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Tanzania Safaris – The Complete Guide to Wildlife & Adventure

Having a Tanzania safari in East Africa means more fun, adventure, and exploration. Especially one with the most hospitable people in Africa, and a variety of great features; notably the world’s tallest stand-alone mountain, the great wildebeest migration (one of the world’s natural wonders) and the world’s largest caldera at Ngorongoro crater combined.

The Republic of Tanzania is bordered by the Republic of Kenya and Uganda to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia to the south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Rwanda and the Republic of Burundi to the west.

The fascinating Zanzibar Island is Tanzania’s gateway, with some of the most exotic beaches on Earth. The languages spoken are Swahili; the official and most common across the country, Arab in Zanzibar, and English; also fairly spoken, besides other native dialects such as the Maasai.

Interacting with locals in their native languages builds friendship and free speech. The country is dominated by Christianity, though other religions, notably Islam are free to worship in their mosques, so no worries. All that is expected of visitors is dressing in clothes that cover the thighs, breasts, and shoulders while in public. The country is very safe, and well protected, both in the cities and the different national parks, but it is wise to take personal precaution and follow the law guarding the land.

A Brief History of Tanzania

Getting independence from the British powers on 26th April 1961, the main Land Tanganyika was combined with Zanzibar Island, to form the united republic of Tanzania, under the presidency of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in 1964, a year that saw Zanzibar hold a revolution that split them from the mainland.

From 1880 to 1919, Tanganyika was colonized by the Germans, and then later on by the British from 1919 to 1961. Not until German East Africa was transferred to the United Kingdom as dictated by the League of Nations in 1920, did the name Tanzania come into fame.

Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach the East African coast of Zanzibar in 1498. From the time of the colonial eras and the slave trade times; lots of events have taken place, with lots of ancient history mingling with the modernity of the present age.

Why Choose Tanzania Safaris?

Undoubtedly; Tanzania is one of the finest safari destinations in the World, with thousands of visitors arriving for their Honeymoon, business tours, student tours, camping, group vacation, summer break, or family holidays. One clear thing is that most of Tanzania’s destinations, notable Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Mountain Kilimanjaro with its towering summit feature in most wildlife documentaries because of their variety of life.

Tanzania’s vastness is not in vain, because a day or more offers great exposure to a wide range of wildlife species, happy people, birds, and historical attractions among others. The safari takes visitors to the north which has a summary of the country’s top safari destinations, and attractions, south for primates, the east for unmatched exotic beaches, and central.

One can decide to make history by hiking the tallest stand-alone mountain on earth; the snowcapped mountain Kilimanjaro, or follow the annual wildebeest migration from the start to the end. Majority of the land is occupied by national parks, forests, wildlife reserves, water bodies and many more. In counting, there is about 16 national parks, perfectly located in the different regions of the country, including one on its gateway; Zanzibar island.

One can decide to visit only one national park or combine many at once, because each is unique, and reveals unrivaled life. Park entry fee is a must and differs depending on a person’s status, or nationality.

Top National Parks for Tanzania Safaris

Below are some of the top national parks for Tanzania safaris.

Serengeti National Park

This is one of the finest destinations in Tanzania, one of the largest in the country, and richest in terms of plants and animal species; notably Africa’s Big 5: lions, leopards, Cape Buffaloes, Rhinos and elephants among other, variety of antelope species, wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs, big cats, and warthogs. Birds, reptiles, and a few primates also call this their home.

The park is situated north of Tanzania, about a 4 to 6 hour drive from Arusha city, with a view of unique plantations, hills, and scattered homesteads. Serengeti national park gets its status as a park in 1951, and a UNESCO world heritage in 1981. The park was made beautiful by woodlands, plains, savanna pasture, and water bodies.

The Seronera region is the most visited because it is as though plants, animals, and birds all resorted to finding comfort in the area. It is also a route followed by over a million wildebeests, accompanied by zebras, and several antelope’s species to Masai Mara national park in Kenya. Serengeti national park is where the famous wildebeests start their migration.

Besides encountering the mammals on a safari vehicle, you can also choose to experience a Hot air balloon adventure; a one hour aerial of the landscape, that ends with an amazing toast of champagne and bush breakfast.

