Discover the best of Tanzania Safari: Choosing a holiday destination can be quite challenging. To avoid stress, most people always opt for the closest destinations near them. Travelers mostly settle for Europe, Asia, USA and South Africa-sometimes. Safari season(July to October) is around the corner, and everyone you know is going somewhere. Are you planning on safari holiday either individually or as a group? Tanzania is the perfect destination for you.
Animals in their natural habitat are either witnessed in an open zoo or on television by most people. But when you Discover the best of Tanzania safari, it is possible to get a glimpse of one of the seven wonders Mother Nature has to offer.
Tanzania is a mountainous country offering a wide range of spectacular experiences. Some of the most exotic sceneries, stunning beaches, luxurious accommodation options, great food and above all memorable moments.
In this article; Discover the best of Tanzania safari, you will read about the spectacular wildlife and birdlife, the food, places, people and also know where to catch the party while in Tanzania.
Wildlife and birdlife
You will only find Africa’s largest concentration and diversity of animals and over a thousand bird species to spot in Tanzania over. The country also boasts of the world’s most treasured national parks and game reserves, for example, the Nyerere National Park, which is the African’s largest Park .
Nyerere National Park (Selous) is home to more than one hundred twenty thousand (120,000) elephants, one hundred sixty thousand (160,000) buffaloes and about two thousand (2,000) rhinos. It is also home to Africa’s highest concentration of hippos, crocodiles and wild dogs.
You must visit Serengeti National Park while in Tanzania, it has the great wildebeest migration which is a natural world wonder, the animals migrate in a circular form around the park, it is breathtaking a sight. Millions of wildebeest, zebras and antelopes end up on the south of Serengeti and move towards Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation area.
Between July and August, thousands of wildebeest are awaited by hungry crocodiles as they try to cross the Mara River. It is also the time when thousands of baby calves are born, thus creating more reasons for other predators like lions, cheetahs and hyenas to follow behind for hunting.
For birdwatchers, Ruaha, Tanzania’s second largest national park contains over Five Hundred Seventy-One (571) species of birds, some of which are rare to find. The park also houses sable, kudu and other animals and offers hot air balloon rides for a fun-filled adventure.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Take a strenuous stroll up Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The mountain rises approximately Four Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Seven (4,877 ) meters from its base to Five Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Five (5,895) meters above sea level. It is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park and is a major climbing destination.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano consisting of three cones; Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. Every year, over Seventy-Five Thousand people climb up the mountain, don’t miss the thrill of finding yourself standing (19,341 ft) above sea level.
If you find Mount Kilimanjaro terrifying, you can opt for the mini-adventure on Mount Meru, located just seventy 70 kilometers away from Mount Kilimanjaro. You will find it less challenging, and it can be climbed/hiked within three to four days.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Whether you are a honeymoon couple, a group of friends, travelling with family or flying solo, Zanzibar has a place for you. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tanzania famous for its glorious white sand beaches and remarkable coral reefs. It is a beach and sun lover’s paradise where you can while away your days by watching the white dhow sails cruising across the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Zanzibar is the perfect place to relax after an exhilarating safari or climbing Kilimanjaro. It is also a glorious paradise for honeymooners or a romantic holiday getaway. As the site of Sultans’ Palaces and renowned for its spice plantations, the little island republic of Zanzibar is a must-see for you.
There are two famous beaches you will find in Zanzibar: Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach. Nungwi is a perfect spot for swimmers as the low tides, and the calm waters are very inviting. The beach is also famous for beach parties which are unlike any you have seen or attended. Do not expect cheesy Western songs here — African music rules on Nungwi Beach. When you travel to Zanzibar, this is a must-do. Just a stone throw away is Kendwa beach, the ideal spot for families and more laid back visitors looking for pristine beaches.
If you are someone who likes to take a back seat and watch the sunset while sipping a refreshing drink, you are going to love Kendwa. Take a long walk along the coastline and see local kids playing on the beach.
The Maasai People
You will find the Maasai tribe in villages close to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. They stand tall, flaunting a vivid red cloth known as the Shuka.-the Tribe’s traditional dress, welcoming guests to come and explore their country and culture. These people have lived on for centuries without adopting the modern world where we live in today. Needless to say that this is one of the cultural highlights of Tanzania.
Many Maasai continue to live as they have for centuries, in interconnected communities without any electricity, cell phones, internet or running water. Traditional Maasai life centers around their cattle, which is their primary source of food. The measure of a man’s wealth can be measured in terms of cattle and children.
While in Tanzania, do not forget to jump with the Maasai people in a jumping ceremony. The males gather to a song, and the highest jumper is announced as the winner. Great fun!
Food in Tanzania
Traditional African food is a fusion of Indian and Arab recipes. Zanzibar has delicious seafood on offer and Stone Town night market where delicacies await to be tasted by lively crowds.
If sea food is not your thing, then try some native African cuisine such as “Nyama Choma,” prepared from grilled mutton, fish or chicken. It is often served with baked bananas on the side. Also try “Pilau,” a rice dish, which is heavily influenced by Indian style cooking and you know It is made with either chicken, fish, mutton or hardboiled eggs served with “kachumbari,” a salad prepared from onions, tomatoes and chilli pepper. Can be spicy at times, ask for it. The street food is worth trying on your Tanzania trip, and local markets are among the best places to visit in Tanzania to soak up some real culture.
Festivals and events in Tanzania
If you love to party, Zanzibar hosts an annual music festival “Sauti za Busara” which means sounds of wisdom in Swahili. The festival is also graced by parades and carnivals for visitors to participate. The festival runs for four days and is attended by people from around the globe. The Sauti za Busara is always held at the beginning of February.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
The best time to visit for national parks is from June – October. The best time to catch the wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park is between June to September and January to February for calving season.
However, if your interest is beach life and exploring islands in Zanzibar, February is the hottest month when temperature rise to 28°C and July the coldest when temperatures drop to around 24 °C. Generally, Tanzania has a stable climate.
Currency Used In Tanzania
The national currency is known as Tanzanian Shilling. The best foreign currency to carry to Tanzania is US dollars which are widely accepted and does not need to be exchanged. $1 is around 2,400 Tanzanian Shilling.
Souvenir /shopping is captivating
Apart from the images taken on your visit to Tanzania, you might like to find yourself a souvenir, little something that will hold your perfect memories for an extended period. You may also buy for your family and friends. If you are the tourist that never leaves a destination without buying gifts, you will find numerous shops to buy from. You could also collect some beautiful shells from the whole beaches in Zanzibar.
The Maasai have the most beautiful items to choose from; you will be lost of choice. They have handmade jewellery, baskets, paintings and red checked blankets found in every open market. Alternatively, visit the Maasai Mara tribes personally and buy gifts directly from them. The bright and vibrant Maasai cloth makes excellent material for upholstery, handbags and clothing.
Discover the best of Tanzania safari with us today with our “African’s Best Tailor Made Safaris“. Email us at Info@africandiurnalsafaris.com or drop us a text via WhatsApp +255 765 537 729
