: Swahili is the local language, but English is widely spoken.

Health: It is advisable to take anti-malaria pills. Please consult your doctor before you travel to ensure you are up to date with all your travel vaccinations.
Visas: Visas are required for most visitors to Tanzania and can be obtained on arrival. Please check with your local embassy as visa criteria does change regularly.

When to go: The Great Migration takes place in the northern part of the park between July and October – this is a truly spectacular site. If you want to avoid the massive crowds and take advantage of shoulder-season rates, a good time to visit is in January and February when the  herds are in the south of the park. This is when they drop their young and there can be a lot of predator sightings. It is best to avoid the rainy season, which takes place mid-April to mid-June and November.

CLICK HERE TO USE GOOGLE MAPS TO EXPLORE THE AREA MORE.
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Serengeti National Park, arguably the best-known wildlife area in the world, also boasts one of the oldest ecosystems. The classic rolling grasslands attract exceptional, year-round game, but the highlight is the Great Migration when over two million wildebeest, zebra and antelope begin their trek across the Mara River to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.
  • Ngorongoro Crater, part of the Great Rift Valley, is the largest intact volcanic caldera in the world. Dramatic crater walls encircle a vast, lush crater floor sustaining a remarkable density of wildlife living side by side with local Masai still tending their cattle here.
  • Selous and Ruaha Game Reserves in the south are not as well known, are less busy and feel more untouched. High diversity of game, birds and plants is coupled with a variety of different safari options – boating, walking, photography, fishing.
  • Gombe National Park, situated on the wild shores of Lake Tanganyika, has lush forests hosting guided walks with chimpanzees and other interesting forest wildlife.
  • Zanzibar Island, the Spice Island, is an exotic beach and diving destination infused with the intrigue of old Arab history.
USEFUL INFORMATION

Time: GMT + 3 hours

Language: Swahili is the local language, but English is widely spoken.

Health: It is advisable to take anti-malaria pills. Please consult your doctor before you travel to ensure you are up to date with all your travel vaccinations.
Visas: Visas are required for most visitors to Tanzania and can be obtained on arrival. Please check with your local embassy as visa criteria does change regularly.

When to go: The Great Migration takes place in the northern part of the park between July and October – this is a truly spectacular site. If you want to avoid the massive crowds and take advantage of shoulder-season rates, a good time to visit is in January and February when the  herds are in the south of the park. This is when they drop their young and there can be a lot of predator sightings. It is best to avoid the rainy season, which takes place mid-April to mid-June and November.

MAP
CLICK HERE TO USE GOOGLE MAPS TO EXPLORE THE AREA MORE.

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