The Annual Wildebeest Migration

The dramatic Wildebeest migration is one of the world’s seven wonders. It sees millions of wildebeests, accompanied by zebras, and other mammals move for months to Masai Mara national park for fresh grass and water. The movement is the largest in the animal world, and attracts the attention of tourists globally, with the trip highlight revealed as the exhausted migrants try to tackle the valleys, giant water bodies, and many more obstacles.

The event is a series, starting from December with reproduction, and as the present pasture disappears in the late months of April, a plan of survival is developed, with the only alternative left is searching for fresh pasture and water; though it means to sacrifice. The best time to encounter this drama is always from May, as they approach the northern region of the park to the Mara River. There are camping facilities that enable you to capture each step and sound the migrants take, be it during the day and night where they are.

Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park

This is the only national park in Zanzibar island; a gateway to Tanzania. The park is in the eastern part, with the prime safari attractions being Monkeys; especially the rare red Colobus monkeys hardly found anywhere else in the world. Other monkeys include the grey-cheeked monkeys, Colobus, vervet monkeys, and many more, plus the Persian Tub, which confirms the divide between the rich and the poor in the past years in Zanzibar.

Other attractions include; unique plants, birds, butterflies, and the local communities living by the park, thus making several activities such as primate trekking, birding, guided nature walk, and sightseeing possible. The park is accessible on road, and activities run for a few hours thus offering a chance to connect to others such as stone town tour, spice plantation tour, and beach exploration.

Lake Manyara National Park

This is one of the few national parks in the world hosting the rare tree-climbing lions in East Africa; the other is Queen Elizabeth national park in the Republic of Uganda. Lake Manyara national park is the 6th largest national park in Tanzania, found in the northern part of Tanzania.

Its 330 square kilometer land is occupied by the lake, a variety of plants, over 400 bird species, and mammals notably; lions, leopards, zebras, Buffaloes, and warthogs among others. It is one of the most rewarding destinations worth a visit, and accessible by road or air.

Mahale & Gombe Stream National Park

These two national parks are the two places where you can find your relatives; the endangered chimpanzees. Researchers reveal that Chimpanzees share with Humans over 98% human DNA, and similar behavior. They spend their days feeding on leaves and insects, as well as swinging on the tree branches.

Thanks to the endless conservation efforts that have ensured that we and the next generation can come face to face with a creature we refer to as our cousins in the forests. Both parks are situated in the western part of Tanzania and are among the smallest parks in the country.

Gombe stream national park is the smallest park in Tanzania, sitting on a 35km land, at the border of Lake Tanganyika. The Mahale national park is situated in the Kigoma region, a few kilometers from Gombe stream national park. Through a boat one can easily access both parks. There are no accommodation facilities in these parks, therefore you have to arrive for chimpanzee trekking very early.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

This is home to the tallest stand-alone mountain on earth; the snowcapped mountain Kilimanjaro. It borders Kenya but is found in the northern part of Tanzania. Hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro lasts for approximately 6 to 7 days, depending on one’s fitness levels and speed. In and around the park are homesteads, swamps, forest cover, and flowing streams, but also harboring a variety of birds, and unique vegetation types.

Ngorongoro Crater

Located in the northern circuit of Tanzanian safaris; Ngorongoro district is Ngorongoro national park, one of the most visited parks in Tanzania. It has the world’s largest caldera, All Africa’s big 5 (lions, leopards, elephants, Cape Buffaloes and Rhinos) and a very eye-catching landscape. The park was established in 1970, spreading over about 44,800 square kilometers of land. Surrounding the park are the Maasai people and the famous Olduvai Gorge among others.

Tarangire National Park

Established in 1970, north of Tanzania, Tarangire national park is one of the most exciting national parks in the world. During the dry season, it collects a variety of mammals as they come to quench their thirst in the permanent river. Nonetheless, this park is also home to a collection of elephants, wildebeests, gazelles, Africa cape Buffaloes, several Antelope species, and primates such as the olive baboons. Also, there are over 500 unique bird species and wild dogs.

Arusha National Park

This is the nearest national park in Tanzania, spreading through a 134 square kilometer area. It was established in 1960, and now harbors the great Mount Meru; the second tallest mountain in Tanzania, River Jekukumia, swamps, and alpine highlands among others; mammals such as the warthogs, white and black Colobus monkeys, and giraffes among others.

Katavi National Park

This is the second largest national park in the country, spreading through 4,471 square kilometers of land. The notable mammals include cape Buffaloes, cheetah, lions, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and hippos among others.

Ruaha National Park

Occupying a 20,226 square kilometer area, this is the largest national park in Tanzania, established in 1994, west of Iringa. River Ruaha occupies a portion of it from the southern section, and mammals, birds, primates, and reptiles live at large.

Other Parks

Other national parks in Tanzania include:

• Selous national park
• Nyerere national park
• Udzungwa mountains national park
• Saadani national park
• Mkomazi national park
• Ruhondo National Park
• Kitulo national park

As for you seeking to explore other attractions outside the parks; the sweet vibes from the Maasai people is unforgettable, in addition to historical Olduvai Gorge; a place where fossils of the oldest man were found, buzzing streets of Stone Town on Zanzibar, decorated by ancient Arab and African architecture, plus the busy cities of Tanzania.

Popular Safari Activities in Tanzania

Below are some of the most popular safari activities in Tanzania.

Wildlife Viewing

A wildlife safari to Tanzania presents you to Game; especially Africa’s Big 5; lions, cape Buffaloes, Rhinos, elephants, and leopards appears in every one travel list, but upon reaching the different national parks, more is seen, and the list expands, now with the inclusion of several Antelope species, reptiles, and unique primates among others.

In a count of one or more days, visitors seal their travel experiences with smiles, and a promise of a return, and further recommendation. Game drives, hot air balloon, and guided nature walk draws you closer to the wildlife and mammals.

Zanzibar Beach Experience

The Zanzibar beaches are some of the best in the world; located by the shoreline of the quiet Indian Ocean. It is fun as you visit to just relax, snorkel, feast on the different kinds of seafood, swim by the aquatic life or play in the beautiful white sand.

Cultural Adventure

It is not wise to land in Tanzania and leave without seeing some of the authentic cultural groups in their local communities. Their dance, positive energy, stories and cultural wear makes one appreciate life, and culture in particular.

This is also time to relax from back to back activities, with a complete immersion to Africa vibes from the unique cultures, especially the Masai people whose life from ancient times depends on cattle and its products. We advise that once with the local communities, respect their culture, and show gratitude by contributing to their projects, participating in the different activities, and buying the local souvenirs.

Hiking & Mountain Climbing

Three destinations are a must experience; Mountain Meru, the second tallest mountain Tanzania in Arusha national park, the top of the Crater at Ngorongoro crater and the snowcapped mountain Kilimanjaro; the roof of Africa is the most fascinating hiking spot in Tanzania; possible to reach the summit and worth exploring. Experts are on the ground to help you ascend and descend to each destination safely and gently.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Tanzania is among those countries rendering refuge to man’s cousins; the chimpanzees. Thanks to the sacrifice by Jane Goodall who dedicated all her time and resources researching more about chimps and habituating them. One can meet the chimpanzees at Mahale and Gombe stream national park in the west of Tanzania.

Essential Tanzania Travel Tips

What you must know before coming includes:

• Decency is paramount in clothing.
• Tanzania is safe and very hospitable.
• You may choose to visit all or just a few of the national parks.
• East African Visa does not apply in Tanzania.
• Chimpanzees are the only great apes in Tanzania; no gorillas.
• Yellow fever vaccine, passport, and visa are essential.
• The Northern circuit has the most gifted national parks in the country.
• You can also run your safari on a self drive.

Packing List for Tanzania Safaris

Make your packing summarized by carrying only essential items, notably:

• Hiking boots
• Travel visa
• Warm clothes
• Valid passport
• Sun hat or cape
• Professional camera
• Gloves
• Important personal effects

Best Time to Visit Tanzania

The safaris to Tanzania run all year round. However, the best season of visiting Tanzania for any safari activity is during the dry season; June to October and December to February. Another wet season is suitable for those interested in bird watching or discounts since fewer people are at the place.

Where to Stay in Tanzania

Your budget determines where to spend your nights in Tanzania; both in the city and the different national parks because what is clear is that accommodation facilities are available, and range from Budget to Luxury hotels, homesteads, campsites, lodges and hostels among others; offering great meals, packing space, comfortable beddings, calm serenity and tasty cuisine.

Tanzania is one the finest safari destinations in the world. Reach out to us and let us make your dream come true.